Winner: Bar.Yard

A lot of bars want to unseat Bar.Yard from its top spot as the top rooftop bar at the BAD Awards, a spot it’s held for half a decade now. After the revamp this year, frankly, none of the other rooftop bars had a prayer. Bar.Yard 2.0 has them all beat. The new atmosphere is going for a tropical urban atmosphere that doesn’t skimp on the Thai influences and Pan-Latin touches. With a new food and drink menu — with some favorites staying on both — the new rash of curated drinks mix the likes of Brazilian spirits and tropical fruits. New design, new drinks, new food; Bar.Yard wins again, and they’ll likely be the venue to beat for years to come. Good luck with that. 

Tichuca

Sunset is the time to check out Tichuca, a fun, multi-level rooftop bar with a jungle décor inspired by South Africa. The bar provides an escape into lush foliage and tropical feels. There are three levels decked out with wooden furniture, rattan chairs, flora, and a massive LED-lit tree that sways behind the bar. Found 46 floors above Bangkok, this is an energetic space for a fun party vibe, so if you’re looking for a rooftop with a good menu that gets loud, this is the spot you need to try. 

The Norm Bangkok

Open for just a few months, this venue is making a big splash on the nightlife scene for one reason: style. The varied spaces make The Norm Bangkok sound hectic, but the stylish atmosphere really brings this whole venue together. You can find a DJ spinning outside and have creative signature cocktails while chilling inside. The drink menu — divided into Nostalgic Bangkok, Modern Bangkok, and Progressive Bangkok — leans into the classy vibe. 

Sato San

Atop the Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, this is a new rooftop bar on the Bangkok scene, and it’s making some noise. Sato San Rooftop Bar is the city’s Thai-Isaan and Japanese rooftop with 360-degree views. The cocktails are fairly uncomplicated, but they stick with the theme of mixing the cultures — like the Sake & Longan and the Pandan Cake Cardamom. Don’t forget to try the Thai Sato menu and the highballs to keep the night going. Expect DJs on the regular and a youngish crowd. 

Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar

A favorite for the downtown crew, Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar is what you think of when you think of a Bangkok Rooftop Bar: decent drinks, beautiful people, wild views. A rooftop bar with the added bonus of being right by Thonglor. Cocktails don’t come quite at street-level prices, but you do get a stunning view of downtown Sukhumvit, coupled with an upbeat crowd of tourists. It’s multi-level, multi-functional, and a classic rooftop hang.