Soi 24

Honeyful Cafe

Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit 

Aire Bar

Knocked Out These

These are the Bangkok rooftop bars I tried in December.  Two of them - Char and Moon Bar - I had done before.  The rest (14) were new experiences.  Of the new ones, my favorites were Bar.Yard, Tichuca, Abar, Anju Korean and Trans Blue.

Up & Above (Okura Prestige)
Sky on 20 (Novotel)
Spectrum (Hyatt Regency)
Abar (Marriott Marquis)

Char (Indigo)
Mojjo (Skyview)
Tichuca (T-ONE)
Aire (Hyatt Place)
Flashback (Tastoria)
Brewski (Radisson Blu)
UFO (Soi 11)
ANJU Korean (Sindhorn Midtown)
The Speakeasy Bar (Hotel Muse)
Bar.Yard (Kimpton Maa-lai)
Moon Bar (Banyan Tree)
Trans Blue (Solaria)

I also got up to these for a look-around.  Didn't drink anything.  They may be on my radar in the future.

The St. Regis Rooftop Bar (St. Regis)
Escape (Emquartier)
AkaAza (Amara)
Throwback (Silom Edge)
1826 Mixology (Rembrandt)

I created this Google map showing the 31 Bangkok rooftop bars I've gone to over the years.  This year I hope to get this number to 40, even 45.  Since it will be the start of the rainy season, it's almost too hopeful to think I can get to 45.  May the rooftop bar gods be with me!

Arrival

Asheville - Atlanta - Seoul - Bangkok

Arrived in Bangkok.  Didn't take very long to get through passport control and to get my luggage.  Surprised me how fast it was, especially considering how many people there were.

I had Thai baht from my previous trip, so there was no need to get any money exchanged at the airport.  However, if you do need to covert currency, after getting your bag, walking by customs and exiting into the Arrivals area (where people are there to welcome passengers), go to the very bottom level of the airport to the money exchange called SuperRich.  The rates are the best.

To get into the city, you have options:  prearranged and prepaid personal driver, electric taxi, regular taxi, luxury-level taxis, buses and train (SRT).  I usually choose SRT.  If you have big luggage and just don't want the hassle, you can go by taxi.  Regular taxis should be around 500 baht.  Make sure they turn on the meter and ask them to use the toll road.  You have to pay the toll fare, so it could take your trip to 600 baht or so.  SRT can get you into the city in 45 minutes.  My taxi this time took 2 hours! Consider all your options.  Bangkok traffic is notorious.  If you are getting a prearranged driver, the rate should be around 1000 baht.  Higher-end cars could cost 2000 - 2500 baht.  Buses can get backpackers close to Khao San Road for almost nothing.  Do what suits you.  I do think giving your transportation some good planning way in advance could save you a big headache.  I'm experienced, and still got a headache.  I went against my instincts and used a taxi rather than the train.  I wasted a lot time being stuck in traffic.  Not a good feeling!

Day's Activities

That's a rooftop spirit house!  5:40 AM, btw.

Lek Massage at BTS Phrom Phong is part of a chain of massage spas.  I didn't get a massage there, but it was always busy.  They're open from 10 AM to 11:30 PM.

I reached the MRT (metro) at Asok.  From there, I needed to go just two stops to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, where there are a couple of beautiful parks.

Reached Benjakitti Park and Benjakitti Forest Park.  Due to jet lag, I was awake at 3 AM.  So getting to the park a little at 6 AM was perfect.  When it's 9 or 10 AM, it starts getting very hot.  My strategy is to take advantage of the early morning hours.  And in the afternoon, I'm resting or sleeping, or sometimes getting a massage.  Avoid that heat!!!

shrine

The convention center opens at 7 AM.  I enjoyed exploring a bit of it.  It's huge!

The coffee shops, cafes and restaurants open at various times.  Probably most are open by 10 AM.  On another day, Kade and I had coffee at this Pacamara.  I've been to one at Central Pinklao, and I like it.  Oh, there's even a very nice food court in the convention center.

After leaving the convention center, I walked back to Sukhumvit Rd.

I may return to this one.

That rooftop bar is one I've researched.  May try it this trip.

I decided to give Buddy's a try!  It was so-so.  But I loved the Americana decor!

Time to get back out on the street.

After an afternoon nap, I headed off to meet up with a friend.  But first, I got a 90-minute massage at A-ONE Massage on Soi 20.

In the evening, this place will be packed.  Bottom floor is usually reserved for foot massages.  I enjoy massages in the late morning or afternoon - Afternoon Delight, as my friend says.

Met up with my friend. Now it's time for my first rooftop bar of this trip: Sky on 20.

Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20

At the start of the soi, where you see those flashy lights, is A-ONE Massage.

mocktail

After about an hour at the bar, we were ready for something else.

We had a meal at The Deck.  Pretty good!

Later, we went over to Soi 23 to eat some steak nachos at The Clubhouse Sports Bar & Grill.  Tasty!  When we were done, it was time to walk the gauntlet at Soi Cowboy.