18 of the Best Bars in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a city with a vibrant nightlife scene. From the infamous red-light district of Soi Cowboy to soaring rooftop bars and sultry speakeasies, it has some of the top cocktail bars in the world. Read on for 18 of the best bars in Bangkok, Thailand to experience on your next visit.
The nightlife scene in Bangkok is famous – infamous, really. Some of the nightlife zones like Soi Cowboy and Khao San Road are such integral parts of the city’s culture that they’ve become tourist attractions in their own right, not just a spot to grab a drink. But thankfully, there is more to Bangkok’s nightlife scene than red-light districts and rowdy backpackers. In fact, Bangkok is full of top cocktail bars, with a huge number of stunning rooftop bars and high-quality speakeasies. The bartenders in Bangkok are super talented, and the vibes do not disappoint. Checking out some of the best bars in Bangkok, Thailand, is a highlight of any trip to the city, but with so many options to choose from, where do you start? Well, we lived in Bangkok for four months and pulled together some of our favorite spots to get you started.
In this post, we’re sharing 18 of the best bars in Bangkok, Thailand based on our time sampling the city’s finest venues. Looking for somewhere to grab a bite beforehand? We’ve got our favorite restaurants for you in our post Where to Eat in Bangkok, Thailand – 16 Best Spots. We’ve also got a full travel guide on Bangkok here to make planning your trip to this buzzing city a breeze.
Update note: This guide was reviewed in February 2026 to confirm current openings, pricing, and overall relevance.
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The Best Bars in Bangkok, Thailand - Top Cocktail Bars & More:
- The Best Bars in Bangkok, Thailand
- FAQs for Visiting the Best Bars in Bangkok, Thailand
The Best Bars in Bangkok, Thailand
Without further ado, here are 18 of some of the best bars in Bangkok, Thailand. To help you navigate, we’ve split our list into rooftop bars, speakeasies and cocktail bars, and essential Bangkok experiences.
Rooftop Bars
Bangkok is famous for its rooftop bars, boasting dozens upon dozens of them across this sprawling city of skyscrapers. After four months of living in Bangkok, these were some of our favorites.
No list of the best bars in Bangkok, Thailand would be complete without this exceptional rooftop bar. Located in Thong Lo, Tichuca features a giant, otherworldly “tree” at its center, lit with dangling, swaying lights that feels like it was ripped straight out of the movie “Avatar.” It has several levels of viewing platforms offering 360° views of the city, and the drinks – though on the pricey side, of course – are delicious. Be prepared for a wait and a bit of a weird procedural process to get your first drink, but we promise it’s worth it. If you’d like to stay for a while and lounge at one of their tables, you’ll need to order bottle service.
On the other side of town, Paradise Lost, near the National Stadium BTS stop, is a pastel-colored dream. It’s begging to be Instagrammed, but not as crowded as you’d expect due to its slightly off-the-beaten path location. Don’t let that deter you though! Paradise Lost was one of the best rooftop bars in Bangkok we visited, particularly during their amazing happy hour from 6-8pm. And as an added bonus, they have a great trivia on Tuesday nights!
Ready to visit Paradise Lost? Reserve your table here.
Ready to dance? Head to Escape, a rooftop bar at the Emquartier mall in Phrom Phong that will make you feel like you just stepped into a bumping club on Miami Beach. The DJ was on point, the cocktails were delicious, and the vibes were high. The bar had several dancers to keep the energy elevated, but the floor was full of patrons as well. In addition to yummy tropical cocktails, they sell cigars and offer a full food menu, including fresh oysters from the attached oyster bar. You’ll get so swept up in the experience that you’ll never remember you’re on top of a mall.
If you’re hoping for a table, you’ll be better off booking one in advance – reserve your spot at Escape here.
After needing a quiet escape from Soi Cowboy, we stumbled on Bangkok Heightz, a rooftop bar located inside The Continent hotel in Asok. This was a fun find, as their bar comes complete with an entire wall of props for their drinks. Each cocktail is themed off of significant sites, areas, and cultural experiences of Bangkok, like the Giant Swing and Muay Thai. They were some of the priciest cocktails we had in Bangkok, but each drink is a whole experience. If you’re hungry, they also serve a full dinner menu of elevated Thai classics, and the views of the city from the 39th floor aren’t too shabby either.
Want a table for dinner while you’re at it? Reserve your night at Bangkok Heightz here.
One of the best bars in Bangkok, Thailand for a sunny afternoon when the post-brunch energy is strong, TRIBE Sky Beach Club is a super vibey day-to-night lounge complete with swimming pool and swim-up bar. Rent a daybed with a 3,000 baht (~$93) minimum spend, or grab a free high-top table if you’re just dropping in. TRIBE is beautifully decorated with lush greenery and boho-chic accents, and the DJ and service are both top-notch. It’s conveniently located in the super cool EmSphere mall in Phrom Phong, and an easy space to lounge the day away when you need a break from touring.
