The Guide to Bangkok’s Best Rooftop Bars

The Guide to Bangkok’s Best Rooftop Bars

Ivica Srncevic by Ivica Srncevic 5 min read

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.

📋 Table of Contents
  1. 1Key Takeaways (Read These First)
  2. 2Quick Facts
  3. 3The 3 Bars Worth Your Money
  4. 41. Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar (Sukhumvit)
  5. 52. Above Riva (Riverside, near Wat Arun)
  6. 63. Tichuca Rooftop Bar (Sukhumvit 11)
  7. 7The Famous One (That You Should Know About)
  8. 8Sky Bar at Lebua (State Tower)
  9. 9The Second-Tier Bars (Good, Not Great)
  10. 10How to Visit Rooftop Bars on a Budget
  11. 11Best Time of Year to Visit
  12. 12Essential Tips and Etiquette
  13. 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.
Bangkok rooftop bars
Bangkok rooftop bars

Quick Facts

CategoryDetail
Average Cocktail Price400-600 THB + 10% service + 7% VAT
Dress CodeSmart casual. No flip-flops. No shorts for men.
Best Time for Sunset5:30-6:30 PM (check exact sunset time)
Best Time to Avoid CrowdsSunday-Tuesday evenings
Cheapest DrinkLocal beer (150-250 THB) or soft drinks (150-200 THB)
Reservation NeededWeekends 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)

DetailInfo
LocationMarriott Hotel Sukhumvit (Thong Lo BTS)
Floors45th, 46th, 49th floors
View360-degree. The best unobstructed skyline view in Bangkok.
Why GoThree levels. The top level is open-air with no glass barriers. Great for photos.
Cocktails450-550 THB
Best TimeSunset (the bar faces west and south).
Dress CodeSmart casual. No beachwear.
ReservationWalk-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)

DetailInfo
LocationRiva Arun Bangkok, near Wat Pho and the river
ViewDirect view of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). The temple lights up at night.
Why GoThe most unique view. Wat Arun is right there. Not a generic skyline.
Cocktails350-450 THB (slightly cheaper than the skyscraper bars)
Best TimeSunset (temple lights up around 6:30 PM).
Dress CodeSmart casual.
ReservationRecommended 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)

DetailInfo
LocationSukhumvit 11 (near BTS Nana)
ViewCity skyline. The bar is in a building, not on top of a skyscraper.
Why GoThe neon LED tree. Very Instagrammable. Very crowded. Very young crowd.
Cocktails400-500 THB
Best TimeNight (9-11 PM) when the LED tree is fully lit.
Dress CodeSmart casual. Flip-flops not allowed.
ReservationWalk-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)

DetailInfo
LocationLebua at State Tower, Silom
Floors63rd floor (open-air)
Famous ForThe Hangover 2 movie. The golden dome.
Cocktails600-800 THB (overpriced)
Best TimeSunset (but very crowded).
Dress CodeStrict. No shorts. No flip-flops. Collared shirt for men recommended.
ReservationRequired 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)

BarLocationWhy GoSkip If
Vertigo & Moon BarBanyan Tree, SathornClassic. 61st floor. Great views.You have been to Octave (similar view, cheaper).
CRU Champagne BarCentara Grand, CentralWorld360-degree views. Very high.You do not want to pay champagne prices (500-800 THB).
SEENAvani+ RiversideTrendy. Good river views.You are over 35. The music is loud.
Three Sixty LoungeMillennium HiltonJazz. River views. Classy.You want a party. This is quiet.
Spectrum LoungeHyatt Regency SukhumvitLive music. Romantic.You want a panoramic view (it is partially obstructed).

How to Visit Rooftop Bars on a Budget

TipWhy
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

SeasonWeatherCrowdsVerdict
Nov-FebCool, dry, less humidVery HighBest weather for outdoor bars. Book ahead.
Mar-MayVery hot (35-40°C)MediumUnpleasant. The breeze helps, but you will sweat.
Jun-OctAfternoon showers, high humidityLowRain 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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