Although one often thinks of thatched roofs under palm trees with the sound of waves nearby when one mentions “cheap chill out” bars, they can in fact be found all over Thailand, with a bit of research, some asking, and a little wandering around.  After a hard day’s work in the fields, or in the office towers, a high percentage of Thais are looking to seriously chill; accordingly, the market has obliged with a wide selection of places.

Whether in the heart of Bangkok, in a Burmese border town, or on the fringes of a national park, chill out joints are easy to spot with their combination of unusual architecture in many cases, along with an appropriately cool name, often in English.  Check out our choices below when you feel the need to relax and unwind – you won’t be disappointed.