Panoramic Aperitifs
Bangkok is awash with restaurants offering superb cuisine and views to take your breath away, but what if you want to just have a beer or refreshing cocktail and still catch the best panorama's Bangkok has to offer.
Well do not despair because Bangkok also has a legion of drinking establishments that also offer spectacular views, and as we found out most of them also sell fine tucker as well. So what might have been planned to be just a sunset aperitif could well turn into an extended evening of revelry and dinner plans might just go straight out of the window.
In fact these days the line between bar and restaurant is almost non-existent with most bars in Bangkok offering some kind of excellent cuisine, so although we planned to visit exclusively bars with views we ended up in most cases also piling into the delectable snack offerings as well.
So if you're looking for somewhere to impress visitors or overseas guests try one of the following for a panoramic aperitif, be warned though they all have certain charms that seem to keep you there longer than planned.
Aldo's
This may not be the first place that springs to mind when you're thinking of bar's with a view, however, Aldo's does have great views of Bangkok's CBD by night and a great view of Aldo's most fetching Salas that surround the buildings beautiful pool area.
This area is also blessed with wonderful views as well, the moon and the stars, it's the kind of place you can come to and completely forget that you're in one the world's most polluted cities.
As great as that is though I'm still taken by the window view of Bangkok, for me it just captures Bangkok so beautifully, as the city winds down and the sky train snakes its way around this curved section of track.
What I also adore about Aldo's is their pursuit of great wines and how they serve up a multitude of carefully selected vintages by bottle and by glass. Plus they always have excellent deals on the wine of the month and the staffs that are most knowledgeable about wine put together some great wine flights.
Along with the great view, superb wines and generally very nice setting Aldo's comes up smelling of roses when it comes to the food as well.
The appetizer platters put together by the French Chef are exquisite and go so well with the vino.
My usual complaint of sub standard cheese boards in Bangkok doesn't apply here either as the selection is just spot on. Other bar food includes salads, pizza, pasta and sandwiches.
Latitude Lounge and Bar
Although most press coverage is given to the Moon Bar on the rooftop of the Banyan Tree we thought we'd be different and check out the Latitude Bar. Not least because I've always wondered what that big square hole in the middle of the hotel was for, I've now learned it used to be the swimming pool but has since been converted to Latitude.
On the 52nd floor you'll need a head for heights but if you can handle it, you are rewarded with fantastic views, on one side the skyscrapers that line the skyline of Bangkok's downtown and then the other side a lower rise setting with the Chao Phraya also in view.
The bar itself is nothing exceptional but still a very pleasant place for an aperitif before visiting one of the Banyan Tree's outstanding eateries, and I do love the glass tables and chairs that sit over the now defunct swimming pool.
Music is adequately chilled enough to compliment such surroundings and the cocktails absolutely marvelous with a great selection of special Sake concoctions.
We tried an Eager Ninja which combines Sake, Midori, Malibu, Blue Curacao, Cranberry and Pineapple, a pungent brew that doesn't taste strong but certainly perks you up a notch.
For Valentines the Cupids is a mix of Rum, Apricot, Peach, Banana, Orange, Lime, Pineapple and Grenadine, a delicious fruity beverage that my female colleague raved about.
Unsurprisingly the bar food is of the very highest caliber with dishes such as Shrimps wrapped in Noodle with a Coriander and Chilli Dip, and Spicy seared Beef salad with cucumber, kaffir lime leaf and mint.
Phra Nakorn Bar and Gallery
This funky bar is made up of 4 floors that feature a gallery, pool bar, café style bar and rooftop bar which is where the views can be appreciated. Too be truthful it's not exactly a mind blowing panorama but still a pleasant enough view that incorporates the illuminated spire of the Golden Temple.
It's also probably not the kind of venue well to do types would appreciate either as the crowd are mostly trendy yet unpretentious Thais and a few farangs, the kind of place a local celebrity might come to enjoy a hassle free night.
Not remarkable for fittings either, the candle and moonlit rooftop is a very relaxing atmosphere to enjoy the most reasonably priced cocktails that include jugs of Kamikaze in either Apple, Cherry, Peach or Kiwi flavours.
As for food its good old fashioned Thai with an added bit of flair and some dishes visitors might not have tried before. One such dish could be the Hot and Sour Soup with Salted Fish which is kind of smoky in flavour with loads of herbs and delicious crispy slated fish.
