Bar
Sky Bar at lebua
An open-air bar on the 64th floor of State Tower, famed for its glowing circular bar and sweeping views over the Chao Phraya and the city…
The Bamboo Bar
Bangkok's first jazz venue, opened in 1947 inside the Mandarin Oriental, with nightly live bands and inventive cocktails in a 1950s setting.
At a glance
- Type
- Jazz and cocktail bar
- Area
- Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- mandarinoriental.com
Good to know
- Live jazz nightly
- Dress code
Why we recommend it
The Bamboo Bar opened in the Oriental Hotel, now the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, in 1947, making it the city's first jazz venue and one of its oldest bars. It occupies a low-lit room off the hotel lobby decorated with rattan, bamboo and animal-print fabrics that evoke the Bangkok of the mid-20th century, when diplomats, writers and travellers gathered here. Today it combines that heritage with a modern cocktail programme, and it is regularly listed among the best bars in Asia.
Live music is central to the experience. A resident band plays jazz from 20:00 to 23:45 from Monday to Thursday and from 20:00 to 00:45 on Fridays and Saturdays, and on Sundays a pianist performs from 21:00 to 23:45. The cocktail list changes periodically, and there is a serious selection of spirits, wine and champagne, plus non-alcoholic drinks. An outdoor terrace offers a quieter alternative to the main room.
The bar is open from 17:00 to 01:00 from Sunday to Thursday and until 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. It does not accept reservations, so arrive early in the evening if you want a seat near the band, especially at weekends. After 18:30, guests are asked to wear elegant clothes and proper footwear, men need long trousers and closed shoes, and sleeveless shirts for men are not allowed at any time. Guests under 20 can enter only before 19:30; after that they may join an adult on the outdoor terrace, subject to availability.
The Bamboo Bar suits couples, jazz lovers and anyone who enjoys a classic hotel bar with live music. It works well after dinner at one of the Mandarin Oriental's restaurants, or as a nightcap after a riverside evening. Prices are at the top of the Bangkok range, as you would expect in a luxury hotel.
The bar is in the Mandarin Oriental at 48 Oriental Avenue in Bang Rak, off Charoen Krung Road. Saphan Taksin BTS station and Sathorn Pier are about ten minutes' walk away, and the hotel's shuttle boat links to ICONSIAM. Sky Bar at lebua and the bars of Charoen Krung are a short walk or taxi ride away.
The Bamboo Bar FAQs
When did The Bamboo Bar open?
In 1947, as Bangkok's first jazz venue.
What are the opening hours?
17:00 to 01:00 Sunday to Thursday, and 17:00 to 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
When is live music played?
Bands play from 20:00 Monday to Saturday; on Sundays a pianist plays from 21:00.
Can I reserve a table?
No, the bar does not accept reservations.
Is there a dress code?
After 18:30, elegant attire is required; men need long trousers and closed shoes.
Can under-20s visit?
Only before 19:30; later they may join an adult on the outdoor terrace if space allows.
Where is it?
In the Mandarin Oriental, 48 Oriental Avenue, Bang Rak.
How do I get there?
Walk about ten minutes from Saphan Taksin BTS station.