If you’ve got more than a couple of people and want to make sure you’ve got a couch to lounge on, make sure to reserve your place at TRIBE in advance by shooting them a message on Instagram.
The Standard in the downtown Bang Rak area (near the Saint Louis BTS stop) makes the cut for its unique bar crawl package. For just 2,000 baht (~$62), you’ll get a drink “passport” that grants you access to its four iconic bars – The Parlor, Mott 32, Double Standard, and Ojo Terrace, the highest rooftop bar in Bangkok. With your package, you’ll get a snack and six drinks (one at each bar, plus two bonus drinks). The crawl runs from 5:30 to 10pm, but they recommend you arrive by 8:30pm to make sure you have sufficient time to hit each bar. Reservations are also recommended, as daily tickets are limited. Learn more about the Standard bar crawl here.
Speakeasies and Top Cocktail Bars
Nothing beats a speakeasy in our books. Give us a vibe and a craft cocktail and we are two happy travelers. The Thong Lo/mid-Sukhumvit area is particularly well-known for this type of bar, but we’ve got a couple options for you in the downtown area as well.
Rabbit Hole is home to unique, artisan cocktails themed after the signature flavors of different regions of the world. Hidden behind an unassuming entrance along the main drag of Thong Lo, it’s easy to pass it by. But once you open the door, you’ll be transported from the bustling streets of Bangkok to a dark and sultry lounge with expert bartenders and an excellent DJ. Here you can try drinks like Ankara, a warm, coffee-flavored drink inspired by the flavors of Turkey, or Berlin, a whiskey drink with curry, caramelized onion, and the hops that make Germany famous. Some of these are a bit too inventive for the average drinker, but you’ll certainly be in for a unique experience.
This Bangkok bar is very popular – we recommend reserving your table a few days in advance by emailing Rabbit Hole here.
A true speakeasy, #FindTheLockerRoom up the street in Thong Lo is definitely hard to find. There is literally no signage out front, but if you walk down the graffitied alley where the Google Maps pin drops you (shown above), you’ll find a row of lockers in the back that hides the entrance to this Bangkok bar. Their menu is based on a time capsule, with drinks created around cultural icons of each decade. It will hit you hard on the nostalgia bone in the best possible way. Fancy a drink that mimics a Pokémon ball? How about one inspired by Mean Girls or Legos? If that sounds like your idea of a good time, this bar is for you. Want even more good times? Check out their sister bar, #FindThePhotoBooth near the Hua Lamphong MRT blue line station.
Another really popular spot, we recommend reserving your seats at #FindTheLockerRoom at least a few days to one week in advance here.
Widdershins is one of the best bars in Bangkok, Thailand thanks to its balcony. It’s the only bar in Chinatown with a bird’s-eye view of this vibrant street, and a must-visit after a street food tour (learn more in our Chinatown street food post!). Widdershins is hidden behind a bookshelf on the third floor of restaurant Laoteng. There’s limited seating, so you may need to wait a few minutes before you can enter, but it’s totally worth it. The interior has a cool, jazz bar vibe, with low lighting and a drink menu written on a deck of cards. Each suit offers a different flavor profile, like sweet or sour, and they lean toward more classic combinations. But the best part is the view. Step out onto the balcony, soak up the sights and sounds of Chinatown, and leave with photos that will make all your less-informed friends jealous.
Step back in time to revolution-era Cuba at this incredibly fun bar in Nana. Your 400 baht (~$12) cover fee gets you one drink upon entry, but you’ll definitely want to stay for more. Havana Social is expertly decorated with revolutionary posters, intentionally run-down furniture, and a cigar-smoking parlor that feels so fun and authentic. The drinks are delicious, and the first floor turns into a dance hall once the live Latin music starts up.
This place is popular for a reason, so we recommend reservations in advance – book your table at Havana Social here.
The sign on the window says it all – #thisbarisbetterthanTeensofThailand. We came to this area near Chinatown intending to visit popular Teens of Thailand, but were turned off by their gin-only menu. We tried out Asia Today instead, and man were we glad we did. Asia Today is a trendy but understated bar with a focus on honey. Most of their drinks feature their house-made honeys (which are also for sale!), or include garnishes like honey crumble or honey jelly. They even serve their signature drink in a mug made from beeswax – just make sure not to take a bite.
Ready for your own beeswax cocktail? Book your seats at Asia Today here.
