This guide covers the best rooftop bars in Bangkok as of the current year. Prices and opening hours change. Check official websites before you go.
- 1Key Takeaways (Read These First)
- 2Quick Facts
- 3The 3 Bars Worth Your Money
- 41. Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar (Sukhumvit)
- 52. Above Riva (Riverside, near Wat Arun)
- 63. Tichuca Rooftop Bar (Sukhumvit 11)
- 7The Famous One (That You Should Know About)
- 8Sky Bar at Lebua (State Tower)
- 9The Second-Tier Bars (Good, Not Great)
- 10How to Visit Rooftop Bars on a Budget
- 11Best Time of Year to Visit
- 12Essential Tips and Etiquette
- 13Summary
Key Takeaways (Read These First)
- Bangkok rooftop bars are not cheap. A cocktail costs 400-600 THB (plus 10% service charge and 7% tax). You are paying for the view, not the drink.
- The most famous bar (Sky Bar at Lebua, from The Hangover 2) is crowded and overpriced. Go for one drink and the photo. Then leave.
- The best sunset spot is Above Riva (overlooking Wat Arun). The best 360-degree view is Octave (Sukhumvit) or CRU (CentralWorld).
- Dress codes are enforced. No flip-flops. No shorts (for men). No tank tops. Some bars require collared shirts. Call ahead to check.
- You do not need to book most bars on weekdays. Weekend nights (Fri-Sat) require reservations, especially at the famous ones.
Quick Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Average Cocktail Price | 400-600 THB + 10% service + 7% VAT |
| Dress Code | Smart casual. No flip-flops. No shorts for men. |
| Best Time for Sunset | 5:30-6:30 PM (check exact sunset time) |
| Best Time to Avoid Crowds | Sunday-Tuesday evenings |
| Cheapest Drink | Local beer (150-250 THB) or soft drinks (150-200 THB) |
| Reservation Needed | Weekends only (Fri-Sat). High season (Nov-Feb) book ahead. |
This is not a list of “hidden gems” that are actually on every influencer’s feed. It is not a budget guide (rooftop bars are not budget). And it is not a recommendation to stay at the hotel just to visit the bar (you can visit without being a guest).
The 3 Bars Worth Your Money
1. Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar (Sukhumvit)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit (Thong Lo BTS) |
| Floors | 45th, 46th, 49th floors |
| View | 360-degree. The best unobstructed skyline view in Bangkok. |
| Why Go | Three levels. The top level is open-air with no glass barriers. Great for photos. |
| Cocktails | 450-550 THB |
| Best Time | Sunset (the bar faces west and south). |
| Dress Code | Smart casual. No beachwear. |
| Reservation | Walk-ins fine on weekdays. Weekends book via phone. |
The honest take: This is the best all-around rooftop bar in Bangkok. The view is unbeatable. The crowd is mixed (not just tourists). Go here if you only go to one.
2. Above Riva (Riverside, near Wat Arun)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Riva Arun Bangkok, near Wat Pho and the river |
| View | Direct view of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). The temple lights up at night. |
| Why Go | The most unique view. Wat Arun is right there. Not a generic skyline. |
| Cocktails | 350-450 THB (slightly cheaper than the skyscraper bars) |
| Best Time | Sunset (temple lights up around 6:30 PM). |
| Dress Code | Smart casual. |
| Reservation | Recommended for sunset (small space). |
The honest take: This is for the photographer. The view of Wat Arun at sunset is iconic. The bar is small. Go early to get a good spot.
Read the Wat Arun guide for more context.
3. Tichuca Rooftop Bar (Sukhumvit 11)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Sukhumvit 11 (near BTS Nana) |
| View | City skyline. The bar is in a building, not on top of a skyscraper. |
| Why Go | The neon LED tree. Very Instagrammable. Very crowded. Very young crowd. |
| Cocktails | 400-500 THB |
| Best Time | Night (9-11 PM) when the LED tree is fully lit. |
| Dress Code | Smart casual. Flip-flops not allowed. |
| Reservation | Walk-ins only (no reservations). Go early (6 PM) or late (11 PM). |
The honest take: This is for Instagram, not for a quiet conversation. The music is loud. The crowd is young. The tree is cool. Go once for the photo.
