Sky Bar Bangkok is one of the most popular rooftop bars in Thailand’s capital city. But now with social distancing part of the new world of travel, sought-after standing room will be even harder to score than pre-COVID times. Smart travelers will get a jumpstart by arriving Bangkok before others do, once travel to the Land of Smiles opens. Many of those savvy jetsetters will head to Sky Bar Bangkok, one of the highest rooftop bars in the world. But hey, more on Sky Bar Bangkok later.
Cityscapes from the heights are part of Bangkok’s night appeal, and so plenty of magnificent sky bars deliver amazing rooftop experiences. But how do you choose from all the rooftop bars in Bangkok? That’s why we asked professional travel writers and bloggers to name their favorites. Here are the experts’ picks:
1.) Sky Bar Bangkok – Best of the Best Rooftop Bars in Bangkok
“Located on the 63rd floor of State Tower, Bangkok Sky Bar will absolutely get your head spinning! At those heights, not only is the view of the city down below epic, but the breeze is an awesome break from all that humidity down in the streets,” reveals Linda of La Dolce Fit Vita.
“Going to Sky Bar is like getting the chance to have a regal experience at an all-to affordable price. Stepping off the elevator, it literally feels like stepping onto a red carpet. A fancy waiter awaits to escort you out onto the terrace where the view magically unfolds amongst the city’s towers and skyscrapers – literally suspended in the sky! A lavish backlit bar right on the precipice serves the most wicked drinks. Seriously, the mixologists are top-notch here–I never had a cocktail in a globe filled with smoke!!
Don’t Sweat the Price
“If you’re worried about the price, don’t sweat it. This entire night cost me only 12 Euro, and I got to dress up, have an award-winning drink, oh and I was almost forgetting… there was also live music! And the cherry on top was that we got to have front-row seats at the city firework displays (we were actually above the shows!) Honestly one of the best nights of my life. Go with friends or make it romantic—it works for any crowd,” she says.
Check out the rooftop scene from the movie Hangover Part II in the video at the end of this article. You’ll see why hipsters flocked to Sky Bar Bangkok before COVID-19, and why you’ll want to experience Sky Bar Bangkok at lebua Hotels and Resorts once the pandemic is over.
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2.) Vertigo Bangkok is the Best Rooftop Bar in Bangkok says UNSTOPPABLE Stacey
“No trip to Thailand is complete without a visit to Vertigo Bangkok atop the Banyan Tree Bangkok hotel,” says travel writer UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Wittig. “After the elevator whisked me to the swanky 60th floor, I bravely teetered up two more flights of stairs—this time outdoors—to the highest rooftop bar, Vertigo Bangkok. With wind teasing my hair, I sat on the edge of night and sipped an Aroi Mak, the hotel’s Thai-inspired signature cocktail. The heights were dizzying and I was thankful that I wasn’t wearing 3-inch heels because, well, I was feeling a bit of the vertigo promised by the illustrious bar’s title.
After Cocktails at Vertigo Bangkok, Enjoy Dinner at Saffron
“I could hardly sip my cocktail while drinking in the incredible views, but too soon, I stepped back inside for the finest dining experience of my 16-day Thailand-China trip. The four-course meal at the award-winning Saffron restaurant provided an explosion of tastes fusing traditional Thai cuisine with contemporary presentations. Flavors were multi-layered like fine wine, yet each taste was exact and didn’t have stewed characteristics found in some Asian food.
“I think climbing those steep and narrow flights of stairs to the Vertigo Bangkok on the 62nd floor was one of the bravest things I’ve done,” concluded UNSTOPPABLE Stacey who has kayaked the Hoover Dam and walked 1000 miles across France and Spain.
Vertigo Bangkok
Banyan Tree Bangkok
S Sathon Rd, Khwaeng Thung Maha Mek
Sathon, Bangkok
3.) Best Rooftop Bar Bangkok? ‘Sky on 20,’ says Florence Shih of Yoga, Wine & Travel
“There are plenty of rooftop bars to choose from in Bangkok. But if you’re after a laid-back sunset experience with a diverse cocktail menu and breathtaking views of Bangkok from above, then head to the centrally-located Sky on 20 at the Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20,” recommends Florence Shih of Yoga, Wine & Travel when asked about her favorite rooftop bar in Bangkok.
Call ahead to secure one of the window-side tables
“The spicy and slightly-tangy ginger mojito is refreshing for a hot evening, so make sure you call ahead to secure one of the window-side tables and sink into one of their comfortable cushioned chairs. Feeling a bit peckish? The sweet potato fries are the perfect snack to tide you over until it’s time to peel yourself away from Sky on 20 and head to dinner,” she suggests.
Check the blogger’s recommendations for more things to do before or after visiting the best rooftop bars in Bangkok.
Sky on 20
Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20
19 9 Sukhumvit 20 Alley
Khlong Toei, Bangkok
4.) Riverfront Rooftop Bar in Bangkok at Sala Rattanakosin, a Boutique Hotel
“A lack of skyscrapers means there aren’t many high-rise bars near Khao San Road or the Grand Palace—but don’t worry. You don’t need height to enjoy the view from the Sala Rattanakosin hotel’s rooftop bar. Stretched out in front of you are the Chao Phraya River and the beautiful Wat Arun, the mystical temple of dawn,” explains Helen Foster, a working journalist with over 20 years experience.
