Since a certain film about ten years ago, Bangkok has been inextricably linked with the "sky bar". These are bars on the roofs of skyscrapers, located so high up that you feel like you're drinking amidst the clouds.

Although I disliked the film for many reasons, it spurred the creation of dozens more such establishments, in addition to those that already existed at the time. Bangkok is probably the best place in the world today to have a drink on a rooftop terrace—unless you come from a wealthy family and Manhattan prices are second nature to you.

My guide to rooftop bars in Bangkok isn't exhaustive, as I don't want to bore you with 10,000 words or more. However, it's been carefully compiled – I've been drinking under Bangkok's clouds for a long time, long before the "Hangover" film series conquered the city.

Are Bangkok's sky bars expensive?

One of the main reasons I prefer Bangkok's rooftop bars to those in New York or Singapore? They're usually affordable. While prices have risen over the last decade, two people can easily enjoy an evening of cocktails and light meals on the roof of even one of Bangkok's most luxurious skyscrapers for under 3,000 baht (about US$100). That's something you can't say about cities in other industrialized countries.

While there are many reasons to visit https://cryptonews.com/th/cryptocurrency/how-to-buy-bitcoin-thailand/, being able to afford drinks in a rooftop bar isn't one of them. Instead, you could use your dividends for luxury hotel rooms or a shopping spree in Bangkok's world-famous malls. Alternatively, you could take a vacation on a budget and bring your investment returns home, ensuring you don't waste a single baht.

The best rooftop bars in Bangkok

Sky Bar, Lebua at State Tower, Charoen Krung

Since she appeared in the film – whose name we won't repeat here – the aptly named Sky Bar (in the Lebua building in the State Tower, near the western end of Silom Road where it flows into the Chao Phraya River) is probably Bangkok's most famous rooftop bar. Although it offers fantastic views of both the old and new parts of Bangkok, it's not my favorite due to the often large crowds.

Le Duu Kan, Sathorn

I prefer more upscale and somewhat exclusive sky bars in Bangkok, such as Le Duu Kan. This bar, which belongs to the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Duu, is located in the Empire Tower in Sathorn and is connected to the Chong Nonsi BTS station via a skybridge. Reservations are generally required, and the bars are often booked well in advance.

Vertigo and Moon Bar, Sathorn

The Vertigo Bar and the Moon Bar, located on the roof of the Banyan Tree Hotel, are slightly more centrally located than Le Duu Kan. However, they (the Vertigo is a restaurant, the Moon Bar a bar only) are often crowded, as they attract both hotel guests and visitors. Since they are closer to Lumpini Park than to Sanam Luang Road, the view from here is mostly limited to modern skyscrapers.

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    • The speakeasie, Lang Suan

    The Speakeasy Bar is one of Bangkok's most understated rooftop bars and is part of the minimalist Hotel Muse on the elegant Lang Suan Road. Nevertheless, reservations are absolutely essential. I also recommend dressing very smartly, as (as the name suggests, styled after the 1920s during Prohibition) you're unlikely to get in if you look unkempt.

    Swing bar, Rattanakosin

    Who says you can only see the modern city from a sky bar in Bangkok? While you can see the skyline of the newer part of Bangkok from the Swing Bar (which, as the name suggests, is located near Sao Ching Cha or the giant swing), the real view is of the swing itself, nestled in the charming, rugged character of Rattanakosin, the heart of Bangkok's old city.

    Ether, Silom

    What I particularly like about the new Aether bar in the Silom Central Park Tower? You're never turned away, even if you'll probably have to wander around a bit to get a table. The view from here is currently probably the best in all of Bangkok, offering an almost 360° panorama of the city, both old and new.

    Pastel, Nana

    When I received an invitation to Pastel, I was skeptical for several reasons. Firstly, it's located in Nana, which isn't exactly my favorite area in Bangkok – I doubt you'll like it either. Secondly, it's not particularly high up, being on the roof of the Aira Hotel, which itself only has 22 floors. Nevertheless, I have to say that the food (with Mediterranean influences) and drinks are fantastic, the atmosphere is much more relaxed than in many other rooftop bars, and the view of Sukhumvit Road is magnificent.

    Other places with great views of Bangkok

    You don't drink alcohol or simply don't want to dress up? No problem! Bangkok offers many other places where you can enjoy a great view:

  • Siriraj Hospital parking garage: Even if you have to be somewhat inconspicuous to get to this roof without a car, the view of the skyscrapers rising above Bangkok's old town is more than worth the effort.
  • King Power Mahanakhon: The bad news? The management is disastrous, the employees are power-hungry and enforce non-existent rules. The good news? You can relax with a drink.
  • Baiyoke Sky viewpoint: Although the Baiyoke Sky Building is no longer the tallest building in Bangkok, it still offers one of the most breathtaking views in the city.

    • Another option? Simply look out the window of the BTS Skytrain as it speeds through the city! Note that the windows at the ends of the train are most likely not covered in advertisements – take photos from there!

    More frequently asked questions about sky bars in Bangkok

    What is the most famous rooftop terrace in Bangkok?

    Thanks to its appearance in the 2011 film "The Hangover Part II," the Sky Bar at Lebua in the State Tower in the western part of Bangkok's Silom district is probably the city's most famous rooftop bar. However, it's neither my favorite bar nor objectively the best.

    Is there a dress code for rooftop bars in Bangkok?

    Bangkok's rooftop bars generally adhere to a smart casual dress code. This means, among other things, that sleeveless shirts and open shoes are not permitted for men, nor is swimwear allowed for either gender. While only a few rooftop bars completely prohibit shorts for men, you should avoid athletic shorts or ripped shorts unless you are already wearing long trousers to avoid any potential issues.

    What are the rules for the Skybar in Bangkok?

    Bangkok's rooftop bars have a smart casual dress code. Adults are generally allowed at least one drink (or another item for non-drinkers). Whether children are allowed depends on the individual bar. Reservations may be required; otherwise, expect to wait.

    Conclusion

    Not all rooftop bars in Bangkok are created equal. The famous "Sky Bar" on the roof of the Lebua in the State Tower (made famous by "The Hangover Part II") is deservedly well-known, but I prefer both lesser-known alternatives (like Cielo in Phra Khanong) and more exclusive bars like Le Duu Kan in Sathorn. To enjoy Bangkok's most beautiful views, however, you don't even need to go to a bar or have a drink. Whether you climb to the famous King Power Mahanakhon viewpoint or drive to an unassuming parking garage on the more local Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, the view is breathtaking. Need help planning your Thailand trip? Contact me!