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Bangkok the city that never sleeps, is famed for its rooftop bars, and a visit to one of these often high-end venues is a high priority (excuse the pun!) for visitors to Bangkok. They offer the chance of stunning views of the city, and some have even attained international fame are being featured in Hollywood hits. However, with so many to choose from, the question is “Where is Bangkok’s best rooftop bar?”
For this article we asked Jenny (aka Little Wandering Wren) for her pick of the best rooftop bars in Bangkok, that you should visit if you’re looking for that sky-high experience. Start early if you can and synchronise watches so you catch the sunset.
Note regarding COVID-19: While we do try to keep our content up to date, please be aware that due to the impact of COVID-19, restrictions may impact our recommendations, and businesses may temporarily or permanently close. Please double check.
Table of contents
- Bangkok’s Best Rooftop Bars – From Highest to Lowest
- 1. Mahanakhon Bangkok Skybar (76 Floor) – Currently Closed
- 2. Skybar Lebua (63rd Floor)
- 3. Vertigo & Moon Bar – (61st Floor)
- 4. Red Sky Bar (56th Floor)
- 5. Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar (45th Floor)
- 6. Bar Yard (40th Floor)
- 7. Penthouse Bar + Grill (34/36 Floor)
- 8. Above 11 (33th Floor)
- 9. HI-SO Rooftop Bar (29th Floor)
- 10. Char Rooftop Bar at Indigo Hotel (26th Floor)
- 11. Above Riva (5th Floor)
- Bonus Bars: Not Quite Rooftop Bars
Bangkok’s Best Rooftop Bars – From Highest to Lowest
1. Mahanakhon Bangkok Skybar (76 Floor) – Currently Closed
Let’s start at on top of the world, or at the very least on the 76th Floor of the iconic King Power Mahanakhon in Sathorn. You won’t get served a higher cocktail in the whole of Thailand! If a white marble bar and a jaw dropping 360 view over the Bangkok skyline is your tipple, try out their extensive list of classic cocktails at this luxurious, beautiful and sophisticated venue.
It has been reported that the Mahanakhon Skybar has now shut down but we are waiting to see whether another bar opens in its place.
2. Skybar Lebua (63rd Floor)
Constantly rated as Bangkok’s most famous roof top bar experience thanks to enduring Hangover 2 fame – often simply referred by many as The Hangover Bar. Sky Bar remains a perennial favourite, and still has what it takes to impress in terms of the venue, the view and the cocktails, try the Hangovertini!
The staff know all the best spots for the perfect Hollywood inspired photo and whilst your VIP experience does not come cheap, it is always memorable. Found on top of the world’s first vertical destination Lebua at State Tower and steps from the famous sky-high Sirocco restaurant.
Daily, 6pm-1am; Lebua, 1055/42 Silom Road (BTS Surasak); no sportswear, shorts, torn clothes, or flip-flops
3. Vertigo & Moon Bar – (61st Floor)
Up on the 61st floor of Bangkok’s five-star Banyan Tree hotel, Moon Bar is one of the Thai capital’s most well-known rooftop bars. The bar and its connected open-air rooftop restaurant occupy the entire top-floor space, giving you stupendous 360-degree views out over Bangkok’s night-time skyline. This is a great spot to catch the sunset with some of the most scenic sundowners you’ll enjoy anywhere.
Daily, 5pm-1am; Banyan Tree, 21/100 South Sathorn Road (MRT Lumpini); no shorts or flip-flops
4. Red Sky Bar (56th Floor)
The Red Sky Bar is a destination night out! Found on the 56th floor of the Centara Grand at Central World in the heart of the city. This acclaimed rooftop bar offers spectacular views on the panoramic terrace. Sunset Happy Hour and alfresco dining offer additional delights.
If bubbles are your thing, then start higher at the Cru Champagne Bar on the 59th floor for unique 360 degree views. Go with a group of friends for the Flamingo Champagne cocktail that serves up to 8 people.
On the way out, stop by the semi-alfresco Uno Mas tapas restaurant to have a wine angel fly through the air to pick a preferred bottle from the wine store.
Daily 4pm-midnight, 56/F, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., (BTS Chit Lom) no shorts, singlets or sandals.
5. Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar (45th Floor)
Whilst not scaling the lofty heights of some, Octave offers one of the best 360 degree view of downtown Sukhumvit with a choice of three floors. Unpretentious, vibrant and with a Happy Hour, Octave is a popular choice for locals and a firm favourite amongst many.
Daily, 45/F, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, 2 Sukhumvit Soi 57; (MRT Thong Lor) Smart casual is the way to go!
6. Bar Yard (40th Floor)
Let’s face it any bar that opens during a pandemic has to have a lot of bottle! Bar Yard found on the 40th floor of the Kimpton Hotel off swanky Langsuan, fast grew a reputation in a slow market for being lots of fun and lovely! This roof top garden is a bright, tropical leafy setting, its laid back charms appeals to those who love the easy tropical vibe on high. Check out its bartender’s creativity with 27 types of Thai pineapples!