Another excellent spot in Thong Lo, Bar Marco is a two-story bar with a gorgeous mid-century modern aesthetic and fun, modern music. They really paid attention to the details when decorating this bar, and it’s a warm and lovely place to relax. Their drink menu is a work of art on its own, and all the cocktails are themed on hit rock and pop songs over the years. It’s a nice quiet spot to unwind with a fun cocktail – mine even had a layer of jello in it.
Update Note: As of February 2026, Google Maps says this Bangkok bar is temporarily closed. We’ll check back in periodically and update this post as things develop!
Also making our list of the top restaurants in Bangkok, Funkytown is another stunning mid-century modern lounge that we kept coming back to for more. Located in Phrom Phong, Funkytown is an elevated Thai fusion restaurant and cocktail bar with a 10/10 vibe and a super friendly staff. They score their food and drink menus by degree of “funkiness,” bringing you unique cocktails like durian colada and khao soi. In addition to their beautiful interior, they also have an upstairs terrace decorated with lush greenery. Heads up – finding it is a bit tricky, you’ll want to enter Sarnies cafe and then walk up to the fourth floor.
This top Bangkok bar and restaurant is a can’t-miss for inventive flavors – reserve your table at Funkytown in advance to make sure you don’t miss out!
Essential Bangkok Experiences
There are certain bars and nightlife districts that are inextricably tied to Bangkok nightlife. Places like Soi Cowboy and Khao San Road are so infamous, they’re a key attraction on nearly all tourist itineraries. While they’re not for everyone, they are a unique part of the fabric of the city, and you shouldn’t miss them on your visit to Bangkok.
Soi Cowboy is Bangkok’s most famous red-light district, located near the Asok BTS stop. It’s a small street full of go-go dancers, Thai ladyboys, and other questionably-legal activities – needless to say, we wouldn’t recommend bringing the kids. Popular bars like Spice Girls and Stumble Inn line the street, with girls and ladyboys in skimpy outfits waiting outside to encourage you to step into their clubs pulsing with lights, music, and dancers. This street got its name in the 70’s from a retired U.S. Air Force Officer, J. G. “Cowboy” Edwards, a long-time resident famous for wearing his cowboy hat around town. He opened the second bar on this street in 1977, and it’s since grown to around 40 establishments. It’s an interesting experience, but obviously, not everyone’s cup of tea. If you choose to visit, keep your wits about you – it’s a prime area for theft and scams.
Another famous nightlife zone is Khao San Road, located in the downtown area called Phra Nakhon. This one is particularly popular with backpackers, and definitely gives off a young, hostel-crowd vibe. Bars like The Bucket and Lucky Beer will be thronging with 20-somethings drinking cheap beer and cocktail buckets or sucking on balloons of nitrous oxide (laughing gas). While there are less illicit activities going on here, you’ll still find vendors selling vapes and a lot of rowdiness, so it’s not everyone’s scene. But, if you’re looking to go all night, the bars here stay open as late as 4am on weekends.
You can’t visit Southeast Asia without partaking in their favorite pastime – karaoke. Kiraku Snack Bar, located in Phrom Phong, is an excellent place to do so. With both a free, public karaoke bar on the ground floor as well as private rooms on the second floor, you can get both an American-style and Asian-style experience. Prices aren’t cheap, but they’re reasonable, and the rooms have solid sound-proofing with modern tech and even some tambourines and other instruments to play with. It’s a fun way to spend the evening with friends when you’re looking for a more interactive night out, or to cap off a night of beverages elsewhere once your inhibitions are low enough to belt out your favorite ballad.
Is karaoke a must-do activity in your Bangkok itinerary? Reserve your space at Kiraku Snack Bar on Line now!
While this bar is technically a rooftop as well, it earns its spot as an essential Bangkok experience due to its unimpeded view of the Chao Praya river and Wat Arun. Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most iconic sites (even cooler if you visit during Loy Krathong!), and it lights up spectacularly at night. Truly, it’s an unparalleled view to enjoy over a drink. The best part? Even with such a view on offer, it’s a low-key spot, so you can soak it all in without having to dress up or pay a high price tag.
You can’t get views like this at just any Bangkok bar – make sure you don’t miss out by reserving your table at The Deck on Line about one week in advance.
Finally, we highly recommend a visit to TEP BAR to round out your essential Bangkok nightlife experience. This two-level bar near Chinatown specializes in traditional Thai food and drink, and it’s one of the best bars in Bangkok, Thailand for experiencing the local culture. They serve unique offerings like tasting flights of ya dong, a Thai herbal liquor, and cocktails featuring all local ingredients. On top of that, they have live Thai music on the first floor, with traditional instruments and songs that will transport you to another time and place. In a big and modern city like Bangkok, you don’t always feel like you’re somewhere new and exotic, but TEP BAR will give you that feeling in spades.
