BK's big list of Bangkok's 42 best rooftop bars

By BK staff
| Apr 17, 2024

This exhaustive list of rootfop bars in Bangkok was made in conjunction with the BAD (Bangkok After Dark) Awards for 2024, sponsored by Beam, Seara Sports Systems, Okonomi, Flow Inter, Chalong Bay, X Rated Fusion Liqueur, and OG Kratom. The BAD Awards are decided by the staff of BK Magazine and a panel of carefully chosen voters from the city’s nightlife spots, F&B industry, journalists, and influencers.

Follow this link to find all the winners as well as finalists for the categories, and stay tuned for next year’s event as BK starts making notes for BAD 2025.

Bar Yard

Taking home top honors at the 2024 BAD Awards for the second year in a row, Bar Yard is the one to beat. Situated on the 40th floor of the Kimpton Maa-Lai, this tropical escape is fitted with a day club and rooftop bar. The atmosphere is a tiki bar combined with an American backyard BBQ that eventually turns into a garden party. With tropic-inspired decor, this day-to-night spot is mellow and relaxing, with a view of Lumpini Park. The food is a twist on the classic barbeque with signature farm-to-table dishes. For drinks, think tiki cocktails and beers on tap. DJs hit the decks on the reg, playing everything from electro-funk to contemporary hip-hop. Stay up-to-date with their monthly themed events, such as Paella Sundays or Taco Tuesdays.

40/F, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, Soi Ton Son, 02-056-9999. Open daily 4pm-late.

Tichuca

Tichuca is a fun, multi-level rooftop bar with a jungle décor inspired by South Africa. The bar provides an escape into lush foliage and tropical feels. There are three levels decked out with wooden furniture, rattan chairs, flora, and a massive LED-lit tree that sways behind the bar. Indulge in a menu of signature tiki drinks like the Pineapple Mule or Vietnamese Guava, and you can expect huge line-ups as the night unfolds. For the ultimate experience, we recommend arriving around opening for the sunset.

46/F, T-One Building, Sukhumvit Soi 40, 065-878-5562. Open daily 5pm-late.

Above Eleven

Head up to Bangkok’s sky-high Peruvian-Japanese rooftop restaurant and bar in Bangkok for panoramic sunset views, zesty pisco sours, and innovative fusion cocktails. They provide Nikkei food, a combination of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine, so be sure to try the ceviche sampling plate, tacos, or the South American grilled platter. The rooftop's sleek and fashionable design draws inspiration from Central Park in New York City, and the space is outfitted with artificial grass, wooden structure trees, neon blue and pink lights, a maze, and, to top it all off, a bathroom with a view of the Bangkok cityscape.

32/F, Fraser Suites, 38/8 Sukhumvit Rd., 083-542-1111. Open daily 6pm-late.

Anju Korean Rooftop Bar - NEW

Anju Korean Rooftop Bar is Bangkok's first and tallest Korean rooftop bar. Located on the 31st floor of the Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, this spot offers panoramic views of Bangkok's cityscape. The bar plays true K-pop music for K-pop fans, and the menu includes Korean comfort foods such as cheese tteobokki, shrimp ramyun, sizzling hot stir-fried baby octopus, and fried chicken. Drinks include distinctive cocktails made with Korean spirits and infusions of savory ingredients. “Anju” means “food eaten with alcohol," and it doesn't disappoint.

31/F Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, 68 Langusan, 02-796-8888. Open daily 5pm-late.

Seen Restaurant and Bar

Seen does rooftop dining and drinking in style, occupying the top of Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel for those of you willing to cross the river for your views.. This rooftop restaurant and bar floats high above the Chaophraya and serves international fusion cuisine and innovative cocktails from award-winning chefs and bartenders. For food, try the Black Angus beef cheek or the grilled maine lobster spaghetti. For drinks, there's the Asmodeus, which features durian sous vide with Bacardi Ocho rum, and the Satan, which is spicy from Tabasco but fruity from pineapple and mango. The rooftop spans two stories, with the 26th floor serving as an indoor-outdoor restaurant and lounge, and the 27th floor features an open-air rooftop bar.

