PUBLISHED March 19th, 2020 06:30 am | UPDATED July 25th, 2024 01:50 pm
The allure of dining and drinking high above ground zero as the wind tousles your hair is one that is hard to resist — talk about a literal alcohol high. And when it comes to rooftop bars , the Land of Smiles is well-versed with a plethora of options. From lush sky bars against the backdrop of the Bangkok’s stunning cityscape to fine dining spots that overlook the moonlit Chao Phraya River, we have narrowed it down to the cream of the crop.
Note: Most of these bars have a smart casual dress code. So remember to dress to impress!
ABar & Abar Rooftop
Two floors and two distinct bars — while ABar marries the charm of Victorian London with a focus on dark spirits, for a sophisticated ambience, ABar Rooftop steals the limelight with an open-air patio and gin-centric tipples. Helmed by highly-rated mixologist Khun Saimai Nantara, the bar team at ABar Rooftop team serves up robust to delicate liquid refreshments made using the extensive selection of gins and imported tonics, arranged by type and flavour profile. Try The Just Mine (THB385++), an aromatic cocktail blend of jasmine-infused Beefeater gin, melon syrup, chardonnay, lime juice and a splash of soda. Head down to ABar where Rojanat Chareonsri takes over shaking up premium dark spirits to create well-balanced libations like Study in Stone (THB415++), combining Nusa Cana Rum, dry sherry, citrus peels and fresh lemon.
ABar & ABar Rooftop is located at 37-38/F, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, 199 Soi Sukhumvit 22, Klongton, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, p.+66 2 059 5926. Open daily 5pm – 1am.
Spectrum Lounge & Bar
Modelled after a luxurious penthouse, Hyatt Regency Bangkok’s three-story Spectrum Lounge & Bar has thoughtfully placed design pieces (ranging from vibrant Thai art to beautiful musical instruments) that fleshes out the residential narrative. The marble embellished open-kitchen and edgy indoor bar on level 29 features a live piano bar and upscale restaurant settings when the sun sets. For a more intimate evening, the expansive rooftop bar offers cosy couple seats and alcoves framed by verdant trees —with stunning views of Lower Sukhumvit in the background at its terrace. Spanning up to level 30 features a vibrant open-aired rooftop bar with high-energy music by international DJs every night. Thirsty? Asian-influenced cocktails like the Mad Mango (THB310++) with a base of chilli-infused vodka accompany premium bar snacks like Grilled Wagyu Beef Rolls (THB420++) and Artisanal Italian Cold Cuts (THB1300++). Every Sunday, Spectrum Lounge & Bar also hosts Rooftop Sunday Brunch experience that gives you skyline views of Bangkok on your laid back Sundays.
Spectrum Lounge & Bar is located at 29-31/F, Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, 1 Sukhumvit Soi 13, Bangkok 10110, Thailand p.+66 2 098 1234. Open daily from 5.30pm – 1am.
Scarlett Wine Bar
Fine French cuisine, a breathtaking view of the Chao Phraya River and an extensive wine list — Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant is one establishment that has nailed the recipe for a perfect night out. Sitting on the 37th floor of the illustrious Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, this bar cum restaurant offers one of the best rooftop dining experiences in Bangkok with a spacious open-air terrace of 120sqm. Scarlett offers a gourmet bistro-style menu ranging from light bites such as mouth-watering Charcuterie Boards (THB720++) to the indulgent Duck Confit ( THB680++). The wine list features over 150 labels which you can purchase by the glass (THB190++ per glass) or bottle at prices that are surprisingly low despite the bar’s opulence. Not a wine person? Fret not, the drinks menu encompasses all sorts of tipples including tequila, rum, whiskeys, beer and signature cocktails like Scarlett Kiss (THB350) – a medley of rich bourbon, Aperol spiced with ginger and lime.
Scarlett Wine Bar is located at Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand, p.+66 96860 7990. Open daily 5pm – 1am.
Three Sixty Lounge
As its name suggests, this swanky bar, spanning the 32nd floor of Millennium Hilton Bangkok, offers a panoramic 360-degree view of Bangkok’s skyline. The bar is divided into two distinct areas — a large outdoor terrace decked out with comfy sofas and the iconic indoor cupola surrounded by floor-to-ceiling slanted glass windows. Get yourself a tipple of your choice to imbibe while listening to live jazz performances or step out to the rooftop where couples can request for a decadent Picnic Hamper (THB1800++) packed to the brim with gourmet goodies like foie gras and sashimi — it makes for a romantic date too. We recommend getting to the bar before sunset to witness the ever-changing colours of the sky over the twinkling Chao Phraya River.
Three Sixty Lounge is located at 123 Millenium Hilton Bangkok, Charoen Nakhon Road, Bangkok 10600, Thailand, p.+66 2442 2000. Open daily 5am – 1am.
