It may be a little bit boisterous, and have its share of squalor, but part of Bangkok’s charm is its ability to offer ample glitz and glam for those who care to be seen at the right places. In fact, while not quite up there with Paris or Milan in levels of decadence or numbers of debonair, the city today bristles with posh, prestigious and must-be-seen-at venues where you can mingle with the upper echelons of Thai society — the best of which are featured in our Top 10. After sampling the sumptuous luxury and getting your picture taken by local paparazzi (a tip: wear something fab and pretend to be famous), please check back to vote for your glitziest favourite.
1:
Sky Bar and Distil at The Dome, State Tower The Dome venues’ slew of debonair night spots — on the 64th floor of State Tower — have single-handedly raised Bangkok’s nightlife scene to new heights by combining top venues with breathtaking vistas. Try spotting the city’s landmarks while plying your date with ‘Fine de Clares’ oysters at Distil, or quaffing down signature cocktails at Sky Bar, which juts dizzyingly over the building’s edge. Go at sunset, just as the sky turns orange and the Chao Phraya River a shimmering shade of copper.
Rank
: 1 - Total
Score : 57 votes
2:
Shangri-La Lobby (Sunday High Tea Dance) Elegant and exotic, the Shangri-La lobby is the place to be and be seen on a Sunday afternoon. Join the crème de la crème of female high society, identifiable by their big hairdos, for a spot of high tea and to luxuriating in a ravishing river setting. As the brass band kicks in, join them on the ballroom floor for a rumba with their Filipino dance instructors.
Rank
: 2 - Total
Score : 12 votes
3:
BarSu There was a gap between the pretentious nose-up-pinkie-out places and the wild, sweaty, whisky-soaked places – until BarSu arrived. It sent conventional thinking packing, favouring swanky design that’s actually comfortable and music that’s actually (gasp!) fun. Throw in delectable bites – think tapas and tempura, sushi and sweets – from a 2-star Michelin chef, along with fine wines and beautiful people, and BarSu is glam that fits.
Rank
: 3 - Total
Score : 12 votes
4:
Bed Supperclub Inside this ice-white tubular space-pod, rub shoulders with the city’s young wealthy elite while lounging on oversized beds and snacking on dishes like herb-coated goats cheese with roasted walnut dressing. Then, once tables have been cleared away, enjoy the equally suave, sophisticated music: come 22:00 it morphs into one of the most glam nightclubs on the planet. The stellar sound system and famous DJs are, more often than not, eliciting an unforgettable vibe.
Rank
: 4 - Total
Score : 10 votes
5:
Siam Paragon It may no longer be the biggest mall, but the ‘Pride of Bangkok’ is still the best when it comes to high-class shopping. Its vast, sparkling, Romanesque interior is home to everything from Lamborghinis and Prada handbags to Jimmy Choo shoes – all the glam and glitz anybody could ever wish for or afford. Complementing the abundance of luxury goods is a wealth of lavish foods on the ground floor. Shop or be seen, both are considered a must for climbing the social ladder.
Rank
: 5 - Total
Score : 8 votes
6:
Breeze A futuristic glass sky-bridge guides you into State Tower’s 52nd floor restaurant and bar area in dramatic fashion. On arrival, guests enjoy equally spectacular pan-Asian food, like Wasabi Prawns or Kobe Beef tenderloin, while enjoying stunning vertical and horizontal views of the city. Alfresco dining doesn’t get any more breathtaking or memorable than this.
Rank
: 6 - Total
Score : 8 votes
7:
Manohra Dinner Cruise Made of delicate teak wood, the lovingly restored Manohra rice barge is the perfect venue for a classy cuisine-meets-culture experience. Guests glide up the Chao Praya River, past time-honoured treasures like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, while being treated to the finest in traditional Thai delicacies. Candlelight rounds off a mood and milieu that is distinctly Bangkok. A big favourite of visiting European trendsetters.
Rank
: 7 - Total
Score : 7 votes
8:
Oriental Hotel (Authors Lounge or Bamboo Bar) The Authors Lounge is where to go for Bangkok’s most famous afternoon tea; to loaf in wicker-chairs and revel in an atmosphere that oozes bygone colonial charm. Knowing famous authors and movie stars once hung out here only enhances the sense of occasion. Equally famous is Bamboo Bar where live jazz meets a sophisticated jungle setting, and an upmarket, but interesting, crowd enjoy cognac while puffing on Havana’s finest.
Rank
: 8 - Total
Score : 6 votes
9:
The Conrad’s Diplomat Bar This hotel jazz bar in the heart of Bangkok's embassy district is the perfect haunt for ambassadors, dignitaries, or aspiring spies. Mostly, however, it's a high-profile mix of wealthy businessmen, rich Thais and chic couples that fill its elegantly executed nooks and crannies. Complementing its charismatic looks are some of Bangkok’s best acoustics and a world-class jazz singer crooning each night.
Rank
: 9 - Total
Score : 4 votes
10:
Horse Races Bangkok is a colourful city with countless of things to see and do. Although its existence is unknown to many, horseracing has been around in Thailand for over a century. If Thai boxing is a bit too rough for your taste, spend your Sunday instead at a horseracing event at Bangkok’s exclusive sports clubs. Feel the rush of the race, and you can even bet (legally) on your favourite Seabiscuit … if you’re feeling lucky!