Watch the comings and goings on the river
“The bar is open from 4 pm to midnight but get there for sunset to make the most of the view and the changing colours behind the temple. Personally, I like the high chairs on the covered balcony off the bar as they have an amazing view of the comings and goings on the river. The bar serves food from 5-10 pm and a good array of cocktails any time–and if you’re more of a beer fan, this is your chance to try Thai craft beer.
“If you can’t get into the Sala Rattanakosin, there’s a second rooftop bar, Eagle’s Nest, pretty much next door in the Sala Arun,” she suggests.
Looking for more things to do near Khao San Road? Then check out our guide to some of the other secret sights nearby,” advises Helen from Differentville, a travel blog that finds the fun, unusual or less-touristy things to do in the world’s popular travel destinations.
We love Helen’s off-the-beaten-path recommendation so much that we asked for another:
Sala Rattanakosin
39 Maha Rat Rd
Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
5.) More Rooftop bars in Bangkok: Octave Rooftop Bar and Lounge
“I think Octave is a great choice for a rooftop bar if it’s your first time in Bangkok,” says Helen Foster of Differentville.
“It’s a 3-minute walk from the sky train station at Thong Lor – so you won’t arrive defeated by the heat. They don’t have a super-snooty dress code (some rooftop bars don’t let you in wearing sandals – this one just says no sportswear and no beachwear), and they have a great happy hour between 5-7 pm where their signature cocktails are 2 for 1.
360-degrees of Bangkok, with perfect sunsets thrown in for good measure
“Oh, and the views don’t suck either! 360-degrees of Bangkok, with a perfect sunset thrown in for good measure. The glowing bright blue bar also makes for some good pics once the sun has gone down,” states the blogger when we picked her brain about favorite Rooftop bars in Bangkok.
“Octave is located on the 49th floor of the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit. Jump in the lift to the 45th floor, where you’ll find an enclosed bar, but then head up the stairs to the roof,” says the insider.
Marriott properties in Bangkok do such an excellent job of integrating local culture into their design and foods. Consequently, next on the list is another Marriott property:
Octave Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
2 Soi Sukhumvit 57, Klongtan Nua
Watthana, Bangkok
6.) Best rooftop bars Bangkok: ABar Rooftop at Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
ABar Rooftop, located at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, is perched on the 38th floor. “Its rooftop location delivers a real wow factor, and isn’t that what we’re all looking for when it comes to best rooftop bars Bangkok?” asks Stacey from UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel.
One of the largest selections of gins in Bangkok
“The open-air bar features one of the largest selections of gins in Bangkok. Expert mixologists use impeccable gins to create an extensive list of signature G&Ts and innovative cocktails. Since I’m passionate about passionfruit, I’d choose the Packaged with Love cocktail, created with rosemary-infused Beefeater Gin, fresh passionfruit, fresh lime juice, peach bitters and egg white. I can imagine myself enjoying the ultimate intimate setting while gazing out over the sparkling Bangkok cityscape since I stayed at this outstanding hotel the first time I visited Bangkok,” the travel writer remembers.
“ABar Rooftop sat only 60 people before COVID-19, and I can imagine that now the seat count is even lower,” Stacey concludes. No reservations are taken and seating is assigned on a first-come-first-served basis.
Insider tip: Access to the bar is via a dedicated elevator from Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park’s South Tower Lobby.
ABar Rooftop
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
199 Soi Sukhumvit 22, Khlong Tan
Khlong Toei, Bangkok
7.) This Rooftop Bar in Bangkok isn't exactly on the very top, but it is ‘Up and Above’
“That Bangkok offers fabulous food, drink, and nightlife is no secret,” says Nancy Zaffaro of Confetti Travel Café. “One of my favorite places in this vibrant city to enjoy a cocktail is the Up and Above Bar on the 25th floor of Bangkok’s Okura Prestige Hotel. Up and Above is technically not a rooftop bar, but it’s still one of the coolest spots in town, with stylish open-air seating and stunning panoramic city views that extend from the side of the 34-floor hotel in a large half-moon.
One of the coolest spots in town
“The vibe varies with the time of day, of course, ranging from quietly private to one of an energetic buzz. Settle in with a favorite classic cocktail or mocktail or one that creatively makes use of fresh Thai fruit and floral ingredients. Small plate options range from international sweet and savory dishes or full meals.
“Prefer to sit indoors? You can do that too and still enjoy the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows either at the bar or from one of the hotel’s restaurants.
“The Okura Prestige is located in the Central Business District, a walkable neighborhood adjacent to shopping and the SkyTrain, close to Lumphini Park. The hotel also has a spectacular 25th floor cantilevered outdoor swimming pool.
“If you haven’t visited or stayed at one of the Japanese-owned Okura Group hotels, do get to know the brand. You’ll find wonderful hospitality and aesthetics, and LEED platinum construction. And in Bangkok, a cocktail lounge that’s a draw to both residents and visitors alike,” concludes Nancy Zaffaro of Confetti Travel Café.
