5 Bangkok bars to smoke fancy sheesha

Glam
2/F Opus Building, 139 Thonglor Soi 10. 02-714-8946. Open daily 6pm-2am. www.facebook.com/glambkk
Taking over the space on the second floor which used to be Spot On Beach Bar & Lounge, Glam is run by a group of fresh graduates from Chulalongkorn University. The highlight of the place is the fancy shisha that's designed to be different both in look and flavors. The crystal clear pot glows in the dark thanks to LED lights, while inside is packed with ice and fresh fruit, with some choices mixed just like a cocktail, to top up the flavor. Prices start from B600. You can also open a bottle of whiskey, but the team suggest you try their signature beer cocktails: six choices of cocktail topped up with a bottle of Corona beer (B385).     

Desi Beats

Photo credit: fb.com/desibeatsbkk

8/F Opus Building, 139 Thonglor Soi 10. 081-683-8889. Open daily 6pm-2am. www.facebook.com/DesiBeatsBKK
Located next to the longstanding Bangkok Bar Infinity, Desi Beats joined the building a couple of months ago with a luxurious Indian-meets-Moroccan style. It offers Western fusion and Indian dishes, draught beer and classic sheesha, along with Bollywood and international dance tunes. Each table is specially designed for smoking, plus if you get there early you can grab some of the outdoor seats for a nice night view from the building’s rooftop.  

Bombay Blues

4/F Opus Building, 139 Thonglor Soi 10. Open daily 5pm-midnight. 085-859-1515.

It would be a big mistake if we skipped mentioning Bombay Blues, the second branch of the longstanding sheesha bar on Rambutri Road that really brought the smoking trend to Thonglor. It was also the very first place to introduce twists like sheesha and watermelon juice (B500) but if you need no fanciness, just order a classic one and enjoy playing the shisha bubble provided by the staff. It also gets plus points for the traditional atmosphere and Bollywood soundtrack. Also, it can get really packed out on weekend when the inside turns into a dance floor.