Singha vs Chang vs Leo: Thai Beer Comparison and Buying Guide (2026)
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Which Thai beer should it be? Singha, Chang, or Leo? Each of these beers has its own unique character and fans all over the world. As someone who lived in Thailand for years and regularly commutes between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Switzerland, we know each of these beers like the back of our hand – and we'll show you which one is best suited for which occasion.
The origin: Three legends from Thailand
Singha — The original Lion (since 1933)
Singha isn't just a beer – it's an institution. Founded in 1933 by Phraya Bhirom Bhakdi, a pioneer of beer culture in Thailand, Singha became the country's first premium brand. Its distinctive logo features the mythical lion "Singha" from Thai mythology.
But what makes it special? In 1939, King Rama VIII bestowed the royal Garuda emblem upon the company – a privilege granted only to the best and most trusted businesses. (Singha is the only Thai beer brand to prominently display this emblem on the bottle neck – that says a lot!)
- Alcohol content: 5.0% vol.
- Brewery: Boon Rawd Brewery, Bangkok
- Origin: Thailand
The taste: Singha impresses with a spicy, malty profile and a creamy texture – a premium choice for connoisseurs. It is brewed from 100% barley malt, three European hop varieties, and artesian water. In the glass: golden yellow, clear, with a fine head. The first sip transports you straight to Bangkok.
Compared to the other beers, it has more carbonation.
Chang — The Elephant Beer of the Masses (since 1995)
Chang arrived on the market later, but it arrived with a bang. Launched in 1995 by Thai Beverage Plc., headed by Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi (Thailand's richest man), Chang quickly overtook Singha and is now vying for the top spot. The name means elephant – a symbol with deep cultural significance in Thailand. Two elephants adorn each bottle.
- Alcohol content: 5.0% vol.
- Brewery: Thai Beverage Plc.
- Origin: Thailand
The taste: Chang is brewed from high-quality malt, rice, and European hops. It tastes malty, mild, and slightly sweet – perfect for warm days. Brewed with rice, it is particularly smooth and easy to drink. Compared to Singha, Chang is somewhat fuller-bodied and sweeter. No aggressive hop bitterness – this isn't Singha elegance, but elephantine strength.
The legend of the Changover (hangover) still persists, but it originated more from a time when beer was stronger.
Leo — The true market leader (since 1998)
Leo is the youngest of the "Big Three," but the biggest in Thailand. Brewed by the Boon Rawd Brewery (yes, the same brewery as Singha) since 1998, Leo is no longer a hidden gem, but rather, with a market share often exceeding 50%, the most popular beer among locals ("the people's beer"). We also frequently see it as the best-selling beer at Thai festivals in Switzerland. Brewed with Australian spring barley, Thai rice, imported German hops, and artesian water, Leo is the beer for everyone who wants to taste authentic Thailand.
- Alcohol content: 5.0% vol.
- Brewery: Boon Rawd Brewery, Bangkok
- Origin: Thailand
The taste: Light, easy-drinking, refreshing. Leo is the most uncomplicated of the three. Pale golden yellow, clear glass, pleasant head. The aroma: fresh, subtly malty, with delicate notes of grain and rice. The taste? Smooth on the palate, subtle malt sweetness, mild hop bitterness, perfectly balanced by the rice content. Leo is the beer you buy to tell yourself: "This is what an evening in Bangkok tastes like."
Buy Leo beerTaste & Sensory Experience in Comparison
| feature | Singha | Chang | Leo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Golden yellow, clear | Pale gold | Light golden yellow |
| The taste | Spicy, malty, creamy | Mild, sweetish, full-bodied | Light, easy-drinking, refreshing |
| Body | Medium to full | Medium to full | Light |
| Hop bitterness | Subtly spicy | Mild | Minimal |
| Aftermath | Longer, drier | Short, sweet | In short, clean |
| character | Premium, elegant | Easy-drinking, uncomplicated | Market leader, authentic |
In conclusion: Singha is the beer for you if you appreciate tradition and complexity. Chang is perfect for everyday drinking and parties. Leo is for connoisseurs of the local scene – those who know what Thais themselves prefer to drink.
