The best way to view a city is always from high above – and where better to do that than in these rooftop bars in Bangkok? The Bangkok nightlife has always been legendary. When it comes to soaking up the high life, there’s nothing quite like a sundowner to kick back and unwind. After all, when the sun sets, we’re always ready to clink glasses. As great a city as any, can we imagine any other metropole exhaling such a wow-feeling at Golden Hour like Bangkok does? Of course not.
The city is a loud and proud haven for all night-crawlers with a sprawling number of rooftop bars taking over the city in the blink of an eye. Yet whilst the “old-timers” or more mainstream ones like Sirocco Sky Bar and Above Eleven may have already been well under your radar, we’ve decided to put together a list with some new and refreshed flavours — all the while still attributing some of our beloved classics. Read on to find some impressive new watering holes, fashionable speakeasies, and some of the best cocktail bars to have levelled up Bangkok’s drinks scene in the past year — quite literally. Scroll down to see which have captured a place in our hearts, and see where you should head tonight.

The Loft at Waldorf Astoria
This snazzy New York-inspired bar recreates the magic of vintage recipes by recreating forgotten cocktails using artisan spirits. Nestled on the 57th floor of the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, The Loft is a bohemian hideout inspired by the original 1953 Waldorf Astoria Bar Book. Definitely go for Montauti’s polished libations — the ‘Waldorf’ or ‘Astoria’ cocktails in particular — if you’re here for a strong blend. Meanwhile, relish in the twinkling of the city’s skyline under the Art Nouveau aesthetics. Always a perfect night out here.
The Loft, 56/F, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, +66 2 846 8888; Open Sunday-Wednesday 5pm-12am, and Thursday-Saturday 5pm-1am.

Escape Bangkok
This Balinese-style Bohemian hideout is a true tropical escape often famed as Sukhumvit’s secret sanctuary. Lay back on your cool cabanas, unwind to the beats, and snap some selfies at their Instagram-worthy nooks — what’s there to not love about this artistic place? Sundowner-lovers come here for the good vibes and to forget all about the bustle of the city.
Escape Bangkok, 5/F, The EmQuartier, 693 695 Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok, +662 258 6515, Open daily 5pm to 12am.

Lennon’s at the Rosewood Bangkok
Feeling the New York loft vibe already? One of the most buzzed-about speakeasies amongst Bangkok’s bar scene this year, Lennon’s at the elegant Rosewood Bangkok is totally worth the hype. Both the impressive vinyl collection of about 6000 records and an exclusive cigar lounge make this speakeasy-style whisky bar a complete standout. Head here for the retro vibe and sip one of their classic cocktails, like Negroni or a Martini under the starry night.
Lennon’s, 30/F, Rosewood Bangkok, 1041/38 Phloen Chit Rd., Pathum Wan, Bangkok, +66 2080 0088; Open daily 7pm-12am.

Abar Rooftop
Hidden away from Bangkok’s hustle and bustle, this glamorously stylish bar is all about dark innovative concoctions in a jazzy atmosphere. Renowned for serving one of the country’s largest gin collections, head here for their creative cocktails and stay for the spectacular view of Bangkok’s shimmering skyline. Perched on the 37th floor of the Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, this enchanting Victorian-themed bar has become a darling amongst city dwellers — and we can totally see why.
ABar Rooftop, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, Bangkok, +662 059 5999, Open daily ABar from 5pm to 1am and ABar Rooftop from 6pm to 1am.

Cactus
Cactus is an easy-breezy and lively cocktail bar that brings a Californian touch to Yen Akat’s serene neighbourhood. Sip their west-coast inspired cocktails, like the refreshing ‘Californication’ and revel in the laid-back Palm Springs-inspired ambience. Whilst Cactus doesn’t boast a skyscraper view, that’s exactly what we love about this place — it’s homely. And lest we forget: the cacti definitely enhance the chilled vibe here. Very Californian living.
CACTUS Bar Bangkok, 15 Soi Yen Akart, Sathorn, Bangkok, +6622491451, Open Tue-Sun 5pm-2am.

Penthouse Bar + Grill
Seduce your senses with a complete al fresco rooftop experience at the lavish three-storey venue at the Park Hyatt. Boasting all Chef’s Table, Whisky Room, The Mezzanine, The Grill, The Cocktail Bar, and The Rooftop Terrace, we love the Penthouse Bar + Grill for its unbeatable view of the city, and its live jazz band performances.
Penthouse Rooftop Bar, 36th Floor, Park Hyatt Bangkok, Lumphini, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, +6620117480 Open 5:30 pm -12 am.

Yao Rooftop Bar
Amidst Sathorn’s cityscapes, get a snippet of Shanghai alley culture at this sophisticated cocktail rooftop bar nestled in the heart of the business district. Sip their newly-launched signature ‘Forbidden Daiquiri’ and savour in some midnight dim sum all while you gaze over the 360-degree views of the city and the majestic Chao Phraya River.
Yào Rooftop Bar, 32/F, Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse, 262 Surawong Road, Bangkok, Thailand, +66 02 088 5666.

CRU Champagne Bar
The sky is the limit and so is CRU. The champagne bar elegantly sits in the Red Sky outlet serving some of the best champagnes in Bangkok, including the G.H. Mumms No.1 Pink Champagne, which is exclusively served only here. Not to mention, you can indulge in gourmet delights like Caspian sea caviar and foie gras while you sway to the tunes of the DJ. A cool venue for a first date.
CRU Champagne Bar, 999/99 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, +66 (0) 2100 1234.

Vertigo and Moon Bar
Dinner and drinks? Look no further. Perched on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Bangkok, Vertigo is where you can head for a serene al fresco dining experience, long tried, tested, and adored by many. Here, you’ll want to order the classic Vertigo Sunset (a blend of pineapple, cranberry, and lime juice with a pinch of Malibu), and set your gaze on the glittering vanilla sky overlooking Lumpini Park’s green lushes.
Vertigo and Moon Bar, 61st Floor, Banyan Tree Bangkok, 21/100 South Sathon Road, Sathon, Bangkok, +66 (0)2 679 1200, Open 5pm to 1am.

The Champagne Bar
Need to make a toast? This speakeasy is a little heaven for all champagne lovers and connoisseurs, given its impeccable selection of champagne. While you are here, don’t forget to swoon through the tasting corridor (a cabinet filled with exclusive champagne and liquors) that would leave you in awe. Pick a bottle of the extremely special 1999 Billecart-Salmon Le Clos St.Hilaire, or opt for a creative champagne cocktial — either way, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
The Champagne Bar, 57/F, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, +66 2 846 8888; Open Monday-Saturday 5 pm-12 am.

Seen Restaurant & Bar
For a more contemporary rooftop bar space, head to SEEN Restaurant & Bar, where you can mingle around what looks and feels like a modern multi-sensory playground. With Portuguese-Brazilian bar bites by celebrity chef Olivier da Costa to accompany, groove to the music (SEEN prides itself on its music) while you sip cocktails overlooking an impeccable view from the (other, less mainstream side) of the Chao Phraya River.
Seen Restaurant & Bar, AVANI Riverside Bangkok 257 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Samre, Thon Buri, Bangkok, +66 2 431 9120, Open 5:30pm – 1am.
This article first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.