Riverside bars in Bangkok
When it comes to nightlife in Thailand’s capital city, places like Khao San Road, Silom, and Sukhumvit often pop into the conversation. But let’s forget about all these tourist-y spots for a moment. Here 7 bars and restaurants in Bangkok with stunning views along the Chao Phraya River.
Dining al fresco will also be a literal breeze, and a low commitment – *cough* well-ventilated *cough* – way to spend an evening out in these times.
No worries, this list has a wide price range so there’s something for everyone, whether you want a fancy night out or if you’re staying on a budget.
Table of Contents
- Riverside bars in Bangkok
- 1. Jack’s Bar – Affordable dinner and drinks by the pier
- 2. Samsara Bar – rustic vintage bar
- 3. Top Knot Rooftop Bar & Restaurant – eatery with The Great Gatsby vibes
- 4. Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar – picturesque temple views
- 5. Viva Aviv The River – pirate-themed bar
- 6. SEEN Restaurant & Bar – opulent rooftop bar
- 7. ThreeSixty Jazz Lounge and Rooftop Bar – luxurious vibes with panoramic glass window
- Make your nights out special with these riverside bars
1. Jack’s Bar – Affordable dinner and drinks by the pier
You don’t have to spend thousands of baht on drinks while enjoying a nice view of the Chao Phraya River – just come to Jack’s Bar. This place is a small eatery situated on a little pier by the river bank on the opposite side of the luxurious Icon Siam.
Image credit: @aekky_naughty.bear
Although Jack’s Bar doesn’t come with a hi-so (slang for high society) ambience, it has a nice laid-back and friendly atmosphere where everybody can talk to one another. Who knows? You might make some good friends here.
Image credit: @apitchadaa
The place even has a private pier attached to it, which could be a great background for your new Instagram photo.
Spending your weekend gulping local beer while looking at a series of lit up skyscrapers in the evening sounds like a dream and the relaxation will totally be worth it.
Image credit: @mayniedish
Jack’s Bar offers many flavourful and authentic Thai dishes like Panang Curry, Fried Morning Glory in Oyster Sauce, and Omelette in Clear Soup which are perfect when paired with some ice-cold local beer – all dishes and beers range from ฿100 (~USD3) – ฿300 (~USD9).
Jack’s Bar
Address: Jack’s Bar, Soi Wat Suan Plu, Khet Cheroenkrung, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500
Opening Hours: 12PM – 2AM, Daily
Telephone: +66 8 6416 8182
Jack’s Bar website
2. Samsara Bar – rustic vintage bar
Image credit: Me-story
Samsara Bar serves affordable Thai dishes and beverages for those who want a nice meal and good view without breaking the bank.
Image credit: @jbyyyyyyyyy
Besides the view, roam around to see the owner’s vintage goods collection that have ceramic ware and miniatures, as well as some beautiful paintings hanging on the walls.
Image credit: @pacbeverage
Get a bottle of imported cherry-flavoured beer, Kasteel Rouge for ฿250 (~USD8) and order Samsara’s Lotus Root Crisps that cost ฿140 (~USD4). With each bite, you get to enjoy the crunchiness of thinly-sliced of lotus roots that have been deep fried and seasoned with salt. Watch out, you might say goodbye to Lays after this.
Samsara Bar
Address: 1612, Song Wat Rd, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100
Opening Hours: 5PM – 12AM (Sunday, Tuesday – Thursday) | 5PM – 1AM (Friday – Saturday) | Closed on Monday
Telephone: +66 8 6978 9331
Samsara Bar website
3. Top Knot Rooftop Bar & Restaurant – eatery with The Great Gatsby vibes
Image credit: @yiing_yiing_yiing
The Great Gatsby is the perfect description of Top Knot Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, which has black and white art deco vibes, from the tiles to its furniture. No sky-rocketing prices here, so those who seek to have an inexpensive fancy dinner with their special ones should give this place a try.
The staircase that leads to the dining area on the roof is super Insta-worthy, so don’t pass up on the opportunity to take a shot before walking up.
Admire the Chao Phraya River in the distance, with its shimmering lights in the evening
Image credit: Eatchillwander
The bar here certainly has fun creating cocktails. Charoen Krung, which costs ฿260 (~USD8), is solid proof of that – it’s made from Chinese plum, pink guava juice, and vodka which offers a nice balance of sweet and sour. If you have a sweet tooth, order the rum-based cocktail Be My Honey for ฿360 (~USD11), crafted with honey, lime, and apple cider.
Charoen Krung, Pork Chop Apple Caramel
Images adapted from: Eatchillwander
While you’re at it, try their Pork Chop Apple Caramel, which goes for ฿380 (~USD11), a piece of tender pan-fried pork chop glazed with caramel applesauce, served with dried fruits like tomatoes and buttery mashed potatoes.
Top Knot Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Address: 8th Floor, Hotel Once Bangkok, 2074/101, Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Wat Phraya Krai, Khet Bang Kho Laem, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10120
Opening Hours: 6.30AM – 12AM, Daily
Telephone: +66 2 688 2596
Top Knot Rooftop Bar & Restaurant website
4. Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar – picturesque temple views
Situated in old town Bangkok, Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar faces the famous temple Wat Arun. Your eyes will be in for a treat, especially during the sunset hours.
