Bangkok is famous for its high-energy nightlife—but you don’t have to dive into the backpacker buzz of Khao San Road to have an unforgettable evening. If you’re craving a more polished night out (think skyline sunsets, live jazz, impeccable service, and cocktails that taste like edible art), the city’s upscale bar scene delivers in a big way.
Before you go: quick tips for a smooth (and stylish) Bangkok night
Dress codes are real—especially on rooftops. Many venues won’t allow flip-flops or athletic wear, and some require smart casual. When in doubt: closed-toe shoes and a collared shirt never fail.
Plan around Thailand’s alcohol rules. Thailand has historically restricted alcohol sales during certain hours, and regulations have been changing recently (including a trial allowing afternoon sales again). Because enforcement and exceptions can vary by venue and location, it’s wise to double-check the day’s rules—especially if you’re aiming for a sunset drink.
Use BTS/MRT whenever possible. Bangkok traffic is legendary. For rooftop timing (sunset!) and speakeasy hopping, rail + short taxi rides can save your evening.
1) The Bamboo Bar (Mandarin Oriental Bangkok): timeless jazz and old-world glamour
If Bangkok had a “dress up and lean into the romance” button, The Bamboo Bar would be it. Set inside the legendary Mandarin Oriental on the river, this is one of the city’s most iconic upscale bars—low lighting, smooth jazz, and cocktails that feel properly ceremonial.
Why you’ll love it
- Live jazz most nights and a classic, cinematic vibe
- Excellent craft cocktails (with that luxury-hotel precision)
- Perfect for date nights or a “we’re celebrating something” evening
Helpful to know
- The Bamboo Bar does not accept reservations (go a bit earlier if you want a prime table). Mandarin Oriental
- Hours and live music schedules are posted by the hotel.
2) The Speakeasy Rooftop Bar (Hotel Muse): 1920s charm with skyline views
For an upscale rooftop that’s more vintage-glam than “party tower,” The Speakeasy at Hotel Muse is a great pick. It combines a classic cocktail-bar feel with open-air views—ideal for easing into the night with a martini (or three).
Why you’ll love it
- A moody, 1920s-inspired atmosphere—great for photos without feeling loud or chaotic
- Rooftop seating with a more intimate feel than the mega rooftops
- Regular live music nights add extra sparkle
Helpful to know
- The venue is listed on Marriott’s site (Hotel Muse Bangkok, Autograph Collection) with current hours. Marriott
3) Havana Social: a Cuban-inspired speakeasy with dancing energy
Want upscale… but also fun? Havana Social brings big Havana vibes to Bangkok—Latin music, rum-forward cocktails, and a lively crowd that actually wants to dance.
Why you’ll love it
- A “hidden” speakeasy-style experience with a playful, immersive theme
- DJs, themed nights, and an energetic but still polished atmosphere
- Great choice if your group wants cocktails and movement
Helpful to know
- Havana Social posts events and operating details on its official site (open nightly). Havana Social Bangkok
4) Brown Sugar (Chinatown’s Soi Nana): live jazz in one of Bangkok’s coolest streets
Brown Sugar has been a Bangkok live-music institution for decades—and it’s now established in Chinatown on Soi Nana (not Nana Plaza—different place entirely). This little street is famous for its craft cocktail bars and late-night vibes, making Brown Sugar an easy “anchor stop” for a classy Chinatown evening.
Why you’ll love it
- Live jazz and a grown-up, music-first vibe
- Perfect for a “cocktails first, music next” night
- Chinatown at night feels like Bangkok’s coolest secret (without trying too hard)
Helpful to know
- Current location and hours are listed with address details (Soi Nana, Chinatown). Time Out Worldwide
5) Tropic City: award-winning tropical cocktails with serious craft
Don’t let the playful theme fool you—Tropic City is the real deal for cocktail lovers. It’s bright, creative, and consistently recognized as one of Bangkok’s standout bars, especially if you love rum, fruit, and inventive tropical flavor profiles.
Why you’ll love it
- Creative cocktails that are still balanced (not sugary chaos)
- A lively atmosphere that works for dates or groups
- One of the best “start here, then roam” bars if you’re doing a cocktail crawl
Helpful to know
- Tropic City publishes opening hours and booking info on its official site. Tropic City
6) Supanniga Eating Room (Tha Tien): riverside cocktails with Wat Arun views
This is the move for a golden-hour Bangkok moment. Supanniga Eating Room (Tha Tien) sits near the river with postcard views across to Wat Arun—especially stunning as the sky shifts from soft gold to night lights.
