The Best Rooftop Bars In Bangkok

“Where are the best rooftop bars in Bangkok?” is a question we hear often, and it’s no wonder: this city is home to a slew of super chic skyline establishments that are popular with locals, tourists and expats alike.

The people watching opportunities are always incredible too.

But not all Bangkok sky bars are created equal. We’ve chosen 9 of our favorites that manage to find that sweet spot of stylish surroundings, a great drinks list, impeccable food and magnificent views.

Here’s a sneak peek of our top picks:

Best Rooftop Bars in Bangkok

Above Eleven

Sukhumvit Soi 11

Once you set foot in Above Eleven’s rooftop bar, you’ll hopefully catch the New York vibe the designers were aiming at.

Central Park was the inspiration behind the large metal and acrylic trees, benches, green lawns and organic vines that give this bar its edgy, arty atmosphere. As dusk falls, lanterns add a warm glow and a relaxing, welcoming vibe.

Perched on the 32nd floor of Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, Above Eleven offers a fabulous panoramic view of downtown Bangkok.

As well as serving up distinctive Japanese/Peruvian fusion style tapas dishes, there is an extensive cocktail menu, and a fantastic selection of wines, from lower cost options to expensive French champagnes. A 50cl glass of beer will set you back 220 THB and the cheaper wines are around 330 THB per glass. The signature cocktails are good value for money at around 360 THB.

The music here changes depending on the day of the week, varying from live jazz to house music to get you busting your moves on the dance floor. The enforced dress code is semi casual, so it’s necessary to make a bit of an effort to look tidy. Men are not permitted to wear sleeveless shirts or sandals. Shorts can be worn but must be smart.

The very top floor of Above Eleven is currently closed for renovations but the other two floors offer some cracking skyline views so you won’t be missing out too much.

Sky Bar @ Lebua

State Tower, Silom Road

Perhaps the most famous Bangkok rooftop bar, the Sky Bar towers above the city at an impressive height of 63 storeys (820 feet) and the views from the top looking out over the Chao Phraya river are simply spectacular.

This award winning bar is cool and super stylish, and was even featured in The Hangover 2 film. The futuristic circular bar is a sleek ring of neon that pulses softly in different colors. Sky Bar’s crowning glory is an imposing golden roofed dome housing one of the two rooftop restaurants. Live jazz bands set the mood every night from 19:30 to midnight.

Like the Sky Bar itself, the prices here are high, so be prepared to flash some cash if you’re going to have more than a drink or two. If you are feeling the urge to splurge, a romantic dinner at the bar’s Sirocco restaurant serving up authentic Mediterranean cuisine is a gastronomic experience not to miss.

The mixology here is exceptional, and Sky Bar has some of the most unusual and interesting cocktails in Bangkok. A signature cocktail will set you back around 500 – 600 THB.

Dress to impress — the smart casual dress code stipulates that athletic clothes or anything with rips or tears in it are not acceptable. Flip flops are also a no-go. Men mustn’t wear anything sleeveless, or shorts.

Sky Bar @ Lebua is incredibly popular and can get very crowded, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot to take in the scenery. You’re sure to have an unforgettable evening.

Here’s how the Bangkok sky bar looked in that classic Hangover scene:

Park Society @ Sofitel So

North Sathorn Road

A post shared by SO Sofitel Bangkok (@sosofitelbangkok) on Sep 7, 2012 at 7:00am PDT

The Park Society restaurant at the Sofitel So hotel is famed for dishing up delicious and creative modern western cuisine, but this glamorous bar and restaurant also serves up some breathtaking views across Bangkok from its rooftop terrace.

Unlike other rooftop bars that look out over other buildings and streets, the Park Society terrace overlooks the fresh green expanse of Lumpini Park and its lakes, which makes for a very pretty vista indeed.

The bar is on the 29th floor of the hotel, and the ambience is quite laid back for such a sophisticated setting.

Elegant hexagonal tables and chairs and large comfy sofas the size of beds keep things cozy and intimate.

Resident DJs play chilled out tunes to entertain you whilst you relax and take in the view.

Surprisingly, the drinks are fairly affordable too – beers start at 250 THB and cocktails at around 350 THB.

Park Society offers some fantastic views, excellent friendly and a hip, laid back atmosphere. It tends not to get too crowded which also helps to keep things relaxed..

Vertigo and Moon Bar @ Banyan Tree

South Sathorn Road

Sip the signature Vertigo Sunset cocktail as you watch the sun dipping below the horizon over the city at the Vertigo and Moon Bar.

Located on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel there is an impressive 360 degree view out across the twinkling lights of Bangkok here — there’s even a telescope for stargazing. Jazz is played most evenings, which adds an additional note of class to what is already a refined establishment.

The sensational terrace resembles a futuristic ship, with the bar at one end and the restaurant at the other, connected by a bridge which spans the gap. Moon Bar has the benefit of squishy sofas to sink into, but make sure you get here early before all the best places are taken.

The cocktail menu is broad and interesting, featuring well mixed drinks that don’t skimp on the alcohol. Drinks come with a complimentary dish of things to nibble to stave off any hunger pangs.

Vertigo restaurant presents a delectable grilled seafood and steak menu, but it is also pricey and booking in advance is essential.

This was one of the first sky bars in Bangkok, and is therefore quite famous. As a result it can get a little crowded (expect to see a lot of tourists), and the prices are on the steeper side – expect to pay upwards of 250 THB for a beer, and 350 THB for a cocktail, plus an additional 7% service charge. The dress code is strictly no flip flops, sportswear, slippers or backpacks. Men must wear long trousers, closed shoes and sleeved tops.

