Sky Bar is Bangkok's most famous rooftop bar, and for many visitors a drink here is as much a part of the city as a temple visit. It sits on the 63rd floor of lebua at State Tower on Silom Road, where a circular bar is cantilevered out from the building beneath a golden dome, with nothing between you and the city but a glass rail. The view is the reason to come: the Chao Phraya curving through the city below, the lights of the boats, the riverside hotels and, on a clear evening, the skyline stretching to Sukhumvit. The bar became globally famous after scenes of The Hangover Part II were filmed here, and its signature cocktail, the Hangovertini, nods to the film. Next to it, Sirocco is billed as the world's highest open-air restaurant, an expensive Mediterranean dining room with a live band and the same views, and the tower holds several other bars and restaurants, including a more intimate whisky and cigar terrace and the Michelin-starred Mezzaluna. The bar opens from 5pm until 12:30am. There is a smart-casual dress code, firmly enforced: no sportswear, flip-flops or beach sandals, and men should wear long trousers and closed shoes. Prices are high even by international standards, with cocktails costing several hundred baht and wine more, and the bar can feel crowded and transactional at sunset, with some guests reporting being steered to a pricier area first and restrictions on photography from the famous staircase outside a designated spot. Go with your eyes open. For a once-in-a-trip splurge with the most famous view in Bangkok, it is still unbeatable; for a relaxed evening, the city has calmer rooftops.
How to do it well: arrive just after opening, before 6pm, to beat the queue at the lifts and secure a spot at the rail for sunset, which in the cool season falls around 6pm. Order one drink and take your time: there is no rush to leave once you have a glass in hand. Weeknights are calmer than weekends, and the dry season from November to February gives the clearest skies; in the rainy season, sudden storms can close the outdoor areas temporarily. Bring photo ID, observe the dress code, and leave large bags at the hotel. If the main bar is crowded, ask whether other venues in the tower are open to walk-ins, or book dinner at Sirocco for a guaranteed table with the view, at a considerable price.
Getting there: lebua at State Tower is on Silom Road at the river end, a short walk from Saphan Taksin BTS station and Sathorn pier, so it combines naturally with a Chao Phraya boat ride or a dinner cruise. Lifts to the bar are inside the hotel; staff at the entrance direct non-guests. Afterwards, the restaurants and bars of Silom and Bang Rak, including the historic Mandarin Oriental's Bamboo Bar for jazz, are a short taxi ride away.
Who it suits: couples celebrating, first-time visitors who want the classic Bangkok skyline moment, and film fans. It is strictly for adults in the evening and not a family attraction. Budget-conscious travellers may prefer to compare a few of the city's other rooftop bars or enjoy the river view from the free riverside promenades, but if you have seen photos of that golden dome and the glowing bar floating above the city, nothing else quite replaces the real thing.
What to expect
The experience
An open-air cocktail bar on the 63rd floor beneath a golden dome, with Sirocco restaurant alongside and other bars in the tower.
Best time
Just after the 5pm opening, before 6pm, to beat the queue and catch sunset; weeknights in the cool, dry season are best.
How long
An hour or two for a drink and the sunset.
Tips
Smart casual: no shorts, singlets, sportswear or flip-flops; men in long trousers and closed shoes. Expect high prices. Photos on the famous staircase only in the designated spot.
Quick picks
- Best for
- The classic Bangkok skyline moment with a cocktail in hand.
- Families
- Not suitable: an adults-only evening bar with a strict dress code.
- Couples
- A memorable splurge for an anniversary or last night, especially at sunset.
- Pair with
- A Chao Phraya river cruise from Sathorn pier, or the Mahanakhon SkyWalk for a daytime view.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
What are Sky Bar's opening hours?+
Sky Bar opens daily from 5pm to 12:30am, subject to weather. Arrive before 6pm to avoid the longest queues.
What is the dress code?+
Smart casual. Sportswear, singlets, shorts, flip-flops and beach sandals are not allowed, and men should wear long trousers and closed shoes. It is strictly enforced at the door.
Is there an entry fee?+
There is no entry fee as such, but you are expected to buy a drink, and prices are high: cocktails cost several hundred baht and the famous Hangovertini is among the pricier options.
Was The Hangover Part II filmed here?+
Yes. Scenes from the film were shot at lebua's rooftop, which is why the signature cocktail is called the Hangovertini.
How do I get there?+
lebua at State Tower is on Silom Road near the river, a short walk from Saphan Taksin BTS and Sathorn pier.
