lebua Hotels & Resorts
Photograph: lebua Hotels & Resorts
Photograph: lebua Hotels & Resorts

Best rooftop and sky-high bars in Bangkok

Lofty libations to luxurious views

Tita Honghirunkham
Advertising

The heat at street level in Bangkok can be punishing at times. Rise above it though and the skyline turns genuinely spectacular. Crucially, the rain rarely shows up at sunset either, which means the city stays dry most evenings throughout the year. In many ways Bangkok feels almost engineered for drinking outdoors at height.

The scene has been building for a while. Moon Bar at Vertigo opened back in 2002 and has been considered one of the world's great high-altitude bars ever since. Then The Hangover Part II landed in 2011 and put Sky Bar on just about every bucket list going. Dozens more rooftop bars followed in its wake. Two decades on, Bangkok's rooftop culture is less a passing trend and more an entire ecosystem – sky-high spectacle venues, design-led cocktail lounges, lively party bars, river-view terraces and even a few quieter park-facing spots.

So whether you're after a landmark experience, a serious cocktail above the green lung of Lumphini Park or a full evening of Nikkei cuisine 60 floors up, the city has a version of it waiting. The only real challenge is deciding which one to start with.

Here's where to go.

  • Cocktail bars
  • Sathorn
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: One of Bangkok's original sky bars and still one of its best. Moon Bar shares the 61/F of the Banyan Tree Bangkok with the Vertigo open-air grill – both sitting on a converted helipad 220 metres above the city, with a 360-degree panorama of the entire skyline. Open since 2002 and consistently ranked among the world's top ten rooftop bars.

Why we love it: Longevity and excellence rarely arrive together, but  Moon Bar has both. The cocktail programme is serious (the Vertigo Sunset and Issan Coco are perennial favourites), the views are unobstructed and the staff are widely praised for attentive but unobtrusive service. For those who book the adjacent Vertigo restaurant, the four-course set menu under open sky is among the most memorable dining experiences in the city. Walk-ins welcome – no table reservation needed for the bar.

Time Out tip: Arrive before 6pm for the best sunset views and to beat the post-seven crowd. The B800 minimum spend covers roughly two cocktails, but this is a linger-all-evening kind of place. Long trousers and closed shoes for men; dress code firmly enforced. Note: the rooftop closes in rain, so call ahead during the wet season (June-November).

61/F, Banyan Tree Bangkok, 21/100 S Sathorn Rd, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon. 02-679-1200. Open Daily 5pm-1am

  • Bangkok

What is it: The world's highest Nobu spans the top three floors of The Empire Tower in Sathorn – bar lounge on the 57/F, dining room on the 58th and the open-air rooftop terrace on the 60/F. The Nobu brand brings Chef Matsuhisa's celebrated Nikkei cuisine to what is arguably the best vantage point on the Sathorn skyline, with clear sightlines to the Chao Phraya, Bang Krachao and Lumphini Park.

Why we love it: Among 2024's rooftop openings, NOBU made the strongest impression. The three-floor design is some of the most considered work at any Bangkok rooftop and the cocktails – the Lychee Elderflower Martini in particular – match the setting. The 60/F outdoor terrace, framed by an infinity pool and a curved golden arch, genuinely feels like floating above the city.

Time Out tip: Reservations are essential – walk-ins rarely succeed on weekends. When booking, ask specifically for the 60/F outdoor terrace; that's the true rooftop level. The B800 minimum covers one drink. Smart casual; long trousers and closed shoes for men.

60/F (bar), 57–58/F (dining), The Empire Tower, 1 S Sathorn Rd, Yan Nawa, Sathon. 02-407-1654. Open Daily 5.30pm-1am

Advertising
  • Khlong Toei
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: Flashback sits on the 9/F of the Tastoria Collection Sukhumvit on Soi 20, with views of the BTS Skytrain viaduct and Sukhumvit mid-rise skyline from a sociable rooftop with a pool. The retro-neon aesthetic, ’90s music references and rotating monthly cocktails give it a distinct personality. Live bands perform regularly and the Thai-Western menu – including a northern sausage spaghetti that has developed something of a cult following – keeps guests well fed throughout the evening.

Why we love it: In a city where rooftop bars default to marble and dress codes, Flashback is refreshingly without pretension. Happy hour BOGO deals until 7pm, a pool, live music and a proper kitchen – rarely found combined at a single Bangkok rooftop. The vibe shifts naturally from casual sunset drinks into a livelier late-night scene.

