17 Best Nightlife in Riverside Bangkok

The Sky Bar at Lebua Bangkok is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the whole city, and for plenty of reasons. Firstly, the 360-degree view of the city, especially across the Chao Phraya River and skyscrapers of the city centre, is truly spectacular. The cocktails, although expensive, are extremely creative with the head mixologist at Lebua creating some unique concoctions with flavoured ice, test tubes, glasses made of ice and more. It does become crowded here due to its ever-growing popularity (thanks in no small part to the boys from The Hangover Part II (2011) who filmed there), but Sky Bar at Lebua remains one of the Bangkok’s many must-see attractions.

Travelling the Chao Phraya River at night, with the temples lit-up along the banks, is one of the must-do experiences in Bangkok. The luxury of the Apsara truly is a cut above the majority of boats travelling this well-worn tourist trail. Taking time to pause in front of the famous sights, passengers are treated to a delicious Thai feast onboard a romantic converted rice-barge.

Departing from River City Pier every night at 8pm, you can either embark here or take advantage of the complimentary shuttle bus from the Banyan Tree Hotel in Sathorn. Although you miss the sunset, the traffic on the river is much quieter at this time of night, and the temples are lit up for that perfect nighttime picture.

Three Sixty Lounge is up there with the best rooftop bars in Bangkok, and in a city that boasts dozens of lofty bars, that’s saying something. True to its name, the venue at The Millennium Hilton Hotel spoils guests with 360-degree unobstructed panoramic views of Bangkok.

There's an outside terrace which is perfect to enjoy the sunset over the river, as well as an indoor lounge – particularly good for when it rains. It’s at this indoor area where you can catch the nightly jazz sessions, starting at 8pm. It's a classy joint, so be sure to dress in smart casuals or risk being turned away at the door.

Calypso Cabaret Show at Asiatique is a popular ladyboy show that shies away from any seedy form of entertainment, with the emphasis firmly on the music, dancing and costumes.

Thailand is famous for ladyboys and Calypso showcases them doing what they love the most: dressing up to the nines and miming to Cher. The best way to enjoy the show is to don your imaginary feather boa and embrace their world of glitz, glamour and over-the-top drama.

River City Bangkok Mall is a 4-storey shopping mall with sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River. It specialises in antiques and collectables, as well as a good range of fashion and jewellery shops. Home décor, including wooden masks, bronze sculptures and Thai crafts, are also available at the mall.

The River Star Princess dinner cruise allows guests to enjoy a 2-hour cruise and buffet experience as they sail along the tranquil Chao Phraya River, witnessing iconic palaces and jewelled temples lit up on the banks on either side.

Starting from River City Shopping Complex next to the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel, guests are asked to check in at 7pm. Once you set off, you can enjoy a tasty international meal, live entertainment and, of course, the outstanding scenery.

Above Riva at the charming boutique hotel, Riva Arun Bangkok, is a riverside rooftop bar with reasonable prices and panoramic views of the city. This bar and restaurant offers both Thai and international cuisine and a selection of signature cocktails.

Although the views are hardly skyscraping, you’ll still be towering over surrounding buildings, and close enough to the action on the river to really feel part of the scene. What makes Above Riva Rooftop really special is its breathtaking view of Wat Arun and Wat Pho, 2 of the city’s most iconic temples.

Muay Thai Live at Asiatique Bangkok is an exciting show combining theatrical performances and the ancient martial art of Muay Thai boxing. Expect an engaging plot taking you through ancient Siam all the way up to modern-day Bangkok, with plenty of flying kicks, traditional Muay Thai moves, powerful body punches and a touch of romance and comedy thrown in for good measure.

The whole 90-minute show is perfectly choreographed, although there is nothing fake about the Muay Thai moves and sound of skin hitting skin during the numerous fight scenes. The show runs from 8pm at The Stage, a modern 600-seater theatre within Asiatique The Riverfront night market in Bangkok.

342 Bar may well be one of the shortest ‘rooftop’ bars in Bangkok, set on the 5th floor of the Baan Wanglang Hotel. Its height pales in comparison to most other venues falling into the same category in Bangkok, but don’t let this fact put you off. What 342 Bar lacks in height, it more than makes up for in views, which stretch across the majestic Chao Phraya River all the way to the Grand Palace and Wat Arun – both brilliantly lit up at night, making for the perfect backdrop to some tasty cocktails.

The bar runs some happy hour promos from 6pm to 10pm and has a good menu of Thai and international food. This venue is at Wang Lang Pier. Turn left as you disembark the boat and the hotel and bar are about 1 minute away.

