Best Rooftop Bars in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the world's great rooftop-bar cities: a dense skyline, a river and warm nights all year. The famous rooftops are tourist attractions in their own right, priced accordingly. This guide names only long-established venues, explains the rules that catch people out, and suggests cheaper ways to get the same view.

The rules that catch people out

• Dress code. The well-known rooftops enforce smart casual. No flip-flops, sportswear, beachwear or sleeveless tops for men; some venues don't allow shorts. Bring a pair of closed shoes even if you're in sandals all day.
• Minimum age. Thailand's legal drinking age is 20, and some rooftops check ID.
• Prices. Cocktails cost what they would in a big Western city, plus service charge and VAT. A view-only visit isn't usually possible at the busiest bars.
• Timing. Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset. The best spots fill quickly.

Sky Bar at lebua at State Tower

Where: near the river, between Silom and the Riverside. Best for: the famous view along the river — the one in the photos.

Sky Bar's circular bar, lit up under a golden dome high above the river, became world-famous after appearing in The Hangover Part II. The view along the curve of the Chao Phraya is spectacular. It's also busy, expensive and very much a tourist attraction. Go once, for one drink, at sunset. See our Riverside guide.

Vertigo and Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree

Where: Sathorn. Best for: an open-air deck with an all-round view.

A long, narrow open-air deck on top of the Banyan Tree hotel, with views across downtown and Lumphini Park. Vertigo is the restaurant; Moon Bar is the bar at the end of the deck. Romantic, and less of a scrum than Sky Bar at quieter times. See our Sathorn guide.

Octave at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit

Where: near BTS Thong Lo. Best for: a more relaxed rooftop in Sukhumvit.

A multi-level rooftop with 360-degree views over Sukhumvit's towers. More casual than the riverside rooftops and handy if you're staying in Sukhumvit or going on to dinner in Thong Lo. See our Sukhumvit guide.

King Power Mahanakhon

Where: Chong Nonsi, between Silom and Sathorn. Best for: the highest view in the city.

The pixelated Mahanakhon tower has an observation deck — the SkyWalk, with a glass-floor section — and dining and drinks on its upper floors. The observation deck is the best option if you want the view without a bar bill, or if you're with children.

Choosing by evening

Cheaper ways to get the view

• The Mahanakhon SkyWalk: a ticket rather than a drinks bill.
• Hotel rooftops in your own hotel: many mid-range hotels in Silom and Sukhumvit have rooftop pools and bars with good views and normal prices.
• The river at sunset: a ride on the Chao Phraya Express Boat or watching Wat Arun light up from the Tha Tien side costs almost nothing.