Time Out tip: Happy hour runs until 7pm – arrive by 5pm to secure a table with a view before the pool crowd fills in. Handles group bookings and birthday parties well; contact in advance for large groups.

9/F, Tastoria Collection Sukhumvit, 7 Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit 20 Alley, Khlong Toei. 065-819-4478. Open Daily 4pm-1am

  • Cocktail bars
  • Langsuan
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: Two floors of rooftop character above the moneyed hush of Langsuan, The Speakeasy Rooftop Bar transports guests to a world of 1920s Prohibition-era glamour. Balancing between the 24th and 25th floors of Hotel Muse Bangkok,  the concept threads together two stories: the travels of King Rama V through Paris, London, Berlin, Rome and tributes to the golden age of travel. Up top, a glowing golden dome crowns offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline. One floor down, the Blind Pig Cigar Lounge does the opposite – dark, close and smugly cosy.

Why we love it: It's the storytelling that earns it. The European references give the place real history rather than just a mood board and the bar is home to a dedicated gin library featuring over 70 premium labels – allowing you the fun, and extravagance of personalising every sip of your very own G&T. The Blind Pig Cigar Lounge on the 24th floor feels considered rather than bolted on: an elite sanctuary of dark wood and leather, perfect for pairing rare whiskies with world-class cigars. The combination of live music, inventive cocktails, and a ‘secret garden’ terrace makes it the ultimate destination for date nights and special moments, made all the more romantic as the dome catches shimmers of golden hour sun. 

 – a high-floor retreat drawn from the spirit of classic European gentlemen's clubs – feels considered rather than bolted on: the European thread carried strictly indoors, giving you somewhere to settle into once you've had your skyline moment. At golden hour the dome catches the last of the light and the Bangkok skyline just sits there, all haze and towers, doing exactly what you came up here for.

Time Out tip: Live music runs Thursday to Saturday from 8pm – the terrace fills up quickly so get there early and let the golden hour make your photos flawless.

24/F (Blind Pig Cigar Lounge) & 25/F (Rooftop Terrace), Hotel Muse Bangkok, Autograph Collection, Langsuan Road, Lumphini. Open daily 4pm-2am. Live music Thu-Sat from 8pm



Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Charoenkrung

What is it: The bar from The Hangover Part II – and Bangkok’s most globally recognised rooftop address. Sky Bar sits on 64/F of State Tower, around 250 metres above the city, with sweeping views over the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok’s skyline in every direction. Its glowing pod shaped bar and colour shifting LEDs have helped secure a permanent spot on just about every world best list going.

Why we love it: No other Bangkok rooftop delivers quite the feeling of floating above the city with the river at your feet. It's a standing bar – drinks only, no food – which gives it an electric, effortless atmosphere that seated restaurant-style rooftops often can't match. The Hangovertini is a cheeky nod to the film's legacy. Lebua's wider destination includes two-Michelin-star Mezzaluna and the Sirocco sky restaurant, making this a reliable anchor for a full evening out.

Time Out tip: Arrive right at opening at 5pm – not 6pm as some older listings still claim – if you want a spot by the railing at sunset without the queue. Expect cocktails in the B600-900 range and note the dress code is smart casual and strictly enforced, with long trousers and closed shoes required for men.

64/F, The Dome at lebua, State Tower, 1055 Silom Rd, Bang Rak. 02-624-9555. Open Daily 5pm-12.30am

  • Rattanakosin

What is it: The rooftop bar of the boutique Sala Rattanakosin Hotel, sitting directly across the Chao Phraya from Wat Arun – the Temple of Dawn – whose tiered prang towers turn amber at sunset and glow under floodlights after dark. There's no lift; guests climb the stairs of a narrow shophouse hotel to reach a rooftop that is deliberately small and intimate.

Why we love it: This is a different kind of Bangkok rooftop – unhurried, heritage-focused and irreplaceable in what it offers. While the city's tower bars look out over modern commerce, here the vista is temples, river boats and the timeless sweep of the Chao Phraya. The cocktail menu is playful rather than grand (the Bangkok Sour and Sala Sunset are the picks) and limited seating keeps the atmosphere intimate. This is where to bring guests who want Bangkok's soul, not just its skyline.

Time Out tip: Book ahead – tables fill fast at sunset. Arrive by the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Maharaj Pier (N13) for the most fitting approach. Note the earlier closing time of 10.30pm and dress code that's far more relaxed than elsewhere on this list.