TEP BAR can get very busy, especially when they have a live band. Reserve your table at TEP at least 2-3 days in advance to guarantee your table.
FAQs for Visiting the Best Bars in Bangkok, Thailand
Which Bangkok Bars Require Advance Reservations?
While you can visit most Bangkok nightlife venues without a reservation, a few on our list are frequently at full capacity. We recommend reserving your table at the following Bangkok bars 2 days to 1 week in advance:
Which Neighborhoods Have the Best Bars in Bangkok?
Many of the top cocktails bars in Bangkok, Thailand are in the Sukhumvit area, between the Nana and Ekkamai BTS stations. There are also a few places on our list in Banglamphu, Bangkok’s Old City neighborhood.
Sukhumvit and Banglamphu are also excellent neighborhoods to stay in while visiting Bangkok. We’ve included some of our top hotel recommendations below – learn more about them in our Bangkok itinerary and travel guide.
- Sukhumvit:
- Sereine Sukhumvit 39 – 8.8 average rating
- IR-ON – ⭐⭐⭐, 8.8 average rating
- Skyview – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 8.9 average rating
- Ascott Thonglor – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.2 average rating
- Banglamphu:
- Corridor 2407 – 8.9 average rating
- Khoa San Social Capsule – 9.4 average rating
- Mad Monkey – ⭐⭐, 9.4 average rating
- Chakrabongse Villas – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.4 average rating
When Do People Typically Go Out in Bangkok?
Bangkok is a big city, so its nightlife scene starts a bit later. Plan for your first cocktail around 9pm and for the scene to pick up after 10pm. Bars close between midnight and 4am, depending on where you are and the day of the week.
Should I Tip at Bars in Bangkok, Thailand?
Tipping in Bangkok is not required, but if you’re considering leaving a tip, make sure to check your bill first. It’s becoming increasingly common for restaurants to add a 10% service fee to your check automatically, so you wouldn’t need to double tip in these cases.
Do Bars in Bangkok Accept Credit Cards?
While most bars in Bangkok will accept credit cards, there are still a lot of cash-based businesses in the city. We recommend keeping at least 1,000 baht (~$30) on hand at all times. Don’t forget our pro tip on withdrawing from ATMs in foreign countries!
Pro tip: When offered an exchange rate by an ATM, you can – and should – always decline the rate displayed. This rate often includes a heavy markup on top of the market exchange rate. Declining the rate will not stop your transaction, but rather allow your personal bank to set the rate instead.
Do I Need to Speak Thai to Order at Bars in Bangkok?
Definitely not. We had no issues interacting with people in the service industry in English during our 4 months in Bangkok, though knowing a few key words will definitely win you some brownie points with the locals. Practice these ones before your trip:
- Hello/Goodbye – sawasdee – sa-wat-DEE
- Please – karuna – gah-roo-NAH
- Thank you – khob khun – kop KOON
- Can I pay? – chae-ng ngeun dai mai? – chang-NGOON die-MAI?
- The bill/check – chek bin – chek-BIN
To be polite, it’s important to speak slowly and add male/female particles to your phrases. Use khrap – khrap if you’re male and kha – kah if you’re female. For example, as a woman, I would say hello as sawasdee kha – sa-wat-DEE kah. Additionally, a bow with your palms together called a wai when saying hello shows respect. The higher your hands, the more respect you show.
Want to learn more Thai before your trip? Check out our guide 120+ Thai Words in English for Travel & Tourists – Know Before You Go.
Where Can I Learn More About Bangkok and Why I Should Visit It?
Right here! We lived in Bangkok for four months and have a full travel guide and itinerary for Bangkok here, along with recommendations for our favorite restaurants in Bangkok and a guide on Why You Should Visit Bangkok for Loy Krathong Festival. We also have a travel guide on Koh Phangan, an island popular for its Full Moon Party. Check out all of our Thailand travel guides here.
Final Thoughts on the Best Bars in Bangkok, Thailand
Now that you know some of the best bars in Bangkok, Thailand, it’s time to get out and hit the town! We hope you enjoy these top Bangkok cocktail bars and unique nightlife experiences as much as we did! Comment below what your favorites were.
Looking for a dinner recommendation? We’ve got a list of all of our favorite restaurants in Where to Eat in Bangkok, Thailand – 16 Best Spots. We’ve also got a full travel guide on Bangkok in our post What to Do in Bangkok: The Ultimate 3 Day Itinerary and City Guide, packed with all the top sights to see on your visit. Check it out and let us help make planning your trip to Bangkok stress-free!
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