One Night in Bangkok: The Best Rooftop Bars

I’ll make this post short, since I’m not an expert on Bangkok! I like the city, but it’s so overwhelmingly large that I need a few more visits before I can write more comprehensively about it.

With that said, I know people wind up in Bangkok for the night on a layover. If you’re looking for something to do to get a feel for the city, I’d suggest checking out some of the city’s rooftop bars.

The beautiful views will include modern skyscrapers and the old temples and historic sites Bangkok is known for.

Rooftops With the Best Bangkok Views

This is subjective, but for me, it doesn’t get much better than the view from the rooftop bars across the Chao Phraya River from the famous Wat Arun (temple).

The temple is gleaming in gold after dark, and you can enjoy the view across the river from a series of rooftops.

Temple Wat Arun, from the Eagles Nest rooftop bar in Bangkok

Tell your driver to take you to Tah Tian Pier. Or take the subway/metro (Blue Line) to Sanam Chai.

Down an alley, off the main street, you’ll find a series of rooftop bars. They’re relaxed and have amazing views.

The two I’d recommend are the Eagle’s Nest and Sala.

They’re located down an alley, a block up from the river. Both are perfect for photos. Here’s the view from the Eagle’s Nest, which requires a climb up 5 flights of steps:

People taking photos from the rooftop bar Eagle's Nest in Bangkok

Sala is next door:

Sala, a rooftop bar on the river in Bangkok

Other rooftop bar options in the same area include:

TYME Rooftop
Amorosa
Above Riva

Hotel Rooftops

Bangkok is home to a number of high-rise hotels, and many of them have rooftop bars and restaurants which are open to the public.

The Speakeasy (Hotel Muse)

The Speakeasy is a unique rooftop bar, up on the 24th floor of the Hotel Muse. The entire hotel is 1920s-themed.

At the rooftop bar, the staff is dressed to impress, and each signature cocktail comes with a Prohibition-era story behind it.

I also love the way each drink is served. Even the glasses of wine come in a glass jar.

A glass of wine at the rooftop bar at the Hotel Muse in Bangkok

Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar (Marriott Sukhumvit)

Up on the 49th floor, the Octave offers 360-degree panoramic views of Bangkok.

Yào Rooftop Bar (Bangkok Marriott The Surawongse)

This is a two-floor rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River and Old Town.

More of Bangkok’s Top Rooftops

A few more to choose from! I’ll start with a few at Bangkok’s famous Lebua at State Tower. It’s a 5-star, all-suite luxury hotel.

1. Sky Bar at Lebua (State Tower)

Known from The Hangover Part II
360-degree skyline views

2. Breeze (Lebua State Tower)

A slightly more relaxed rooftop compared to Sky Bar.

3. Sirocco (Lebua State Tower)

Mediterranean restaurant and bar on the 63rd floor with sweeping panoramic views.

4. Moon Bar at Banyan Tree

Located adjacent to the Vertigo restaurant

5. Vertigo & Moon Bar (Banyan Tree)

High-class, open-air rooftop dining and drinking experience.

6. Le Duu Kan (Empire Tower, Sathorn)

Associated with a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Reservation-only access.

7. Cielo Sky Bar (Phra Khanong)

A more spacious view of the Bangkok skyline in a less touristy area.

Wrap: Bangkok’s Rooftop Bars

If I’m in Bangkok briefly, a night at a rooftop (or two) is the perfect way to relax.

I’m more of a fan of the casual, non-fancy spots. In addition to the views, the cocktail prices are pretty good! They’re in the $10 to $12 range, whereas similar views in New York or other world-class cities would usually come with $30 drinks!

Cheers, and let me know what I should add to my list for my next visit!