14 vinyl record bars in Bangkok for good drinks and great music

What is it? A vintage bar inspired by the ’70s and ’80s, made for nursing a drink over old records rather than battling a crowd. The mood stays warm and unhurried.

Why we love it: Jazz, soul and old favourites spin on a proper turntable as low amber light falls across wooden tables and mismatched chairs. Record sleeves line the shelves behind the counter, while the volume leaves room for conversation. Cocktails are carefully made, the classics are handled well and comfort food can turn a drink into dinner.

Time Out tip: The DJ's vinyl rotation shapes the evening, so the sound changes as the night unfolds. When they are not deep into a set, staff are usually happy to talk records or take a request – provided it is behind the bar.

Soi Sukhonthasawat 32. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 5pm-midnight. Call 096 939 9544.

What is it? A small listening bar created from an empty room in an old dormitory, designed for winding down at the end of the day. Its dark walls, wooden furniture and low light lean heavily into the ’70s.

Why we love it: A different vinyl DJ takes over each night while a compact menu of drinks and plates emerges from the back. The pace is easy, with guests nursing a glass as the selector works through the sleeves. A buy-and-sell corner adds crate-digging between rounds; regulars come for the racks as much as the music, and you may leave with a rare pressing you never planned to buy.

Time Out tip: Craft beer is the strength, with around ten rotating taps spanning Thai brews, international hazy IPAs, fruit beers and witbiers. Pours generally start at B130-B150, rising according to your choice.

Soi Kanchanaphisek 6, Bang Bon. Open Wednesday-Monday, 5pm-midnight. Call 083 819 2299.

What is it? A newly opened Silom vinyl bar, hidden behind a large blue door, giving Japan’s jazz kissa tradition a contemporary spin. Inside, dark wooden counters face shelves stacked with records.

Why we love it: Even the name reveals the bar’s attention to detail. OBi refers to the slim paper band wrapped around Japanese pressings prized by collectors. That same precision runs through the warm wood, full shelves and understated atmosphere. The person handling the music is called not a DJ but a Bar Viber Viber – a host responsible for the drinks, sound and overall feel of the evening. 

Time Out tip: The Bar Viber adjusts the track selection, lighting and sound as the night develops, moving through smooth jazz, soul, city pop, funk and the occasional rare cut.

150 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd. Open daily, 6pm-1am. Contact @obi.recordbar on Instagram.

What is it? One of the first places locals mention when Bangkok’s record bars come up. Its Art Deco interior takes cues from a 1970s home studio.

Why we love it: The Bangkok skyline fills the windows after dark, while the room balances retro glamour with a contemporary edge. The main attraction is a collection of more than 6,000 blues, jazz and classical records, selected by resident DJs to suit the evening. Guests can also bring a pressing for the DJ to play. Rare whiskies from around the world and signature cocktails give the drinks list similar depth.

Time Out tip: Do not simply take a seat. Browse the stacks near the entrance, choose a record and hand it to the DJ to play during the night.

30th Floor, Rosewood Bangkok. Open daily, 6pm-midnight. Call 02 080 0030.

What is it? A vinyl bar for listeners who believe records should be heard whole, without skipping. Every album plays from beginning to end in a quiet soi off Sukhumvit 36.

Why we love it: Playing every record from the first track to last lets an album’s full arc emerge, rather than reducing it to a shuffle of singles. The unfussy room feels closer to a friend’s place than a nightspot, with a serious sound system bringing out the detail. Weekly album schedules are posted in advance, so you can choose a particular pressing and hear it alongside others who came for the same thing. It is a simple idea, thoughtfully executed.

Time Out tip: Parking on Soi Napha Sap 1 is nearly impossible, so leave the car at home. Take the BTS to Thong Lo and walk down Soi Sukhumvit 36.

Soi Sukhumvit 36 . Open Wednesday-Monday, 6pm-1am. Call 093 690 9200.

What is it? Known to regulars as Yai’s Bar, Yayyyyy Record Bar occupies a 77-year-old building on Lan Luang Road in Phra Nakhon. Find a quiet corner for a drink or talk music at the counter.

Why we love it: Resident DJs bring their own collections, while visiting selectors and record collectors regularly share their latest finds. That revolving cast has built a close-knit community where familiar faces return and conversation comes easily. The drinks keep pace, including highballs inspired by Japanese kissaten and a signature craft gin recipe that changes with the seasons. 

Time Out tip: Collectors should bring along a favourite or two. The staff and DJs enjoy sharing music with the room and may put your choice on the turntable.

146 Chakkraphatdi Phong Rd. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 6pm-midnight. Call 065 454 2343.

What is it? A bar born of the musical obsession of Tum Tokin Teekhanont, a familiar figure in the music-video and independent-festival scenes. Rare records, books and the owner’s own memorabilia fill the room.

Why we love it: The owner’s collection surrounds a small bar, giving the place the easy feel of a night at a friend’s house. Browse the vinyl, books and memorabilia between drinks, and watch for occasional secret gigs by indie artists. This combination of shop, bar and stage has attracted a small community of music lovers who treat it as a regular haunt rather than a one-off stop.

Time Out tip: Look out for Nong Khom, the resident cat, roaming the floor and greeting guests. Say hello if Nong Khom wanders over to your table.

Soi Phran Nok 6. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 5pm-midnight. Call 095 797 1917.

What is it? A bar from friends who have collected records for more than 20 years and want to show that vinyl remains part of contemporary listening, not a relic. Old and new sit side by side.

Why we love it: The room combines classic details with a current look, while records are selected to complement what is in your glass. Signature and classic cocktails join natural wines, with many drinks drawing on Thai herbs and ingredients. The pairing makes Modern-Day Culture welcoming to curious newcomers as well as committed collectors. 

Time Out tip: Try the craft cocktails built around traditional Thai herbs, botanical tea blends and old medicinal recipes. They give the list a distinct local character and pair neatly with the night’s selections.

Soi Sukhumvit 63. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 6pm-1am. Call 063 165 6895.

What is it? A second-floor vinyl bar at Josh Hotel in Ari, offering an escape from the noise in a warm, slightly mysterious room. Dark tones, a large projector and shelves of records set the scene.

Why we love it: A large projector casts images across one wall as vinyl fills the surrounding racks. Rotating DJs set the musical direction most nights, while the calendar regularly makes room for live jazz. Cocktails, food and other drinks make it easy to linger, whether you are listening closely, catching up with friends or letting a quiet evening drift.

Time Out tip: Parking on Soi Ari 4 follows an odd-and-even date system, so drivers should check which side of the street is permitted after 8pm. 

2nd Floor, Josh Hotel, Soi Ari 4 (North Side). Open Tuesday-Sunday, 6pm-1am. Call 062 942 0338.

What is it? A third-floor vinyl bar at Merchant’s Gate Songwat, bringing together records, drinks and a strong sense of place. From the street, you may spot the DJ playing on the balcony above.

Why we love it: The balcony overlooks Song Wat Road and the old town, coming into its own as the evening light softens. Take out a cocktail, tune in to the vinyl and watch the street below. The music and drinks are equally considered, making this an easy choice for an after-work  wind-down or a slow weekend afternoon. 

Time Out tip: Song Wat is one of Bangkok’s best neighbourhoods for art and food, so arrive early. Explore its cafés, galleries and street stalls before heading up to Sober Record Bar at sunset.

3/F, Merchant Gate Hotel. Open Thursday-Tuesday, 4pm-11pm. Call 089 133 1131.