10 Best Bars in Bangkok

"Tep Bar is located down a side alley off bohemian Soi Nana, a quiet street near Chinatown that's seen a resurgence in recent years. The house specialty here are drinks made with ya dong, a homemade Thai herbal whiskey. Order a flight and sip small shots of the spirit in its pure form, or try the mixologist’s take in a number of refreshing concoctions. Most drinks come in gold-colored tin offering cups, ornamental bowls used in religious ceremonies at wats (temples) across the country. If space is available at the bar, grab a stool and ask the bartender about the history of ya dong. He will likely do a deep dive on the subject, talking about his family’s recipe, the healing properties Thais ascribe to the drink, and the liquor’s movement from homemade moonshine to a high-brow ingredient. It’s rare that bars give such an accurate look into a local culture, but Tep Bar is a great slice of Thai life in a comfortable setting." - Ashley Niedringhaus