Top 4 Bars & Entertainment Spots in Bangkok

A vibrant night view of Bangkok's illuminated skyline featuring modern skyscrapers.
Wilfried Strang, Pexels

Bangkok's bar and drinking scene is a dynamic blend of high-end rooftop experiences, award-winning cocktail lounges, and intriguing hidden speakeasies, reflecting the city's vibrant and diverse character.

Entertainment and Music:

Bangkok offers a dynamic and diverse music and entertainment scene, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Visitors can experience an array of live music, from established jazz and blues venues like Saxophone Pub, known for its iconic performances since 1987, to more contemporary spots such as Crimson Room, which combines a 1920s aesthetic with jazz and lively tunes. For those seeking alternative or local sounds, venues like Jam and Blueprint Livehouse feature experimental and innovative acts, while areas like CoCo Walk host multiple bars with local bands playing a mix of Thai and Western covers.

1. BKK Social Club

Type: Award-Winning Cocktail Bar

Stepping into BKK Social Club feels like entering a glamorous, high-society playground from a bygone era, with its grand interior of green velvet and glittering brass. The focus here is on innovative, globally inspired cocktails, offering a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere perfect for an upscale evening.

Getting There: Located within the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. From the city center, take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station. From there, it is a short taxi ride or a convenient boat transfer along the Chao Phraya River to the hotel. A taxi ride from central areas typically costs between 60-90 THB, plus any tolls.

2. Bar.Yard

Type: Tropical Rooftop Bar

Perched on the 40th floor, Bar.Yard offers a lively, tropical oasis high above the city. The open-air setting is filled with lush greenery, providing a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere to enjoy the panoramic views of Lumpini Park and the city skyline. It is a place where one might find themselves dancing alongside newly-made friends, accompanied by a varied music program and tropical-inspired cocktails.

Getting There: Found at the Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, conveniently located near the Phloen Chit BTS Station. It is typically a short walk from the station to the hotel. BTS fares range from 17-62 THB.

3. Tropic City

Type: Tropical Cocktail Bar

Tropic City radiates a vibrant, sociable energy, drawing influences from tropical locales worldwide. It is Thailand's first tropical cocktail bar, specializing in inventive, rum-focused concoctions with creative infusions. The atmosphere on the outdoor terrace is often bustling and lively, making it an ideal spot for those seeking dynamic flavors and a spirited night out.

Getting There: Situated in the Charoen Krung district, a historically rich and now trendy area. While not directly on a BTS or MRT line, it is accessible by taxi or a combination of BTS to Saphan Taksin, followed by a short taxi or Chao Phraya Express Boat ride. Taxi fares from central areas are typically 60-90 THB, plus any tolls.

4. Teens of Thailand

Type: Gin Bar / Speakeasy

Hidden behind an unassuming wooden door in Chinatown, this intimate bar offers a unique focus on gin. It is a cozy space where the drinks list, primarily featuring gin-based creations and infusions using local ingredients, changes frequently. The ambiance is cool and understated, providing a refreshing alternative to more overt nightlife spots.

Getting There: Located on Soi Nana in Chinatown. The closest public transport is the MRT subway; disembark at Wat Mangkon Station, from which the bar is within walking distance. MRT fares typically range from 15-45 THB.