Barisa
For those days you simply want to chill with your pals over good grub and a tincture or two sans the fanciness of a typical upscale bar, Barisa is your go-to place. Situated on the top floor of Bangkok’s hippest hangout space, The Commons, this weekend pop-up bar emanates a welcoming vibe with string lights, a lengthy bar table and bean bags strewn across the lawn. Barisa takes an experimental route with its well-curated menu, creating tapas-portioned dishes inspired by Middle-eastern and South American flavours like the succulent, Piri Piri-marinated Grilled Chicken (THB150++). The drinks here are also reflective of the menu’s global influences – the Winter-Spiced Old Fashioned, combines tequila with spiced Grenadine and smoky cinnamon (THB280++). Beat the Bangkokian heat with a more refreshing option like Lychee & Rose, a fruity and floral concoction comprising gin, pale ale, Aperol and orange liqueur.
Barisa is located at 3/F, The Commons, Thonglor Soi 17, Bangkok 10110, Thailand p.+66 94 657 8775. Open Fri-Sun 6pm – 12am.
Brewski
Featuring over 12 draft beers from around the world on tap and over 60 bottled beers, the highest duplex rooftop beer bar in Bangkok, takes their beers very seriously. Brewski offers its beers in three glass sizes — 100ml, 250ml and 470ml with choices ranging from the refreshing and hoppy Mahanakhon (THB190++ for 330ml) pale ale from Thailand to dark and rich Americano Stout from California (THB290++ for 330ml). What’s a chill glass of foamy beer without munchies to snack on? Pair your booze with Thai-style bar snacks like Sai Krok Isaan which consists of juicy pork sausages tossed together with fresh chilli, ginger and peanuts for a spicy kick.
Brewski is located at 30/F, Radisson Blu Plaza, 486 Sukhumvit Soi 27, Bangkok 10110, Thailand p.+66 2 302 3333. Open Mon-Sat 5pm – 1am, Sun 5pm – 12am.
The Speakeasy Rooftop Bar
Set atop Hotel Muse is The Speakeasy Rooftop Bar that whisks you away to the roaring twenties with its elegant decor and sophisticated atmosphere. Keeping with its prohibition-era style, mixologists at the ritzy watering hole welcome you with forgotten classics such as the Aviation, a classic cocktail made with gin, maraschino liqueur, creme de violette and lemon juice. And what’s more — those who enjoy a good puff with their libations can head over to the Blind Pig Cigar Bar for top-notch Cuban cigars. If you want to glam it up to match the bar’s ambience, drop in on their monthly Prohibition Nights, where you can put on your best Great Gatsby-inspired outfit and celebrate the Jazz age of 1920s.
The Speakeasy Rooftop Bar is located at 24-25/F, Hotel Muse Bangkok,55/555 Soi Langsuan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, p.+66 2 630 4000. Open daily 5.30pm – 1am.
Vertigo
A feast for all senses awaits at Vertigo — an al fresco grill-and-bar experience with an outstanding 360-degree view of the vast cityscape of Bangkok. Tuck into a three or four-course spread showcasing tender seafood and premium steaks along with a tincture or two from their very own Moon Bar. Expect deluxe champagnes, exotic cocktails, beers — you name it. Although prices are steeper due to its prime location and popularity among tourists, it’s well worth the feeling of being on top of the world.
Vertigo is located at Banyan Tree Bangkok, 21/100 South, S Sathon Rd, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand, p.+66 2 679 1200. Open daily from 5pm – 1am.
HI-SO
HI-SO’s al fresco rooftop venue has all the makings of a hot party spot perfect for social butterflies to hobnob and schmooze, with semi-private cabanas and plush sofas overlooking the tranquil Lumpini park. Think chic bachelorette parties and exclusive wedding soirees. Without doubt, an unforgettable party calls for epic drinks – HI-SO’s Cocktails on the Top list includes a slew of creative signature cocktails like the Frozen Coconut Mojito and Gin Blossom alongside the full gamut of aperitif and digestif drinks. Grab dinner before you head up to the swanky sky bar as the compact menu is limited to sharing platters comprising tapas, cheese and cold cuts that would be more suited as late-night drink accompaniments.
HI-SO is located at SO/ Sofitel Bangkok, 2 N Sathon Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand, p.+66 2 624 0000. Open daily 5pm – 12.30am.
Above Eleven
Towering above Sukhumvit Soi 11 (hence its name), Above Eleven Rooftop Bar and Restaurant is yet another bar that has embraced Bangkok’s liveliest area for nightlife as its home. What sets Above Eleven apart from the rest is its status as the first Peruvian Japanese rooftop bar and restaurant in South East Asia. Before you dive into their Nikkei cuisine through one of their Peruvian Platters (THB1200++), try the Pisco Sour (THB380++) — this classic Peruvian cocktail made with infused Pisco quebranta, angostura bitter, lime juice and topped with foamy egg white. With magnificent food to match the remarkable views, you will probably find yourself returning for more.
Above Eleven is located at 38/8 Fraser Suites Soi Sukhumvit 11, Khlong Toei Nuea, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, p.+66 2 038 5111. Open daily 6pm – 2am.
Top Image: Spectrum Lounge & Bar