Top 5 Rooftop Bars in Bangkok to Watch City Lights on Christmas Day

If your goal is specifically to see Christmas lights, Red Sky is the undisputed #1. Located on the 55th floor of Centara Grand, it sits directly above CentralWorld, which hosts the largest Christmas tree and light display in Southeast Asia. From the edge of the bar, you can look straight down at the massive festive crowds and glittering decorations of the Siam district. The bar’s signature color-changing arch adds to the holiday vibe, making it the most festive spot in town.

How to get there (Taxi):

• Tell the driver: "Centara Grand at CentralWorld" (Sen-tan World).
• Nearest Landmark: CentralWorld Shopping Mall.

Tip: Traffic in Siam is terrible on Christmas. It is faster to take the BTS Skytrain to Siam Station or Chit Lom Station and walk through the skywalk to the hotel lobby.

Tichuca is currently the trendiest rooftop in Bangkok. Famous for its massive LED "Avatar-style" jellyfish tree that sways above the bar, the lighting here rivals the city skyline itself. It is less about a formal sit-down dinner and more about high energy, tiki-style cocktails, and incredible photos. On Christmas Day, expect a young, fun crowd and a jungle-themed party atmosphere that feels totally unique to Thailand.

How to get there (Taxi):

• Tell the driver: "T-One Building, Sukhumvit 40" (Teuk T-One).
• Nearest Landmark: BTS Thong Lo Station.

Tip: Look for the paper lantern-style office building. The entrance is on the ground floor; you will take a specific elevator to the 46th floor.

For a sophisticated "movie-star" feeling on Christmas, go to Vertigo at the Banyan Tree. This was one of the first rooftop bars in the world to utilize a completely open-air platform with no walls or roofs blocking your view. The result is an unobstructed 360-degree panorama of the Sathorn business district's glittering skyscrapers. It is quieter and more romantic than Tichuca, making it perfect for couples.

How to get there (Taxi):

• Tell the driver: "Banyan Tree Hotel, Sathorn" (Rong-raem Banyan Tree).
• Nearest Landmark: Lumphini Park.

Tip: Sathorn Road has heavy traffic. You can take the MRT Subway to Lumphini Station and take a quick 5-minute taxi or Grab from there.

Famous worldwide from the movie The Hangover Part II, Sirocco is the place to go if you want pure luxury and the most iconic view of the Chao Phraya River. The golden dome and the sweeping staircase make for a dramatic entrance. On Christmas, the breeze from the river combined with the lights of the boats below creates a magical atmosphere. Note: This is the most expensive option on the list, so come prepared to splurge.

How to get there (Taxi):

• Tell the driver: "Lebua State Tower" (Ler-bua State Tower).
• Nearest Landmark: Robinson Bangrak / BTS Saphan Taksin.

Tip: Be strict about the dress code here (no flip-flops, no athletic shorts). They check before you even get on the elevator.

If you want to dance your way through Christmas night, Octave is the best pick. Spread over three levels (45th–49th floors), the top deck offers a 360-degree view with a resident DJ playing upbeat house music. Unlike some of the stiffer luxury bars, Octave has a relaxed, party-friendly vibe where people actually mingle. The view down Sukhumvit Road looks like a river of red and white car lights, perfect for the city feel.

How to get there (Taxi):

• Tell the driver: "Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, Pak Soi 57" (Marriott Sukhumvit Haa-Sip-Jed).
• Nearest Landmark: BTS Thong Lo Station (Just a 2-minute walk).

Tip: Make sure you go to the Marriott Sukhumvit (Thong Lor), NOT the Marriott Marquis or Marriott Surawong.