Bangkok’s latest rooftop bar takes over the top of the new Compass Skyview Hotel, five minutes from BTS Phrom Phong. That means 36th-story views stretching over Thonglor in one direction and towards downtown from the other.

 

Despite some simple, wooden furniture upholstered in vibrant prints, and a sprinkling of palm trees, the massive marble bar backlit with colored LED lights retains a distinctly “sky bar” vibe.

 

Gin and tonics take a starring role in the cocktail menu, all priced at B320 and with some unusual flavors the mix (think peppermint and passionfruit or chestnut and chamomile). Our favorite, called the Honey Spice, sees dried chili-infused gin mixed with homemade honey-and-rosemary-infused syrup and tonic water, garnished with dried chili for a well-balanced kick.

 

The rest of Vanilla’s signature cocktails keep things easy to drink and light on the spirits. Taste of Asia (B350) is a combination of vodka, kaffir lime-infused syrup and lychee with a dash of black pepper to work against the sweet and fruity flavors.

 

Some stuff to keep in mind: they don’t do proper food, only light bar snacks like salted beans, nuts, popcorn and Dorito chips, while a lack of elevator directly to the roof means clambering up a long flight of stairs from the 35th floor. Bathrooms are back down there, so don’t get too drunk or you’ll be seeing those stairs a lot!