Up and Above Bar
Okura Prestige Hotel, Bangkok
57 Witthayu Rd, Khwaeng Lumphini
Khet Pathum Wan
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
“I love hanging out at the rooftop bar, HI-SO, where colored lights and DJ parties create exciting memories on its 29th floor location,” says UNSTOPPABLE Stacey, international travel blogger. Moonlit cabanas are only part of the over-the-top experience.
“We enjoyed refreshing cocktails in the open air bar high above Lumpini Park. I recommend the U-SO/HI SO cocktail with herbaceous flavors of homemade lemongrass syrup, gin and freshly extracted ginger juice. YUM! Some of the most inventive cocktails and freshest ingredients to be found in all of the rooftop bars in Bangkok, I believe.
Eclectically decorated spaces throughout the hotel surprise me
“The eclectically decorated spaces throughout the hotel surprise me with unexpected Instagrammable experiences, so make sure that your smartphone is charged as you wander through this artful hotel,” she recommends.
This destination hotel bills itself as “Rebellious lifestyle hotel bursting with local energy.” So true!
HI-SO Rooftop Bar
SO/ BANGKOK Hotel
2 N Sathon Rd, Bang Rak
Khet Bang Rak, Bangkok
9.) Red Sky Bar is one of the Newest and Best Rooftop Bars in Bangkok
“Luxury travel can be an expensive undertaking; however, Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok is a destination with an international exchange rate that can appeal to even the most frugal travel budgets,” says travel blogger Shannon Hurst DalPozzal.
“Before leaving the US, I exchanged $250 for approximately 7800 Thai Baht, thinking it would be enough pocket money to last the first day or two. I had no idea that I would experience what I call a champagne lifestyle on a craft beer budget in Bangkok.
Plenty of Thai Baht for cocktails and taxi rides
“I visited the floating market and the shopping malls in Bangkok and purchased an extra suitcase to bring all the shopping deals home. And, I still had plenty of Thai Baht for cocktails and taxi rides.
“Red Sky at Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Center at CentralWorld is one of the newer rooftop bars in Bangkok and not quite as tricky to get in as getting into Sky Bar at lebua. Red Sky is a fantastic venue from which to watch the sunset, so arrive early as you’ll want to have more than one cocktail during your visit,” advises the travel writer.
Reservations are required because of limited seating capacity. Check the dress code before you go to this upscale rooftop bar Bangkok.
Red Sky Bar
Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre
999 99 Rama I Rd
Pathum Wan District, Bangkok
10.) Legend Rooftop Bar in Bangkok Tucked Away from Typical Tourist Crowds
“If you move to SE Asia to become an expat, you are bound to spend time in Bangkok. With world-renowned street food, electric nightlife, and stunning skyline, it’s easily the top tourist destination in SE Asia. Expats and tourists alike spend many nights sipping cocktails and watching sunsets on the city’s numerous rooftop bars,” says Marco Sison of Nomadic FIRE.
“The most well-known rooftop bars in Bangkok tend to be swanky affairs, fifty floors up, and build on top of a hotel. They are beautiful places to see and be seen, but you pay the price for the privilege.
“Those of us not on a corporate expense account can find better value looking away from the Sukhumvit line. My choice for local vibe, 360 views, and affordable prices is Legend Rooftop Bar on the 12th floor of the Pisawat tower,” Marco recommends. “Tucked away from the typical tourist crowd, in the northern part of Bangkok in the Lad Phrao area, Legend slings stiff drinks and quality Thai food to a more local expat crowd.
Legend’s panoramic view makes Instagram influencers drool
“Legend’s relaxed and casual ambiance is popular with university students and expats looking to unwind. There are two floors and a pool where you can catch the city sunset. While not catering to the Hi-So crowd, Legend still has a panoramic skyline view that makes Instagram influencers drool. While a single cocktail from the more popular Sky Bar will set you back over $30, $30 at Legend gets you dinner for two with a few drinks each,” the travel expert adds.
Conclusion: Best Rooftop Bars in Bangkok
This is just a short list of all the rooftop bars in Bangkok, but it is a list of the BEST rooftop bars Bangkok. Whether you’re looking for the Sky Bar Bangkok at lebua, the infamous Vertigo Bangkok or one of these other favorites of travel bloggers and writers, we’ve got good descriptions here. If you have questions, please leave a comment below, and one of our experts will get back to you.
As promised above, here is the Hangover, Part II scene filmed at Sky Bar Bangkok :
As is common in the travel industry, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the Arizona travel writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
In addition, this blog, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel, contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, she will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping this travel blog active. Thanks for reading.
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2 thoughts on “10 Best Rooftop Bars Bangkok Including Sky Bar Bangkok”
Would really love to visit Bangkok! What a terrific article.
A younger woman told me in 2005 that I should go to Thailand and that I could do it as a solo woman traveler as Thailand is safe and easy. It took me 12 years to finally go, and now I’ve been twice. I bet the airfare will be affordable once it opens for travel. It actually is open for travel right now – with lots of regulations and pre-testing. A little too complicated for me right now – but keep watching!