Ran Juan Bar Korat: Small Local Gem in the City Center

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HKzJba8d3TAUbBrt9

Since the reopening of bars and late night in Korat, this is my favorite place. Why? Because it is small, the waitresses are super nice, the place is beautiful and you rarely see a foreigner there!

Don’t get me wrong: I like to speak English, but I can also have small talk in Thai. The clients there are similar to the ones going at Smaz Bistro. We often know each others and it’s just a cool place. Music is excellent, it opens around 6pm and closes around maybe midnight.

I love the small space and proximity that you have with the staff. The decor is also quite nice. It’s about 100-200 meters near the big Kasikorn bank behind Yamo. Check Google Map because it is not easy to find.

The first time I was there is in 2561 but with Covid, it was closed for a long time. After their re-opening, they had really nice cocktails but the person that was making them left so we are back with some drinks, beer and whisky. Do note that they have a small menu and also some bottles of wine.

About This Place

Ran Juan Bar A Gem In The

SMAZ Bistro – All-Day Cafe and Evening Bar. Located at 6 Pollan Road, SMAZ Bistro uniquely transforms itself throughout the day, functioning as a comfortable cafe serving heartwarming food during the day. Popular spot for locals and expatriates in the region.

Have questions about living or working in Thailand? Contact Sebastien Brousseau – French-speaking lawyer based in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima).

Useful Legal Resources for Expats in Thailand

Isaan & Northeast Thailand

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good local Thai bar different from a tourist bar?

Local Thai bars (as opposed to tourist-oriented bars) typically have Thai-language signage, a predominantly local clientele, Thai music or song (mor lam, luk thung) or live Thai bands, affordable prices, and a more authentic community atmosphere. The experience of drinking with locals in their own space rather than in a designed ‘foreigner friendly’ environment is fundamentally different.

Are there live music bars in Korat?

Yes — Korat has a lively live music scene by Thai provincial city standards. Bars and clubs in the entertainment areas play a mix of Thai pop (luk thung, luk krung), rock cover bands, and increasingly Thai indie music. The Ran Juan area and the main entertainment strips have several live music venues operating nightly.

What is luk thung music?

Luk thung (ลูกทุ่ง) is Thailand’s country music — soulful, folk-inflected music from the rural heartland, associated particularly with Isan. It tells stories of rural life, love, hardship, and migration to the city. Luk thung is the most popular music genre in provincial Thailand and at family celebrations. Mor lam is its faster, more hypnotic cousin from Isan.

How much do drinks cost in local Thai bars in Korat?

In local Thai bars and entertainment venues, large beers (Leo, Chang, Singha) cost 70–100 THB. Whisky (sangsom or rua — the popular Thai rice whisky brands) with soda is often ordered by the bottle rather than by the glass, typically 500–800 THB for a 350ml bottle with mixers. This is the most economical way to drink in Thai entertainment venues.