Why you’ll love it
- Gorgeous river scenery and a special-occasion atmosphere
- Food + cocktails in one stop (great if you want a more relaxed, longer evening)
- Ideal for visitors who want drinks that feel distinctly “Bangkok”
Helpful to know
- Supanniga lists Tha Tien among its official locations. Supanniga Eating Room
- The rooftop/cocktail-bar setup is also described in venue listings and reviews.
- Because alcohol sale rules can change, check timing if you’re planning a very specific “sunset drink in hand” moment.
7) CRU Champagne Bar (Centara Grand at CentralWorld): a sky-high champagne splurge
For a full-on rooftop “wow” moment, CRU Champagne Bar is a glamorous choice—high above CentralWorld with panoramic views and a menu that leans into bubbles, luxury, and celebration.
Why you’ll love it
- Champagne-focused experience (excellent for birthdays/anniversaries)
- Big skyline payoff—especially around sunset
- Sleek, upscale atmosphere that feels properly elevated
Helpful to know
- Current hours and venue details are posted by Centara. Centara Hotels & Resorts
8) Err (Sukhumvit 32): a cocktails-and-bites spot that’s perfect for “one more round”
If your ideal night includes great Thai food designed for sharing + strong drinks, Err is an excellent add-on. It’s a fun bridge between “bar night” and “food night,” and it works beautifully as either your first stop (early bites) or your late stop (final round).
Why you’ll love it
- Thai “drinking food” that pairs naturally with cocktails
- Social, shareable vibe—great for couples or small groups
- Easy to build into a Sukhumvit/Thonglor-style evening
Helpful to know
- Err’s official site notes it has relocated to Sukhumvit 32 and lists current operating days/hours. Err : Urban Rustic Thai
Bonus: 4 more upscale Bangkok bars worth bookmarking
If you want a few extra “best cocktail bars in Bangkok” options (all currently operating), these are strong picks:
- BKK Social Club (Four Seasons Bangkok) – Ultra-polished hotel bar with serious cocktail cred and a smart-casual dress code. Four Seasons
- Vesper – Award-winning cocktails without the attitude (great “first bar” of the night). Vesper
- Rabbit Hole (Thonglor) – A Bangkok classic for craft cocktails and a sleek, dimly lit vibe. Rabbit Hole Bangkok
- Above Eleven – A rooftop favorite with a clear dress code and late-night energy. Above Eleven
Easy “classy night out” itineraries (steal these)
Option A: Rooftop → Speakeasy
- Start: CRU Champagne Bar (sunset views) Centara Hotels & Resorts
- Next: The Speakeasy Rooftop Bar (more intimate rooftop vibe) Marriott
- Finish: Havana Social (music + dancing) Havana Social Bangkok
Option B: Riverside glow
- Start: Supanniga Tha Tien (Wat Arun views + cocktails) Supanniga Eating Room
- Finish: The Bamboo Bar (live jazz, luxury classic) Mandarin Oriental
Option C: Cocktail-crawl night
- Start: Tropic City (creative cocktails) Tropic City
- Next: Brown Sugar (live jazz in Chinatown’s Soi Nana) Time Out Worldwide
- Finish: Rabbit Hole (Thonglor late-night classic) Rabbit Hole Bangkok
Related questions
Q: What is the most popular bar district in Bangkok?
If you’re looking for upscale bars and great cocktails, the most popular areas tend to be:
- Thonglor & Ekkamai (trendy, cocktail-forward, local favorite)
- Sukhumvit (especially around Soi 11 / Asok / Nana area) for nightlife variety (from rooftops to speakeasies)
- Silom/Sathorn for after-work cocktail crowds
- Chinatown (Yaowarat / Soi Nana) for craft cocktails and late-night energy with more character than chaos
Khao San Road is still famous—but it’s more casual/backpacker nightlife than “upscale cocktail night.”
Q: Where is the best food in Bangkok?
Bangkok is one of the world’s best food cities, so it depends on your craving. For a food + drinks stop that fits an upscale night out, Err is a great choice because it’s built around Thai “drinking food” meant to pair with cocktails. Err : Urban Rustic Thai
If you want a scenic dinner with cocktails, Supanniga Tha Tien’s riverside setting is hard to beat. Supanniga Eating Room
Authored by a seasoned traveler with extensive experience in Bangkok’s nightlife scene, this guide provides insider tips and recommendations for those seeking upscale bar experiences in the city.