Discovering the best bars in Bangkok

Whether you are looking for an elaborate night out travelling through Bangkok on a stopover or living in the city and discovering the hidden culture behind the land of the smiles, Bangkok really does offer it all.

Baan Puen

Baan Puen, Ekkamai has an alternative to the soulless bars of big cities around the world. The predominantly Thai bar is located just off soi Ekkamai near Sukhumvit it is easily accessible by car or public transport via the BTS system, (the sky train system in Bangkok). Banpuen translated to English literally means Friends House. The concept of the bar makes it feel like you’re calling over to a friend for a drink and a catch up on a cozy couch or chill out on the bunk bed. There mission, put simply in a hashtag is #FriendshipStartsHere.

Bad Motel

Bad Motel is a fresh appealing bright bar and restaurant with a great selection of high quality drinks and cocktails all served with a local twist. The bar is located in Thonglor, one of the best known nightlife areas in Bangkok, with weekly events from special guests, themed nights or Ladies cocktail nights there is sure to be something to wet your appetite for Thai nightlife. Thonglor always has something new and unique going on, weekends at Bad Motel are no different. On occasion you will see one of the coolest vinyl DJ’s in town hit the decks with chilled out vibes and new music creations. It is a great spot to relax and enjoy cocktails with friends, or have a romantic dinner with that special someone in Asia’s up and coming hot spot.

The Older

In one of the hippest, trendiest areas of Bangkok, Ari is 15 minutes from the main Siam district of downtown Bangkok. Ari was originally where military families and members of the extended royal family lived, now it is the source of creativity, art and trendy culturally diverse bars – the newest of which is The Older. Based in 1980’s New York, the feel inside is of high premium leather couches, warm lighting and the smell of great Thai cuisine. It has a luxurious feel of East meets West. Thai cuisine and the best premium local and international spirits shine through and are shared to create some very interesting cocktails, premium without being pretentious.

Q&A

A new speakeasy bar in the center of the action in Bangkok offers a new alternative to high style cocktails and, my, can they make cocktails. Truthfully though, it is not only the cocktails you come to Q&A for, understanding what’s behind the creation is just as important – ask a question and you will be surprised as to what you will find out. The bar is located down Sukhumvit 21, an unsuspecting little street. Down here you will find a frosted glass panel with simply nothing but a little question mark outside to signify their location.

Written by Denis English