High in Bangkok: A guide to the city's dazzling rooftop bars

Bangkok hotels love to pop a bar on the rooftop, and the more skyscraping the better. Tropical-crush sunsets, never-ending glittery city lights plus bespoke (and sometimes wacky) cocktails. Step up — these bars are seriously next level.

Rooftop tips: Arrive early to catch the sunset and get the best seats. Most of these bars have a dress code, so ditch the shorts, singlets and thongs. Drinks aren't cheap but these views are priceless.

Penthouse Rooftop, Park Hyatt

The Cocktail Bar feels like the Battlestar Galactica, ready for take off. There's a quieter Whisky Bar with cool jazz on one level, while the Rooftop bar on the 36th floor has a chic mid century design aesthetic and stupendous views. Top-shelf cocktails, such as the Penthouse Paloma, a tingly combo of tequila, pomelo, tea syrup, lime and grapefruit tonic. Deliciously global small bites (spicy tacos, chorizo, oysters, tuna tartar) are moreish. Dress up. It's quite swanky.

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HI-SO Rooftop Bar, So Sofitel

Take in a fiery sunset over Bangkok's lushly green Lumpini Park and city skyline from the hip HI-SO bar. Breathtaking views from the 29th and 30th level – and that's saying something in a city dotted with bars teetering on sky-high rooftops. Cocktail concoctions include the saffron-hued So Amaretto Thyme and the Frozen Coconut Mojito  (because you can never have enough frosty drinks laced with rum). There's a DJ rocking the tunes for the design-savvy clientele.

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Spectrum Lounge & Bar, Hyatt Regency

One of Bangkok's newest rooftop bars, sprawling over three levels, with an air-con lounge for those wilting in the Bangkok heat (but still wanting sparkly views), and top-level al fresco terrace with a generous bar, leafy trees, mini marble tables and swinging cane daybeds. Signature cocktails include a Giant Pandan, loaded up with vodka, Midori, lime and pandan (a tropical plant). Small bites are Asian fusion and delish ­– soft shell crab with tamarind on taro fritters. Very chic crowd. There's live jazz on Level 29 and a DJ spinning disks on Level 30.

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Moon Bar, Banyan Tree Hotel

Fly me to the moon – or at least to the 61st floor. It's a spectacular (even slightly scary) 360-degree panorama on this totally exposed rooftop. Fruity cocktails (a Mango Margarita perhaps?) and classics (a simple Martini – it feels a tad James Bond up here), plus gourmet bites. If you fancy lingering, book for the upmarket Vertigo restaurant.  

Tip: If there's a tropical downpour­ they close the open-air bar ­– check before going.

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Cru Champagne Bar, Centara Grand

What was once the helicopter landing-pad of a five-star hotel is now a champagne bar – that's how things roll in Bangkok. On the 59^th floor of Centara Grand the Cru offers 360-degree views, groovy space-age chairs and stools, a circular bar and a swag of champagne cocktails. For an Insta-moment try the Swallow's Nest (vodka, Cointreau, pomegranate) served in its own little cage. If you prefer your fizz straight-up, order a bottle of G.H Mumm Champagne and settle in for a sesh. For nibbles?  Perhaps caviar, or mini lobster fritters with truffle aïoli.

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Sky Bar, Lebua at State Tower

Perched on the 64th Floor, the fabled Sky Bar offers an extraordinary perspective on the city and Chao Praya River, with magical sunsets, myriad neon lights and a zillion Insta opps. The most popular cocktail is the Hangovertini (Scotch, Martini Rosso, apple juice, honey) inspired by the movie Hangover 11. There are no seats ­– it's standing only at the Sky Bar. It can be hectic (and touristy), but there are other bars here, such as the ship-shaped Chivas, the world's highest whisky bar.

Tip: The Sky Bar opens at 4 pm – ­arrive early ­to avoid a queue. And don't miss the glass skywalk!

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The Speakeasy, MGallery Muse Hotel

Very clubby and intimate, with tables for two, moody lighting, romantic candles. Wait staff channel the 1920s and 30s Prohibition era – all fringed flapper dresses, braces and vests. The art deco design spans two levels – make your way past a dimly lit cigar room, via a hidden doorway and steep stairs to Level 25 for even better views. Tasty snacks, though if you're really hungry go the Waygu Burger and top-notch fries. Cocktails tap into the speakeasy theme (a Scarface or a Papa Ernest) though you can order anything.

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Belga Rooftop Bar & Brasserie, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit

If beer rather than cocktails is your preferred tipple consider Sofitel's new Belga, serving Belgian craft and draught beer. Cocktails and wine are also on hand. You're on the 32^nd floor, so there's another stellar view. Perfect nibbles ­– mini waffles with house-cured salmon and dill, and cheesy croquettes (yum!). The brasserie itself is buzzy with its red-tiled open kitchen and lively staff. 

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 Octave, Bangkok Marriott Sukhumvit

A three-level sunset-gazing, skyline viewing, cocktail-imbibing party scene starting on the 45^th floor of the Marriott Suhkumvit. The real action is on the top level with its neon-glow circular bar, showy mixologists and DJ soundtracks. Tapas style East-meets-West snacks to share and cocktails loaded with Thai flavours (mango, coconut, watermelon).

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