Bangkok Rooftop Venues

The sheer size and magnitude of this enormous city is best experienced at one of Bangkok's trendy rooftop venues, from where you can enjoy a bird's eye view of this sprawling metropolis while sipping on a refreshing cocktail. The best time to go is late afternoon - just in time to witness the sun setting behind the magnificent Chao Praya River.

Sky Bar (Sirocco) and Distil, Lebua at State Tower
Hours: 17:00 until 01:00
Dress Code: Smart Casual (no beach shorts or flip-flops allowed)
Contact: +66 (0)2 624 9999

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, 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 our review of Distil's Oyster Bar

Moon Bar (Vertigo), Banyan Tree Hotel
Hours: 17:00 until 01:00 (weather permitting)
Dress Code: Smart Casual (no beach shorts, or flip-flops allowed)
Contact: +66 (0)2 679 1200

This open air bar-cum-restaurant is 61 floors above the bustling streets of Bangkok; stylish, sophisticated, romantic and reaching for the clouds. Indulge in some of the world's finest champagne, exotic cocktails, wine-by-the-glass or non-alcholic beverages in the bar area, or go all the way for a memorable dinner of barbecued seafood. The magical atmosphere makes for a memorable evening, weather permitting. A telescope is available for star-gazing, and on most nights there is live jazz too. Despite the heavy price tags, it's money worth spending. Due to its popularity, reservations are required for the restaurant.

Three Sixty, Millennium Hilton Hotel
Hours: 17:00 until 01:00
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Contact: +66 (0)2 442 2000

The latest addition to Bangkok's skyline, The Millennium Hilton Hotel on the Chonburi side of the Chao Praya River is a proud salute to cutting-edge design. Just a short ferry ride across the river from the River City Pier, or a ride on the hotel's hospitality boat from Saphan Taksin Pier (walking distance from Saphan Taksin BTS station), takes you to this spanking new hotel. Take the elevator up to the 31st floor, and proceed one flight of stairs up to Three Sixty, a sophisticated jazz lounge that does justice to its name with unrivalled 360 degree views. Since its opening in March 2006, Three Sixty has become a popular hang-out for Bangkok's jet-set and tourists who have fallen in love with the views. Drinks are moderately priced and (despite being an indoor venue) there are demarcated smoking zones.

D'Sens Bar & Restaurant, Dusit Thani Hotel
Hours: 11:30 - 14:30, 18:30 - 22:00
Dress Code: Elegant
Contact: +66 (0)2 236 9999

Overlooking Lumpini Park from the top (22nd) floor of this prime and established Bangkok hotel, this elegant French-themed restaurant and bar comes highly recommended with its three Michelin stars in the dining category. It's possible to pop in just for a drink too, but make the most of your evening with the fine cousine of Jacques and Laurent Pourcel from Le Jardim fame. Views are panaromic, and this would be the right place to impress a date.

The Rooftop Bar, Baiyoke Sky Hotel
Hours: 20:00 until 01:00
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Contact: +66 (0)2 656 3000

Thailand's tallest building, the Bayoke Sky Hotel rises 88 storeys above the Bangkok skyline, and offers maginificent views from dizzying heights. Professional bands and singers perform nightly at the indoor Rooftop Bar, which is located on the 83rd floor. The Observation and Revolving roofdecks on the 77th and 84th floors are open until 22:30, but no drinks or refreshments are served.