sala rattanakosin Bangkok
Photograph: Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok | |
Photograph: Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok | |

Best rooftop and sky-high bars in Bangkok

Lofty libations to luxurious views

Tita Petchnamnung
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As day melts into night, Bangkok's glittering skyline comes alive at rooftop level, revealing the city’s enchanting side. Up in this rarified air a number of bars compete to tell their own story – some embrace local heritage with traditional Thai design and temple views, others exude a cosmopolitan energy with Western influences. All are good reason to raise a glass at sunset and toast the twinkling cityscape below.

  • Sathorn

At Sathorn’s EA Rooftop in The Empire Building, the Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant NOBU spans three floors, with its bar lounge on the 57th floor and dining space on the 58th. For an even closer view of the already elevated Bangkok skyline, head to their Rooftop Bar on the 60th floor, open daily from 5pm to midnight.

Beverages served here include the exclusive Hokusetsu sake collection, imported for Nobu Worldwide, offering delicate to full-bodied flavours. For cocktail lovers, the menu features Asian-inspired creations grouped into Light & Crisp, Aromatic & Spice, Spicy & Tart and Rich & Bold. Standouts in the Spicy and Tart category are the Thai Margarita, made with Don Julio Blanco, passion fruit, kaffir lime and Thai basil, and the Garden of Siam, a refreshing mix of Phraya Elements rum, lemongrass and chilli tincture.

57-60/F, Empire Tower, No.1, S Sathon Rd, Yan Nawa, Sathon. 02-407-1654. Open Daily 5pm-midnight

  • Wine bars
  • Charoenkrung
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Made famous by The Hangover Part II, Sky Bar sits atop Bangkok’s State Tower in Silom. Standing tall as one of the world's highest open-air bars, from 5pm to 2am you'll find yourself 820 feet above the city enjoying 360-degree views.

The bar's ambience transforms throughout the evening with colour-changing LED lights that shift every 90 seconds. Their menu spotlights two standouts: the Hangovertini – crafted as a homage to The Hangover Part II; and their ‘Colours on a Canvas’ cocktails, creative sips in which each hue symbolises a unique flavour profile. Famous across social media and countless ‘best of’ lists, Sky Bar’s true magic can only be experienced in person. Be sure to dress the part – the code requires you to match the bar’s upscale charm.

64/F State Tower Bangkok, Silom, Bang Rak. 02-624-9555. Open Daily 6pm-midnight

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  • Hotels
  • Thon Buri
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

SIN invites you to experience luxury, stunning city views, electrifying music and delicious bites all in one place. Located on the 27th floor of the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, SIN offers panoramic 180-degree views of the city and the Chao Phraya River below.

The signature cocktails inspired by Amazonian roots are a must-try at the impressive 8-metre bar, where skilled mixologists craft heady creations right before your eyes. With a DJ spinning nightly and live performances featuring percussion, strings and saxophone, SIN brings a dynamic energy to Bangkok’s nightlife, welcoming you Wednesday through Sunday from 5pm to 1am.

26/F, Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, 257 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Samre, Thon Buri. 02-431-9472. Wed-Sun 5pm-1am. Closed Mon-Tue 

  • Cocktail bars
  • Nana
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

You'll find this three-storey bar at the top of the Fraser Suites Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 11. It's a hotspot for those craving Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine, refreshing Pisco Sours and stunning city views.

Open daily from 5pm-2am, Above Eleven's menu blends the bold flavours of Peru with the oriental flavours of Japan, offering a mix of creative fusion dishes and timeless classics. DJs are a must for a groovy night, and Above Eleven knows it, featuring Latin rhythms on Wednesdays’ Salsa & Ladies Night. The vibe keeps alive throughout the week with hip hop on Thursdays and Afro House beats on Fridays and Saturdays. Whether you're sipping a Pisco Demonio de los Andes or a Japan-inspired Road to Tokyo, Above Eleven's handcrafted cocktails serve up the best of both worlds.

Fraser Suites, 38/8 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana. 02-038-5111. Open Daily 5pm-2am

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  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Rattanakosin
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Located at the Sala Rattanakosin Hotel on Rattanakosin Island, Sala Rattanakosin Rooftop Bar is a must-visit for historic views of Bangkok’s old town. Open daily from 4pm-10.30pm, this is a scenic eyrie where you can sit back, sip and dine while enjoying views of the Chao Phraya River and Wat Arun. 

Here, you can take in the city's timeless charm and indulge in a ‘Taste of Thailand’, as their drink menu suggests, through three signature cocktails: Phraya Passion, a mix of Mekhong Thai whisky, Triple Sec and mango; Sala Sunset, a heady blend of Phraya rum, Triple Sec and passionfruit; and Bangkok Sour, starring Mekhong Thai whisky, lime juice and pineapple juice.

Be sure to book ahead as seating is limited.

39 Tha Suphan Soi, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon. 02-622-1388. Open Daily 4pm-10.30pm

  • Hotels
  • Phaya Thai

This Mediterranean-themed bar offering panoramic views of the stunning Bangkok skyline is located at the ninth floor of Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam.

The venue offers authentic Mediterranean dishes and expertly crafted drinks that capture the essence of the famous cities on the Mediterranean shore. Don’t miss their special Happy Hour offering a Buy 1 Get 1 Free deal on Classic Cocktails daily from 11am-5pm. The fun continues with DJ sets and live performances, making it a great choice for celebrating any special occasion or simply enjoying a well-deserved night out. Two standout story-filled drinks among many are the Nights in Mallorca cocktail, which captures the spirit of Spain, and the One Day in Alexandria gin creation representing Egypt.

9/F, Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam, 220 Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi. 02-209-1700. Open Daily 10am-midnight

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  • Cocktail bars
  • Sathorn
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

High above the city on the 61st floor of Banyan Tree Bangkok in Sathorn, Moon Bar offers a front-row seat to the twinkling city lights that illuminate the Thai capital.

Consistently ranked among the top rooftop bars globally, Moon Bar provides an intimate setting with a strong Thai spirit. For a truly local twist, try the Issan Coco, a crafted concoction of Issan Thai rum, coconut rum, coconut water and roasted coconut flakes. Pair it with delectable bites such as deep-fried squid larb and experience an innovative take on Issan cuisine. Open daily from 5pm-1am, Moon Bar invites guests to enjoy the evening in smart casual attire. Gussying up to see the light show is well worth the effort.

61/F Banyan Tree Bangkok, Sathon Rd, Thung Maha Mek. 02-679-1200. Open Daily 5pm-1am

  • Cocktail bars
  • Ratchaprasong
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Red Sky Bar at the 56th floor of Centara Grand at CentralWorld, is illuminated by bright red LED lights that shine through Bangkok's after-dark skyline, maintaining the venue’s bold red identity and striking decor.

One of the city’s most acclaimed rooftop bars, it offers a chic atmosphere and sweeping 360-degree views of central Bangkok. At Red Sky, mixology is elevated to an art form and every cocktail is crafted with precision, as bartenders blend the finest ingredients to create drinks that are both visually stunning and delicious. A unique drink to try while in the capital is the Thai Tea Gin and Tonic, a fusion of Thai spirit and Western classic. The dress code is smart casual and the bar is open daily from 4pm to midnight. It operates on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis but fills up quickly – so be sure to get there fast!

Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at Centralworld, 999 99 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan. 02-100-6255. Open Daily 5pm-1am

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