Is Lebua Sky Bar Expensive In 2024? A Short Guide To The Best Rooftop Bar In Bangkok
Is Lebua Sky Bar expensive in 2024? How much are the drinks at the Lebua Sky Bar?
Bangkok is a great place to enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar and the Lebua Sky Bar is one of the best places you can enjoy a cocktail in the city. But does this incredible experience come at a cost?
The world-famous bar is one of the best rooftop bars in Bangkok and is often named the best rooftop bar in the world! The Sky Bar has won numerous international awards in recent years and at 820 feet, it’s one of the highest rooftop bars in the world.
Lebua Sky Bar is part of a hotel that promotes itself as a world-class establishment. The many bars and Michelin-starred restaurants have also won awards so the evidence is mounting up.
A Hangovertini or two at Sky Bar is a must-do in Bangkok and that’s exactly what we did during our travels through Thailand. Even so, there are a few things worth knowing to fully enjoy your time at this stunning venue.
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Is Lebua Sky Bar Expensive in 2024?
The Lebua Sky Bar is very expensive when you consider the fact that it’s located in one the most budget-friendly destinations in the world!
Thailand has often been hailed as a backpacker haven due to its wallet-friendly prices and ease of travel around the country. So the Lebua Sky Bar in Bangkok seems a little out of place here.
But despite the expense, many people still visit the Lebua Sky Bar and thoroughly enjoy the experience (me included.) If you prepare yourself for the splurge rather than be surprised, I have no doubt you will enjoy the experience too!
About The Lebua Sky Bar Bangkok
The official name of the rooftop bar is Sky Bar and is located on top of the Lebua State Tower building in Bangkok. The tower was opened in 2006 and has 64 floors of luxury hotel suites, business centres, conference rooms and Michelin-starred restaurants.
You may also hear it being called Sky Bar at Lebua or Sky Bar Bangkok and sometimes even The Sirocco Bar! The Sirocco is actually an open-air restaurant located next to the Sky Bar so there can be a bit of confusion about the name.
Lebua also has properties in India and New Zealand, both world-class establishments but probably not as famous.
The Hangover Bar!
Of course, one of the main reasons why the Lebua Sky Bar is so famous is because of a certain 2011 movie. The Hangover Part II saw our ‘heroes’ in Thailand for Stu’s wedding and the bar has become a popular location since its release.
Sky Bar has even created a cocktail after the movie – The Hangovertini! You can even stay in The Hangover suite if you want to recreate the whole experience!
Tip | Please do not confuse the Lebua Sky Bar with The Hangover Bar which is just using the name. I’ve heard it is a nice bar though and does decent food (probably for a lot less!)
How To Get To Lebua Sky Bar
Getting to the State Tower building is relatively easy. Getting to Sky Bar can be a little trickier! The building is Chao Phraya River in the Bang Rak District of Bangkok.
The easiest way to get there, especially if you’re staying on Khao San Road, is by taxi. It is quick and cheap but just make sure the taxi driver turns the metre on. Do not negotiate a price with him as it will be much more than on the metre!
You can also book through a ride-sharing app called Grab. It’s basically the Uber of Southeast Asia! Whatever you do, don’t take a tuk-tuk!
Once you’re at the State Tower building you’ll walk through what looks like a small ground-floor shopping mall before you arrive at the lift. There will be staff from Lebua waiting to take you up to Sky Bar on the 64th floor.
Avoid The Pink Bar & Other Bars
Let’s face it, having a drink at the Sky Bar and checking out Hangover filming locations is the main reason why you came here! So it’s annoying as hell when the staff try to push you into buying an expensive drink at their new bar!
That’s exactly what happened to us, and everyone else, going up to Sky Bar. We were escorted out of the elevator into the new Pink Bar and asked to order a drink. The cheapest alcoholic drink on the menu was a 2,700 BHT glass of champagne – a whopping $90/£65!
Lebua is reportedly under new management and trying to scam push tourists towards their newest bar. The Pink Bar is basically a pink bar! It’s nicely decorated and everything but it’s not the reason why people make their way up the State Tower!
Fortunately, I already knew about their hard sales tactics and gave them a firm (and slightly angry) “no” and politely asked the pushy staff to direct us to the Sky Bar. You should do the same!
Lebua Sky Bar Dress Code
Thailand is a haven for backpackers and budget travellers but you’ll be refused entry here if you arrive in your beachwear after island hopping around Thailand! Sky Bar is a classy place, even if they do try to make you order ridiculously overpriced champagne!
