Bangkok Rooftop Bars: Are They Actually Worth It?
Spoiler: Yes. But let's talk about the ฿600 cocktails and dress codes nobody warned you about.
(Send this to your mate who's planning to show up in flip-flops)
💸 Let's Address The Price Thing First:
Yes, a cocktail costs ฿600 (about $17). Yes, that's more than your hostel bed. Yes, you'll still pay it because you're 60 floors up and Bangkok looks like a giant circuit board below. Yes, your Instagram will thank you. Yes, it's worth it. Let's move on.
Bangkok's rooftop bars are genuinely world-class. We're talking venues that make New York rooftops look average, where mixologists have more training than your doctor, and where the view is so good you'll forgive the fact that a gin & tonic just cost you the same as 10 street pad thais.
The thing is, most travel blogs lie to you. They'll tell you "dress smart casual!" without mentioning that security will absolutely reject your "nice" H&M shirt and Vans. They'll say "make reservations!" but not explain that showing up at 5pm for sunset means you're competing with every other tourist who had the same genius idea. They'll call everything "must-visit" when half of them are overpriced tourist traps.
This guide tells you which rooftop bars are actually worth draining your wallet for, which ones are Instagram traps, and exactly what to wear so you don't get turned away after taking a Grab across Bangkok.
The Rooftop Bars Actually Worth Your Money
Ranked by "will I regret this expense tomorrow?" factor (spoiler: probably not)
Analog Sky Flow Bar
NOVA Social Club
YABAR Secret Bar & Rooftop
Plot Twist Bar
Fourth Bar Phra Nakhon
Chill-D Rooftop Bar
Rocky B's Chill Bar & Social Club
Blue District Bar & Japanese Restaurant
SIN Rooftop Bar Bangkok
Bravo Rooftop Bar & Artistic
Osca & Blanco Bar and Restaurant
Tryst Rooftop Bangkok
Rigel Skybar
Moon Bar - Rooftop
ROOFTOP PARTY
The Stuff Nobody Tells You (Until It's Too Late)
👔 The Dress Code Reality
Security doesn't care about your excuses. Here's what actually works:
- ✓Men: Long pants (not jeans at ultra-premium spots), collared shirt, leather shoes. This combo never fails.
- ✓Women: Dress/nice top, heels or dressy flats. Way more flexible than men's rules.
- ✗Auto-reject: Flip-flops, shorts, tank tops, overly casual sneakers. They WILL turn you away.
Yes, even if it's 35°C. Yes, even if you're staying in a hostel. Pack one good outfit.
💰 Price Reality Check
- • Cocktails: ฿400-800 ($12-24)
- • Beer: ฿200-350 (imported only)
- • Wine: ฿300-600 per glass
- • Food: Don't. Just don't.
- • Cover charge: Usually none
- • Minimum spend: Some tables only
Budget ฿1,500-2,000 per person for 2-3 drinks and you're golden.
⏰ Timing Hacks
- →5-7pm Happy Hour: 50% off at many rooftops. Same view, half price. Maths.
- →Sunset (6-6:30pm): Most crowded. Book ahead or arrive 30min early.
- →8-10pm: Post-sunset crowd thins out. Easier to get tables.
- →Weekdays: 30% less crowded, sometimes cheaper drinks.
📸 Instagram Strategy
- →Golden hour (6-6:30pm) = best lighting. Arrive earlier.
- →Ask staff for photo spots - they know the angles better than you.
- →Night skyline shots work from 7:30pm when lights turn on.
- →The cocktail costs ฿600 - you better believe you're photographing it.
🚫 Common Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Night:
Showing up in beach clothes
Security will reject you. Then you Grab across Bangkok for nothing.
Not checking if it's closed for events
Call ahead or check Instagram. Private events happen weekly.
Expecting 360° views everywhere
Some "rooftop bars" see mostly other buildings. Research views first.
Ordering food
It's mediocre and overpriced. Eat before. Come for drinks & views.
The Brutally Honest Tier List
Because not all rooftop bars are created equal:
🌟 Worth Every Baht Tier
You'll complain about the price, Instagram your drink, and secretly think it was worth it.
Examples: Sky Bar (Lebua), Vertigo & Moon Bar, Octave Rooftop Bar, Above Eleven
⚠️ Solid But Overhyped Tier
Good views, decent drinks, but your travel blog oversold it. Still worth one visit.
Many hotel rooftops fall here. Not bad, just not life-changing.
❌ Tourist Trap Tier
Expensive, mediocre views, watered-down drinks. You're paying for "rooftop" on the sign.
If it's aggressively marketed to tourists and has no Thai customers... red flag.