In recent years, Bangkok’s rooftop bar scene has exploded in both popularity and size. It seems like every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to cash-in on the city’s breathtaking skyline by charging extortionate prices in sometimes sub-par establishments that lack the proper decorum and atmosphere that anyone would expect of an ordinary bar without a view. SkyBar is undoubtedly the most famous rooftop bar in the Thai capital, yet when they actually arrive on top of the majestic skyscraper, many say that they believe the bar itself to be over-rated.
If you’ve been yourself you’ll know that it’s beautiful to look out from within, but that the bar itself is an overcrowded free-for-all, with selfie-stick wielding tourists and inexperienced bar staff tainting the atmosphere of what could otherwise be a perfect night. So, instead, why not try Bangkok’s most under-rated rooftop bar, the oh-so-sophisticated feeling Speakeasy bar, located on top of the Hotel Muse? We promise there won’t be a single selfie-stick in sight (unless it’s your own).
This absolute gem of a bar is frequented by those visitors and glamorous expats who know what’s what in the city of Bangkok. Slightly lower in altitude than the other rooftops in the city but higher in all other respects that count, the Speakeasy proves that it’s what’s inside that counts – because what good is it having the most spectacular view if the bar itself from which you’re looking at it isn’t equally as stunning? The views are still superb up the top of Hotel Muse, of course, but it’s the atmosphere of the bar itself that’s made this bar our pick of the crop. ‘Speakeasy’ themed, yes, but not in the over-the-top, Great-Gatsby style way that the word often implies nowadays. This bar is inspired by prohibition in a subtle and elegant way.
Enter into the Long Bar, an indoor ‘welcome’ area with polished wooden tables and a glass domed roof, and head straight for the slightly hidden painted door at the side, up to the 25th floor to catch the best of Bangkok’s views in time for the spectacular cityscape sunset before you. It’s only at nightfall descends, though, that the picturesque nature of this bar truly comes into play. The subtlety of the atmosphere and theme is the key to its brilliance at night. With its low, yellow lighting, plush lounging cushions and romantic, sweeping stone pillars beside delicately vine-draped walls, it’s more the feeling of decadence that connects this bar to its Speakeasy name than any overt attempt at over-done 20s gimmicks. The atmosphere is actually a wonderful marriage of laid-back, 20s glamour and authentic Asian vibes, complimented by a selection of Eastern-inspired nibbles created by Michelin Star Chef Jean Baptiste if you so choose to indulge.
And there’s more to the bar than just these two areas. Speakeasy features multiple sub-bars on each of its two floors, all with a slightly different, idiosyncratic personality and feel. Although its best to start on the beautiful roof terrace itself for the instant gratification of the views over Sukhumvit and towards Sathorn, after this it’s best to move down to the even more relaxed and impressive terrace bar, where you will find a sophisticated yet bohemian ‘grass’ lawn area, adorned with expertly arranged cushions to lounge upon, armchairs to sink into and even hipster stools on which to perch whilst you look out onto the Bangkok sky. The beauty of this floor is enhanced further by the swooping, rounded stone domes of the building found at the far end of the lawn, which can be booked out for private parties or simple gazed upon with awe as you begin to wonder just which century you’ve really stumbled upon up here on the roof of Hotel Muse. The hotel itself calls this bar ”an oasis of modern lounging in Bangkok” and this couldn’t be nearer to the truth, as time truly seems to slip further and further away here as you sink further and further down into the depths of the most comfortable chairs this side of the city, subtly illuminated by the low yet imposing floor lamps scattered around you on the terrace floor. Imagine all of this with soft, cool jazz caressing your ears alongside the evening breeze and you’ve pictured the absolute magic that is the Speakeasy by night.
But what would all of this be without five-star standard drinks on offer? Nothing, of course, which is why multiple other Bangkok rooftop bars have failed to make the grade in favour of Speakeasy in our estimation. Speakeasy is one of the only bars in the city where the bar staff truly know their stuff. Expert mixologists abound, with every staff member being knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions that you may have on drinks or to match a cocktail to your particular tastes or palette. The decorative bath full of cocktails in jam jars is a spectacular bar-side sight but unrepresentative of the amazing attention to detail that is put into each and every cocktail creation here. Speakeasy’s cocktail menu focuses on perfecting old classics and serving up the finest in wines and spirits (which can be distilled for increased proof for you upon request), the signature drink being the incredible traditional Martini; made James Bond style in an opulent shaker for your pleasure. Or, if you’ve got slightly more of a sweet-tooth, try the bar’s famous French Martini, made with vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice and just the right amount of lime to temper the sweetness of the rest.
All of this wonderfulness put together makes Speakeasy the best and sadly, most underrated rooftop bar in Bangkok in our books – for what is a view that’s a couple of floors higher in SkyBar without the beauty and atmosphere which Speakeasy exudes? But maybe we shouldn’t go on about it too much, actually – we don’t want the crowds to all start hurtling towards here instead.
Speakeasy Bar is located on the 24th and 25th floors of Hotel Muse on Langsuan road, ten minutes from the BTS at Chit Lom.
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