More common dishes like Deep Fried Black Banded Trevally with Raw Mango Sauce are also done very well and the Fried Chicken with Lemongrass a great companion for the cold beer.
Music seems to have been selected well to suit the mood and style of the venue and changes depending on what floor you choose to seat yourself.
Buritara
For a ground level view of the Chaophraya River Buritara is certainly one of the best and in my opinion one of the coolest independent bars in the capital. The terrace which starts at slightly higher than river level then rises in stages to the main building is designed with a few trendy fittings and adorned with loads of sofas for relaxing or dining tables for those wanting more serious get together.
Inside is much the same, a jolly nice setting that also offers views to the river from almost all the tables and although I prefer the terrace, inside does have the advantage of air con.
Drinks in this delightfully chilled riverside bar and restaurant come in the form of many great cocktails like the Buritara Sunset or Rainbow, plus many other beverages including a large beer selection with Paulaner brand taking a welcome centre stage.
For snacks there's a comprehensive list of Thai and International although I've never felt a need to order anything other than Thai.
This time being no exception we tried the visually delightful Fried King Prawns in Tamarind Sauce, slightly under cooked was no problem for us and the piquant sauce a superb accompaniment.
We also ordered Deep fried Crabs with Garlic Red Chilli and Salt which was overcooked but still nice and New Zealand Mussels Steam pot with Basel which turned out to be a real winner, all the herbs and spice combined into the juices go great with the mussels.
Entertainment comes in the form of live bands which play differing styles of music depending on the day, time, and whether you sit inside or out.
Longtail Bar
Another bar at eyelevel with the River of Kings is the Marriott Riverside's Longtail Bar; the tables are position around the terrace and also along the wooden pier so you get a genuine feel of riverside atmosphere.
Subdued lighting and the peaceful sounds of the boats whizzing along are complimented by views of the Rama III and Bangkok bridges which are a more pleasurable view than you might think.
Personally though I prefer the limited seating actually around the bar as it's slightly elevated and because you're at the bar I get a kind satisfaction from watching the mix savvy bar crew whisking up stylish cocktails.
Included in the cocktail menu is a section devoted to Martini Evolution which I think the early James Bond may not approve but we most definitely do. The Moji-Tini being one example, a sturdy beverage consisting of Mint, Light Rum, Lemon Juice, Sugar Syrup and Lime, it's a refreshing brew that hits harder than it reads.
For diners or snackers there's a BBQ which offers simple grilled meat kebabs or more substantial bites like Australian Steaks and New Zealand Lamb Chops, accompanied with baked potatoes and fresh salads.
The whole experience of visiting the Marriott in the evening is a pleasant one especially if you are arriving on the complimentary boat service from Saphan Taksin BTS station; the views from the boat of the hotel are more than impressive.
If you've never experienced this view of Bangkok then we highly recommend it even if it's just a fleeting trip.
Sunset Bar
Recently renovated the Sunset Bar is an awesome riverside terrace setting that both Bangkok residents and passing tourists revel in, imaginative cocktails and great New World wines make for delightful tipples, whilst the food is also first class.
Simple snacks like Onion Rings, Tapas or light dinner plates are inspired by the Mediterranean and cooked in an open kitchen right there on the terrace.
Fresh Seafood Platters go very well with some of the wines as do the Spit Roasted Chicken or Double Lamb Cutlets.
Sunset Bar also employs some top bands so not only do get a view to a kill but also the chance to request a song or for the really groovy a chance to shake your hips.
Three Sixty
If you'd rather see the river from above then Three Sixty at the Millennium Hilton offers you one of the most incredible views of Bangkok from the 32nd floor.
The best time to arrive is around 5.30pm for sunset as the computer controlled lighting system dims in unison with the sun down creating a most magical moment.
And as the evening progresses the view just keeps getting better as the 360 degree panorama captures Bangkok's illumination.
In line with the hotel Three Sixty is a sophisticated ambience with contemporary furnishings and staff that are immaculate in appearance and razor sharp in service etiquette.
Sublime cocktails are shaken at your table, and the bar menu is simply excellent; add to that some really fine jazz performances and Three Sixty is one happening bar with a view.
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