26-27/F, Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, 257, Charoennakorn Rd., 02-431-9492. Open daily 11am-late.

ABar Rooftop

Too many rooftops allow stunning views to be let down by substandard drinks. That’s not the case here. Sit downstairs for dark spirits or upstairs for the 50-plus labels of gin, all of which can be paired with the tonic of your choosing. Their chairs with built-in air-conditioning always get us, plus their events schedule is packed with tastings, live music and even pop-up cinemas.

38/F, Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-059-5999. Open daily 5pm-1am.

Aesop’s - New

Relocating to their plush and extremely well-designed new space in Thonglor, the plate-smashing Greek food specialists at Aesop’s took special brand of partying to the rooftop late in 2023. The new location promises a view over Benjakitti park on the 25th floor rooftop, with interior design taking a cue from Athens. Pop around to check out the high ceilings, marble accents, Greek-style columns, and statues throughout.

25/F Column Bangkok Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 16. 062 567 7751. Open daily 5pm-midnight.

Aire Bar

Hyatt Place enters the rooftop-bar fray with this no-frills, Benjasiri Park-view venue that’s ideal for after-work drinking. All signature cocktails are B280, which in the world of rooftop bars is a steal—try the North Star, a fruity, Plantation Pineapple, pomegranate and bitters. The list of 30 wines also does not disappoint.

28/F, Hyatt Place, 22/5 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02- 055-1234. Open daily 5pm-1am.

AmBar

Now known for their big bachata events every Sunday, AmBar is the place to be on Sukhumvit Soi 15. Perched on the top floor of the new Four Points Hotel, amBar is aiming to be the locus of a swank and chic scene, attracting beautiful people from the nearby bars in Soi 11.

8/F, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 15, Bangkok, 02-309-3113. Open daily 3pm-1am.

Bangkok Heightz

This 39-story-high undercover lounge bar aims to bring Thai “street food” to a rooftop setting. Alongside the fancified versions of Thai classic dishes, the signature cocktails also play around with a lot of local flavors. While the place is a bit small, the ceiling low, and the vibe dark, there are some good cocktails at a fair price to be had.

39/F, The Continent Hotel, 413 Sukhumvit Rd. 02-867-7000. Open daily 5pm-2am.

Brewski

This beer bar offers 30th-floor views of Sukhumvit. Along with a free and easy party atmosphere, Brewski offers an international selection of beers, with choices ranging from American craft beers to Belgian classics. There's also a decent selection of ciders (try the Zeffer Crisp Green Apple Cider from New Zealand) and Thai-style bar munchies like sai krok Isaan (Thai-style pork sausages with fresh chili, ginger, and peanuts).

30/F, Radisson Blu Plaza, 486 Sukhumvit Soi 27, 02-302-3333. Open daily 5pm-1am.

Cactus

Yen Akat is getting livelier by the minute. Here you get to enjoy big trees and low-rise building views. The bar maintains a connection with the greenery through a glass wall, so you don't feel trapped in a boxy room like most cocktail bars. The drinks are tasty and easy to down, which goes hand-in-hand with the easy-going vibe this sports bar.

4/F 15 Yen Akat Rd., 083-437-3515. Open daily 5pm-midnight.

Char

Over at the grill at this rooftop bar, they cook up some amazing beef from Australia's Darling Downs. Char takes up the top two stories of Hotel Indigo, with a stylish dining room downstairs and the rooftop bar up above to benefit from those amazing views across Bangkok's greenery.

26/F, Hotel Indigo, 81 Wireless Rd. 02-207-4999. Open Mon-Sat 6-10:30pm.

Cheals Bar - NEW

The rooftop bar atop the Ari district's tallest skyscraper has opened for business. Cheals Bar is a cityscape bar that offers a view from its 34th level. With a wide range of meals and beverages, this is the place to be in an area of town that’s not known for its rooftop hangs. There’s live music entertainment and DJs performing every day and bands performing every Friday and Saturday.

428, Phahon Yothin Road., 081-104-1601, Open daily 5pm-late.

