Bangkok – part 2
Rooftop bars
Ok now, let’s get serious! Let’s talk about cocktails baby!
In my last post, I talked about my culinary experiences and the restaurants I tried in Bangkok. In this post, I would like to talk about the city’s rooftop bars. Unfortunately, I couldn’t try them all but I tried a few that should give you an accurate overview.
Let’s start with the most famous one, the one featured in all the guidebooks and blogs:
Sky Bar, at Lebua hotel.
There are many reasons why this rooftop bar is so well known and visited. First, it’s located on the 64th floor, under the golden dome, of one of the best five-star hotel in Bangkok, the Lebua hotel. Second, the view is absolutely magnificent. It’s not a 360º view but you have the most beautiful view on the riverside.
Third, there is a great oval bar indoors with bartenders wearing black and white uniforms buzzing around in the middle and a huge outdoor terrace where you can sit and enjoy the view on the river with tremulous music.
Fourth, there is a large choice of cocktails and alcohols on their menu. You have the classics, but also some very creative cocktails with a very special presentation.
Fifth, the ambiance is very trendy and vibrating. And last but not least, this rooftop was part of the scenery of the movie Hangover II.
The downside of it: prices are very high. Expect to pay around 700 Bahts ($20-€18) for a cocktail. That’s the reason why you will only see foreigners visiting this place. Is it worth it? Yes, absolutely! At least once for the experience and the view!
The Dome at lebua 64th floor
42 Road, Bangrak
1055 Silom Rd, Silom, Bang Rak
Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Moon Bar, at the Banyan Tree Hotel
Located on the 61st floor of the Banyan tree hotel, Moon Bar is also very famous among expats and tourists. It’s also featured in all the guidebooks and has a stunning, spectacular 360º view.
The roof is divided into three; the bars are on each side of the roof and the restaurant, Vertigo, is in the middle. Subdued lighting, vibrant music, luminous beams, a stunning view – all of these factors contribute to make this bar a very attractive one.
It’s pricey of course: drinks are around 650 Bahts ($18.50-€17.50). The cocktails are less elaborate and the list is shorter compared to Sky Bar but the setting is a WOW with great vibes!
Banyan Tree Hotel
South Sathon Road
Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Zoom Sky Bar at Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel
This bar has an incredible 360º view at the top of the 39th floor of the Anantara Hotel. The best moment is at sunset; you have a fabulous panorama all around the bar.
The cocktails are average but also cheaper than the two bars above, 350 Bahts ($10-€9.5). The ambiance is quieter; you can enjoy the view in a very relaxing atmosphere.
Zoom is both a bar and a restaurant, but I didn’t have a chance to try the food. They have a band with a singer that plays soft music. It’s definitely a more romantic style and worth a try!
Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel
36 Narathiwat-Ratchanakarin Road
Bangkok 10120
Thailand
Tel: +66 2 210 9000
On the 29th floor of the Sofitel SO hotel, this bar has a tremendous view of Lumpini Park! It’s as beautiful as the view on Central Park in Manhattan.
There is an outdoor bar with a big space to sit and enjoy the stunning view. It’s a friendly atmosphere for families, friends, and even for a romantic date.
The cocktails are good but not all that impressive. Cheap compared to the first two bars I mentioned; prices vary between 250 and 350 Bahts ($7-10, €6.5-9.5). It’s also possible to order little plates to nibble with your drink!
Sofitel SO
2 North Sathorn Road
Bangrak, Bangkok, 10500,
Thailand
+66 2 624 0000