In keeping with the Oriental's colonial style, Bamboo Bar could well be from a scene in Out of Africa (1985) with its plush jungle-style interior and polished furnishings. The low-key bar exudes a feeling of old-school glamour, perfect for enjoying a signature Oriental Mai Tai cocktail prepared by the skilled bartender, trained at the world-renowned Harry's Bar in Munich. 

The jazz band, accompanied by the soothing vocals of the resident singer, provide the soundtrack to an establishment where you're half expecting Humphrey Bogart to walk through the door.

Fancy a change from all the 5-star hotels and plush restaurants on the riverside but still want to soak up those pretty views across the water? Then Be My Guest, with its no-frills menu of Thai and western classics and more-than relaxed dress code, is a great bet. This riverside bar/restaurant sits in the shadows of the looming Millennium Hilton and while this luxury hotel boasts a whole list of fine wining and dining option, Be My Guests specialises in delivering a less refined, more laidback vibe.

As well as hotel guests, Be My Guests also welcomes plenty of Thais who come to enjoy the cheap local beers, authentic Thai food and those romantic river views. A great spot if you want to impress your date without dipping too deep into your pocket. Get there by heading to Klong San Pier, or just ask your taxi driver for the Millennium Hilton to avoid confusion.

Distil, the second rooftop bar on top of the famous State Tower, is a cocktail bar and lounge marrying the most innovative drinks in Bangkok with a seriously awe-inspiring view from the 64th floor of Lebua Hotel. Comprised of an indoor seating area of comfy sofas, a circular bar, and an outdoor cigar terrace, this is a sophisticated place where guests can expect to sample some finer rarities that few other bars in Bangkok can boast: exclusive wines, cigars, rare whiskies, and resident DJs playing jazzy lounge house. 

There's a smart-casual dress code and guests must be over 20 years of age. While most tourists run to the iconic Sky Bar, people in the know prefer the more relaxed atmosphere of the Distil rooftop bar.

Trader Vic’s is famous across the world for being the birthplace of the Mai Tai cocktail at its original venue in California. Bangkok has its very own branch at the stunning Anantara Riverside Resort on the Thonburi side of the river, which sticks to the fun and lively Polynesian theme.

As well as being able to try the finest Mai Tai in town, Trader Vic’s also holds one of the best nightly line-ups of live music in Bangkok. Each night has a different band, and you can expect quality blues, jazz, soul and funk – as well as a Beatles night on Thursdays. In correlation with each themed night, there are also some pretty tempting food and drinks promos to be had, including a free-flow night of sparkling wine for the ladies on Wednesday.

Sala Rattanakosin restaurant offers one of the most iconic views it’s possible to find in Bangkok. Located on the riverside directly opposite Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), the owners of this boutique hotel have made the most of this privileged location by constructing the entire side of the property out of glass. This means you have a magnificent snapshot of Bangkok as your backdrop during a meal or while relaxing over drinks.

As well as a 15-room hotel, Sala Rattanakosin is actually made up of several areas: an alfresco riverside deck, a modish 2nd-floor restaurant replete with bare brick and brushed concrete, and a 5th-floor rooftop.

As well as a 5-star restaurant, several swanky lounges and a poolside terrace, Bangkok’s Peninsula Hotel boasts a stunning riverside bar – aptly named The River Bar. The venue enjoys all the benefits of being outside while also being covered with a canopy in case of rain. The sumptuous white seating is both comfortable and stylish and the views across the Chao Phraya River, like many similar joints hugging the river on the Thonburi side, are simply stunning.

As for the menu, this is a 5-star hotel, so expect swanky (and pricey) cocktails, wines and imported beers. Their signature ‘Thaijito’ is a blend of cheap ingredients like common Thai rum, peach schnapps, lime juice, mint, pineapple and sugar, yet the end result is surprisingly satisfying, even more so if you sip your drink as the sun sets over the river. Get to The River Bar at the Peninsular Hotel by taking a river ferry from the opposite side or by taxi.

Perfect for some post-retail relaxation, the cool Viva & Aviv bar on top of River City shopping mall offers great views over the Chao Phraya, as well as some of the finest cocktails you’ll find in the area outside a hotel bar.

Sit outside and enjoy the breeze or head inside to check out the Caribbean pirate-inspired décor, complete with a big square bar where the flair mixologists concoct interesting cocktails such as Piña Colasi (Appleton Jamaican rum, fresh pineapple, orange and black pepper syrup, citrus and fresh young coconut foam). Look out for special events on their Facebook as they're known to host some pulsating themed parties and DJ nights on a regular basis.