Wanderlust

Thonglor Soi 13

Cute and quirky, Wanderlust is one of the more accessible Bangkok rooftop bars. It may only be on the 5th floor, but what it lacks in dramatic views it makes up for in charm and atmosphere.

Decorated like a picnic area (there’s even fake grass) and with cool works of street art plus some great tunes in the background (think pop-rock hits and electropop) this rooftop bar is particularly popular with students and hipsters – and quite a few expats too.

The vibe here is light hearted and easy going, and it’s a fun place to while away a few hours.

At Wanderlust things are kept low-key, so there is no dress code. The prices are pretty low key too, with a 50cl beer costing around 180 THB, and there is a reasonable selection of cocktails priced at 199 THB.

If you fancy a bite, the food is simple but very affordable, with classics such as fish and chips, and burgers on the menu for about 200 THB.

Speakeasy Hotel Muse

Langsuan Road

The Speakeasy is all about 1920s inspired elegance and sophistication. Easy listening jazz music adds an extra air of vintage authenticity.

The Speakeasy is arranged into separate main areas; the impressive rooftop terrace; the long bar with its stylish domed glass roof and rich polished wood furniture; and the terrace bar with sumptuous sofas and plump cushions. There’s also a old world style cigar lounge serving fine quality Cuban cigars (booking required), plus three private rooms should you desire some time to yourself.

Naturally, the view from this 25th floor bar is a huge attraction. While it may not be as high up as some of the other rooftop bars in Bangkok, the sweeping views of the cityscape from the rooftop terrace are nevertheless stunning.

This sky bar Bangkok attracts a varied crowd, from well heeled locals and tourists to refined expats, who come for the beautiful decor and the characterful atmosphere.

Aside from the rooftop views, another big appeal of the Speakeasy is the cocktails, which are beautifully served in jam jars to give a nod to the prohibition days. Choices err toward the classics but with creative modern twists, using the highest quality spirits and ingredients mixed to perfection.

Prices for cocktails are around 350 THB, and spirits start at 250 THB per glass. Come dressed smart casual – no ripped jeans, flip flops, or shorts, and for the men no sleeveless tops.

Octave @ Marriott

Sukhumvit Soi 57

This 360 degree view rooftop bar offers a magical outlook over the city’s skyscrapers from the 49th floor of this Marriott hotel. Optimum use has been made of the seating to ensure that the maximum clientele have the best views possible. Set over three floors, the decor is modern, with bucket chairs, neon lighting and vibrant greenery.

The rooftop has a trendy circular bar which is perfect for watching all the cocktail shaking action. Resident DJ’s Music play a good mix of music which generally consists of old and new pop rock hits, and there’s a real party vibe.

New-age fusion food such as Asian-style tapas platters and a seafood bar are the available food options should you feel peckish.

Despite having views to rival the best Bangkok rooftop bars, Octave is usually much less crowded and busy than the likes of Sky Bar @ Lebua and Moon Bar @ Banyan Tree.

The drink selection is not exactly vast, but there are some fantastic and unusual choices, with cocktails and shots starting at 320 THB and beers at 170 THB. Premium spirits, champagnes and wines are also available for your drinking pleasure. There’s also a great happy hour which sees 50% off for selected beverages between 5pm and 7pm.

Cru Rooftop Bar

Centralworld, Rama I

For a sublimely glamorous experience head to the Cru Champagne Bar on the rooftop of the Centara Grand Hotel Bangkok. The incredible vista across the urban landscape from the 59th floor is dramatic, as are the drinks.

Exclusive champagnes and delicious, painstakingly prepared champagne cocktails offer a taste of sky high pleasure, so bring your credit card and be prepared to spend. Prices for a glass of fizz start at 800 THB, and champagne cocktails at around 500 THB.

The finest Caspian Sea caviar, oysters, Wagyu beef and foie gras all elevate this luxurious venue to an even higher level.

The style here is somewhat space age. Sculptural and stark white furniture is softened with diffused neon lighting in warm shades of rose and gold. Panoramic seating gives each and every guest unhampered views. A slick DJ drops fashionable beats in the background, and the atmosphere is intimate, cool and chic.

If you want to be part of the Cru Champagne bar jet set, dress smart casual with no sleeveless tops, flip flops or trainers. You’ll probably fit in better and feel more comfortable if you make a bit of an effort to dress up.

Nest

Sukhumvit Soi 11

Being only eight floors up Nest may not have the best views, but this hip rooftop bar hotspot has delightfully easy-going and relaxing vibes in abundance.

The rooftop terrace is made to look like a beach retreat with a sand strewn floor, comfy daybeds for lounging whilst gazing across the across the lower Sukhumvit skyline, and cozy, intimate lighting.

The chilled atmosphere attracts a interesting blend of clientele from hipsters and groups of girls looking to party, to thirty somethings who appreciate the ambiance. Top DJs mix pop, funk and soul music that keeps the mood relaxed and upbeat, and there are often live music performance by local bands. Nest is a popular weekend party spot, and it can get busy, so arrive early to get a seat.

There is an extensive cocktail menu, with welcomingly low prices. Every day brings a happy hour from 18:00 to 21:00 with several beers on sale for a mere 80 THB and any choice from the cocktail menu for only 200 THB. A good range of tasty Thai bar snacks like spring rolls and fishcakes are on offer too.

There’s no dress code here, so just come and be yourself, chill out and enjoy the warm and pleasant atmosphere.

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What’s your pick for the best rooftop bar in Bangkok?

 

Featured image includes photo by Swaminathan (CC BY 2.0 licence)

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