The Bamboo Bar

What is it? One of Asia's most legendary jazz bars lives inside the Mandarin Oriental under the name The Bamboo Bar. This venue stands as a living archive of Thailand's jazz scene, and the decor reflects classic luxury with leopard prints and rattan chairs that evoke the elegance of the colonial era. 

Why we love it: The live music here represents the height of refinement, plain and simple. The bar regularly hosts world class musicians and powerful vocalists who perform jazz standards and bossa nova with the kind of skill that makes you forget to check your phone. There's something about hearing proper talent in a space this beautiful that just works. The atmosphere manages to feel both grand and intimate at the same time, which is no easy trick to pull off. You're treated like you belong there from the moment you walk in, even if it's your first visit. It's the sort of place that reminds you why live music in an exceptional setting beats streaming at home every single time.

Time Out tip: Beyond the exceptional sound, the cocktails are genuinely world renowned, showcasing creative blends that incorporate Thai ingredients flawlessly. 

48 Oriental Ave. Open daily 5pm-1am