Party in Style: The Best Iconic Rooftops in Bangkok

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world – Bangkok – is famous for its year round, al fresco, rooftop bars. The tropical climate allows visitors to admire the sunset on the horizon of this vast South East Asian city and feel the energy and vibe of this exotic megapolis.

Amazing top view of Bangkok

As the sun sets in Bangkok at around 6 pm year round, it is advisable to start your journey to a rooftop early as, in rush hour, around 5-8 pm, the city’s roads are jammed with traffic and move very slowly. There are sky trains and metro routes which go quite close to the rooftop bars. I suggest going by train and then taking a taxi, motorcycle taxi or walking the final leg. All of the rooftop bars have strict dress codes, no flip-flops or trekking sandals and no beach- or sportswear, like sleeveless shirts or shorts for men. Think urban fashionable chic and you will feel at home among the other global travellers.

Recent years have seen new rooftop bars popping up, as the concept has proven popular. No one wants to sit in a closed room when a warm breeze and breathtaking view is available. TripTemptation recommends four iconic, high-rise, open-air rooftop bars:

Vertigo restaurant and bar view

Sitting on top of Banyan Tree Hotel’s clock cabinet-shaped skyscraper, this is Asia’s first open-air rooftop bar and it is still going strong. Compared to other bars, it can feel a bit cramped and small, as sitting at the bar and in the restaurant area means practically rubbing elbows with the other patrons. However, this makes it easy to start conversations and get into friendly chats with the other people there.

For people afraid of heights, the stairs up to and down from the rooftop might feel scary; also the hotel air con makes a considerable noise. However, the fantastic panoramic view of the sunset and the bustling city below, combined with an easy-going atmosphere, makes this experience worthwhile and certainly memorable.

Address: 21/100 Banyan Tree Hotel, South Sathon Road, Bangkok 10120

Phone: +662 679 1200

Hours: Bar open · 5PM–1AM

Closest MRT (metro station) Lumpini, closest BTS (skytrain) station Chong Nonsi

Sirocco restaurant night view

The Hollywood movie sequel, The Hangover II, made the already hugely popular and frequently internationally awarded Sky Bar globally famous. Since opening in 2004, this round, colour-changing corner bar on the 63rd floor has had a steady flow of customers enjoying the panoramic view of both sides of Bangkok, divided by the majestic, silvery, snake-like River of Kings, Chao Praya. We swear there is an energy column that starts underneath this tower and flows through the circular rooftop bar! People suddenly feel happy for no apparent reason, the lives, loves and aspirations of all the people in Bangkok channel up like a whirlpool and touch you without explanation. You feel empowered while at this bar.

Unfortunately, since The Hangover II, the bar has been hit by a never-ending pilgrimage of tourists and it can feel like you’re trapped in a very expensive train at rush hour. The global travellers here are friendly to each other but people tend to chat with the people they came with and do not necessarily make new friends.

Sirocco Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine. The setting, with white flowing tablecloths, is as romantic as it is luxurious.

Distil Bar, one floor up, also has a balcony where one can lie on the sofa and enjoy looking up at the stars.

Address: The Dome at Lebua 63rd Floor, 1055/42 Silom Road, Bangrak, 10500

Phone: +662 624 9999

Hours: Bar open · 6PM–1AM

Closest BTS (skytrain) station Saphan Taksin, closest MRT (metro station) Sala Daeng

Above Eleven rooftop bar

The first rooftop bar in the Sukhumvit district, on top of the Fraser Suites Hotel, is the most popular viewpoint for Bangkok locals as well as tourists and is always busy. Advance booking for the viewing tables at the bar is strongly recommended! Unlike Moon Bar and Sky Bar, the Sukhumvit area is full of other entertainment venues one can walk to after drinks. There are numerous bars, bistros, restaurants and nightclubs at Sukhumvit Soi 11 alone.

Above Eleven offers a soothing sunset view of Bangkok’s Silom and Sathorn centres. The seating is comfortably spaced so the atmosphere is very suitable for romantic dates, or friendly get-togethers. The ambience on the rooftop is light-hearted and happy, with mood setting beats from top DJs. Every Wednesday is salsa night and special price mojitos are offered to ladies. The restaurant serves Peruvian food, which has a strong Japanese influence. The sushi bar on the main level which produces strong smells of frying is our only complaint about Above Eleven.

Overall, the prices at Above Eleven are more affordable than at other rooftops. It also has a mezzanine level with a bar and restaurant tables, and the actual rooftop which is a popular gathering point for youthful travellers.

Address: 38/8 Soi Sukhumvit 11, Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Vadhana, Bangkok, 10110

Phone: +668 3542 1111

Hours: Open · 6PM–2AM

Closest BTS (skytrain) station Nana, closest MRT (metro station) Sukhumvit

Breezy Octave bar view

On the top levels of the Marriott Hotel at Sukhumvit Soi 57, Octave’s rooftop bar recreates Sky Bar's colour-changing cylindrical shape, and offers a panoramic view of Bangkok’s east side and Sukhumvit road’s constant stream of car lights.

There are a few balcony levels at Octave Bar which offer bar and table seating.

This bar has ample space, which makes it suitable for friends to get together before catching “One Night in Bangkok” fever. The DJs play funky music, and the nearby entertainment area of Thonglor offers bars, discos, clubs and restaurants within walking distance. Customers are the local hi-so youth, expats, as well as global travellers.

Address: 2 Sukhumvit Road Soi 57, Bangkok 10110

Phone: +662 797 0140

Closest BTS (skytrain) station Thonglor, closest MRT (metro station) Sukhumvit

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I am originally from Estonia, but have been living in Bangkok for 19 years. I first moved here with my now ex-boyfriend. I have published three books on Thailand, in Estonian and English, and have written numerous articles on Thailand, as well as other SE Asian countries. Currently, I write stories for the travel column in Eesti Ekspress weekly newspaper and I design dresses for the fashion label, Donna Nordica.

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