One of Bangkok’s most fantastic and unmatched teatime cafe experiences can be found at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Their covered veranda is the ideal setting to enjoy an afternoon tea which consists of three sets of teas served with finger foods and other delicious embellishments. Their homemade scones served with clotted cream and rose petal jam come highly recommended.
TEP BAR
Known around Bangkok as the “first cultural bar of Thailand,” TEP BAR is heavy on Thai traditions which shine through in everything they do from the traditional Thai atmosphere to their entertainment and food. Hidden down a nondescript alleyway in Chinatown, tucked away between dozens of other shops, the feel here is decidedly authentic. The menu features drinks infused with local fruits, herbs and spices that pair perfectly with traditional bite-sized Thai dishes that are perfect for sharing between friends.
The Locker Room
This über-small hole in the wall that has room for only 35 patrons at a time is as intimate as it gets. The moody decor adds to its hidden, exclusive, off the beaten path vibe. But, this is no dive bar. Some of the best mixologists on the continent tend bar here. In true speakeasy fashion you have to find the entrance amongst a bank of steel lockers to gain entry. For something this exclusive you’d expect to pay a lot more than $10 per drink, but the price is right at The Locker Room.
Tropic City
Bangkok’s only Caribbean themed, tropical bar which made Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2019. Average cocktails, most of which are tropically themed and include fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and homemade infusions, cost only $12.
The Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental
Despite being a worldwide brand, pretty much everything at Bangkok’s Mandarin Oriental has won awards for being the best in the city at some point. The Bamboo Bar at the Mandarin is no different. It earned as high as #8 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list as recently as 2019 and won the title of The Best Bar in Thailand that same year. The atmosphere is exotic yet distinctly classy like much of the Mandarin Oriental. Stick around enjoying their perfect cocktails during their live jazz nights. Just be aware you’re going to pay for this atmosphere as most cocktails average around $18-20.
Maggie Choo’s
An underground venue with a distinct 1930’s Shanghai vibe. Private booths are set inside old East India Company bank vaults, complete with giant metal doors, surrounded by terra-cotta warrior statues, hanging umbrellas, while models in traditional Chinese costumes swing above your head suspended from the ceiling, as a pianist sits at a grand piano playing music. It’s really an embarrassment of riches when it comes to cool decor. And, if that wasn’t enough it also has a super cool, secret entrance. You have to enter through a nondescript storefront and push past a black curtain in the back, seemingly falling through a magic portal into a lost world. This is one of the many bars on this list that has been expertly decorated and designed by famous Australian interior designer, Ashley Sutton.
Havana Social
A little piece of Cuba in the center of Bangkok. Head to the end of Sukhumvit Soi 11, a once-famous party strip that has since matured a bit and now caters to a more refined crowd and search out this Havana themed bar. Its crumbling façade and dimly lit interior harken back to a different era and the live salsa band that’s rocking the foundation completes this perfectly executed atmosphere. Upstairs you’ll find areas to smoke cuban cigars and some of the best cuban sandwiches anywhere.
Rooftop at Sala Rattanakosin
For the best view of Wat Arun, look no further than this bar which sits at the top the boutique hotel called Sala Rattanakosin. This is the best spot in all of Bangkok to take in the dazzling view of the famous Temple of Dawn. It’s also an ideal place to watch fireworks if there is a local festival or New Years celebration going on.
Moon Bar
The Moon Bar, located on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel, with its stunning 360-degree views over Lumpini Park and the Chao Phraya River below, was covered briefly in the top sky bar section of this write-up, but deserves special mention here. This sky-high bar on the edge of the atmosphere is simply a can’t miss experience. It is regularly included in lists of the top rooftop bars in the world for that reason. Enjoy some wine, an eclectic mix of cocktails or a lychee martini as you watch the sunset from damn near the moon at this stunning bar.
Sing Sing Theater
Another of famed designer, Ashley Sutton’s, fairy tale creations, when you push open the doors of Sukhumvit’s Sing Sing Theater, you’ll be first greeted by a beautiful woman wearing a floor-length red cheongsam with an elaborate feather headpiece. From there, you’ll be led through a maze of different rooms eventually terminating at a small dance floor where you will be transported in time back to 1930s Shanghai. Sing Sing Theater is decorated to the hilt with lanterns, metal screens, painted umbrellas, wooden dragons, and lots of red lighting. It’s the ultimate nightclub experience.
Iron Fairies
Ashley Sutton once again transports you in the most magical way to a fairy tale land with this bar/restaurant. This time she brings you to a medieval, steampunk mashup where you’d expect to find mythical creatures like centaurs, fairies, Thor and extras from Game of Thrones would have a hamburger and some drinks. I’ve heard the interior described as a Vikings version of Pirates of the Caribbean.
A.R Sutton & Co Engineers Siam
If you’re tired hearing about Ashley Sutton, you shouldn’t be. Her bars are otherworldly and cool as all hell. A.R Sutton is, as you’ve probably guessed, Ashley Sutton. This time she takes you inside a the distillery process with this whisky themed cocktail bar. You’ll feel like you’re inside the copper kettles where the whiskey you’re drinking was made. The decor is a sort of Sherlock Holmes, British steampunk motif that provides the perfect ambience for enjoying a whiskey cocktail.