Take it to the roof: Bangkok’s most dizzying sky bars
A city of superlatives, there’s little Bangkok can’t do. From glistening temples to heady markets, the Thai capital is one huge playground for visitors. It’s impossible to get bored here; especially seeing the ‘city of angels’ constantly changes, embracing new trends from around the world. One such trend has (quite literally) gone straight through the roof in recent years: rooftop bars.
Want to wine and dine on top of the world but you’re afraid of heights? You better overcome your fear because these places are ‘highly’ sensational:
Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower
Located in Silom’s business district, this venue on the 64th floor offers jaw-dropping views of the area’s skyscrapers, though you’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Chao Phraya snaking its way through the city. If the enormous, golden rooftop dome atop the 247 metres tall building looks familiar, you probably recognise it from The Hangover II, which features several scenes at Sky Bar… Need more convincing? The New York Times called this place ‘the most stunning rooftop bar you’ll ever see’ in 2013 – that’s a lot, coming from New Yorkers!
Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree
Anyone looking to climb 61 floors? Just kidding. Leg day or not, we’d recommend jumping in the designated lift in the lobby that catapults visitors up to the 60th floor of the five-star Banyan Tree in no time! From here, there’s only one flight of stairs between you and some of Bangkok’s best al fresco dining. Though we’ve come for the cocktails instead: try the Vertigo Sunset, a tropical concoction made from fresh fruit juices and Malibu. With Silom Soi 4’s gay bars within walking distance, this is perfect for pre-gaming!
www.banyantree.com/en/thailand/bangkok/dining/vertigo
Red Sky at Centara Grand Hotel
A live jazz band and uninterrupted 360-degree views from the 55th floor of a staggering building in the beating heart of Bangkok’s shopping district – need we say more? Reach for the stars at Red Sky, a laidback rooftop bar gracefully perched atop the Centara Grand Hotel. You can choose to dine here (head chef Christian Ham is seriously gifted!) or simply sink into one of the sofas going all around the circular tower, sipping on a cocktail. Conveniently, the Red Sky is hard to miss: its colour-changing rooftop arches can be seen from miles away!
ThreeSixty Lounge at Millennium Hilton Bangkok
Okay, the 31st floor might not sound so impressive now but thanks to its unusual location on the West side of the Chao Phraya, view’s from the ThreeSixty include all those sparkly skyscrapers on the other side – not to mention the glistening ‘river of Kings’ itself! Watch ant-like ships and ferries lazily cruise the stream below (can you spot a traditional junk?) while the sun sinks into the horizon and a jazz singer serenades you into pure bliss: this is a true Bangkok luxury highlight!
www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/thailand/millennium-hilton-bangkok-BKKHITW/dining/threesixty.html
Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar at the Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
With its contemporary look and a resident DJ rocking the turntables every night, the Octave brings party people to the Marriott’s 45th floor. A must-order cocktail here (if you ask us, anyway!) is the Ocean Drive, which blends Absolut Elyx with passion fruit and cayenne pepper – though go slow on the booze when the seemingly endless and dead-straight Sukhumvit Road below starts to look more like a curve. Unlike other sky bars, the Octave won’t close until 2 am, making it a bona fide nightlife hot spot. Though we recommend dining here, too: they do haute cuisine.