Just when you think Bangkok’s nightlife has reached its peak, a new wave of creative, ambitious, and downright cool bars opens, completely reimagining the art of the drink. The city’s cocktail scene is a formidable force on the global stage, a place where world-class mixologists blend innovative techniques with unique Thai ingredients. Keeping up with the hottest new openings is a thrilling, albeit dizzying, endeavor.

Forget the outdated lists. We’ve been exploring the hidden sois, venturing behind secret doors, and tasting the new menus to bring you the definitive guide to the best Bangkok new bars. This is your curated list of the places creating a serious buzz right now. Whether you’re looking for a hidden speakeasy, a glamorous hotel bar, or a spot championing sustainability, your next great cocktail experience is here.

Why Trust This Guide?

As a Bangkok local and the founder of Bangkok Days, I consider exploring the city’s nightlife both a passion and a professional duty. I make it my business to check out new openings, from discreet soft launches to grand openings, often in their very first weeks. This guide is built on those nights out—chatting with the bartenders, understanding the story behind their concepts, and, of course, tasting the cocktails. These aren’t just names from a press release; they are the bars that I’m genuinely excited about and currently recommending to my friends.

Bangkok’s Hottest New Bars at a Glance

Bar NameBest ForLocation Area
PeachyLive Music & Playful CocktailsSukhumvit 11
OpiumHigh-Concept LuxuryCharoen Krung
PhiltrationHidden Speakeasy in an Old PharmacySukhumvit 24
StellaGlamour & Bespoke CocktailsCharoen Krung
Mahaniyom Cocktail BarInventive Thai Ingredient CocktailsCharoen Krung
WastelandSustainable, Zero-Waste DrinksEkkamai
TaxSpeakeasy with a Tax Office ThemeSathorn
The Absinthe BarUnique, Niche Spirit FocusPhrom Phong
Bar SavoyClassic Hotel Bar ElegancePhrom Phong
Midlife CrisisFunky, Casual & UnpretentiousSukhumvit 16
OFTR BarOn Top of a Famous RestaurantCharoen Krung
The Deck BangkokIntimate Rooftop ViewsPhra Khanong
Mod Kaew Wine BarNatural & Organic WinesSathorn
Behind the CurtainHidden Theatre-Themed BarThong Lo
Vesper BarWorld-Class Classic & Modern CocktailsSilom
The Public HouseNew Hotel with a Cool Bar SceneSukhumvit 31
PlayroomKinky, Cabaret-Themed LoungeEkkamai

The Hidden Speakeasies & Secret Lounges

These bars are all about the thrill of the find, tucked away behind unassuming doors and rewarding guests with incredible drinks.

The Hidden Speakeasies & Secret Lounges

Philtration: A Pharmacy-Themed Hideaway

Finding this place is an adventure. Tucked away in a 100-year-old building that once housed a traditional pharmacy, you enter through a secret door. I remember searching for the entrance, which really adds to the experience. Inside, the bar uses traditional Thai herbs and botanicals in its highly creative cocktails.

F*nkytown: A Retro Music Den

The buzz around this place from the team behind Rabbit Hole and Canvas was huge. I went with friends during its opening month, and it lived up to the hype. It’s a tribute to the 1970s, with a fantastic vinyl-heavy soundtrack and cocktails named after funk and soul icons. The vibe is effortlessly cool.

  • Website: https://www.fnkytown.bar/
  • Phone: 082 326 3535
  • Address: 4/F, 17, 1 Soi Sukhumvit 11, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110

Tax: A Bar Disguised as a Tax Office

This speakeasy in Sathorn has one of the most creative concepts I’ve seen. Hidden behind a facade that looks like a boring tax consulting office, Tax serves cocktails with names like “Under-the-table” and “Capital Gain.” It’s a playful, high-concept spot with seriously good drinks.

OFTR Bar: On Top of a Famous Restaurant

OFTR stands for “On Top of The Rock,” and it’s a cool, laid-back bar located above the popular Samlor restaurant. It’s a great spot for a pre- or post-dinner drink, with a focus on classic cocktails and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.

Behind the Curtain: A Theatrical Secret

This hidden gem in Thong Lo is located behind a plush velvet curtain inside the CUBE hotel. The theme is, unsurprisingly, theatrical, and the cocktails are named after famous plays and musicals. It’s an intimate, dramatic space for a unique drinking experience.

Playroom: A Kinky, Cabaret-Themed Lounge

From the team behind the infamous “Iron Fairies,” Playroom is a decadent, cabaret-themed lounge with a slightly risqué vibe. Think plush red velvet, cabaret singers, and creative cocktails. It’s a fun, flamboyant spot for a memorable night out.

The Grand Hotel Bars

Bangkok’s luxury hotels are home to some of the world’s best bars, and these new additions are no exception.

The Grand Hotel Bars

Opium: A Luxurious Trip to the Past

Located in the stunning Potong restaurant building, Opium is a high-concept bar that pays homage to the building’s past. The atmosphere is dark, opulent, and mysterious. The cocktails are complex and use premium spirits and unique ingredients, making for a truly luxurious night out.

Stella: Glamour and Bespoke Cocktails

Inside the ultra-luxurious Capella hotel, Stella is simply breathtaking. The design is all about old-world glamour, and the cocktails are tailored to your personal taste. They have a “cocktail constellation” menu that helps you choose a drink based on your spirit and flavor preferences. It’s a perfect spot for a sophisticated date.