The Famous One (That You Should Know About)
Sky Bar at Lebua (State Tower)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Lebua at State Tower, Silom |
| Floors | 63rd floor (open-air) |
| Famous For | The Hangover 2 movie. The golden dome. |
| Cocktails | 600-800 THB (overpriced) |
| Best Time | Sunset (but very crowded). |
| Dress Code | Strict. No shorts. No flip-flops. Collared shirt for men recommended. |
| Reservation | Required for a table. Walk-ins can stand at the bar (if there is space). |
The honest take: Go once for the photo. One drink. Take your picture with the golden dome. Then leave. There are better bars with better views and lower prices. This one is for the bucket list, not for a regular night out.
The Second-Tier Bars (Good, Not Great)
| Bar | Location | Why Go | Skip If |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertigo & Moon Bar | Banyan Tree, Sathorn | Classic. 61st floor. Great views. | You have been to Octave (similar view, cheaper). |
| CRU Champagne Bar | Centara Grand, CentralWorld | 360-degree views. Very high. | You do not want to pay champagne prices (500-800 THB). |
| SEEN | Avani+ Riverside | Trendy. Good river views. | You are over 35. The music is loud. |
| Three Sixty Lounge | Millennium Hilton | Jazz. River views. Classy. | You want a party. This is quiet. |
| Spectrum Lounge | Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit | Live music. Romantic. | You want a panoramic view (it is partially obstructed). |
How to Visit Rooftop Bars on a Budget
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Order local beer (150-250 THB) instead of cocktails (400-600 THB). | You are paying for the view, not the drink. |
| Share a starter or dessert instead of a full meal. | Rooftop restaurants are more expensive than the bars. |
| Go for sunset, stay for one drink, leave by 8 PM. | Early evening is less crowded. You avoid the late-night party crowd. |
| Check if the hotel has a free observation deck (many do). | Not a bar, but a free view. |
The price of missing out: If you skip rooftop bars entirely, you miss a unique Bangkok experience. But do not break your budget for a 600 THB cocktail. One drink is enough.
Best Time of Year to Visit
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov-Feb | Cool, dry, less humid | Very High | Best weather for outdoor bars. Book ahead. |
| Mar-May | Very hot (35-40°C) | Medium | Unpleasant. The breeze helps, but you will sweat. |
| Jun-Oct | Afternoon showers, high humidity | Low | Rain may cancel outdoor seating. Check the forecast. |
The single most important tip: Go on a weekday (Sunday-Tuesday). Weekend nights are packed. You will wait in line. You will not enjoy the view.
Essential Tips and Etiquette
- Check the dress code before you go. Many bars refuse entry to men in shorts or flip-flops.
- Make a reservation for weekend evenings. Walk-ins may be turned away, especially at Sky Bar and Octave.
- Do not climb on the railings or glass barriers. People have fallen. It is dangerous and disrespectful.
- Do not bring your own drinks.
- Tip 10-15% if service is good. Service charge is often included (check the bill).
Summary
Bangkok has numerous rooftop bars with skyline and river views. Cocktails cost 400-600 THB plus service charge and tax. Popular bars include Octave (360-degree view), Above Riva (Wat Arun view), Tichuca (neon tree), and Sky Bar (famous from The Hangover 2). Dress codes are enforced (no shorts, no flip-flops). Weekday evenings are less crowded. Reservations are recommended for weekends.
Bangkok’s rooftop bars are expensive. Choose wisely.
- For the best all-around experience, go to Octave.
- For the iconic photo, go to Sky Bar.
- For sunset over Wat Arun, go to Above Riva.
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