Image credit: @luuhami
From the dining area, you can also go up to the rooftop to get a better view and get some mean cocktails from the bar up there.
Fill up your tummy with Phad Thai Goong for ฿365 (~USD11), a famous Thai fried noodle dish with sweet and sour tamarind sauce and prawns, served with bean sprouts and crush roasted peanuts. You can add chilli to the dish for a spicier taste if you’d like too.
Images adapted from: @geminimarissa, Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok
Take a sip from Caorunn Negroni, which costs ฿410 (~USD12), after the meal to enjoy the perfect balance of gin, bitter campari, and sweet vermont as you’re taking in the river view with Wat Arun in the background.
Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar
Address: 39, Maha Rat Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200
Opening Hours: 7AM – 10.30AM for Breakfast | 11AM – 04.30PM for Lunch | 05.30PM – 10.30PM for Dinner, Daily
Telephone: +66 2 622 1388
Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar website
5. Viva Aviv The River – pirate-themed bar
Image credit: EDT Guide
If you’re a fan of the Pirate of the Caribbean saga, then Viva Aviv The River is a perfect place to come and hangout. This Italian restaurant and bar is by Bangkok’s riverfront and has a rustic pirate and sailor theme – bringing our fantasy to life.
The outdoor area is sitting next to the pier so you’re sure to get a nice view of the Chao Phraya River and riverboats.
The awesome view from the al-fresco area
Images adapted from: @billylovepizza
Viva Aviv The River’s signature pizza Tom Yum Kung Pizza for ฿325 (~USD10) is where the Italian meets Thai. On top of an Italian style dough, 3 big grilled shrimps lie on a bed of flavourful Tom Yum sauce with mozzarella cheese – yum.
Images adapted from: @s.nanamolll, @kungking160
After finishing your pizza, end the night with Mina Passion, which costs ฿250 (~USD8), an amber-coloured cocktail with a sweet and sour taste of passion fruit.
Viva Aviv The River
Address: Room 122-123, 23, River City Shopping Complex, Soi Rongnamkhaeng, Khet Sampanthaowngs, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100
Opening Hours: 10AM – 1AM, Daily
Telephone: +66 2 639 6305
Viva Aviv The River website
6. SEEN Restaurant & Bar – opulent rooftop bar
Put on your best dress and pretend to be one of the characters from Crazy Rich Asians at SEEN Restaurant & Bar, which is opulent to say the least.
Looking out from the balcony, you will feel like the king of the world because there’s nothing between you and the breathtaking view.
Image credit: @whitepartybkk
You can also step into their garden zone for a more chill vibe.
Image credit: @noon_is_me
Try out the restaurant’s signature Seen Taco, that costs ฿620 (~USD19) which is filled with fresh Alaskan king crab meat, sprinkled with ripe mango, guacamole, fish ceviche, pomegranate, and wasabi mayo sauce.
Images adapted from: @oraryor_eye, @harnnharnntiew
Enhance your “crazy rich” time with the rich flavoured cocktail St. Charles Punch for ฿495 (~USD15), a perfect combination of bold cognac mixed with red port wine and sugar, garnished with fresh raspberries.
SEEN Restaurant & Bar
Address: AVANI Riverside Bangkok, 257, Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khwaeng Samre, Khet Thon Buri, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600
Opening Hours: 6PM – 1AM, Daily
Telephone: +66-2-431-9120
SEEN Restaurant & Bar website
7. ThreeSixty Jazz Lounge and Rooftop Bar – luxurious vibes with panoramic glass window
Image credit: @tippers.s
ThreeSixty Jazz Lounge and Rooftop Bar is situated on top of Millennium Hilton Hotel, where you can look over to the sparkling riverbanks at night from a panoramic glass window.
Walking down the bar area, you’ll find outdoor garden that offers even more wider picture of the city of Bangkok. Plus, there’s live music here too.
Image credit: @fatbe3
Start your night with Citrus Mojito for ฿450 (~USD14), a mojito with a shot of citrus liqueur on top for you to pour it yourself. You’ll get to adjust the intensity of citrus flavour according to your preference – don’t forget to take an Insta-worthy shot while pouring.
Images adapted from: Pantip, Letseatthailand
We recommend Grilled Lemongrass Marinated Chicken Skewer, that costs ฿450(~USD14) to pair up with your mojito. Each piece of a bite-sized chicken is charcoal grilled on lemongrass skewers. So you can count on getting a smoky flavour along with an aromatic scent of lemongrass in every tender bite.
ThreeSixty Jazz Lounge and Rooftop Bar
Address: Millennium Hilton Hotel, 123, Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Ton Sai, Khet Khlong San, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600
Opening Hours: 5PM – 1AM, Daily
Telephone: +66 2 442 2000
ThreeSixty Jazz Lounge and Rooftop Bar website
Make your nights out special with these riverside bars
If your typical bistro seems a bit dull now, it’s time to switch things up. Call up your friends and loved ones this weekend and check one of these places out to make your night out more special – all with a magnificent view of the Chao Phraya River!
Cover images adapted from (L-R): @luuhami, @billylovepizza, @apitchadaa