Bar Savoy: Classic Hotel Bar Elegance

Located in the new Public House hotel, Bar Savoy is a tribute to the classic, elegant hotel bars of London and Paris. It’s a sophisticated space with a long marble bar, perfect for enjoying a perfectly made Martini or a classic highball.

The Concept-Driven Cocktail Havens

These bars are built around a powerful idea, from using only Thai ingredients to championing sustainability.

Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar: A Taste of Thailand in a Glass

Located on top of the acclaimed 100 Mahaseth restaurant, Mahaniyom has one of the most interesting concepts in town. Each cocktail is inspired by a single, humble Thai ingredient, like pandan or pomelo. I love how they elevate familiar flavors into world-class drinks.

Wasteland: The Sustainable Sipping Spot

This is a bar with a conscience. Located above the Bo.lan restaurant space, Wasteland is dedicated to sustainability and a zero-waste philosophy. They take leftover ingredients from the kitchen—like fruit peels and vegetable scraps—and transform them into delicious, inventive cocktails.

The Niche & Neighborhood Favorites

From natural wine to absinthe, these new spots cater to specific tastes and have quickly become beloved local hangouts.

The Niche & Neighborhood Favorites

Mod Kaew Wine Bar: For Natural Wine Lovers

Natural wine is having a huge moment in Bangkok, and Mod Kaew is one of the best places to explore it. It’s a small, unpretentious wine bar with a knowledgeable team that’s passionate about organic and low-intervention wines. It’s a great spot to try something new.

The Absinthe Bar: A Unique Spirit Focus

This new bar is a tribute to the “green fairy.” They offer a huge selection of absinthes from around the world, served in the traditional way with a dripping fountain. It’s a unique, niche experience that’s a welcome change from the usual cocktail fare.

  • Phone: 081 844 4949
  • Address: 8/13 Soi Sukhumvit 41, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110

The Insider’s Guide to Dining in Thong Lo

From authentic Japanese izakayas and chic brunch cafes to the city’s best hidden speakeasies, our guide covers the 20 essential spots in Bangkok’s trendiest neighborhood.

Midlife Crisis: Funky, Casual & Unpretentious

This spot has such a fun name and a relaxed vibe to match. Located in Sukhumvit 16, it’s a casual neighborhood bar with retro decor, an easygoing playlist, and well-made classic cocktails without any pretension. It’s a great place to actually hang out and have a conversation.

The Deck Bangkok: Intimate Rooftop Views

Unlike the massive sky bars, The Deck offers a more intimate and relaxed rooftop experience. Located in the Phra Khanong area, it has great city views in a cozy setting. It’s a perfect spot for a chill sunset drink away from the huge crowds.

  • Website: https://thedeckbkk.com/
  • Phone: 095 251 9090
  • Address: 1391 Sukhumvit Road, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110

Vesper Bar: The World-Class Contender

Vesper is a titan of the Bangkok cocktail scene and a regular on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. While not brand new, its recent revamp has given it a fresh, electric energy, making it a key destination for 2025. I’ve been many times over the years, and their martinis are legendary for a reason—truly world-class. The new menu is a creative journey through modern art, cementing its status as a must-visit for any serious cocktail lover.

The Public House: A New Social Hub

This new lifestyle hotel on Sukhumvit 31 has quickly become a social hub. Its ground-floor bar and lounge area is a beautifully designed, all-day space that transitions perfectly from a daytime cafe to a lively evening bar. It’s a great place to see a stylish local crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal drinking age in Thailand?

The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20 years old. Bars are generally strict about this and will often ask for an ID, especially in popular nightlife areas. It’s wise to carry a copy of your passport or a driver’s license.

What is the typical price for a cocktail in Bangkok?

At a mid-range cocktail bar, prices are typically 300-400 THB. At a high-end speakeasy or a luxury hotel bar like the ones on this list, expect to pay between 400-600+ THB per drink, plus a 10% service charge and 7% VAT.

Do bars in Bangkok have dress codes?

Yes, many of the more upscale bars do. A “smart casual” dress code is common, which means no shorts, sleeveless shirts (for men), or flip-flops. Rooftop bars are often stricter. It’s always a good idea to check their social media before you go.

What time do bars in Bangkok close?

Closing times can vary, but most licensed bars in Bangkok are required to close by 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM. Some nightlife entertainment zones may have later hours, but it’s always subject to local regulations.

What are 'speakeasy' bars?

Speakeasy bars are a global trend inspired by the hidden bars of the American Prohibition era. In Bangkok, this usually means they have a hidden or unmarked entrance, a sophisticated atmosphere, and a strong focus on high-quality, classic, or creative cocktails.

References

For more on Asia’s world-class bar scene and the latest drink trends, we recommend these trusted external sources:

  • Asia’s 50 Best Bars: The definitive regional authority on the best bars, providing annual rankings and in-depth features on the top venues and bartenders in Bangkok and beyond. https://www.worlds50bestbars.com/asia/
  • Drink Magazine Asia: An online publication dedicated to the bar and beverage industry in Asia, offering news on new openings, interviews with mixologists, and city guides for drink lovers. https://www.drinkmagazine.asia/
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