Thapae Grill Rooftop Bar

Thapae Grill occupies the top of a building on Ratchadamnoen Road, just inside Tha Phae Gate. Because building heights are capped in the moated Old City, it is the only rooftop of its kind there, and even a few floors up gives an unusual 360-degree view: gilded temple roofs close by, the Sunday Walking Street market below and Doi Suthep on the western horizon.

It is a casual, good-value place. The bar mixes fruit-heavy cocktails, mocktails and the usual Thai beers, and the kitchen runs a long menu of Thai dishes and grilled skewers, with vegetarian and vegan options, so many people stay for dinner. Seating is at simple tables and bar counters along the parapet.

It is open daily from 11.30am to midnight. The best time is the hour before sunset, and on Sunday evenings the market view is at its liveliest,. It suits backpackers, families and anyone exploring the Old City who wants a drink with a view without a hotel price tag.