Riverside Bars & Pubs

Balco Bar

This al fresco rooftop bar by the riverside is a good alternative to classy hotel rooftop venues surrounding it. For starter, Balco offers the same stunning panorama of the Chao Phraya River after sunset, and you won’t have to pay as much to enjoy it. Drinks are reasonably priced, and the friendly bartender will be more than happy to mix your favourite potion if it’s not on the menu. The atmosphere is casual and pleasant – no need to dress up. Soothing bossa nova tunes begin the evening, before it shifts to house beats later into the night. 

Opening Hours: 19:00-02:00 (Tue-Sun)
Location: 5th floor, River City Shopping Complex, Charoen Krun Soi 30
Tel: +66 (0)84 928 6161

Bamboo Bar

In keeping with the Orientals colonial style, Bamboo Bar could well be from a scene in Out Of Africa with its plush jungle-style interior and polished furnishings. The low-key bar exudes a feeling of old school glamour perfect for enjoying a signature “Oriental Mai Tai” cocktail prepared by the skilled bartender, trained at the world renowned Harry's Bar in Munich.

The jazz band accompanied by the soothing vocals of the resident singer provide the soundtrack to an establishment where you are half expecting Humphrey Bogart to walk through the door of The Mandarin Oriental.

Opening Hours: 11am-2am (Friday-Saturday) - 11am-1am (Sunday-Thursday)
Address: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Avenue
Tel: +66 (0) 2659 9000

Jesters

On the opposite side of the river to the Oriental Hotel. Frequented by the upmarket and trendy set for jazz bands and status.

Opening Hours: 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Location: 333 Charoen Nakorn Road, Peninsula Hotel
Tel: +66 (0)2 861 2888

Sky Bar

Enjoy sweeping views from the top of Bangkok's second tallest building, the landmark State Tower with its highly visible golden dome. Tucked away in a corner of the award-winning open air Sirocco restaurant on the 64th floor of Lebua State Tower, Sky Bar's counter is magically illuminated and changes colour every few minutes.

A favourite hang-out for celebrities and wannabes, this is where you'd find some of the best live jazz in Bangkok. Also located at the Dome is Distil, another place where everyone likes to be seen. Part DJ bar, part smoking lounge and part restaurant, Distil serves fine single-malt Scotches like Macallan and Glenmoranghie, accompanied by a small carafe of genuine Scottish water.

The oyster bar features fresh, imported oysters, as well as Iranian caviar. If you feel like puffing on a fine Cuban cigar, choose one from the humidor and light up on Bangkok's highest smoking balcony, overlooking the Chao Praya River. Drinks and food might be pricey, but the experience is priceless. Reservations are required for Sirocco.

Opening Hours: 17:00 - 01:00
Location: Lebua at State Tower (Silon/Riverside)
Tel: +66 (0)2 624 9999
Dress Code: Smart Casual (no beach shorts or flip-flops allowed)

Three Sixty

This sophisticated jazz lounge does justice to its name with unrivalled 360 degree views. Since opening, Three Sixty at Millennium Hilton has become a popular hang-out for Bangkok's jet-set and cultivated travellers. Drinks are moderately priced and (despite being an indoor venue) there are demarcated smoking zones. Take the lift to the 32nd floor of the Millennium Hilton Bangkok hotel and watch in awe as the world goes by. Let the romantic mood and gentle jazz wash over you while you enjoy a cocktail and some of the sensational views the city has to offer.

Opening Hours: 17:00-01:00
Address: Millennium Hilton, 123 Charoennakorn Rd.
Tel: +66 (0)2 442 2000

Zeta Bar

Red lighting, leather sofas and a back-lit bar set the scene at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok hotel’s Zeta Bar. A part of the award-winning London bar concept that’s already a big hit in Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, and Beijing, this Bangkok bar really awakens when the champagne cocktails and music start flowing.

Opening Hours: 17:00-02:00
Address: Millennium Hilton, 123 Charoennakorn Rd.
Tel: +66 (0) 2442 2000