Bangkok Riverside Nightlife
What to Do at Night in Riverside
Nightlife at the riverside has an altogether different definition than the scene in, say, Silom or Sukhumvit. Posh riverside hotels often have chic jazz or cocktail bars, and at the Millennium Hilton you can shake your tail to heart's content at Zeta - or enjoy spectacular views from Three Sixty, its fast-becoming-famous rooftop venue.
But, the real nightlife star, hands down, is the Chao Phraya River itself. 'Party boats', 'floating karaokes' or whatever you want to call it, glide up and down the river all night long, complete with disco lights and mirror balls.
Good thing that strict laws are enforced to contain the noise pollution after midnight and to bring an early end to the partying, or many a reveler would have ended up in the Chao Phraya's murky waters after one-too-many. While nightlife at the riverside might not be a late-night and hard-partying affair, it certainly has its own very special charms.
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Riverside Bars and Pubs
Bangkok’s riverside area is one of the best places to unwind with a glass of cocktail or wine. For one thing, the view – particularly at sunset – is guaranteed to impress you (and your date). The ambiance is also another big plus, as most are part of the hotel establishments lining the two Chao Phraya riverbanks. Discover all that the riverside has to offer, from old-school charms at the Mandarin Oriental’s Bamboo Bar to the iconic Sky Bar’s jaw-dropping 360-degree city and river views from Millennium Hilton Bangkok.
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. Read More...
Opening Hours: 18:30-midnight, closed Mondays
Location: Rivercity Shopping Complex
Address: Charoen Krung Soi 30 (next to the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel)
Tel: +66 (0) 2237 0077-8
How to get there: Get on the BTS to Saphan Taksin Station. There's a free shuttle boat service to Rivercity available at Sathorn Pier everyday from 10:00 to 20:00
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. Read More...
Opening Hours: 17:00 - 01:00
Location: Lebua at State Tower (Silom/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. Read More...
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
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