Too often hotel bars ride the line between tourist traps and high-priced drinks on a roof. But there are plenty of places in Bangkok that are using doling out drinks with style, talent, and a little something extra. 

This list 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. 

Best Hotel Bar 2024

Winner: BKK Social Club

This Four Seasons’ crown jewel and winner of Best Hotel Bar at the 2024 BAD Awards needs no introduction, garnering international plaudits year after year. It’s the spot to get glammed up and slip right into the luxurious belle epoque interior. Led by bar manger Philip Bischoff, who honed his skills at Singapore’s Manhattan Bar, the signature cocktails are an homage to Buenos Aires, a city that shares Bangkok’s melting pot of culture and electric nightlife scene. Go for the design, stay for the cocktails. 

Four Seasons Bangkok, 300/1, Charoen Krung Rd, 02 032 0888. Open daily 5pm-midnight.

Finalist: The Loft

Everything is more seductive at The Loft. Set in the prestigious Waldorf Astoria, the venue takes notes from New York City bars and gives a stylized nod in their exotic art deco fixtures. A breathtaking view from the 56th floor above Bangkok is paired together with a stellar cocktail menu created by bar manager Song Terbsiri. You’ll find the design to be sleek and elegant in the extreme, pairing the glittering view and quality tipple with a mirrored bar and bronze staircase you won’t soon forget.

Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, 151 Ratchadamri Rd, 02-846-8851. Open Sun-Thurs 5pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 5pm-late.

Finalist: Lennon's

If you’re into music, whiskey, and cocktails, this is the place to be. Perched at the top floor of the Rosewood Hotel, the speakeasy-like spot boasts a vinyl shop interior that houses a collection of 6,000 records. The space opens to a 70s inspired lounge with spiral staircases leading up to a more intimate area. Keeping with the music theme, the drinks are also named after world famous tunes, and if a DJ is spinning you can take your picks from the walls.

Rosewood Bangkok, 1041/38 Phloen Chit Rd, 02-080-0030. Open 6pm-midnight.

W Lounge

Officially launching earlier this year, this brand new and convenient Sathorn space at W Bangkok is turning heads with a communal space fueled by chic style and vermouth. The first ever vermouth bar in Bangkok, W Lounge is making its mark with signature cocktails inspired by the cabarets of the world that doesn’t care what time it is—from atmospheric day and pre-dinner drinks to late night nightcaps. W Lounge isn’t a hotel lounge by any stretch of the imagination; it’s a fully fledged cocktail space with bleeding-edge design for discerning drinkers in a booming nightlife area. 

Finalist: Bamboo Bar

This jazzy bar area has been running a legendary show since 1953—and the drinks and the tunes are still flowing. The Mandarin Oriental is one of the most famous and historic addresses in the city, and this bar is reminiscent of a hunting cabin with Thai-style wooden shutters and plush animal print pillows. True to its name, the bar has adapted with the times and comes with a curated list of rare classic cocktails like the Jungle bird and the Woo Woo. 

Mandarin Oriental, 48 Oriental Ave, 02-659-9000. Open daily 5pm-late.

Finalist: Bar Sathorn

In this historic mansion, Bar manager Marco Dognini—formerly flexed his skills at Vogue Lounge and Sinnerman—cleverly incorporated the venue’s long-standing history with 20 signature cocktails and mocktails. Charting the many lives of The House on Sathorn from its earliest days belonging to a wealthy Chinese businessman to its 1920s hotel run, the cocktails are a great conversation starters. 

The House on Sathorn 106 North Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4025. Open daily 2:30pm-late.

Bar Yard

Taking home the Best Rooftop Bar at the BAD Awards 2024, you can’t forget about Bar.Yard. A little bit tropical, a little bit swish—and a whole lot of style. 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. It’s got it all—great drinks, view, and excellent service. 

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

Moon Bar at Banyan Tree Bangkok

Photo: Moon Bar / Banyan Tree; Facebook 

Banyan Tree has a well-earned reputation for a lot of reasons, but the 61-story views of the scattered city lights at Moon Bar is one of the best. Boasting a fulsome history and  360-degree views, the chic, stylish but somehow laid back vibe of the Banyan Tree brand really shines through. Okay, okay. It’s a bit of a tourist trap. But there’s a reason for it. Drinks lean into the tropical theme, and there are few better places to watch a sunset in Bangkok. 

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

Sky Beach

The Standard’s Sky Beach hasn’t been around for that long, but it’s a favorite for the crowds around Mahanakhon—in no small part because it’s the city’s highest rooftop bar at 78 floors above the ground. Beyond that, The Standard has introduced some fun drink-as-you-go deals for their many bars and restaurants, so this is the perfect place to end a boozy day drinking your way up. There’s also the occasional live entertainment adding an extra spark and that certain The Standard-style vibe. 

78/F, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, 114 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd., Silom, Bang Rak, 02-085-8888. Open daily, 10am-midnight.

Penthouse Bar + Grill

Park Hyatt plays host to three tiers of restaurants and bars perched above the city. Sure, you’ll get great views, but you’ll also get three floors with completely different vibes. The 34th floor will feed you steak, but head up to the 35th floor (or up the rooftop if you feel like some night-time outdoor atmosphere) where you can get strong drinks.Though the different sections each boast their own character, it all feels of a piece thanks to a layout that flows seemlessly around a central staircase, in keeping with the hotel's own spiraling design.

34-36/F, Park Hyatt, 88 Wireless Rd., 02-011-7480.

ABar Rooftop

A little different from other hotel bars on this list, this space at the Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park does two things right: booze and fun. The 50-plus labels of gin, all of which can be paired with the tonic of your choosing are crafted into excellent drinks, and the chairs with built-in air-conditioning are a must experience. But, it’s also just fun. The recent bachata dance events earn this place a spot on the list. 

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

This article by the BK editorial team is supported by Hilton Hotels. For a hot take on the best high-end properties in Bangkok, check out this list of Hilton Properties.