Bangkok may be a bit too lively for some and does also have a fair amount of poverty but, despite this, it has its own charm. Those that want to go out to be seen are offered tons of glamour and glitz. Despite not being quite up to the same standard as Milan or Paris when it comes to opulence or beautiful people, there are still a number of upmarket, prestigious venues to be visited by those who want to be seen and where you will be rubbing shoulders with the Thai elite.

Bangkok may be a bit too lively for some and does also have a fair amount of poverty but, despite this, it has its own charm. Those that want to go out to be seen are offered tons of glamour and glitz. Despite not being quite up to the same standard as Milan or Paris when it comes to opulence or beautiful people, there are still a number of upmarket, prestigious venues to be visited by those who want to be seen and where you will be rubbing shoulders with the Thai elite.

Our breakdown of the Top 10 best places features the best of these. Once you have tested the absolute luxury and have had your picture splashed across the society pages – it is possible as long as you wear something amazing and adopt the attitude of someone rich and famous – revisit here to let us know which ranks as your favourite.

The Sky Bar and Distil at The Dome, State Tower Riverside

There are a range of glitzy night spots at the Dome. Located on the sixty fourth floor, these have done a superb job of increasing the overall level of Bangkok’s nightlife on their own by combining brilliant views with the best venues. You can attempt to identify Bangkok’s landmark as you impress your companions with Distil’s Fine de Clares or whilst guzzling the Sky Bar’s signature cocktails – not for the faint of heart, this bar juts out over the edge of the building.  

Shangri-La Lobby (Sunday High Tea Dance) Riverside

The Shrangi-La Lobby if the place to go on a Sunday, especially for publicity hounds. The who’s who of the fairer sex, each one sporting big hair, congregate to enjoy some high tea and to take a load off whilst enjoying the spectacular river views. Join the ladies for an exciting session of ballroom dancing – Filipino dance instructors are there to sweep you off your feet.  

BarSu Sukhumvit

There was a substantial gap just begging to be filled between those snobbish and very pretentious places and the extremely wild, more whisky-sodden places. BarSu aims to fill that gap. Conventional décor and thinking have no place here – the décor is both gorgeous and very comfortable and popular music. The food is really divine and ranges from tapas to sushi, prepared by a 2-star Michelin chef, accompanied by fine wine, gorgeous people and glamour. BarSu is glamorous in a way that seems very apt.  

Bed Supperclub Sukhumvit (Recently Closed)

You can mix with Bangkok’s young elite whilst ensconced in comfortable oversized beds in a somewhat other worldly ice-white tubular space-pod. You can snack to your heart’s content on specially prepared goat’s cheese dishes served with a roasted walnut dressing. After eating, the tables are packed away and you get to enjoy music to match the sophisticated setup. At ten o’clock, the whole club is transformed into one of the world’s most glamorous nightclubs.  

Breeze Riverside

You are transported to the 52^nd floor of the State Tower by means of a glass sky-bridge. This is one heck of a way to make an entrance to the restaurant and bar area. Once you arrive, you can sample food fit for the spectacular views – Wasabi Prawns or Kobe Beef expertly prepared. It is simply not possible to find a more memorable way to enjoy alfresco dining.  

Manohra Dinner Cruise Chao Praya River

The Maohra rice barge has been expertly restored in order to perfectly evoke the culture of a bygone era. The stately teak barge glides along the Chao Praya River and guests are treated to views of Wat Arun and the Gran Palace whilst sampling fine Thai cuisine. The ambience is completed with candlelight and the overall setting evokes an elegant Bangkok of a long-gone era. This is a big favourite of European jetsetters.    

Oriental Hotel (Authors Lounge or Bamboo Bar) Riverside

The Authors Lounge is the place to go to if you want to enjoy the most famous afternoon tea in Bangkok. You get to immerse yourself in an ambiance that seems to come straight out of the pages of colonial Bangkok. This spot was the spot for a lot of famous writers and movie stars and this adds to the sense of history here. The Bamboo Bar is just as well-known and is the place where jazz and a very elegant jungle setting meet. Rub shoulders with a more interesting and upscale bunch of people who enjoy the finer things in life.  

The Conrad’s Diplomat Bar Chidlom-Ploenchit

In the centre of Bangkok’s embassy district is the Conrad’s Diplomat – a hotel jazz bar that would have suited 007 down to the ground. Whilst it may seem to be the ideal meeting place for ambassadors and perhaps a spy or two, you will usually run into a collection of high-profile business people and the wealthy and elite of Thai society. Every bit of décor is well-appointed and very elegant. Soak in the surroundings whilst enjoying some of the best music and top class jazz singing in Bangkok.