Friend’s bar, Nakhon Ratchasima

An oasis in the heart of Korat

Tel : 044 252166 Tel: 084 4770567

An oasis is not just “a watering hotel in the desert” but also “a soothing place that gives relief” and never was the description more suitable than for this lovely bar set amidst the trees just a few steps down a quiet lane, away from the city’s best known roads.

With pretty, shaded terraces in front and back and a large cheery room in the middle, Friend’s Bar offers comfort and respite for travelers day and night. Well, noon to 11.30pm.

The beer is cold and the menu is quintessential farang, from bacon and eggs (120B) and burgers (80B) to roast beef with all the trimmings (150B), all beautifully cooked by the English speaking Thai owner, Ducky, alongside a huge, free snooker table – if there is a bigger table in the world, it must be in Texas!

Prominently situated, next to M’s Apartments, with ample parking, Friend’s is easily accessed from either of the two small lanes running north from the west end of Suranaree Road, barely five minutes from the Old Town or from The Mall.

A pioneer in Korat when it opened 6 years ago by Ducky and her Canadian husband Robert (recently deceased and much missed), Friend’s is still the coolest place to relax in town.

The opening hours.