Octave Rooftop, BKK
Details
- Location: Marriott Sukhumvit, Bangkok
- Cost: $20 per cocktail
The Arrival
Well, since I was staying at the Marriott, by arrival was a simple leaving the Executive Lounge, where the concierge had arranged my seat (and omg what a seat) on the 40th floor. After an elevator ride to the 45th floor, where I was led up more elevators and stairs until I was on the 49th floor, where I was treated to the best seats, on the top point, directly at the sunset. Outfuckingstanding.The Bar
Not just a bar but a restaurant too, it covers 5 floors on the top of the hotel. So many options, but everyone is clamoring for the 49th, and especially the 3 seating spots on the west side. Rob did very well this time for sure. (How good was the spot? In the aisle just before you sit was a very consistent line of people taking selfies to the west).The drinks were astounding. I would have had more than two but, as usual, Rob had to call into meetings in the USA in a few hours and being drunk doesn't usually help my employment situation.
The small bites were also quite good and I recommend the mix.
The View
The view was of Bangkok and the lower Sukhumvit area, which is also lousy with high rises, hotels, and lighting for 30 miles in a city that never ends.Sunsets to the west are readily and excellently viewable. The guard wall is high enough to not fall over drunk (helpful for me!) but low enough to stand and get that incredible shot that will make everyone else jealous they didn't treat you better in highschool.
The first level, on the 45th floor
48th floor seating
Seems if you are stuck inside here, you kinda lost
The bar, on the top!
Perfection of light and flavor
Spinning some mad lounge tunes that fit the vibe perfectly
Quite delicious snackages, Korean wings are spicey
The empty seat with me (as nobody was with me)
People that wish they had my spot
Almost drunk white guy warning
Pre-nightfall looking up Sukhumvit
Southwest off, forever
Long day of work, the sun is dipping out finally
Money shot
Storms 50 miles off backlighting the sky
Serenity and temperature perfection setting in
Another rooftop wishing it was as cool as this one
Summary
This, of all of them, is THE rooftop bar. Bangkok has 30+ (probably 40) and it's #1. Favorite of the Instagram crowd, and influencers worldwide. Does that make me one of those? Naw, my website numbers show I am not really popular.If you can only visit a single bar, make it this one. See what it takes to get those good spots (I had the advantage of silly high Marriott status helping me along) but ask when you call to reserve.
I found the drinks reasonable for the view, and when the temp, lighting, and buzz all reached a perfect joining point of "oh... yeah", well. It's a sublime moment of enjoying life.