39 Maharat Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon. 02-622-1388. Open Daily 4pm-10.30pm

Advertising
  • Saladaeng

What is it: The rooftop bar of the reborn Dusit Thani Bangkok, which reopened in September 2024 after a five-year closure and complete rebuild. Occupying the Sky Level of the 39-storey tower, the bar takes its name from the restored illuminated golden spire that crowned the original hotel – now back at the building's apex and visible across the Silom skyline. The cocktail programme was created in collaboration with Tropic City, one of Bangkok's most acclaimed bars.

Why we love it: The Tropic City partnership gives Spire something most hotel rooftop bars lack: genuine bartending credibility. The terraces look over Lumphini and Benjakitti Parks, the design by architect André Fu is refined and contemporary and early reviews flag something increasingly rare on Bangkok rooftops – it's spacious and relatively uncrowded.

Time Out tip: The wider Dusit Central Park complex is worth building an evening around. Combining drinks at Spire with dinner in the development is a natural full evening out. Reservations recommended. Only those over 20 allowed after 7pm.

39/F (Sky Level), Dusit Thani Bangkok, 98 Rama IV Rd, Silom, Bang Rak. 02-200-9000. Open Daily 5pm-1am

  • Thon Buri

What is it: SIN opened in November 2024 on the 27/F of the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok, with a 500-square-metre terrace commanding a sweeping 180-degree vista of the Chao Phraya and the Bangkok skyline. Head mixologist Brian Gonzalez Fernandez leads a cocktail programme drawn from Amazonian roots and international bar culture. A private glass elevator provides direct rooftop access.

Why we love it: For pure river views, SIN may be Bangkok's best address. The perspective across the Chao Phraya – looking back at the illuminated central Bangkok skyline from the Thon Buri bank – is unlike anything found elsewhere on the circuit. The DJ roster has drawn international names and at a capacity of 80 seated or 180 standing, the venue stays intimate by Bangkok standards.

Time Out tip: The B5,000 minimum spend is per table, not per person – reasonable split across a group of three or four. Reserve well in advance for weekends and request an outer terrace edge table for the full river panorama. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

27/F, Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, 257 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Samre, Thon Buri. 02-431-9472. Open Wed-Sun 5pm-1am

Advertising
  • Cocktail bars
  • Khlong Toei

What is it: Bangkok's first rooftop bar with an urban jungle theme. Tichuca occupies the 46-50/F of the T-One Building in the Thonglor district, with its lush design, LED-lit tree, city views and tropical cocktails making it one of the most talked-about rooftops in the city. It was listed in the 2025 Asia 100 Bars.

Why we love it: The Infatuation named it one of the best rooftop bars in Bangkok and despite the crowds and the queue system, the payoff is real. Seating is on the 46/F, while floors 47 to 50 are for standing, mingling and enjoying the atmosphere – the city view gets better the higher you go. Music sets the mood – live DJs play afro or tropical house and chill beats that turn into party rhythms as night falls. The tropical cocktail menu is fun and well-priced at around B400 a drink. It's stylish without being snobby.

Time Out tip: Before you take the elevator up, you'll order, pay and get a ticket – so all you have to do is hand it to the bartender when you arrive at the perpetually crowded outdoor space. Walk up the stairs to the smaller canopy bar a couple of stories up – this is where you'll find an even more impressive view of Bangkok. Bring original ID; no copies or digital versions accepted. Age 20+.

46/F, T-One Building, Soi Sukhumvit 40, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei. Open Daily 5pm-late

  • Cocktail bars
  • Ratchaprasong
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: Red Sky occupies the 55–56/F of Centara Grand at CentralWorld, defined by its vivid crimson LED lighting scheme – visible from the Ratchaprasong streets below. The 360-degree views from the upper level take in Silom, Sukhumvit and the Victory Monument, making this one of the most centrally positioned panoramic rooftops in the city.

Why we love it: Red Sky delivers exactly what a signature hotel rooftop should: a dramatic setting, a clear visual identity, well-crafted cocktails and a central panorama. The Thai tea gin and tonic has become a signature Bangkok rooftop cocktail in its own right. The no-reservation policy and free admission are genuinely rare at this level.

Time Out tip: Red Sky opens at 4pm – earlier than most, making it ideal for the first stop of an evening in the Ratchaprasong area. No bar reservations; first come, first served. Men must wear smart trousers and no shorts, sandals or athletic wear are allowed.

