Ten Bangkok bars our editors book for NYE — countdown rooms, midnight pours, sensible cover charges.
New Year's Eve in Bangkok divides into two camps: the venues that double their cover charge and triple the drink prices, and the venues that quietly run a great evening at honest rates because they have always done so. Our editors only recommend the second category. These ten bars in Bangkok are the ones our team books for our own New Year's Eve, and the cover charges below are what we paid the last time we went.
Our Bangkok New Year's Eve picks, in order
The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.
BKK Social Club sits in Pathum Wan, and the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.9 of 5.
Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental (in Bang Rak) the mahanakhon daiquiri is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
Rabbit Hole (in Watthana) the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Akkee in Watthana, the akkee negroni arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar (in Khlong Toei) the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Asia Today (in Phra Nakhon) the pandan highball is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: Pandan Highball
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These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.
In Bang Rak, Vesper Bangkok the vesper martini is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Vertigo at Banyan Tree sits in Sathon, and the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Tropic City (in Bang Rak) the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Aviary Bangkok sits in Sathon, and the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Order: Aviary Highball
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More Rooftop Bars in BangkokThe full editor-curated list of Rooftop Bars in Bangkok, with neighbourhood notes and signature-drink picks.
NYE is the one night where booking three months ahead is not an overreaction. Most rooms on this list confirm bookings from October. Two practical notes. Confirm whether your booking includes a midnight pour — most do not, and a £25 surcharge appears at 11.45pm. And ask whether the table is yours for the night or whether it turns at 11pm. The honest venues will tell you straight.
Other seasonal Bangkok guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual Bangkok occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
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