Thailand elevates rooftop experiences with sky-high bars in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Pattaya

Thailand continues to strengthen its reputation as a lifestyle and leisure destination with a new wave of rooftop bars that combine striking architecture, panoramic views and curated dining experiences across Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Pattaya.

In Chiang Mai, the city’s skyline is reimagined from above at MAI The Sky Bar, located on the 22nd floor of Meliá Chiang Mai. Recognised as the city’s highest bar, the venue offers uninterrupted views of the Ping River to the east and the iconic Doi Suthep Temple to the west.

A defining feature is its dramatic glass bridge linking the highest seating areas, while tiered rooftop terraces and glass balustrades provide an immersive sunset and night-time panorama.

Entertainment ranges from live bands to DJ sets, complemented by a Spanish-inspired menu of tapas, pinchos, grazing boards and desserts, alongside cocktails drawing inspiration from Chiang Mai’s forests and mountains. The bar is also set to host festive celebrations and a Spanish Gastronomy Series featuring visiting chefs and multi-day culinary showcases.

Bangkok’s rooftop scene is equally distinctive at The Giant Swing Pool Bar, crowning the 34th floor of INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit. Anchored by a transparent infinity pool, the open-air venue blends contemporary design with references to Bangkok’s historic Giant Swing.

By day, guests enjoy Mediterranean, Thai and international fare with city views, while by night the space transforms into an extension of the hotel’s tapas bar below, allowing diners to look up into the illuminated pool. Weekly themed parties, guest DJs and year-end countdown celebrations further enhance its appeal.

Further east in Pattaya, Yitong Sky Bar atop the newly opened Meliá Pattaya Hotel offers sweeping views of the Gulf of Thailand. Paired with a Chinese restaurant focusing on health-conscious Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine, the bar features inventive cocktails infused with ingredients such as goji berry, ginseng and rosella.

Reflecting the area’s Chinese heritage, Yitong promotes shared dining and togetherness, and will host a New Year’s Eve countdown overlooking Pattaya’s night skyline.

Collectively, these elevated venues underscore Thailand’s growing focus on experiential tourism that merges design, gastronomy and destination views high above the city streets.

-ASEAN FOOD & TRAVEL