Cielo Sky Bar & Restaurant

When you think of rooftop bars, you probably think of the downtown CBD, but don’t forget there’s a good one in Phrakanong. Head up to the 46th floor and catch the sunset far from the early 20s English teachers on Tinder dates at W District. Here you’ll find a chilled-out vibe and dishes with happy hour promotions most days.

46-47/F, Le Luk Condominium, 1595/500 Sukhumvit Rd., 081-916-4270. Open daily 5:30pm-midnight.

Cocoa XO

This new cognac bar comes with an all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet in the sky. Located a floor below Cru Champagne and above Red Sky, you could spend an evening here just moving up and down the stairs hopping between the three skyhigh rooftop bars. The seating areas are placed by the edge and go around almost in a circle, so you’ll be able to take in the view and the breeze from anywhere you sit.

57/F, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-6255. Open daily 4pm-1am.

Cooling Tower

Carlton Hotel’s rooftop bar sits on the 34rd floor above on Sukhumvit Road where you can sit back and escape the unusually long Asoke intersection traffic light down below while taking in the view. They offer happy hours every day from 5-6:30pm and the menu is two-pages long for buy-one-get-one from cocktail to wine to beer.

34/F, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 491 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-090-7888. Open daily 5pm-midnight.

Cru Champagne

The bar is located on what used to be a helicopter landing pad on top of the five-star hotel Centara Grand at CentralWorld. Access Cru from a little elevator at Red Sky, which drops you right on top of the hotel, where you get a stunning, 59th-floor, 360-degree view of Bangkok. The drinks list is all about Champagne, so come prepared to order a bottle of G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut.

59/F, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-1234. Open daily 5pm-1am.

Escape

The Swanky EmQuartier dedicates some fifth-floor, mall-top space to a venue that’s part tapas bar, part tiki bar, and wholly committed to its “downtown beach club” theme. Instagram-ready nooks litter the huge, tropical-plant and pink-flamingo festooned area.

5/F, The EmQuartier, 693, 695 Sukhumvit Rd., 063-816-6969. Open daily 5pm-midnight.

Japan-ish - NEW

The outdoor rooftop area of this bar is not the most memorable on this list, but this spot is bringing fresh bites and fun events to Bangkok’s skies. The new space, Japan-ish, blends Spanish restaurant elements with upscale izakaya vibes. Headed by Chef Jesus Pascual from the 3-star Michelin restaurant Arzak in Spain, the venue’s menu will feature robata grilling, sushi, sashimi, and large sharing plates.

155, 23-24, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 662-253-2000. Open daily 5:30-late.

Luz - NEW

On Nut isn’t the first place you think of when you hear “rooftop restaurant.” But that’s changing. Sitting on the 33rd and 34th floors of the Innside Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit by Melia, Luz Tapas Bar is the brainchild of Chef de Cuisine Laia Ferrer, bringing her Barcelona heritage to life through Thai ingredients and Spanish flavors. The venue, which opened mid-September in 2023, offers two spacious areas: the Luz terrace and the Luz rooftop.

Innside Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit By Melia, 1472, Sukhumvit Road., 02-340-5499. Open daily 4pm-12am.

Nest Rooftop Lounge

This rooftop bar sits on the 9th floor above the craze of Sukhumvit Soi 11 and offers a 360-degree view. They offer a longer happy hour promotion than usual (four hours instead of the usual two), and drinks vary depending on the day.

9/F, Le Fenix Hotel 33/33 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 063-901-1006. Open daily 6pm-2am.

Octave

A rooftop bar with the added bonus of being right by Thonglor, this place is our favorite diversion for out-of-town friends when they start mumbling “skybar.” Cocktails don’t come quite at street-level prices, but you do get a stunning view of downtown Sukhumvit, coupled with an upbeat crowd of tourists.

45/F, Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, 2 Sukhumvit Soi 57, 02-797-0000. Open daily 5pm-2am.

Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost brings tropical vibes to a district sorely lacking good nightlife venues. Recalling 1960s Miami, the lower floor is completely awash in candy pink and dotted with lush green plants. We recommend grabbing one of the circular, sunset-facing booths or daybeds to enjoy a refreshing cocktail.

