High above the bustling streets and stifling heat of Bangkok is an oasis of rooftops just waiting to be explored. Throw on your best vacay clothes and get ready to sip on sundowners at some of the best in town.

1. Vertigo and Moon Bar, Banyan Tree Bangkok

When it comes to rooftop bars in Bangkok, Vertigo and Moon Bar are institutions. Sitting smack bang on the top of a converted helipad, it’s no surprise that Vertigo Restaurant was named after the famous Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name. If you don’t have an unlimited budget, cruise past the honeymooners at the white linen-covered tables and park up at Moon Bar for one of the best views in the city. With super low walls around the entire rooftop, you’ll enjoy epic panoramas from wherever you get comfortable.

SIGNATURE DRINK: The Vertigo Sunset Malibu – a splash of cranberry juice, plenty of pineapple juice and a squeeze of lime.

WHERE: Banyan Tree Bangkok, 61st Floor – 21/100 South Sathon Road, Sathon, Bangkok

2. Sky Bar at Sirocco, Lebua Hotel  

Perched high on the edge of a skyscraper in Bangkok, is one of the city’s most famous bars. Located on the 63rd floor of at Lebua Hotel, Sky Bar offers incredible views over Bangkok and Chao Phraya River. While they didn’t get creative with the name, they certainly did with the architecture. Greco-Roman influenced design dominates the landscape, with the pièce de résistance being a huge gold-pillared dome that lights up as the sun goes down. If you’ve seen The Hangover Part II, you’ll know what we’re talking about. Part of the movie was filmed there and since then it’s become quite the scene.    

A photo posted by @summerrainberry on

SIGNATURE DRINK: The Hangovertini – green tea liquor, Martini Rosso, green apple juice and rosemary-infused honey.

WHERE: The Dome at Lebua, 63rd Floor – 1055/42 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok

3. Park Society, Sofitel So on Sathorn

You could be forgiven for thinking that Park Society is just another rooftop bar – but there aren’t any other bars in Bangkok that overlook Lumpini Park. The green oasis is Bangkok’s answer to Central Park in New York, so it’s worth dropping in for a sundowner to watch the park change colours. Speaking of drinks, Park Society doesn’t acknowledge the existence of happy hour, but it is a whole lot cheaper than Vertigo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree or Sky Bar at Lebua. We should also probably mention that unless you dress like you’re visiting Aladdin’s cave on the reg, expect to do a double take at the staff attire.

A photo posted by @first_131 on

SIGNATURE DRINK: The Watermelon and Basil Margarita – refreshing and not overly sweet with a strong flavour of Thai herbs.

WHERE: Sofitel So Bangkok (on Sathorn Road), 29th Floor – 2 North Sathorn Road, Bangrak, Bangkok

4. Three Sixty, The Millenium Hilton Hotel  

Three Sixty is an incredible rooftop bar that has… you guessed it, 360 degree views of Bangkok. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, in the heart of the city’s luxury hotel district, Three Sixty offers panoramic views over the city’s luxury hotel district. For a world-renowned bar, Three Sixty is pretty chilled. Live Jazz will set the vibe for your night as you watch dusk sweep over the city.  

A photo posted by Nidnoi Pimboon (@nidnoi_pb) on

SIGNATURE DRINK: The Robusto Mojito – made from Cuban cigar-infused rum with fresh lime, mint and hazelnut syrup.

WHERE: The Millennium Hilton, 32nd Floor – 123 Charoennakorn Road, Klongsan, Bangkok

5. Speakeasy, Hotel Muse

Step back in time to the 1920’s Prohibition era at this authentic speakeasy bar in the heart of Bangkok. With an old freestanding bath full of cocktails in jam jars on ice and cool jazz providing the ultimate soundtrack, Speakeasy is a hidden gem. Its terrace-style rooftop is set up like an alfresco sitting room, with lounges and dimly lit lamps. If you can tear yourself away from the view, head inside to their Blind Pig Cigar Lounge – a luxurious lounge area that serves some of the finest Cuban cigars available. Not dressed for this most momentous occasion? The staff will provide you with a sweet selection of smoking jackets.

A photo posted by Fiona Yim 🦄 (@feeoohnom) on

SIGNATURE DRINK: A French Martini: a delicious blend of vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice and a hint of lime to cut through the sweetness.

WHERE: Hotel Muse, 24th and 25th Floors – 55/555 Langsuan Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok

Laura McWhinnie
Laura McWhinnie is an Australian writer, photographer, presenter and founder of THIS ISLAND LIFE® (thisislandlife.com) – a blog that follows summer around the globe to bring you warm-weather inspiring travel, fashion and adventures.