Bangkok's Best Rooftop Bars

Now that the protests in Bangkok have died down somewhat, we can concentrate on what’s really important - boozing! Here are some of my favourite places to drink in the City of Angels ... with a view!


Vertigo and Moon Bar, Banyan Tree Hotel:
Perched 61 floors above the streets of Sathorn and bathed in a sexy blue light, this restaurant and rooftop bar is still one of the hottest tickets in town. No roof and glass walls give the impression that there’s nothing between you and plummeting to certain death; it’s a little like hovering in a spaceship, with amazing 360 degree views. Cocktail prices are as sky-high as the venue, but with views like this, who cares?
Banyan Tree Bangkok, 21/100 South Sathorn Road, Sathorn.

Tel: +66 (0)2 679 1200
http://www.banyantree.com/en/bangkok/experience_the_resort/dining/vertigo_and_moon_bar

Sky Bar, Lebua State Tower:
Star of the (otherwise atrocious) Hangover Part II, Sky Bar offers an undeniably breathtaking view of the city and the lazy Chao Phraya River. Hugely popular and always crowded with standing-room only, this isn’t the most relaxed place to have a quiet drink, but it’s worth the trip up 63 floors just to gaze in wonder at the far-reaching views. And yes, there is a drink named after the movie which made it famous: the Hangovertini. 

The Dome at Lebua, Silom Road, Bangrak.

Tel: +66 (0)2 624 9555
http://www.lebua.com/sky-bar

Octave Rooftop Bar:
Occupying three levels, from Floor 45 up in the Marriott Hotel in Sukhumvit, and with plenty of seating, this is a far more relaxed option for watching the sun setting through a jungle of skyscrapers. Each level has a different mood, with the top-level offering a 360 degree rooftop with a party atmosphere. This is one of Bangkok’s newest bars, and it’s certainly making a splash.
Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, 2 Sukhumvit Soi 57, Bangkok 

Tel: +66 (0)2 7970000
http://www.marriott.com/hotel-restaurants/bkkms-bangkok-marriott-hotel-sukhumvit/octave-bar-and-lounge/5428678/home-page.mi

Cloud 47:
Bangkok’s newest rooftop bar is located on top of an office block, not far from the popular Patpong girly-bar zone. It’s a little hard to find, but cheap drinks, yummy snacks and great, airy views make it worth the effort. Enormous in scale, you are also pretty much guaranteed a seat, which is always a bonus. Covering three levels, the bar is divided into two areas: an all-white circular bar where bands perform, and and area with a two-storey wine cellar with a wine list of over 500 labels.
47th Floor, United Center Building, 323, Silom Rd, Silom.

Red Sky, Centara Grand at CentralWorld:
With a central, convenient location right in the heart of the shopping district and eye-popping vistas from the 55th floor, Red Sky remains a perennial favourite with locals and tourists alike. An ever-changing light show provides unusual photo-opportunities, and the indoor area provides shelter in case of rain. The perfect place to soak in all Bangkok has to offer after a day’s hard shopping.
55th floor of the Centara Grand, Central World 

Tel: +66 (0) 2100 1234
http://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/redsky/