Bangkok's Best Bars to Try in 2024: Local's Recommendations
Last updated February 14, 2024
Thonglor, Sukhumvit, Silom, Yaowarat and Charoen Krung areas are known for their trendy bars and vibrant nightlife.
I'm not a regular drinker, but I do love a good cocktail. And when it comes to nightlife and nice bars, Bangkok is a city that knows its stuff. From fancy jazz bar to tropical-themed bar, Bangkok has it all.
Bangkok's trendy bars are located in areas such as Thonglor, Sukhumvit, Silom, Yaowarat, and Charoen Krung. So, whether you live in Bangkok or just traveling through, it is easy to include a night out to a nice bar into your travel plan. But since there are many options out there, as a local, I want to share with you my personal top 10 favorite bars for you to explore in 2024.
Table of contents
1. BKK Social Club
2. The Parlor
3. The Bamboo Bar
4. Tropic City
5. You Know Where
6. Mutual Bar
7. Stella
8. Vesper
9. Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant
10. Crimson Room
Pro tip: I break down the bars by vibe so you can easily find the ideal spot for your awesome night out!
1. BKK Social Club
BKK Social Club recently won the award for The Best Bar in Thailand 2023 by Asia's 50 Best Bars. So, if you're looking for the best bar in Bangkok, you must come and visit. This stylish bar, located inside the Four Seasons Hotel at Chao Phraya River, is known for its classic glitz and glamour indoor vibe and semi-outdoor courtyards.
The drinks at BKK Social Club are inspired by Argentina and Latin America, and they are absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the Carnival, a signature cocktail made with chamomile cachaça, raspberry, elderflower, lime, and egg white. Another great signature cocktail to try is La Pampa, made with Apostoles gin, eucalyptus honey, and citrus. They are the perfect drinks to start your night off right.
Website | Instagram | Menu | How to get here
Tip: Next to the BKK Social Club, there is a fantastic Italian restaurant called Riva Del Fiume. The tiramisu here is the bomb! For a luxurious evening, I recommend having dinner here and then enjoy a tasty cocktail at the BKK Social Club to end the luxe evening.
2. The Parlor
The Parlor is an all-day dining restaurant and bar located in The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon hotel. I stumbled upon this bar by accident after dinner with friends, and I was in for a surprise! The bar has an open and welcoming vibe. Their two F&B outlets; The Parlor and Tease are located right next to each other so you can choose where to sit.
For our first visit, we chose to sit at Tease while order drinks from The Parlor because the decors was just so pretty! It is nicely decorated with a black and white Alice in Wonderland theme. On the ceiling, at that time, they had beautiful flower and butterfly decorations, making the place looking all magical. The cocktails are contemporary and inspired by regional and tropical ingredients. My favorites are the refreshing Rhythm cocktail, made with gin, strawberry-pineapple, yuzu, and grapefruit bitters, and the sweet Talk cocktail, made with vodka, cantaloupe, apple, and lemon. Yum!
The second time I went back with my friend, we decided to sit on the balcony to enjoy fresh air and the view. It was a fantastic experience and the service was outstanding, as always.
Tip: Don't forget to check out the highest building in Thailand, MahaNakhon, which is right next to it. Inside, there is a Thai food court called Thai Taste Hub Mahanakhon CUBE. It is an upscale food court yet affordable with lots of options. If you can handle spicy, try my stall called phed phed hey.
3. The Bamboo Bar
If you're looking for a legendary jazz experience in Bangkok, The Bamboo Bar is the place for you. Located inside the iconic Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok hotel, The Bamboo Bar is one of the oldest and most iconic jazz bars in Asia, first opening its doors in 1953. Over the years, The Bamboo Bar has been visited by many famous musicians and celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, and has been featured in several movies and TV shows.
While you are enjoying the music, be sure to try The Bamboo Daiquiri, my personal favorite. Other great drinks to try include the Aged Caribeno and the Sohm Choon Spritz. If you're hungry, The Bamboo Bar also has a great food selection, but my favorite is the truffle fries (guilty pleasure, indeed!).
Website | Instagram | Menu | How to get here
Tip: To get the best experience, visit The Bamboo Bar on a Friday or Saturday night, the band plays from 8pm to 12:45am. On weekdays, the band plays from 8 to 11:45pm, and Sundays only feature a piano show from 9 to 11:45pm. Please be sure to double-check the schedule and book a seat in advance. Dress code is proper attire, with no flip-flops allowed.
4. Tropic City
Ranked #6 by Asia's 50 Best Bars in 2023, Tropic City has a fun and laid-back vibe with tropical décor, and strong focus on rum. If you are in the artistic district of Charoen Krung, be sure to check out Tropic City's event calendar on their website to see who's DJing.
And for the best drink to order, I recommend the Signature Welcome to The Jungle, made with premium Cuban rum Havana Club. Trust me, their drinks and the vibe will immediately transport you to the beach! I recommended a few friends to this place and they loved it so, I hope you will too!
Tip: Tropic City is tucked inside a small alley, so don’t be scared if you travel there by foot. Just trust the Google map. Not too far from a bar, there is a Michelin-starred restaurant called Samlor - a nice dinner spot before drinks.
