Condé Nast Traveller

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Originally written for Letslokal in July 2020. Edited in July 2024. 

Brief

Get adventurous travellers

Who want to explore the nightlife of Bangkok, Thailand

To learn about its vibrant bar scene

By sharing 5 well-loved, must-visit spots in the local area

All The Buzz: In Search of the Best Bars in Bangkok

As night falls over the bustling streets of Bangkok, we see its buzzing bar scene come to life. Under dim lights and in the company of live music, the City of Angels opens its doors to everyone looking for a night to remember. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic rooftop date or a chill evening out with friends, Bangkok’s bars are the place to be.

Find The Photo Booth

Pathum Wan, Bangkok

 

If you’re familiar with the masterminds behind Find The Locker Room, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to hear that they're back with a new hidden bar. After a brief closure during the pandemic, the famed Sukhumvit Soi 11 speakeasy makes its long-awaited return in Bantadthong. Don't bother using a GPS to find this place; no navigation tips will come up. But looking for it is half the fun!

In a cute photobooth shop, expect to snap a few selfies across a mint green backdrop as you figure out which booth is the right entrance to the bar — and take as many as you like! We recommend coming back for more photos once you've had a few drinks.

Two sheet music-inspired menus are available at #FindThePhotoBooth: a list of classic cocktail chord progressions, and a B-side full of original Thai creations. Our favourite drink here, G-Flat Seventh, is an funky twist on the iconic Mojito — now infused with tamarind, guava juice and coffee liqueur.

Lebua Sky Bar

Bang Rak, Bangkok

 

High above the ground, Lebua Sky Bar prides itself as one of the tallest dining landmarks in Bangkok. This open-air rooftop bar promises an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. How does champagne-sipping and caviar-dipping with a breathtaking 270° view sound to you?

The swanky, neon-lit bar serves an extensive list of drinks, including over 100 curated wines with an emphasis on natural wines. On the top of our list is their Hangovertini: the perfect after-dinner drink, lovingly curated by resident mixologist Ron Ramirez. You can thank him for the seriously addictive green tea and rosemary-infused honey notes in this smooth whiskey concoction!

Located on the 64th floor of Lebua at State Tower, you can catch the sunset here right next to the magnificent Greco-Roman dome that frames the top of this skyscraper. No purchase necessary to visit for the view, but you’ll definitely want to when you drink in the sights and sounds – we know we sure did!

Tropic City

Bang Rak, Bangkok

 

Thailand’s first tropical cocktail bar exudes chill. Situated in Bangkok's up & coming Charoen Krung neighbourhood, you’ll be able to get a taste of high quality, unique concoctions; many inspired by the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Flowery motifs, Portuguese azulejo tiles and mid-century furniture greet you in a tasteful blend of exotic themes. While this bar is rum-heavy, don’t be deterred! They have a nice selection of gin and whiskey-based mixtures as well.

The pina colada-style Chronic Iced Tea will surely have you reminiscing about beach days. Its blissful marriage of peach with coconut, cachaça, passionfruit, and pineapple juice already has us foaming at the mouth! If you're not a fan of syrups, though, we recommend the flavourful Jazz Club After Hours — straightforward Irish whiskey, blended with cranberry and vermouth.

La Casa Nostra

Sathon, Bangkok

 

Fancy a dinner date somewhere more secluded? La Casa Nostra provides rustic, romantic ambience that you can’t find anywhere else in Bangkok. Located on Soi Goethe in Sathon, this al fresco Italian restaurant and wine bar will have you returning again and again for its comforting atmosphere and excellent service.

One of the highlights of the overall dining experience includes a trip down to their very own walk-in cellar. Pick a bottle you fancy with the assistance of the resident sommelier: to dine-in, to take home, or to be delivered to your doorstep.

Chefs Alessandro Frau (of the legendary Acqua Restaurant in Phuket) and Nino Scognamillo believe in upholding the standard of simple yet elegant dishes. Let your taste buds take you to Sicily with their delectable specialties.

 

Tep Bar

Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok

 

Hailed as the Cultural Bar of Thailand, Tep Bar is one of the new-wave speakeasies to hit the fringes of Chinatown. The founder, Asawin Rojmethatawee, is on a mission to add modern twists to Thailand's home-brewed herbal liquors, making familiar traditional brews zesty and exciting. Catch musicians taking the stage to play cultural instruments up-close and personal. Surely, after one visit here, you'll come to appreciate the beauty and richness of Thai culture.

Staying true to the theme, Tep Bar's drink list is fully scripted with names and terms used in ancient Thai literature. You'll find a good line of home-infused ya dong (Thai herbal rice whiskey) cocktails, as well as their signature trio of honeycomb-spiked shots — Seven Eleven (black ginger notes), Lion King (Himalayan cherry flavours), and Pussy Whipped (allegedly aphrodisiac sweet grass).