Whether it’s winding down after a long workday or just a quick catch-up over drinks with friends, the Thai capital provides for a host of bars that provide for that well-deserved R&R in more than exemplary settings. These venues often also provide amazing views of the majestic city – must-visits for cocktail connoisseurs and sunset-lovers alike:
Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit’s Octave Bar
Overlooking the city from the 45th to 49th floor, the bar is a mere three-minute walk from Thong Lor Skytrain Station. Offering breathtaking 360 degree views (from its top floor), Octave Bar serves up an incredibly diverse menu. Gaining much popularity over the last several years due to its varied and extremely reasonably priced cocktail list, Octave’s drink menu offers something for everyone. They pride themselves on their 9 signature cocktails, infusing premium alcohol with fresh local produce in a wonderful harmony of flavours.
Address:: Thong Lor Address: 45th - 49th floor Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, 2 Sukhumvit Soi 57, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0)2 797 0000
Above Eleven
Located in Sukhumvit (within the Fraser Suites) as well, the bar presents a 180 degree panoramic view of the city. The stunning view, however, is where the similarities to the abovementioned Octave Bar end. The bar’s design presents an unusual mix of angular steel ‘trees’ mixed with natural teak timbers for the furniture and flooring. Above Eleven’s menu presents an array of tantalising tapas that cleverly combines the flavours of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines. The options are considerably extensive with a mix of seafood, meat and salads. When it comes to drinks, the venue also goes the Peruvian route, with their Pisco Sours (the national drink of Peru) as a must order.
Address: 33rd Floor at Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Bangkok. 10110 Thailand
Tel: +66 2 207 9300
Badmotel
Rapidly making a name for itself in Thong Lor’s thriving bar scene, Badmotel’s top floor garden courtyard sets the stage for a night of fun over unpretentious Thai-inspired food and equally interesting drinks. Some of the must-trys when it comes to food are the popular Foie Gras Look Koei, Nahm Burger and Smoked Salmon. The establishment also serves a comprehensive selection of regulars together with in-house specials. Signature drinks include BAD COMPANY - Ketel One vodka infused with an in-house recipe of local herbs and fruits, and the HAHAHA MARTINI - Ketel One vodka, home-made chilli liqueur, galangal & cumin powder and pickled grapes.
Address: 331/ 4-5 Soi Sukhumvit 55, (between Soi 15 & 17) Thonglor, Bangkok. 10110 Thailand
Tel: +66 2 712 7288
Among the profusion of bars that Bangkok has to offer, the above three have rapidly become synonymous with the capital’s insatiable thirst for providing impeccable service, creative settings as well as memorable experiences. They tick both the ambience as well as quality offerings boxes and are must visits for travellers and locals alike.