Price & availability in Switzerland
At Kimao, we store all three directly from Switzerland. The prices are fair and transparent.
| product | Single bottle (330ml) | 24-pack |
|---|---|---|
| Singha | CHF 2.08* | CHF 49.90* |
| Chang | CHF 2.50* | CHF 59.90* |
| Leo | CHF 2.08* | CHF 49.90* |
*Prices are based on Kimao.ch (as of January 2026)
Food pairing: Which beer goes with which dish?
🥘 Singha: The classic to go with spicy classics
Singha goes perfectly with intense, spicy dishes:
- Pad Thai: The crisp, spicy note of the Singha cheese balances the acidity of the tamarind and the sweetness of the peanuts.
- Green curry: The malty notes of the Singha coffee contrast with the creamy coconut milk.
- Grilled chicken (Gai Yang): Perfect – Singha's seasoning meets the smoky notes.
🐘 Chang: The Universalist
Chang goes with everything. Its uncomplicated, malty flavor makes it the ideal companion:
- Spring rolls: Chang is flavorful enough to refresh between the crispy fried morsels.
- Pad Krapow: Mild and pleasant – no competition with the intensity of the basil seasoning.
- Street Food: Chang is your everyday beer – whether Som Tam, Satay or Skewers.
🐆 Leo: The lightweight companion
Leo is suitable for lighter dishes and warm days:
- Light noodle soups: Leo's lightness perfectly complements the clarity of a good broth.
- Shrimp dishes: The minimal body allows the delicate seafood flavors to shine through.
- Relaxation in the park: Your beer for sunshine and pure refreshment.
Which beer is suitable for which occasion?
🎉 For the party: Chang
Easy-drinking, affordable, and everyone knows it. The beer to make your friends happy. Slightly fruity and easy to drink.
→ Buy a 24-pack of Chang🎁 For a gift: Singha
If you want to show style. The royal Garuda tells a story. A message: "I respect tradition."
→ Buy Singha as a gift💰 Budget & Authenticity: Leo
Best value for money. Boon Rawd quality, but at a great price. The number one "people's beer".
→ Buy Leo Beer nowWhere you can buy them online in Switzerland
At Kimao, everything is in one place:
- 🍺 Beer category (all Asian beers)
- 🇹🇭 Thailand Collection (Singha, Chang, Leo + more)
- 🍶 Asian drinks (beer, soju, rum, more)
Why Kimao?
- ✓ In stock in Switzerland = 1–4 day shipping
- ✓ Duty-free & no import fees
- ✓ Secure payment methods (TWINT, credit card, etc.)
- ✓ Age verified (18+ required)
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Which beer is the strongest?
They all have 5% alcohol . Singha, Chang, and Leo are all at 5.0% (Chang reduced the alcohol content from 6.4% to 5.0% a few years ago).
Which beer tastes most like rice?
Chang and Leo use rice in their brewing process. Leo is often considered the beer with the most pronounced rice flavor, resulting in a particularly smooth drinking experience. Singha is a 100% malt beer.
Are these beers really from Thailand?
YES. While some Thai beers are brewed under license for Europe, at Kimao we prioritize authenticity. Wherever possible, we import the original (origin: Thailand).
How long do the beers keep?
At least 12–18 months if stored correctly (cool, dry, dark).
Conclusion
Singha, Chang or Leo?
Singha for malt lovers. Chang for the party. Leo for the authentic insider.
The best part? At Kimao you can buy all three, try them and decide for yourself.
Buy all three Thai beers nowAbout the author
A Thailand expert and supporter of Kimao, he lived in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket for several years. Since 2024, Kimao has been importing authentic Asian food and beverages to Switzerland – and personally tests every product.
Thailand is not just a hobby – it's a passion for us.