"In the Mood for Dumplings and Cocktails The resurgence of Chinatown as a hip place to imbibe has seen the opening of choice new bars and restaurants. What’s more, the unique architecture of the neighborhood’s traditional shophouses has imbued many of them with a cool, atmospheric vibe that takes major cues from the work of Hong Kong auteur Wong Kar-wai. One such venue is Ba Hao, which fuses vintage chinoiserie decor with on-point cocktails and some seriously delicious snacks—try the duck wontons served with chili sesame oil and the jianbing , a Chinese crepe stuffed with ground pork, chilies, and hoisin sauce. As you might expect, Chinese influence is prevalent here. Signature drinks include the Opium, a classic Negroni spiked with ginseng and herbal liquor, and Five Rivers, where five-spice powder is combined with rum and Drambuie."

"Totally Tropical Tastes at a Hip Bangkok Bar A clue to the appeal of the bar Tropic City is in its name: Here, sultry influences from Polynesia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America fuse in a most refreshing way. The tropical theme informs everything from the decor—a tasteful mash-up of flower motifs and Portuguese tiles—to the sociable atmosphere on the outdoor terrace, which is packed nearly every night. It is most evident, though, in the carefully curated cocktail list, which dabbles in gin and mezcal while putting a heavy emphasis on rum-based drinks. Cocktails pack a punch, but light infusions such as vanilla, pineapple, and aromatic spices make it easy to put away a few—which perhaps explains why the venue has become a go-to for the city’s party set."

"A Classic Dive Bar That's Still the Place to Party The undisputed king of Bangkok dive bars, Wong’s Place has a character of its own. It’s hard to describe exactly why you should go to this hole-in-the-wall institution near Lumphini Park. The furniture has seen better days, the toilets are nobody’s idea of a treat, and the service ranges from eccentric to downright surly. The fact that it is now one of the few venues in the city that remains open until the wee hours might explain its popularity. But really, it’s the fact that—for all its faults—the bar retains an unpretentious “up-for-it” vibe that is largely missing from more refined places. On quiet nights, there’s not a lot to recommend it, but visit on weekends and there’s a good chance you’ll fall under its beguiling spell."

"Tasty Thai Cocktails Authentic Thai elements are to the fore at Tep Bar – a new venue in the old town. Housed in an atmospheric shophouse, the bar serves potent cocktails and home infused ya dong (Thai herbal whisky), while traditional musicians provide an atmospheric soundtrack."

"Get Gritty at Bangkok's Best Music Bar Bangkok's bar scene is getting flashier, but havens of authenticity remain. One such venue is Adhere the 13th Blues Bar. Located a stone's throw from the backpacker area of Banglamphu, the hole-in-the-wall bar boasts potent drinks, a welcoming atmosphere and nightly performances from a range of excellent bands."

"James Bond Goes To Shanghai Evoking the exotica of colonialism as well as James Bond movies, gentlemen’s clubs and decadent gambling dens, Maggie Choos one of Bangkok’s most unique venues. Patrons enter through a dark wooden door and descend down a steep staircase to an authentically recreated Chinese noodle shop. Past another set of doors, the bar is a vast, dark room dotted with leather couches. Brick vaults built into the side of the bar hide private dens while the bar itself is made to look like an old school casino cashier counter."

"Sophisticated Smalls Another hot bar in Bangkok that harnesses a retro aesthetic is Smalls. Located in the increasingly hip enclave of Suan Phlu in Sathorn, the bar feels like a cross between a Parisian bistro and a smoky jazz club. Indeed, resident blues and jazz combos provide live music several nights a week. Run by David Jacobsen, a long-term face on the Bangkok bar scene, the high-quality cocktails, selection of absinthe and general air of sophistication are testament to his experience."

"A Hip Gin Palace Gin is the thing at Teens of Thailand , one of a burgeoning contingent of hip bars, galleries and dining spots in the happening Charoenkrung area of the city. Mixologist Niks Anuman-Rajadhon is something of a connoisseur and his vast contingent of bottles provide the basis for bespoke cocktail concoctions."

"Reach For The Sky Straddled over three floors in the upscale area of Thong Lor, Octave offers Asian-style tapas and fresh seafood paired with fine wines and bespoke cocktails. The venue’s chief calling card is its fabulous 360-degree views over the city, particularly impressive on the very top floor – the highest place in Bangkok for a party."

"Bangkok's Bohemian Hub A bar, gallery and bohemian hangout, WTF plays a central role in Bangkok’s creative scene. It has hosted shows by notable local and international artists such as sculptor Sutee Kunavichayanont and sadly missed photographer Tim Hetherington. The spirit of eclecticism informs the entire ethos here in everything from the left-field soundtrack to the imaginative cocktail list."

"High Quality Drinks At A Reasonable Price With its roughhewn wooden furniture, brick walls and casually attired bar team, Junker and Bar is the epitome of a laid-back neighbourhood hangout. Presiding over this convivial setting, Bard Passapong – the venue’s owner and resident master mixologist – holds court with aplomb. One minute he’s behind the bar rustling up a margarita infused with fiery Thai chillies and green tea powder, the next he is regaling patrons about the complex flavours of Kristall G, a gin distilled in Chiang Mai. In addition to fairly-priced premium drinks the bar does a neat line in delicious burgers."

"Cocktail Questions and Answers A venue with a pronounced Thai stamp is Q and A. A collaboration between a collective of Bangkok mixology whizzes, the speakeasy style bar has earned a formidable reputation for its drinks. Especially striking are the twists provided by the use of Thai spirits and ingredients in creations like Bangkok Spice Market – sundried banana infused Chalong Bay Rum from Phuket, cinnamon syrup, pink peppercorn and lemon and orange shaken and served on ice with sundried banana and green cardamom seed. Other drinks, meanwhile, put a subtle spin on the classics."

"A Showcase For Eclectic Sounds The brainchild of ZudRangMa Records owner Maft Sai, this cosy venue attracts some of the planet's best leftfield DJs. The soundtrack here can vary from old-school Thai music to sounds from Africa, Europe, and further afield."