We have already talked about Thai food—and even explored some of the wonderful flavors of Northern Thai cuisine. And, of course, where there is food, there must also be something refreshing to drink.

This time, however, we are not talking about plain drinking water or alcoholic beverages. Instead, let’s discover the colorful world of Thai drinks that both children and adults can enjoy—refreshing, easy to find, and wonderfully accessible. You can come across them almost anywhere, from a small local market or street-side stall to beautifully packaged versions from well-known brands in department stores.

Among the drinks most beloved by locals, Thai iced milk tea is surely one of the first that comes to mind.

For many people around the world, tea is traditionally associated with a warm cup of freshly brewed tea. But in Thailand, tea can be transformed into an astonishing variety of refreshing drinks, each with its own character and charm.

Here are a few you should try.

Thai Iced Tea — Cha Yen

Thai tea is traditionally made from Chinese tea leaves with a fragrant aroma somewhat reminiscent of chamomile. The tea leaves are brewed in hot water and then strained, leaving only the beautifully aromatic tea.

Milk and sweetness are then added according to personal preference. Some people like it creamy and rich, while others prefer a lighter taste. It is then poured over a glass full of ice.

On a hot Thai afternoon, Cha Yen is wonderfully refreshing. Its distinctive color is difficult to describe—somewhere between orange and a warm, muddy amber. It may not look quite as delicate as other teas, but one sip is enough to make you forget the heat.

Besides Thai tea, locals commonly call it iced milk tea, or simply Cha Yen.

Thai Iced Black Tea — Cha Dam Yen

Despite its name, Thai iced black tea is not actually black as coal. It is brewed tea blended with fresh lime juice and sweet syrup, creating a refreshing combination of fragrant tea, sweetness, and a pleasant citrusy tang.

Served over ice, it is an excellent choice for anyone who does not enjoy milk-based drinks and prefers something light, bright, and wonderfully refreshing.

Thai Milk Tea with Pearls — Cha Mook

Another much-loved version, especially among young people, is Thai milk tea with pearls.

Essentially, it is Thai iced milk tea topped with chewy tapioca pearls—large, soft, pleasantly bouncy pearls made from cassava starch. They resemble pearls in appearance, which is why the drink is commonly known as bubble tea or pearl tea.

It offers two pleasures in one glass: the sweet, fragrant, creamy taste of Thai milk tea and the soft, chewy texture of the pearls.

This style of tea came to Thailand through the influence of Taiwanese bubble tea culture and has since become a favorite among Thai drink lovers.

And There Is So Much More Than Thai Tea

The world of tea in Thailand does not end there.

Depending on the ingredients available locally, you may also find fragrant and colorful creations such as rose tea, butterfly pea flower tea, jasmine tea, and lemongrass tea, among many others.

Another refreshing favorite is green tea. In Thailand, you may encounter both locally prepared Thai-style green tea and matcha, reflecting the influence of Japanese tea culture.

And then there are the traditional herbal and floral drinks that have been part of everyday Thai life for generations.

Roselle Juice — Nam Kra Jeab

Made from dried roselle flowers simmered in water and blended with sweet syrup, roselle juice has a beautiful deep red color and a pleasantly tart, refreshing flavor.

The sweetness can easily be adjusted to suit your taste, making it a wonderful drink for a hot day.

Chrysanthemum and Bael Fruit Drinks

Chrysanthemum tea and bael fruit drink are prepared in a similar way. The flowers or dried fruit are simmered in water, then combined with sugar syrup—or sometimes honey.

Their gentle fragrance and naturally distinctive flavors make them lovely alternatives to the more familiar tea and fruit drinks.

Pennywort Juice — Nam Bai Bua Bok

If you are feeling adventurous, there is one traditional Thai drink that I would especially encourage you to try: pennywort juice.

Made from fresh Centella asiatica, a local leafy herb known in Thai as bai bua bok, the leaves are crushed or blended to extract their juice, which is then strained, heated, strained again, and sweetened with syrup or honey.

Its aroma may not immediately win everyone over, and its earthy, green flavor can be quite an introduction for first-time visitors. But once you get past the initial impression, it is an incredibly refreshing traditional drink—and one with a long history in Thai everyday life.

Sometimes, the most interesting tastes are the ones that take us a little outside our comfort zone.

And Finally… Iced Coffee with Grass Jelly

For the last drink on our list today, let’s talk about coffee—but not the kind served in a stylish coffee shop where you sit back, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere.

I mean traditional Thai iced coffee topped with grass jelly.

This is the kind of old-fashioned local coffee you can often find at traditional drink stalls and markets. Strong, fragrant coffee is combined with milk and a sweet syrup made by simmering sugar or cane sugar. Then comes the star topping: grass jelly, a naturally dark-colored jelly with a soft, delicate texture.

Everything is served over ice, often with a spoon so you can enjoy the jelly as you make your way through the day. Some vendors even sprinkle finely ground cane sugar over the top, adding another layer of fragrance and sweetness.

It is wonderfully satisfying on a hot day—cooling, refreshing, and just sweet enough to give you a little extra energy.

After writing about all these delicious drinks, I have to admit that I am beginning to feel thirsty myself!

Perhaps it is time for me to go and find something cold and sweet to recharge my energy, so I can come back with more stories, ideas, and interesting perspectives to share with you next time.

So, when you visit Thailand, why not make it a little adventure and try them all?

And remember, these are only a small selection of the drinks you can discover here. There are countless other traditional and modern Thai beverages waiting to be explored—perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot afternoon, cooling you down after a day of sightseeing, or simply giving you a little boost when you need one.

Sometimes, the best way to discover a country is not only through its food, but through the simple pleasure of holding a cold glass in your hand, taking a sip, and tasting a little piece of local life.

So come to Thailand, wander through a local market, follow the colors and aromas, and choose a drink you have never tried before.

You might just discover that a single refreshing glass can become one of your sweetest memories of Thailand.