55-56/F, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan. 02-100-6255. Open Daily 4pm-1am

Advertising
  • Cocktail bars
  • Thonglor
  • Recommended

What is it: Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar spans the top three floors of the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit in Thonglor – one of Bangkok's trendiest districts. The venue offers a multi-level experience, with a restaurant on the 45/F and open-air bars on the upper levels up to the 49/F. At the very top sits a 360-degree rooftop with a circular bar, offering panoramic views stretching all the way to the Chao Phraya River and along the full length of Sukhumvit.

Why we love it: Without tall buildings nearby, the sunset views are especially beautiful – and unlike many Bangkok rooftops that skew heavily tourist, Octave attracts a genuine mix of locals, expats and visitors. Service consistently receives strong praise across review platforms. The ambiance is generally described as chic, modern and lively, suitable for both romantic evenings and gatherings with friends. The multi-level format means you can move between a more relaxed restaurant atmosphere below and a livelier bar scene above over the course of one evening.

Time Out tip: Octave is slightly off the main tourist trail, meaning it's usually easier to grab a seat than at Bangkok's more central rooftops. Thong Lo BTS is steps from the door – get off at exit 3. Casual chic dress code; sportswear, flip-flops and sleeveless tops for men are not permitted.

45-49/F, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, 2 Soi Sukhumvit 57, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 02-797-0000. Open Daily 5pm-1am

  • Cocktail bars
  • Nana
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: A three-storey Nikkei restaurant, lounge and rooftop bar on 33-34/F of Fraser Suites on Sukhumvit Soi 11. The concept blends the bold ceviches and pisco culture of Lima with the precision of Tokyo, served at height with commanding views over the Sukhumvit corridor. A Soi 11 anchor for over a decade.

Why we love it: Above Eleven earns its place through consistency. The Pisco Sour programme is executed properly – not the diluted versions found at tourist-facing venues – and the kitchen's Nikkei menu holds its own. DJ nights add genuine energy: Latin rhythms on Wednesdays for Salsa and Ladies Night, hip hop on Thursdays, Afro House on weekends. The balance of food, drinks and atmosphere is hard to fault at this price point.

Time Out tip: Book a table at least two days ahead for weekends. The covered area makes it one of very few Bangkok rooftops that works in light rain – worth knowing during the wet season. Casual chic – sandals and tank tops for men are a no.

33-34/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana. 02-038-5111. Open Daily 5pm-2am

Advertising
  • Watthana

What is it: The rooftop bar of the InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit, opened in early 2025. It took gold at the 2025 Restaurants & Bars Design Awards in the Alfresco & Biophilic Design category – the year's highest international recognition for bar design. The concept centres on sustainable Thai botanicals, seasonal produce and locally sourced rare spirits.

Why we love it: Because of its design awards and genuinely good cocktails. The biophilic architecture – abundant greenery integrated into the bar's structure, natural light-filtering materials, open-air terracing – creates an atmosphere distinctly different from Bangkok's typical glass-and-steel tower tops. Its Sukhumvit location also makes it an easy stop to combine with Tichuca or Octave nearby.

Time Out tip: One of Bangkok's newest design-led venues – reservations fill quickly. The botanical cocktail menu changes seasonally; ask the bar team what's freshest on the day.

34/F, InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit, 34 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 098-279-9365. Open Daily 5pm-12am

  • Things to do
  • Saladaeng

What is it: An experimental cocktail lounge on the 44/F of the Dusit Central Park development, opened in December 2025. At 44 floors with 360-degree views over the city and Lumphini Park, it's one of the highest dedicated cocktail lounges in Bangkok. The concept is deliberately stripped back – a curated short menu, clean minimalist design, no gimmicks.

Why we love it: In a scene that has increasingly defaulted to spectacle, ÆTHER is the counterargument. The cocktail programme is tight and taken seriously. Being part of the same complex as Spire on the 39/F makes the two venues a natural pairing – sundowners below, late-night session above – one of the most considered evenings currently available on Bangkok's rooftop circuit.

Time Out tip: You can plan ÆTHER and Spire into the same evening; they're in the same Dusit Central Park building. Smart casual; the clientele tends to be fashion-forward.

44/F, Dusit Central Park, Lumphini, Sathon. Open Daily 5pm-late

Advertising
  • Nong Khaem

What is it: The rooftop dining and bar concept at the Andaz One Bangkok, opened in late 2025. The Mediterranean-inspired venue on the 23/F looks directly out over Lumphini Park, offering the unusual treat of green rather than concrete as your view. French chef Marc Vasseur leads the menu; the bar draws on European aperitivo traditions.

