Thai tea is one of Thailand’s most popular drinks, known for its rich tea flavor, creamy milk, and distinctive sweetness. From the classic ChaTraMue to specialty Thai tea shops, Bangkok has plenty of places to try this iconic drink.
In this guide, I’ll introduce 7 of the best Thai tea shops and brands in Bangkok, including what makes each one popular and where you can find them.
What Is Thai Tea?
What Is Thai Tea?
Thai tea is one of Thailand’s most popular drinks, known for its rich tea flavor, creamy texture, sweetness, and distinctive orange color.
Thai iced milk tea is commonly called cha nom yen (ชานมเย็น), although many people simply refer to it as cha yen (ชาเย็น). It is typically made with strongly brewed tea, milk, and sugar, then served over ice.
The orange color comes from the tea blend used in traditional Thai tea and, in some blends, added food coloring. Today, you can find Thai tea everywhere in Bangkok, from casual drink stalls to modern specialty tea shops.
The History and Origins of Thai Tea
Thai tea developed alongside Thailand’s broader tea culture and Chinese-Thai food traditions. One of the best-known names in Thai tea, ChaTraMue, has a history dating back to 1925, when the family’s tea business began in Bangkok’s Yaowarat area.
The ChaTraMue brand was officially founded in 1945, and its tea blends helped establish the familiar style of Thai tea enjoyed today.
Thai tea has since evolved beyond the classic orange-colored milk tea, with specialty shops offering regional teas, creative drinks, and Thai tea desserts.
What Does Thai Tea Taste Like?
Thai milk tea is typically rich, creamy, and sweet, with a strong tea aroma. The flavor varies depending on the tea leaves, milk, sweetness level, and preparation method.
Some specialty shops focus on the natural character of the tea, while others offer modern versions with fruit, cream, toppings, or shaved ice.
7 Best Thai Tea Shops and Brands in Bangkok
Bangkok has many places to try Thai tea, from long-established brands to newer specialty tea shops. Here are seven popular Thai tea shops and beverage brands to consider during your trip.
ChaTraMue｜Thailand’s Most Famous Thai Tea Brand
ChaTraMue is one of the most recognizable Thai tea brands in Thailand and a great place to start if you are trying Thai tea for the first time.
The family’s tea business began in 1925, while the ChaTraMue brand was officially founded in 1945. The brand is now widely associated with the classic Thai tea experience.
Its signature orange-colored Thai milk tea is widely available in shopping malls and other convenient locations across Bangkok. You can also find other tea-based drinks, desserts, and packaged tea products.
Recommended for: First-time visitors looking for a classic Thai milk tea experience.
PongCha｜Popular Thai Tea and Shaved Ice
PongCha offers a more dessert-focused way to enjoy Thai tea, combining Thai tea flavors with shaved ice and other sweet treats.
Its Thai tea shaved ice is a refreshing option for a hot day in Bangkok, especially if you want something different from a traditional iced milk tea.
PongCha is also a fun choice for travelers who enjoy trying visually appealing Thai desserts while exploring Bangkok.
Recommended for: Thai tea desserts, shaved ice, and a casual sweet break.
Karun Thai Tea｜A Premium Thai Tea Brand
Karun Thai Tea offers a more modern and premium take on traditional Thai tea.
The brand focuses on the flavor and aroma of Thai tea while presenting it in a contemporary style. Its drinks are a good option if you want to explore Thai tea beyond the classic street-style version.
For travelers who enjoy stylish cafés and premium tea drinks, Karun Thai Tea is worth adding to a Bangkok itinerary.
Recommended for: Premium Thai tea and a modern tea experience.
KHIRI THAI TEA｜Thai Tea Made with Tea Leaves from Different Regions of Thailand
KHIRI THAI TEA takes a specialty approach to Thai tea by highlighting tea leaves from different parts of Thailand.
Rather than focusing only on the familiar sweet orange-colored milk tea, KHIRI introduces different tea varieties and flavors, making it an interesting choice for travelers who want to explore Thai tea in more depth.
The brand has locations in several popular Bangkok shopping and sightseeing areas, including Yaowarat, Siam Paragon, Emsphere, ICONSIAM, and Terminal 21 Asok. Store locations can change, so it is worth checking the brand’s latest location information before visiting.
Recommended for: Tea lovers who want to explore different Thai tea varieties and regional tea leaves.
Chongdee Teahouse｜Southern-Style Thai Tea
Chongdee Teahouse is known for its Southern Thai-style tea and offers a different take on the familiar Bangkok Thai milk tea experience.
The tea is traditionally enjoyed alongside pa thong ko, a Thai-style fried dough that makes a popular pairing with tea and coffee.
If you want to try Thai tea together with a traditional Thai snack, Chongdee Teahouse is an interesting option to consider.
Recommended for: Travelers interested in Southern Thai tea and traditional Thai snacks.
CTM｜A New Tea Brand from ChaTraMue
CTM, short for Captivating Tea Muse, is a newer specialty tea brand from the company behind ChaTraMue.
The first CTM store opened at Central Park Bangkok in September 2025, introducing a more contemporary approach to tea. The menu includes a wide range of tea-based drinks, including Thai tea, milk tea, fruit tea, and specialty tea creations.
Prices started at around 70 baht at the 2025 launch, with some drinks priced higher depending on the menu and toppings.
If you already know ChaTraMue and want to try a newer, more contemporary tea concept from the same tea company, CTM is worth checking out.
Recommended for: Specialty tea, creative drinks, and a modern tea experience.
KAMU KAMU｜A Popular Tea and Beverage Chain in Thailand
KAMU KAMU is a Thai tea and beverage brand established in 2011. It has grown to more than 200 outlets throughout Thailand and continues to expand.
The menu includes Thai milk tea, milk tea, green tea, and other creative beverages. Its convenient locations make it an easy option when you want a quick tea break during a day of sightseeing or shopping.
KAMU KAMU is also a good choice if you want to compare Thai tea with other popular tea drinks in Thailand.
Recommended for: A casual tea break and travelers who want to try a popular Thai beverage chain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Tea
Enjoy the Best Thai Tea in Bangkok
Thai tea is more than just the familiar orange-colored iced milk tea. Bangkok’s tea shops offer everything from classic ChaTraMue to specialty teas, regional tea leaves, shaved ice, frappes, and modern tea creations.
If this is your first Thai tea, ChaTraMue is an easy place to start. For a more modern experience, try Karun Thai Tea or CTM, while KHIRI THAI TEA is a good choice if you want to explore different tea varieties from Thailand.
With so many options around Bangkok, adding a Thai tea stop to your shopping or sightseeing plans is an easy way to enjoy one of Thailand’s most iconic drinks.