5. You Know Where
You Know Where is a speakeasy bar hidden in the heart of Silom, Bangkok's central business district and nightlife area. As the name suggests, you have to find the entrance yourself. Once inside, you'll be greeted by an intimate and inviting atmosphere. The bar is dimly lit, with dark wood accents and vintage furniture. There's a small seating area around the bar, as well as a few tables in the back of the room.
The bartenders at You Know Where are experts at their craft and can create custom cocktails to your taste. Just tell them your preferred flavor profile and be prepared to be surprised. They are also happy to make classic cocktails, but why not try something new?
Tip: Enjoy many local eateries around Silom. There are many great spots that locals love such as Hai Som Tam Convent. Eat until your heart desires in Silom before going to the bar because it does not serve any food. But, make sure to try their complimentary BBQ flavor banana chips. They are super yummy and addictive!
6. Mutual Bar
Are you searching for a lively local atmosphere and live band in Sukhumvit? If you're tired of the touristy places in Phorm Phong, make your way to Mutual Bar for a more authentic local experience. This bar has an unique red lighting that creates a sultry and comfortable ambiance. The bar is located on the 5th floor of a building. The bar concept is “meeting new people”, so if you want to make new friends, come here.
By the way, this bar is owned by 7 people include famous movie Director, Nattawut Poonpiriya and an actress, Patcha Poonpiriya. So, this is a spot where you might run into a Thai celeb. The bands that play here are local talents and the bar shows support to them by not just hiring them but to also showcase their music via its YouTube channel. Isn’t this cool? If you want to check it out, click here .
Tip: The bar has a limited food menu. So, I recommend having a proper dinner first at either EmSphere or EmQuartier shopping malls, which are just a 5-minute walk away from the bar.
7. Stella
Stella is a unique bar that draws inspiration from famous women in history. It is situated in the luxurious Capella Bangkok hotel, ensuring classy vibe and top-notch service.
Stella's ambiance makes it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic setting. However, it also caters to groups of friends who appreciate jazz music. Or, if you're looking for a picturesque spot for your Instagram feed, Stella's stunning backdrop featuring a white peacock and chandelier is a place for you!
Tip: Bar hopping, anyone? After Stella, you can easily walk to BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Bangkok because both hotels are located on the same property.
8. Vesper
Vesper is no stranger to Asia's 50 Best Bars list because it has been on the list since 2016. Most recently, it is ranked 12th on the list. Not only that, it is also in the list of World's 50 Best Bars 2020 & 2022. With all these recognitions, this should be enough reason for you to check it out? I believe so!
Located in the buzzing Silom area, the bar is European-inspired and beautifully decorated with leather furnishings and forest green counters. The cocktails are pretty, creative and tasty. And the vibe is always welcoming. Vesper regularly updates its menu, so be ready to be impressed by their new series when you visit. I've been coming here since the beginning, and now they have the latest series called People of Vesper. Don’t be shy to ask for a recommendation and just sit back, relax and enjoy your drink.
Tip: If you want to further explore the creation from this restaurant group, check out their latest bar called 4th Wall. They recently opened another cocktail bar in Lang Suan area. I believe it will be amazing and once I try, I’ll keep you guys posted.
9. Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant
I included Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant in the list because it embodies the essence of a wholesome evening. Located within the Pullman Bangkok Hotel G on 37th floor, this is a bar where you can savor a delicious cocktail and a delectable meal while enjoying the sunset.
While it might not be the city's highest rooftop with the most expansive view, it exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable lingering for hours. This French-inspired bar and restaurant offers a wide variety of cheeses from its cheese bar and extensive wine list to pair with. So, don’t forget to order yourself a nice cheese board and a glass of wine while enjoying the sunset.
Tip: My favorite - Happy Hour deal! – beer, wine or sparkling wine for just THB 100++ every Monday – Saturday from 5 - 7 PM and Sunday from 4 - 7 PM. Please double-check this promotion before your arrival.
10. Crimson Room
The Crimson Room is like an old-fashioned theater with fancy decorations including big hanging lights, fancy wooden walls, and thick red curtains.
The seats are arranged in a stadium-style on three levels, but all of them are placed in a way that you can see the small stage easily. This is where jazz bands and other performers entertain the audience. Stepping into the bar feels like entering another world – a world of great entertainment and lovely cocktails. Night out on a Friday night can’t get better than this!
Tip: Crimson Room is located inside the community mall called Velaa Sindhorn Village. So, you can consider coming here for dinner (lots of great options!). And if don’t want to end your night just yet, you can hop to another bar called Firefly Bar located inside Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok which is right next to it. Next thing you know, you are bar hopping and brimming with joy!
There, you have it! My favorite top 10 best bars in Bangkok. I truly believe that Bangkok is a top destination of high quality bars and skilled bartenders. The locals are welcoming and always happy to welcome you to our beloved city!
I hope that my tips would help you make the most of your evening and enjoy everyday in Bangkok. Stay tuned for more recommendations in upcoming blogs.
