Sala Rattanakosin Rooftop Bar in Bangkok

Sala Rattanakosin Rooftop Bar: Wat Arun right opposite

A roof over the Chao Phraya

On Rattanakosin Island, the historic heart of Bangkok, the Sala Rattanakosin hotel occupies a narrow shophouse on Maharat Road, between Wat Pho and the bank of the Chao Phraya. Its bar is at the very top, on a terrace partly sheltered by an awning, where you settle into low banquettes or onto stools along the railing.

Here, there's no bird's-eye view from a skyscraper: the show is right in front of you. Across the river, Wat Arun raises its prangs, golden at sunset and then lit by floodlights, while boats large and small pass by on the water. Wat Pho is very close by.

Cocktails, craft beers and oysters

The drinks list mixes Thai craft beers, classic and original cocktails and wines by the glass. To go with your aperitif, small plates and fresh oysters. The atmosphere is relaxed, the dress code much less strict than at the big hotel rooftops, and the limited seating keeps the place intimate.

Practical information

The bar is open daily from 4pm to 10:30pm, last orders at 10pm. It's best to book for sunset, on +66 2 622 1388 or online. There's no lift: you go up via the hotel's stairs. Prices are subject to an additional 10% service charge and 7% VAT. The easiest way to get there is by boat on the Chao Phraya Express, to the Tha Maharaj pier (N13). As the terrace is partly open-air, rain can be a nuisance during the wet season.