A visit to Bangkok wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a rooftop bar. There is hardly any other city, where you’re spoilt with as much choice as here. Even I as a Bangkok resident haven’t visited all of them. I’ve been to 9 of the 17 you’ll find in a link at the bottom of this article.
How to get to Bangkok
Bangkok has two airports. Suvarnabhumi serves the normal airlines, while Don Muang is a hub for low cost carriers. From Suvarnabhumi airport you can access the city by the rail link train, while for Don Muang a taxi is the best option. If you come from Europe and don’t want to sit an endless 10 hours in a plane, why not split up the flight into two segments of six to seven hours? Flights to Bangkok like this are available with Emirates just to give you an example.
Sofitel – L’appart
Why: The design of the place isunique
Description: Imagine this! You enter the lift in the basement, press the button for l’appart and when the door opens you feel like you are in France. Walk around to see the kitchen, dining room, library room and the living room including a bar. From the living room you can step outside, sit down, enjoy the perfect view and a cocktail served by the friendly and professional staff.
For your travel planning: Take the Skytrain/BTS to “Asok” or the subway/MRT to “Sukhumvit”. Exit on the side of Terminal 21 and walk towards Nana for 300 metres. You’ll find the Sofitel between Soi 13 and 15.
Above 11
Why: Unique architecture combined with a perfect view
Description: Above 11 offers an amazing view towards the Sukhumvit and Phloen Chit roads, really yummy cocktails and PeruvianJapanesefusion cuisine.The French manager of the place is omnipresent and I’m sure he will also say Hello to you if you go there.
For your travel planning: Take the Skytrain/BTS to “Nana”, walk into Soi 11 to its very end, turn left and then right. Enter the Fraser suites compound and go to the lift in the building’s back.
Sirocco
Why: A spectacular rooftop bar with 270 degree views
Description: Before L’appart and Above 11 opened their doors it used to be my favourite rooftop bar. And if you want to see as much of Bangkok as possible this is the place to go.Be warned! They strictly enforce their dress code.
For your travel planning: Take the Skytrain/BTS to “Saphan Thaksin”, walk north on the Charoen Krung road for 400 metres. The Lebua state tower lies at the junction with Silom Road.
Centralworld, Centara Grand – Red sky
Why: A rooftop bar with a great layout and 360 degree view.
Description: Once you have arrived make sure to walk up to the top floor to enjoy the full view. It is possible to walk a complete circle and all along the way small tables are setup to sit down and enjoy the view, while sipping your drink.
For your travel planning: Take the Skytrain/BTS to either “Chit Lom” or “Siam” and walk to Centralworld on the Skybridge. Then walk to the back of the building until you arrive in the lobby of the Centara Grand.
Millennium Hilton – Three sixty
Why: A hidden gem at the Chao Phraya river
Description: I wouldn’t have gone there, if a friend would not have recommended it. I did not even know of the place, but the Millennium Hilton has more to offer than just luxury accommodation. On its top you can sit outside and enjoy perfect views of Bangkok.And it is much more comfy than in other locations! If that isn’t enough for you, go up one floor and have a seat in their 360 degree rooftop restaurant.
For your travel planning: Take the Skytrain/BTS to “Saphan Thaksin”, then go to the hotel boat pier and wait for the next free shuttle boat to the Millennium Hilton.
Dress code
Please leave your flip-flops and women beater shirts at your hotel or hostel, when visiting those bars. Most have a dress code and some also enforce it. Jeans, a T-shirt and proper shoes will do. You don’t have to dress up business style. Nobody with flip flops, not even women, can enter Sirocco, for example. (I was once refused, because one lady in our group wore flip flops. It didn’t help, that her dress looked decent.)
Comments
12 responses to “The best Bangkok rooftop bars”
Those of where you recommended was great. Try to visit the fifth-floor rooftop terrace, the Garden located at Central Embassy in Bangkok. Here I write a blog about it, Check it out http://wheretowithprwa.tumblr.com/post/151891246911/the-garden-rooftop-terrace : ))
Hello Sireenthorn,
Looks nice. I’ve been there during the day, but never at night. There’s a similar one nearby in that red building opposite Central Chit Lom through the BTS station. The views from there are nice as well, albei in the opposite direction towards Centralworld.
We went to the SKY rooftop bar on Silom Road. Undoubtedly a stylish place but we found the place to be over rated. The view was sensational but two cocktails set us back 1,700 baht.
Dear Dei,
Thank you for your comment. You definitely don’t go to a rooftop bar to save money. 🙂
There is a nice one on top of the new Marriott near Sukhimvit and Thong Lor. Go to Thong Lor BTS, exit left side (Thong Lor side), cross the street and walk as if you are going to Soi 57 (Thong Lor is Soi 55). You will hit the Marriott in about 200 yards. Ask concierge which elevators to take. There are two floors, one rooftop, and one below with open side access (in case it rains). Drinks 300+ and some food and finger food available. Great 360 view.
Hello John,
Thank you for your comment.
I’ve been on the Marriott rooftop bar as well and I agree with you, that is is beautiful, just like all the others. Bankgok has so much choice.
At the end of thist post I linked to an article, that has the information to all about 20 rooftop bars of Bangkok.
Regards, Charles
Hi Charles, I came across your website from google search results over the sky bars in Bangkok. Good info and pictures but is it possible for you to provide some information on the prices of the menu and quality of the food? Definitely an alternative to Lebua sky bar.
Thank you
Hello Shen,
It is expensive everywhere on roof top bars! If you are price sensitive you shouldn’t go. Cocktails are between 350 to 500 THB nett depending on the location. Eating will set you back from 1500 to 5000 THB per person. Lebua is the most expensive of all sky bars as far as I know.
Dear Ralf,
Thank you for the compliments and your comment. I actually think, that all five in this article should be given a try plus also the Banyan tree. 🙂
But might be too much for people, that visit Bangkok just for a few days.
Hi Charles,
this is in fact a great selection. I tried Sofitel, Sirocco and Above Eleven. Each of them has its own specific atmosphere. So you might wish to look at all of them to find your personal favourite. My favourite in terms of view is Sirocco – it’s in fact breath-taking, not just spectacular 😉 In terms of relaxed atmosphere I prefer Above 11.
Cheers
Ralf
Dear Marie-Luise,
I with you lots of fun once you’ll be in one of the bars!
What a great selection of roof top bars. I definitely need to check one out next month when I will be in Bangkok.