25/F, Siam@Siam Design Hotel, 865 Rama 1 Rd., 02-217-3000. Open daily 5pm-1am.

Park Society/Hi-So

This rooftop serves up one of Bangkok’s most stunning sunset scenes—looking straight over Lumphini Park and onto the gleaming skyscrapers of Ploen Chit. Maybe that’s why it’s one of the few spots that attracts a local crowd, one that likes to knock back Champagne and smoke cigars while reposed on the almost-too-comfy scarlet daybeds. Oh, and they give out enough complimentary cashews and olives to make you say, “screw dinner.”

29/F, So Sofitel Hotel, 2 North Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. Open daily 5pm–midnight.

Pastel

Sukhumvit Soi 11 welcomes another rooftop bar on the 22nd floor serving both city view and Mediterranean food. It also comes with a live band most nights plus some entertainment like live percussion shows and many shots to pass around.

22/F, Aira Hotel, 14 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 095-703-5679. Open daily 5pm-1am.

Red Sky

The 55th-floor view from Centara’s rooftop puts this bar in the same league as other high flyers, like Vertigo at the Banyan Tree. Al fresco dining and drinking takes place under a swooping, red-lit arch, while chef Christian Ham’s seasonal menus spotlight classic, rich steak dishes. Don’t miss the truffle-infused wagyu beef tenderloin Rossini—a menu staple and proven crowd pleaser.

55/F, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-6255. Open daily 6-11:30pm.

Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant

Perched 37 floors above Silom with river views to boot, this wine bistro combines well-executed French comfort food, chargrilled Aussie steaks and a long, long wine list into one sleek yet affordable package. The charcuterie and cheese platters also come highly recommended—just be sure to book well ahead for a spot on the terrace.

37/F, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd., 096-860-7990. Open daily 5pm-midnight.

Siwilai City Club

This vast complex of restaurants and bars whips out refreshing tropical cocktails amidst the airy view of Phloen Chit’s neighborhood. Order the grilled pineapple iced tea (with double-roasted chili and cinnamon syrup) or go with its original twist on classic spirit-forward drinks like the Black Pearl Old Fashioned instead. The venue also boasts amazing musical acts on a regular basis.

5/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5631. Open daily 11am-midnight.

Sky On 20

Maybe the most chilled out—and definitely the best value—rooftop bar in the city, this is the kind of place we wish could remain a secret. Here you can expect legitimately affordable cocktails on a rooftop that are actually good, plus a low-key house soundtrack and room to breathe.

26/F, Novotel Bangkok, 19/9 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-009-4999. Open daily 5pm-1am.

The Speakeasy

This rooftop cocktail lounge takes you back to the jazz age. The two-story space sports prohibition era-inspired decor, featuring lots of dark woods and Art Deco touches. A balcony on the 24th floor lets you take in 180-degree views of Bangkok’s business district, while an alfresco rooftop offers a more leisurely atmosphere.

24-25/F, Hotel Muse Bangkok Langsuan, 55/555 Lang Suan Rd., 02-630-4000. Open daily 6pm-1am.

Spectrum Lounge & Bar

Spread over three levels and 280 sqm, Spectrum can accommodate almost 300 people. The inviting indoor living room comes with a sky blue velvet carpet, a glowing gold fretwork ceiling, a black marble bar and Thai artwork. Their drink promotion of two-hour free-flow house wine for B999 is a steal.

29-31/F, Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, 1 Sukhumvit Soi 13, 02-098-1234. Open daily 5:30pm-1am.

Tribe - New

When Emsphere opened, we got a whole new way to party on a rooftop. Tribe Sky Beach Club is a stylish tropical beach oasis and Bangkok’s only sky beach club. Doors open at 11am, and guests can enjoy a day party or a swim in the sprawling pool spilling over Bangkok’s skyline. Don’t worry if you forgot your swimwear. They have swimsuits and complimentary towels available. The pool area includes day beds and a swim-up bar.

5/F Emsphere, 628, Sukhumvit Rd., 062-595-6046, Open daily 11am-late.