Tues-Sun, 4pm-midnight; Kimpton Maa-Lai, 78 Soi Tonson (BTS Chit Lom) Smart casual, no sandals.
7. Penthouse Bar + Grill (34/36 Floor)
For a fancy night at a triplex penthouse, look no further! Penthouse Bar is a top choice for a stylish date night, we’re talking marble and walnut woods with artsy touches. For a central Bangkok location you’ll find surprisingly good value 5-star prices to make you smile! Found at the top of the Park Hyatt choose from The Cocktail Bar, Whisky Room, The Mezzanine and a Rooftop Terrace, offering sweeping views of the Bangkok skyline.
Daily 6pm – 10.30pm 34-36/F, Park Hyatt, 88 Wireless Rd., (BTS Ploenchit); Smart casual.
8. Above 11 (33th Floor)
Tucked away at the back of the ever popular Sukhumvit Soi 11 and well know to the locals this rooftop bar is highly regarded for an extensive list of inventive cocktails to complement the impressive views of downtown Bangkok. Arriving via the lift into a vertical garden, you find a New York Central Park inspired art installation. The grass covered walls lead to a park experience with custom-designed structural trees. Don’t forget to visit the bathroom for another surprise!
The Peruvian-Japanese food is equally as inventive making it a good spot for an old round fab night out!
Daily, 6pm-2am; 33F Fraser Suites, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS Nana), Smart casual no sandals or sleeveless T-shirts for the men.
9. HI-SO Rooftop Bar (29th Floor)
This laid-back bar on the 29th floor of the Sofitel So, is a solid favourite for the best Lumpini Park & city views. Check out the watermelon margarita! A perfect choice for a fun night out with friends at reasonable prices. How good are those lounge seats?
So watch out world, you might come for pre-dinner drinks but chances are you will settle in for the duration. As long as you’re up for the bright lights and party atmosphere, often with a live DJ. With regular theme nights – Ladies, 80’s, Jazz lovers etc this bar is often the place to be in Bangkok.
Daily, 5pm-11.30 pm 2 North Sathorn Road, Silom, (MRT Lumpini), Smart Casual
10. Char Rooftop Bar at Indigo Hotel (26th Floor)
From the comparatively lowly 26th floor of Hotel Indigo on Wireless Road this compact bar packs a punch above its weight all ways, but especially in the view department. This popular bar offers a lovely skyline looking across the city and down to Ploenchit. There’s a creative cocktail menu, with Happy Hour it’s the locals choice for a good night out, beware the minimum spend in some seats.
Daily, 5pm -1am; 26F Hotel Indigo, 81 Wireless Road, Lumphini (BTS Ploenchit) Smart Casual.
11. Above Riva (5th Floor)
You won’t get a better pinch me, I love Bangkok location than the rooftop of River Arun hotel. Look across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun, magnificently illuminated at night. Look behind and the Grand Palace golden rooftops are equally as spectacular. There is literally never a dull moment with cocktails overlooking the Chao Praya river.
Worthy of a mention is that this is an all weather venue, when hot or wet they simply close the roof!
Daily, 6pm-11.30 pm; 392/25-28 Maharaj Road, Phraborom Maharajawang, Pranakorn, (MRT Sanam Chai), Dress Code; Smart Casual
Bonus Bars: Not Quite Rooftop Bars
12. The Loft (56th Floor)
We’ve snuck this one in because the cocktails always feel incredibly special however think inside den and art nouveau and floor to ceiling windows. This is old time glitz and glamour and oh so romantic! The signature drink, The Waldorf is one idea, but we have it on top recommendation that the Espresso Martini is hard to beat.
Chat to the mixologist and you will be impressed with the consideration given to each artisanal spirit and forgotten cocktail. Each perfectly crafted using house-made ingredients.
Daily 5pm – 1am; 56/F, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, 151 Ratchadamri Rd. (BTS Ratchadamri) Dress Code; smart as you’ve got!
13. Smalls – 3rd Floor (Hey it’s still roof top’ish!)
Who says you need to be up high to have a great rooftop experience? How about trying Smalls, the moody retro bar with a charming mix of French, Thai and Japanese influences?
The venue, regularly on Asia’s best hidden bar lists, features 3 levels, includes a second floor with balcony and an open-air deck on the third floor. There are lots of darkened nooks and cranny’s crammed with the owner’s artwork. Sit and enjoy an extensive list of signature cocktails and a selection of Absinthe, served in traditional fashion.
Wednesday – Monday 7pm – 2am; 186, 3-4 Suan Phlu 1 Alley, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Dress Code; As you like!
This article was written by Jenny Littlewood (Little Wandering Wren). Jenny is the Queen of Thailand Staycations having clocked up almost 100 stays in different hotels across Thailand in 1 year. In doing so, she has also experience a fair share of rooftop bars!
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Categories: Where To Drink
