All-Time Best
Bamboo Bar
Bamboo Bar
A legendary jazz bar at the iconic Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, the Bamboo Bar has been the city's premier live music venue since 1953. The intimate, sophisticated setting features nightly jazz performances, impeccable service, and classic cocktails crafted with precision.
Highlights
- Live jazz nightly since 1953
- Iconic Mandarin Oriental setting
- World-class cocktails
Sky Bar at Lebua
Sky Bar at Lebua
Made world-famous by 'The Hangover Part II', Sky Bar sits 63 floors above Bangkok offering breathtaking 360-degree views. The illuminated bar and dramatic cityscape create an unforgettable experience, with signature cocktails like the Hangovertini drawing crowds nightly.
Highlights
- 63rd floor panoramic views
- Featured in The Hangover Part II
- World's highest open-air bar
Vesper
Vesper
A sophisticated cocktail bar that has earned its place on the World's 50 Best Bars list. Vesper brings European elegance to Bangkok with meticulously crafted cocktails, an impressive spirits selection, and a refined yet welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Silom.
Highlights
- World's 50 Best Bars
- European-style cocktails
- Extensive spirits collection
Tropic City
Tropic City
Bangkok's premier tiki bar brings tropical escapism to Charoenkrung with its Polynesian-inspired decor, rum-forward cocktails, and playful atmosphere. The creative drinks feature house-made syrups, fresh fruits, and an impressive rum collection from around the world.
Highlights
- Bangkok's best tiki bar
- Extensive rum collection
- Tropical escapism
Teens of Thailand
Teens of Thailand
A pioneering gin bar in Bangkok's Chinatown that helped spark the city's craft cocktail revolution. The intimate shophouse setting features over 100 gins, creative botanicals, and bartenders who expertly guide guests through their extensive collection.
Highlights
- 100+ gin selection
- Pioneering Bangkok bar
- Historic Chinatown shophouse
Rabbit Hole
Rabbit Hole
A hidden speakeasy in Thonglor that requires finding the secret entrance through an unassuming facade. Once inside, discover a whimsical Alice in Wonderland-inspired space with creative cocktails, theatrical presentations, and an enchanting atmosphere.
Highlights
- Secret entrance
- Alice in Wonderland theme
- Theatrical cocktails
Smalls
Smalls
An intimate basement jazz bar in Sukhumvit that channels the spirit of New York's legendary jazz clubs. With space for just 40 guests, nightly live performances, and expertly crafted cocktails, Smalls offers an authentic jazz experience in the heart of Bangkok.
Highlights
- Nightly live jazz
- Intimate 40-seat venue
- New York jazz club vibes
Tep Bar
Tep Bar
A celebration of Thai drinking culture, Tep Bar specializes in ya dong (Thai herbal spirits), locally distilled spirits, and traditional Thai bar snacks. Live Thai folk music creates an authentic atmosphere in this beautifully restored heritage building.
Highlights
- Authentic Thai spirits
- Live Thai folk music
- Heritage building setting
Iron Fairies
Iron Fairies
A fantastical steampunk bar hidden in Thonglor where fairies supposedly craft ironworks by night. The theatrical space features hand-forged iron decorations, atmospheric lighting, live jazz, and creative cocktails in a truly unique setting.
Highlights
- Steampunk fairy tale theme
- Hand-forged iron decor
- Live jazz performances
Maggie Choo's
Maggie Choo's
A glamorous underground speakeasy beneath the Novotel Silom, Maggie Choo's recreates 1930s Shanghai with its opulent red-and-gold decor, live cabaret performances, and seductive atmosphere. DJs and live acts keep the energy high late into the night.
Highlights
- 1930s Shanghai glamour
- Live cabaret performances
- Underground speakeasy
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Bangkok bars open from 6pm-midnight or 1am on weekdays, with extended hours until 2am on weekends. Rooftop bars typically open earlier (5pm) to catch sunset. Some entertainment zones have later closing times. Note that Thai law prohibits alcohol sales from 2-5pm and after midnight in most areas, though many bars operate past midnight.
The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20 years old. ID may be required at upscale venues and clubs. Foreign passports or Thai ID cards are accepted forms of identification.
Tipping is not mandatory in Bangkok but is appreciated. At cocktail bars and hotel bars, a 10-20 baht tip per drink or 10% of the bill is generous. Many upscale venues add a service charge automatically. Check your bill before adding additional tips.
Most rooftop bars in Bangkok enforce a smart casual dress code. Men should avoid shorts, sleeveless shirts, and flip-flops. Closed-toe shoes are often required at venues like Sky Bar. Women have more flexibility but beachwear is not permitted. When in doubt, opt for smart casual attire.
Bangkok offers excellent value compared to Western cities. Craft cocktails range from 250-400 THB ($7-12) at most bars, while hotel and rooftop bars charge 400-700 THB ($12-20). Local beers start from 80-150 THB ($2-4). Happy hours (5-8pm) offer significant discounts at many venues.
Ya dong is traditional Thai herbal liquor made by infusing rice whisky with herbs, roots, and spices. Each recipe is believed to have medicinal properties. Try authentic ya dong at Tep Bar in Chinatown, where you can sample various infusions alongside traditional Thai bar snacks and live folk music.