Ever since a certain movie about a decade ago, Bangkok has become inextricably linked with the “sky bar.” That is, a rooftop bar so high atop a skyscraper that it feels like you’re actually drinking amid the clouds.
While I wasn’t a fan of that film for a whole host of reasons, it birthed the development of dozens more such establishments, in addition to the ones that existed when it came out. Bangkok is now probably the best place in the world to drink on a rooftop, in fact—I mean unless you come from money and Manhattan’s prices are NBD.
My guide to rooftop bars in Bangkok isn’t comprehensive, as I don’t want to bore you with 10,000 words or more. It is, however, expertly curated—I’ve been drinking amid Bangkok’s clouds since long before the “Hangover” franchise blew through town.
Are Bangkok’s Sky Bars Expensive?
One of the main reasons I prefer Bangkok rooftop bars over ones in New York or Singapore? They tend to be affordable. Although prices have obviously gone up in the past decade, two people can easily enjoy an evening of cocktails and small plates atop even the most luxurious Bangkok skyscraper for under about 3,000 THB, or 100 USD. You simply can’t say this for cities in any developed country.
Indeed, while there are many reasons you might want to visit https://cryptonews.com/th/cryptocurrency/how-to-buy-bitcoin-thailand/, being able to afford drinks at a sky bar is not one of them. You can instead use your dividends to book luxury hotel rooms, or to go shopping at Bangkok’s world-famous malls. Alternatively, you can vacation on a budget and instead take the spoils of your investing forays home, so that you don’t leave even a single Baht on the table.
The Best Sky Bars in Bangkok
Sky Bar, Lebua at State Tower, Charoen Krung
On account of having been featured in the movie-we-shall-not-name-again, the aptly-named Sky Bar (located within Lebua at State Tower, near the western end of Silom Road where it dead ends into the Chao Phraya River) is probably the most famous rooftop bar in Bangkok. However, while it offers a great view of both Bangkok’s old and new cities, it’s not my favorite, due to how crowded it can get.
Le Duu Kan, Sathorn
Instead, I tend to prefer higher-end and slightly more exclusive Bangkok sky bars like Le Duu Kan. You’ll find this bar, which is associated with the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Duu, in Sathorn‘s Empire Tower, which is connected by sky bridge to Chong Nonsi BTS Station. Note that as a general rule, you must make advance reservations to come here—and they book out far in advance.
Vertigo and Moon Bar, Sathorn
Perched atop the Banyan Tree Hotel, Vertigo and Moon Bar are a bit more centrally located than Le Duu Kan. On the other hand, they (Vertigo is a restaurant; Moon Bar is bar-only) tend to get packed, since they cater both to hotel guests and to the general public. Additionally, because they’re closer to Lumpini Park than to Sanam Luang, views here are confined primarily to modern skyscrapers.
The Speakeasy, Lang Suan
Just as The Speakeasy is among the most understated rooftops in Bangkok, it’s attached to the unassuming Hotel Muse on casually chic Lang Suan Road. In spite of this, you do need to make reservations in advance; I’d also recommend dressing very well, as staff here tend to be among the least likely to let you enter the establishment (which as its name suggests, is themed to 1920s-era Prohibition) if you look sloppy.
Swing Bar, Rattanakosin
Who says the view from a Bangkok sky bar has to be of the modern city? While it’s true that you can look “behind” Swing Bar (which, as its name suggests, is located near Sao Ching Cha or The Giant Swing) to see the skyline of the newer part of Bangkok, the real view is of the swing itself, contextualized within the delightful grit of Rattanakosin, the heart of Bangkok’s old city.
Aether, Silom
One thing I love about Aether, a new bar located in Silom atop the new Silom Central Park tower? They never turn away walk-ins, though there’s a strong possibility you will have to stand and wander, rather than getting your own table. The view from here is also probably the best one in all of Bangkok, at this point, offering what effectively amounts to a 360º panorama of the city, old and new.
Pastel, Nana
When someone reached out to me to invite me to Pastel, I was skeptical for a number of reasons. For starters, it’s located in Nana, which is far from my favorite part of Bangkok—I doubt it’s yours, either. Secondly, it really isn’t that high, located atop the Aira Hotel, which is itself only 22 floors tall. With this being said, the food (which is Mediterranean-inflected) and drinks here are fantastic, the vibe is much more relaxed than many other rooftops and the view of Sukhumvit Road is great.
Other Places to Get a Great View of Bangkok
Don’t drink, or simply don’t want to get dressed up? Not a problem! Bangkok is home to many other places where you can enjoy a great view:
- Siriraj Hospital Parking Garage: Although you’ll have to be sneaky to get up to this roof if you don’t have a car, the view of skyscrapers rising above Old Bangkok is more than worth the hassle.
- King Power Mahanakhon: The bad news? The management of this place is terrible, with power-hungry employees who enforce policies that don’t exist. The good news? You can get a drink to take the edge off.
- Baiyoke Sky Viewpoint: Although the Baiyoke Sky Building is no longer Bangkok’s tallest, it still offers one of the most amazing views in town.
Another option? Simply look out the window while onboard the BTS Skytrain as it zips through town! Note that the windows at the ends of the train are most likely not to be covered with advertisements—take pictures from here!
Other FAQ About Sky Bars in Bangkok
What is the most famous rooftop in Bangkok?
Thanks to it having been featured in the 2011 film “The Hangover Part II,” the Sky Bar at Lebua at State Tower, in the western part of Bangkok’s Silom district, is probably the best-known rooftop in Bangkok. It’s not my favorite, however, nor is it objectively the best.
Is there a dress code for rooftop bars in Bangkok?
As a general rule, rooftop bars in Bangkok enforce a smart casual dress code. This includes a ban on sleeveless shirts and open-toed shoes for men, and on swimming attire for people of both genders. Although few rooftop bars enforce an outright ban on shorts for men, you should avoid wearing athletic shorts or tattered cut-offs, presuming you don’t just wear slacks to avoid any hassle.
What are the rules for the sky bar in Bangkok?
Bangkok’s sky bars enforce a smart casual dress code, and also usually have a one-drink (or, for people who don’t drink, a one-item) minimum for all adults who are in attendance. Children may or may not be allowed, depending upon which bar you visit, and you may have to make a reservation in advance, or wait an indeterminate length of time in order to be seated if you haven’t made a reservation.
The Bottom Line
Not all rooftop bars in Bangkok are created equal. For example, while the archetypal “Sky Bar” atop Lebua at State Tower (which was featured in “The Hangover Part II”) is deservedly famous, I prefer both more obscure options (such as Cielo in Phra Khanong), as well as higher-end ones such as Le Duu Kan in Sathorn. Likewise, you needn’t go to a bar or drink at all to enjoy some of Bangkok’s best views, whether you ascend the famous viewpoint at King Power Mahanakhon, or travel to an obscure parking garage on the more local Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. Need personalized assistance planning your Thailand trip? Enlist me to help!
