Five places for a drink with a view in Bangkok

Bangkok view

I love Bangkok. I mean I really love Bangkok. I love how no matter where you look, there’s something that will entertain, amaze, inspire or (in some instances) shock you. It could be the solemnness of a Buddha as he meditates at a temple, the aromas of a stall that’s dishing out street food, or the craziness of a street that’s packed with market stalls.

Reading the above, it might not come as a surprise to find out that Bangkok is pretty hectic. Due to all this activity going on around you, it’s nice to know where to go to unwind with a drink with a view. Luckily for you, I know five places where you can do just that…

1. The Long Table, 25th Floor, 48 Column Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 16

filePhoto courtesy of Pietro Motta.

Despite its location on the 25th floor, ‘The Long Table’ isn’t a rooftop bar. Instead it’s more of a ‘stuck in the side of a skyscraper’ sort of bar. But boy, does it have a view. The most popular time to come for a beverage is between 5pm and 7pm for a ‘sundowner’ when they have a ‘buy one get one free’ offer. If you feel peckish after a ‘Bangkok Cosmopolitan’ (it’s one of their specialities) I recommend staying around for a bite – this is also one of the coolest restaurants in the city.

For more info visit http://www.longtablebangkok.com

2. Vertigo, Banyan Tree Bangkok, 21/200 S Sathron Road, Sathron

filePhoto courtesy of jonas.

There are numerous rooftop bars in Bangkok, but there are two in particular that are worth adding to your itinerary. The first is this bar located on the 61st floor of this building. The view of the Chao Phraya River is stunning, as you can really see it winding through the Thai capital from up here. The signature cocktail to accompany this view? That would be the ‘Vertigo Sunset’ – Malibu, pineapple juice, cranberry juice and lime juice.

For more info visithttp://www.banyantree.com/en/bangkok/experience_the_resort/dining/vertigo_and_moon_bar

3. The Roof Bar, Half way down the Khao San Road, Banglamphu

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Love it or hate it, there is no denying that Bangkok’s Khao San Road is one of the best places in the world to people watch. At any given time there are touts touting, would-be chefs cooking, tattoo artists tattooing, and travellers from all over the world chatting. The best place to witness all of this taking place is in this bar, midway down BKK’s infamous street. To find it, look for two things – the sign ‘Roof’, and the sound of an acoustic guitar. There’s no banging house music here – instead you’ll hear singer songwriters testing new material or triggering sing-alongs with old favourites. But what’s best about this place is people-watching on the Khao San Road from up above.

For more info visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Roof-khaosan-road/132866916770427

4. Sky Bar, 1055/111 Silom Road, Silom

filePhoto courtesy of chee.hong.

Thanks to a number of scenes from The Hangover Part II, the Sky Bar at the Lebua State Tower Hotel is the most famous rooftop bar (and possibly bar) in Bangkok. Thousands flock every day to sample the Hangovertini (I don't recommend it though – it’s awful), while others go to do nothing else only soak up the very chilled ambience and stunning views over a beer, cocktail or mocktail. If you’ve only got time to visit either here or Vertigo, I’d opt for the former. But naturally, if you’ve got the time, visit both.

For more info visit http://www.lebua.com/sky-bar

5. The Roof, Sala Rattanakosin, 39 Maharat Road, Rattanakosin Island

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One thing I always try to find out in a city is where’s good to go for a sunset. In Bangkok, it’s this bar on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. What makes it such a good place to watch the sun set is Wat Arun that beams over you from the other side. It’s peaceful, the cocktails are good, and there are snacks available too if you begin to feel peckish.

For more info visit http://www.salaresorts.com/rattanakosin/dine-en.html

Planning a trip to Bangkok and want to experience these amazing views for yourself? Find a homestay in Bangkok

By: By Colm Hanratty – in Destinations

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