Bangkok is a popular holiday destination literally any time of the year, but more so in the holiday season starting December through January.
While the weather this time of year makes it impossible not to enjoy the outdoors, the holiday season calls for a bit of festive spirit and what better place to soak that in than a cosy bar with irresistible cocktails?
Cue the lights, set the mood, and cosy up at these three darling Bangkok bars this holiday season.
Stella at Capella
Tucked away in the Capella Hotel—recently ranked #1 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024—this understated bar is a hidden gem. Set on the majestic Chao Phraya River, the hotel offers breathtaking river views, with the bar occupying a prime spot within its luxurious confines. Despite its modest size, the bar is anything but ordinary. Live jazz performances fill the air with a lively energy, while the expert bar team crafts an array of irresistible cocktails from their latest menu, The Journey of Old Siam. This cocktail collection takes guests on an immersive journey through Bangkok’s rich history and cultural landmarks, offering drinks that serve as both time capsules and portals to the past.
Beverage Manager Roberto Castro Rodriguez, who is new to Bangkok, shares his enthusiasm for the city: “It’s my first time here, and I’ve already fallen in love with it. The more I explore its streets, the more captivated I become by its stories, people, and flavors. This journey has inspired me to create a new cocktail menu, where each drink embodies the heart and soul of Bangkok’s unique neighborhoods.”
Stella’s refreshed cocktail menu is a sensory voyage, with each drink intricately linked to the history and spirit of different districts in the city. Materials like concrete, ceramic, and other historical references are thoughtfully incorporated into the presentation, allowing the cocktails to tell a story not just through taste, but also through visual and tactile elements. The experience invites guests to discover Bangkok’s cultural treasures, one sip at a time.
Try the Silver Screen and Knock Out.
Bar Sathorn at House on Sathorn
Nestled in the heart of Bangkok’s bustling Sathorn district, the Bar on Sathorn stands as a striking testament to the neighborhood’s rich history. Originally built in 1889 as the private residence of Luang Sathorn Rajayukta, a prosperous Chinese-born businessman, the mansion bears a legacy intertwined with royal prestige. Luang Sathorn was honoured with a noble title by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and entrusted with the task of sourcing construction materials for the Bang Pa-in Royal Summer Palace.
Following Luang Sathorn’s passing, the property was inherited by his son-in-law, Luang Chitchamnong, who married Cham, the eldest daughter of Luang Sathorn. In 1923, the residence was transformed into the Hotel Royal by Madame Adele Staro, a prominent Italian socialite. Under her stewardship, the hotel became renowned as one of Bangkok’s most luxurious accommodations, with The Straits Times of Singapore noting its exceptional facilities. The property was later sold to a syndicate in 1925, and the hotel was renamed Hotel Thailand the following year, although the exact details remain unclear. Today, several years later, the Bar on Sathorn carries this storied past forward, beautifully reflected in its carefully crafted cocktail menu.
Under the expert direction of Bar Manager Marco Dongi, the bar draws inspiration from Thailand’s rich local produce, offering guests a unique sensory journey through the country’s cultural heritage with every sip. The key focus in Marco’s approach to the bar programme is to work with local communities and reduce waste. We were lucky enough to have visited a terrace farm that the bar is tied up with, and learn about the efforts being made to reduce waste and convert urban rooftops into vegetable gardens and green spaces that supply ingredients to the bar and kitchen.
We recommend you try the Lettuce and the Lychee & Longan Martini.
Follow Bar Sathorn on Instagram.
Opium
Opium Bar, located above Chef Pam’s acclaimed and multi-award winning Potong restaurant in Bangkok’s historic Charoen Krung district, offers an intimate and sophisticated cocktail experience. Housed in a beautifully restored early 20th-century building, the bar exudes old-world charm with antique details and warm lighting, evoking the golden age of opium trade. The cocktail menu at Opium Bar is a thoughtful blend of classic and contemporary drinks, each inspired by Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and the building’s fascinating history as a former Chinese medicine shop and Chef Pam’s family home. The bar team crafts each cocktail with rare, high-quality ingredients, often incorporating local botanicals and spirits, resulting in drinks that are as visually captivating as they are flavourful. From inventive twists on beloved classics to entirely original concoctions, every cocktail at Opium tells a unique story.
Bar Manager Matteo Cadeddu brings his extensive experience to the space, skillfully blending Thai influences with global cocktail trends. His creative approach ensures that each drink surprises and delights. For those who enjoy cosy, private settings with exceptional service, Opium is the perfect destination. With its intimate atmosphere, expertly crafted cocktails, and world-class service, Opium Bar is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable experience in one of Bangkok’s most iconic neighbourhoods.
We highly recommend the Los Parados and Mali.
We hope you have a warm and fuzzy holiday season wherever you are, but if you are in Bangkok and find yourself at any of these bars, don’t forget to tag us!
Happy Holidays!
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