Bars in Bangkok – Rooftop, Cocktail & Nightlife Venues
Bangkok’s bar scene is one of the most varied and entertaining in Asia. On any given night you might be sipping sunset cocktails on a rooftop dozens of floors above the city, ducking into a hidden speakeasy in Chinatown, listening to live jazz, or sharing cheap beers at a riverside bar as boats drift past.
Rather than fitting neatly into boxes, many of Bangkok’s best bars overlap in style and atmosphere. A rooftop bar might also be a serious cocktail venue; a neighbourhood bar may host live music several nights a week. This page is designed as a starting point – a way to understand how Bangkok’s nightlife works and choose the best direction for the kind of night you want to have.
Below are the most popular ways to explore bars in Bangkok, followed by key nightlife areas and practical tips.
Explore Bars in Bangkok
Rooftop Bars & Skyline Views
If views matter as much as drinks, rooftop bars are one of Bangkok’s defining nightlife experiences. The city has everything from relaxed riverside rooftops to glamorous hotel bars soaring more than 60 floors above street level. Many rooftop venues focus on cocktails and atmosphere rather than late-night partying, making them ideal for sunset drinks, special occasions, or visitors seeing the skyline for the first time.
Well-known names like Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar, Sky Bar at State Tower, and newer additions such as Sky Beach Bangkok and Akara Sky Hanuman highlight just how diverse the rooftop scene has become.
→ Explore our full guide to Rooftop Bars in Bangkok
Cocktail Bars & Hidden Speakeasies
Bangkok has quietly built a reputation as one of Asia’s most creative cocktail cities. From internationally recognised hotel bars to small, hard-to-find rooms above shopfronts, cocktail bars here place real emphasis on technique, ingredients, and storytelling.
Areas like Chinatown and Silom are especially strong for this style of drinking, with venues such as Opium Bar, Ang Yi, Vesper, and Revolucion Cocktail offering very different interpretations of what a Bangkok cocktail bar can be. Many of these spots also feature DJs or occasional live music, blurring the lines between categories.
Live Music & Jazz Bars
Live music is a major part of Bangkok nightlife, ranging from laid-back acoustic sets to energetic rock bands and some of Southeast Asia’s best jazz venues. Jazz, in particular, has a long history in the city, with intimate clubs, hotel lounges, and late-night jam sessions attracting both local musicians and international performers.
If live music is the main reason you’re heading out, our dedicated Jazz Bars in Bangkok and Live Music pages are the best places to start, with individual venue pages and regularly updated recommendations.
Casual Bars & Easy Nights Out
Not every night out needs craft cocktails or dress codes. Bangkok is full of relaxed bars where the focus is on conversation, people-watching, and affordable drinks. These range from long-running expat pubs and sports bars to small local hangouts and open-air venues.
Sukhumvit has plenty of options in this category, including Irish pubs, sports bars, and craft beer spots, while riverside bars like Jack’s Bar offer a simple, social atmosphere with great views at a fraction of rooftop prices.
Late-Night Bars & Party Spots
For those who want to keep going after midnight, Bangkok doesn’t disappoint. Certain areas stay lively well into the early hours, with bars transitioning from relaxed drinking spots into louder, DJ-driven venues later in the night. Khao San Road is the most famous example, but similar energy can also be found in parts of Sukhumvit and Silom.
If you’re specifically interested in this side of the city, start with our dedicated Khao San Road Bars guide.
Where to Drink: Key Nightlife Areas
Sukhumvit
One of Bangkok’s most popular nightlife corridors, Sukhumvit offers a huge mix of rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, pubs, sports bars, and late-night venues. It’s easy to navigate thanks to the BTS Skytrain and suits everything from casual drinks to polished hotel bars.
Silom
Silom is compact but diverse, known for quality cocktail bars, small rooftops, and a lively after-work crowd. It’s also home to venues that cater to Bangkok’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, especially around Silom Soi 2 and Soi 4.
Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Chinatown has become one of Bangkok’s most exciting areas for creative bars. Expect hidden staircases, inventive cocktails, and venues that feel very different from hotel-based drinking. It’s especially popular in the evenings after street food and dinner.
Riverside
Bars along the Chao Phraya River tend to be more relaxed, scenic, and social. Some are attached to hotels, while others are informal open-air spots right on the water. Riverside bars are ideal for early evening drinks and sunset views.
Khao San Road
Bangkok’s most famous backpacker strip remains one of the city’s most energetic nightlife areas. Expect loud music, cheap drinks, live bands, and a lively international crowd every night of the week.
Bars in Bangkok FAQ
What time do bars in Bangkok usually open and close?
Most bars in Bangkok open between 5pm and 6pm. Closing times vary, but many venues close around midnight to 2am, with some staying open later on weekends or in nightlife-heavy areas.
Is there a dress code for Bangkok bars?
Dress codes depend on the venue. Rooftop and hotel bars usually require smart casual attire: closed shoes, neat shorts or trousers, and no beachwear or flip-flops. More casual bars are generally relaxed, but it’s best to dress neatly if you’re unsure.
What is the legal drinking age in Thailand?
The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20 years old. Some bars, especially those popular with visitors, may ask for ID, so it’s a good idea to carry some form of identification when going out.
Is smoking allowed in Bangkok bars?
Smoking is not allowed inside bars or other indoor public spaces in Bangkok. Some venues provide designated outdoor smoking areas, but rules are enforced and fines can apply, so always check before lighting up.
Do bars in Bangkok have happy hours?
Yes – happy hours are common, particularly in areas like Sukhumvit, Silom, and Khao San Road. They usually run between 5–8pm or 5–9pm and may include discounted drinks or buy-one-get-one-free offers.
Which Bangkok bar appeared in The Hangover Part II?
Several scenes in The Hangover Part II were filmed at Sky Bar at lebua, one of Bangkok’s most famous rooftop bars, known for its dramatic views over the Chao Phraya River.