Tulum Sky Bar - NEW

Drawing inspiration from the coastal town of Tulum, also known as the summer haven for the elite. Tulum Sky Bar stands as Bangkok’s newest jungle rooftop bar, located on the 29th floor of Movenpick Ekkamai. The expansive rooftop bar pays homage to the Mexican Caribbean, featuring sculptures reminiscent of the Mayans and adorned with Aztec patterns on the walls, thatched light fixtures, and hanging vines. For entertainment there’s DJs spinning tropical tracks and jungle style performances featuring pole dancing, Latin moves and fire shows. Drinks are mostly tequila based, like the Aztec Fire Potion that’s fired up with tabasco to compliment the tequila and milk punch. For something lighter, try the fruity Cenote Caramel Splash with Jose Cuervo, pineapple, passionfruit, and salted caramel.

29/F, Movenpick Ekkamai, 559, Sukhumvit Soi 62., 82-973-0275. Open daily 5pm-late.

UFO - NEW

A fairly new addition to the skies of Bangkok, opening late in 2023, UFO is a rare plant-based rooftop party experience. UFO is colorful (to say the least) and found on the rooftop of Una Una building—a riot of bright design and 20% off from 3-7pm for those of you chasing the sunset. Here, the healthy set can find natural wines and creative plant-based cuisine to chase their buzz.

5/F, Una Una Building, Sukhumvit Soi 11, Open daily 6pm-late.

Vanilla Sky Rooftop

Decked out with LED lights, Vanilla Sky gives off a fancy sky bar atmosphere but remains easy-going. Gin and tonics take a starring role in the cocktail menu, with some unusual flavors in the mix—think peppermint and passionfruit or chestnut and chamomile. While here, be sure to visit sister bar Mojjo, which serves rum-heavy drinks amid a Cuban theme a few floors below.

35/F, SkyView Hotel, 12, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-011-1111. Open daily 6pm-1:30am.

Vertigo and Moon Bar

Legendary for its heart-stopping 61-story views of the scattered city lights, Moon Bar was one of the first rooftop places in town and it’s still hard to beat the vertiginous 360-degree views offered up by this small al fresco bar atop the Banyan Tree Hotel. If you can stomach the feeling that you're at a tourist trap (and the accompanying prices), the views are indeed spectacular.

61/F, The Banyan Tree, 21/100 Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200. Open daily 5pm-1am.

Wallflowers Upstairs

You’ll feel like you’re entering the secret garden as you ascend the creaky wooden staircase that leads to this rustic rooftop bar. Through a maze of hanging plants, flower tube chandeliers, exposed brick walls, fairy lights, and wooden ladders, you’ll be met with international dishes and Garden of Eden-themed cocktails.

Rooftop/F, Oneday Wallflowers, 37-39-41 Soi Nana, 094-661-7997. Open Thu-Sun 6pm-midnight.

Yao Rooftop Bar

Sip on botanical cocktails at this Shanghainese-inspired spot whilst taking in the Silom-Sathorn skyline. Drinks come in stunning colors, like the fresh green Sweet Little Jade—blended with Midori, kiwi, lime, vodka, and prosecco—the Deep Purple Shanghai, and The City Upon the Sea, which gains its hue from butterfly pea.

32/F, Marriott Hotel The Surawongse, 262 Surawong Rd., 02-088-5666. Open daily 5pm-midnight.

Zoom Sky Bar

One of the lesser talked about sky lounges in Sathorn, an area absolutely rammed with rooftop bars, pull up a seat at Zoom Sky Bar on the 40th floor of the JC Kevin Hotel and watch the bustling Narathiwas road below and enjoy buy-one-get-one happy hour promotions between 5:30-7:30pm daily on all cocktails from B370—meaning you end up paying B185 per glass for the likes of apple martinis, cosmos, Singapore slings, margaritas and about 17 more options.

40/F, JC Kevin Sathorn Bangkok Hotel, 36 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd., 02-210-9000. Open daily 5:30pm-midnight.

BK BAD Awards 2023 is available as a free booklet inserted in BK Magazine issue number 826 (Mar 31) and an online version here.