Grab your Lee-Enfield and gas mask—we’re going to war. As you push open the unmarked door of this hotel bar, you’ll be immersed by the sound of the trenches. Next, journey through time to the Roaring Twenties with live jazz, leather armchairs, and nuanced cocktails that will make your mouth sing (although your wallet might groan).

 

 

 

Neon signage, walls hung with evocative photography, and a giant hammerhead shark looming overhead set the scene at this quirky Chinatown shophouse, where revelers regularly spill out onto the street. Take it all in while owner Niks Anuman-Rajadhon regales you with hair-raising tales of his foraging missions to gather wild honey for the unique cocktails—and perhaps stories about his tumultuous past two years speaking out against Thailand’s alcohol restrictions. 
35 Soi Maitri Chit, 097-134-4704

 

A joint venture between Ku Bar and the Sugar Ray empire, this two-story venue keeps it classy with stiff cocktails, live jazz, and cigars. Sip on classics with subtle, local twists—like the coffee-infused gin fizz—as you jive to live jazz on the ground floor, or head upstairs to puff on a cigar in the vinyl listening room.

 

 

 

This compact bar has long been known for its unusual combination of hearty burgers and awesome G&Ts. After a year-plus of forced closure, it’s back in business, but a little smaller (one room closed) and with a new food menu. Suan Phlu, rejoice! Your neighborhood bar is back.

 

 

 

Phrom Phong’s thriving speakeasy stayed busy with unex- pected collaboration last year—e.g., a fashion line (which was meant to be paired with unique cocktails, until things went haywire in Bangkok) and drinks made with the director of The Medium. Now that they’re back in business, seek out the tucked-away elevator next to Ramen Ichiban and head to the fifth floor, where you’ll find cocktails spanning from floral and easy drinking to more complex concoctions.

 

 

 

You’re sure to meet some friendly faces at this dimly lit Thonglor speakeasy, which has annually earned a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list for its hip vibe and innovative cocktails. The fun-loving bar staff—who have won their own fair share of accolades—put sophisticated ingredients, like lavender syrup, chrysanthemum smoke, and white truffle oil fat-washed gin, to good use in libations that range from “fragrant” to “spirit-forward.”

 

 

 

Inside this low-key cocktail haunt, from the same people who run a couple others on this list, a long, warmly lit bar invites you to sit and watch the bartenders work their magic on—you guessed it—Thai-inspired creations that taste and look the part. If drinking turmeric-, red bean-, or cow fat-laced cocktails doesn’t appeal, you can always play it safe with a highball.

 

 

 

We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve awoken to discover blurry photos of neon pink flamingos and tropical wallpaper on our phones—solid evidence that we, yet again, ended our night with a-few-too-many potent rum cocktails at Charoenkrung’s enduringly popular party enclave. The nights we do remember are always filled with solid music, good vibes, and new friends.

 

 

 

Cracking the top 50 in the latest edition of the World’s 50 Best Bars—despite it being closed for so many months in 2020 and 2021... thanks, Thailand—Silom’s debonair cocktail lounge takes its cues from London’s most serious drinking dens. Long-term head barman Suppawit “Palm” Muttaratana recently left, but in his place comes yet another pedigreed bar manager: Federico Balzarini, formerly of the American Bar at the Savoy in London. 
10/15 Convent Rd., 02-235-2777