Chinatown’s bar scene arguably took off with Soi Nana’s many venues, but now, there are a lot of places on the main Yaowarat road that deserve your attention. Here are the best bars to bar-hop to in Yaowarat, and what to order.
It’s very hard to maintain an empty stomach when walking along Yaowarat road, as the abundance of food stalls feels as if you are constantly being tempted by sirens. But after filling yourself with food, a drink or two will make the experience feel whole. Cue: Yaowarat’s cocktail bars.
These cocktail bars are located along Yaowarat road, or just off the main road. Here’s where to bar-hop, and which drinks to order.
[Hero and featured image credit: Opium Bar]
Where to bar-hop in Yaowarat (and what to order)
Widdershins
What to order: The “Zynchronic,” a whisky sour with lime, honey, and passionfruit
A surge of new bars arrived after Covid, which makes Widdershins one of the OG cocktail bars of Yaowarat. It is also one of the actual first “hidden bars” of Bangkok, located behind a bookcase on the third floor of restaurant Laoteng. With its small capacity, it tends to fill up fairly quickly, but grabbing a drink and standing on the balcony, watching the busy street go by — it’s arguably one of the best vibes you can get in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
More info: Widdershins
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-1am (till 2am on Fri-Sat)
Location: Above Laoteng, Yaowarat Rd, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Contact number: +66 95 9879239
Opium Bar
What to order: Any of their aperitifs, including a Negroni with grass jelly vermouth
No. 73 on Asia’s 50 Best 2024, Opium’s bartenders collect awards like the Infinity Stones. The concept of “Liquid Surreality” aims to blur the lines between fantasy and reality through cocktails, combining tried-and-true inventions with contemporary techniques under the watchful eyes of Bar Manager Matteo Cadeddu. Pair the drinks with their food menu, which comes straight from the award-winning Potong’s kitchen.
More info: Opium Bar
Opening times: Thu-Tue, 5pm-midnight
Location: Restaurant Potong, 422 Vanich 1 Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Contact number: +66 82 979 3950
Ang Yi
What to order: The “Tipsy Teapot,” oolong-infused rum in a teapot
Ang Yi is located in a quiet soi just off Yaowarat road, so you’ll be surprised at the stark contrast between this bar and the ever-bustling main street. The bar serves up Chinese-inspired signature drinks with ingredients including pickles, plums, and pork slices, while the team offers hospitality so warm even for those arriving solo.
More info: Ang Yi
Opening times: Open daily, 5pm-midnight
Location: 82 Thanon Phat Sai, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Contact number: +66 92 239 3665
Hex Bar
What to order: the “Speed Potion,” a rum-based drink with bergamot, pandan, ginger, and kaffir lime
Hex’s gimmick is that they’re a potion shop, rather than a cocktail bar. Each drink makes your problems disappear like magic. Their storefront is a magical potions shop, with a burning cauldron, shelves with trinkets, and a fake wall that will take you to the actual speakeasy. You’ll certainly be wow-ed by the fantasy they provide, and surprised by how you can find bars this beautiful in Yaowarat.
More info: Hex Bar
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-1am
Location: 412 Vanich 1 Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Contact number: +66 96 324 6541
12Rasi
What to order: “Scorpio” comes with a fully edible scorpion, if that’s what you’re into
Many influencers label 12Rasi a “hidden bar,” and though it isn’t really, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your time. At times, it feels cocktail bars try to steer towards minimalism, so it feels refreshing to just see a whole edible scorpion casually propped used as a garnish. 12Rasi features cocktails inspired by the zodiac signs, combined with the fun of flair bartending. Watch them set fire to the bar and breathe fire on a regular basis. Certainly one of the Yaowarat bars to bookmark if you’re looking for something more lively.
More info: 12Rasi Bar
Opening times: Open daily, 5pm-midnight
Location: 70 Thanon Phat Sai, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Contact number: +66 80 156 5645
Glass Half Full
What to order: “Mom Says Yes,” with gin and chrysanthemum served in a tea pot
If we could get a nickel for every time we’ve been served signature cocktails at a bar in Yaowarat area in a tea pot, we would have two nickels. It isn’t many, but it’s weird that it’s happened twice. Glass Half Full serves up inventive drinks with warm hospitality, lead by Head Bartender Book Sattawat. It’s a bit of a walk from the MRT, but it’s so worth it. Pop by a little bit later for daily karaoke.
More info: Glass Half Full
Opening times: Open daily, 6.30pm-1am (7.30 onwards on Tue)
Location: 161 Yaowarat Rd, Chakkrawat, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Contact number: +66 65 001 7999
Buph Phe Bar
What to order: The “Sun,” with coconut flower liquor, tamarind, paired with crispy jelly
Located behind a fake vending machine, Buph Phe features a cocktail experience that represents the best of Thailand. Every spirit is Thai-made, each fruit from local sources or other provinces, and all pairings are Thai snacks made in-house. The country is huge, with each area boasting its own characteristics to discover, and this bar’s unapologetic approach to Thai-inspired cocktails makes them a must-visit bar in Yaowarat.
More info: Buph Phe
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-midnight
Location: Floor 2, 358 Yaowarat Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Contact number: +66 91 951 4256
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Written by
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day, skinny legend by night, "Kook" Vichayuth works closely with Bangkok's F&B industry. His hobbies include bar-hopping, catching up with friends, and silently judging you from across the room.
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