Drinks of Thailand: what a tourist on Phuket should definitely try
Most tourists visiting Phuket for the first time immediately think of fresh coconuts. However, coconut water is only a small part of the variety of drinks that can be tasted in Thailand. Locals love tea, coffee, fruit shakes, and various refreshing drinks based on tropical fruits and herbs.
Thai tea — one of the country's symbols
One of Thailand's most recognizable drinks is the famous Thai milk tea, Cha Yen. It is easily recognized by its bright orange color and rich, sweet taste. The tea is made from strong tea brew with milk and a lot of ice added. Despite its sweetness, it's an excellent refresher in the heat and has long been a favorite drink not only among tourists but also among Thais themselves.
You can try authentic Cha Yen in almost any cafe, market, or street stall across Phuket.
Fruit shakes — the perfect tropical drink
If you ask tourists what drink they buy most often during their vacation in Phuket, many will name fruit shakes. They are sold literally at every turn and are made from fresh fruits right in front of the customer.
Shakes made from mango, pineapple, watermelon, and passion fruit are especially popular. Thanks to natural ingredients, these drinks not only help cope with the heat but also allow you to try local fruits in a new format.
Many travelers admit that they start each day with a mango shake.
Thai coffee surprises no less than tea
Although Thailand is rarely associated with coffee culture, local coffee can pleasantly surprise. Particularly popular is a drink called Oliang — cold coffee with ice and condensed milk.
It has a rich taste and is invigorating in hot weather. In addition, there are many modern coffee shops on the island that use beans grown in northern Thailand.
Drinks from tropical fruits
In Phuket, you should definitely try freshly squeezed juices. Thanks to the large selection of fruits, you can find drinks here that are rare in other countries.
Juices from passion fruit, pineapple, and guava are especially interesting. They have a bright taste and are perfectly suited for a hot climate. Many cafes offer to mix several fruits in one drink, creating their own signature combinations.
Thai herbal drinks
Locals often choose drinks not only for taste but also for health benefits. In markets, you can find chilled chrysanthemum tea, roselle drinks, and various herbal infusions.
For tourists, such drinks offer an interesting opportunity to get acquainted with the daily life of Thailand and try what is usually not included in the standard tourist set.
What to try first
If you have little time, start your acquaintance with Thai drinks with classic Cha Yen, a fresh mango shake, and cold Oliang coffee. These drinks have long been a part of modern Thai culture and are popular among both tourists and locals.
Many travelers limit themselves to coconut water, not even realizing how diverse the world of Thai drinks is. Fruit shakes, milk tea, local coffee, and fresh juices can provide no less pleasure than the famous Thai cuisine. Therefore, during your vacation in Phuket, be sure to set aside time for gastronomic experiments — perhaps an unusual drink will become one of the most pleasant memories of your trip.
Read also:
Alcohol in Thailand — rules, where to buy, what will surprise, and what tourists need to know
Best excursions in Phuket in summer 2026 — where to go during the rainy season