Why we love it: Bangkok's rooftop scene is dominated by skyline-over-concrete views. Piscari is one of very few that offers a lush green counterpoint and the park-facing perspective is genuinely calming. The Andaz brand's commitment to design and personality means the space is characterful rather than generically hotel-ish. Crudités, charcuterie, seafood and sharing plates – perfect for a long, leisurely evening.

Time Out tip: Lumphini MRT is five minutes' walk away. Book park-facing tables and arrive before 6pm for sunset over the treetops.

23/F, Andaz One Bangkok, Rama IV Rd, Lumphini. Open Daily 5pm-12pm

  • Nong Khaem

What is it: Sato San launched on New Year's Eve 2025 at the Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong. The Electric Carnival concept bridges Thai vibrancy and Japanese craft culture, with a premium spirits programme, creative cocktails and a Thai-Isaan and Japanese fusion food menu. DJ nights run Wednesday through Saturday.

Why we love it: Sato San fills a gap that long existed: a polished party rooftop in the CentralWorld zone. The 32/F provides central panoramic views across Ratchaprasong – CentralWorld, Erawan Shrine and the luxury hotel cluster all in one frame – and the Thai-Japanese carnival concept gives it a distinct, playful personality.

Time Out tip: Wednesday to Saturday DJ nights get busy quickly after 8pm. The central Ratchaprasong location makes it an easy first or last stop when the shopping district is on the agenda. Dress smart casual.

32/F, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, Ratchaprasong, Pathum Wan.  Open Daily 6pm-2am

Advertising
  • Hotels
  • Phaya Thai

What is it: View Rooftop Bar sits beside the hotel's infinity pool on the 9/F of the Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam, with views across Pratunam and Ratchaprasong. Mediterranean in concept, accessible in price – and one of the more practical stops on this list for anyone spending the day in the shopping district.

Why we love it: At 9/F, View doesn’t pretend to be a super sky high experience – but it delivers what many higher venues forget: a genuinely useful happy hour, a relaxed atmosphere and a kitchen open from 10am. The buy-1-et-1 on classic cocktails running daily from 11am to 5pm is one of the best-value deals on the Bangkok rooftop circuit. 

Time Out tip: If you're shopping in Pratunam or Ratchaprasong, View is the natural afternoon drink stop before dinner. The hotel is connected to the R Walk skywalk and is a five-minute walk from Chidlom BTS.

9/F, Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam, 220 Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi. 02-209-1700. Open Daily 10am-12.30am

  • Hotels
  • Surawong
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: The 31/F rooftop bar of the Mercure Hotel Bangkok Surawong, opened in 2025. The design draws on the neighbourhood's history as Bangkok's traditional gemstone trading district, with metallic accents, cut-jewel lighting motifs and gem-inspired cocktails using Thai spirits and local botanicals. Views span 360 degrees from the Chao Phraya to the Silom skyline.

Why we love it: Starlight is the most accessible quality option in the Silom-Surawong area – a neighbourhood previously underserved in rooftop bars. The gem concept is original without being heavy-handed, the cocktails use it cleverly rather than as a gimmick and mid-range pricing reflects the level. As the newest venue on this list, it's still building its audience – meaning quieter evenings and easy walk-in access.

Time Out tip: Being new works in your favour here; walk-ins are far more reliable than at established stalwarts. Smart casual. Closest BTS stations are Surasak or Chong Nonsi; a short taxi or around 15 minutes on foot from either.

31/F, Mercure Hotel Bangkok Surawong, Surawong Rd, Bang Rak. Open Daily 5pm-1am

Advertising

A few quick practical notes before you go

Dress codes are consistently enforced across the more formal venues – men will need long trousers and closed shoes at Moon Bar, Sky Bar, NOBU, Spire and most of the hotel tower bars. Smart casual is the safe default everywhere.

Several bars operate a minimum spend rather than an admission fee – budget B800-900 per person at most mid-range venues and considerably more at SIN. Reservations are essential at NOBU, SIN and Piscari; walk-ins work comfortably at Red Sky, Moon Bar and Flashback.

Sunset is roughly 6pm year-round in Bangkok – arrive 30 to 45 minutes ahead at any venue where the view is the point.

Recommended
    Latest news
      Advertising