The website states that the dress code is smart casual meaning no sportswear, flip-flops, sleeveless tops or shorts. This applies to children too. Simply pack an outfit you’d happily wear on a night out back home then you’ll be fine.
Maybe you didn’t plan to visit Sky Bar and left your nice dress or shirt at home? Then visit one of the many markets in Bangkok beforehand. A simple dress or shirt should only cost you a few dollars if you’re a good haggler.
If you’re refused entry because of your clothes then there are some shops on the ground floor of the State Tower building. I didn’t visit any of those shops but I assume they’re not cheap so avoid this scenario if you can!
Lebua Sky Bar Menu & Prices
Having a drink at Sky Bar is one of the best things to do in Bangkok, but it comes at a price! Lebua classes itself as luxury/world-class, or whatever they want to call it, and this is reflected in the price of the drinks.
The signature cocktails are specially created for Sky Bar (Hangovertini anyone?) They cost around 1,300 THB each with some non-alcoholic drinks at 900 THB. If you want a beer, you’ll pay nearly the same so just enjoy a delicious cocktail instead.
If you want anything else such as champagne or whisky, you’ll probably pay a bit more. The selection of these alcoholic drinks is on the premium side and so is the markup! There’s a list of some of the drinks here, just to give you an idea.
There’s also a selection of light bar bites and even cigars and caviar on offer. Unless you’re willing to pay $30 for a snack though, I would recommend eating beforehand.
Before you pay just remember that there’s a 10% service charge and 7% government tax added onto your final bill. Just to top it all off!
What To Expect At The Lebua Sky Bar Bangkok
The first thing you’ll notice when you step out to the Sky Bar is the magnificent dome. You’re now officially on top of the Lebua State Tower building.
We arrived at Sky Bar just as it got dark and the bar (and city) was beautifully lit. At 820 feet up (or 250 metres) you can imagine the kind of views we were getting!
There is a jazz band playing in the background the staff are more than willing to help. They’ll happily take a million photos for you. You don’t have to tip these guys ( or you do?) but we gave a little as they were so friendly and took so many photos.
The atmosphere was great but do check the weather before you decide to go. I’ve read some reviews that the staff will not open the bar if there is some slight drizzle.
Lebua Sky Bar In Bangkok: FAQs
That pretty much covers most of what you need to know before visiting the Lebua Sky Bar in Bangkok. Hopefully, you’re now prepared to visit, armed with a wallet full of cash and a nice shirt or dress.
Here are a few more frequently asked questions I may not have covered yet.
What Rooftop Bar Is In The Hangover Movie In Bangkok?
I mentioned before that there are actually several bars and restaurants within the Lebua State Tower building. The one that was used in The Hangover Part II is the one I’ve been writing about – the Lebus Sky Bar.
Yes, people call it the Sky Bar at Lebua or Sky Bar Bangkok but it is NOT any of the following: Sirocco, The Dome, The Pink Bar, Lebua no.3, Breeze, Mezzaluna, Chef’s Table, Alfresco 64, Distil or Flûte a Champagne Bollinger Bar!
Do not let any of the waiting staff take you to any other bar other than the Sky Bar!
Can I Wear Trainers To Lebua Sky Bar?
The dress code policy states Smart Casual Dress meaning no beachwear or sportswear. This means no sandals or flip flops or shorts for men. However, smart trainers are perfectly acceptable (some cost more than shoes and boots these days!)
While I couldn’t go on a night out in flip flops like would in somewhere like Phuket, I did wear my smartest trainers to the Sky Bar – an old pair of Converse! I just cleaned them up a bit and nobody even looked at them!
Can You Wear Jeans At The Lebua Sky Bar?
I did! I think jeans are perfectly acceptable ‘smart’ attire. Many of the men at the Sky Bar wore jeans or smart/casual trousers and the ladies wore mainly dresses.
I would avoid super baggy jeans or jeans with those holes that make it seem kind of pointless to wear them at all!
Do You Need A Reservation For Lebua Sky Bar Bangkok?
No! You’ll be pleased to know that you do not need to make a reservation or book a table at the Lebua Sky Bar. You may need a reservation if decide to eat at one of the restaurants but again, this is not mandatory.
You may encounter a bit of a queue at the lift at the bottom of the tower if you arrive around 9 pm. On our visit (just after sunset) we waited for around 5 minutes before going up in the elevator.
What Is The Hangovertini?
The Hangovertini is the famous cocktail that was made in celebration of the Hangover movie being filmed at the Sky Bar.
If you want to make one at home then these are the ingredients list on the official Sky Bar Menu – whisky (Sky Bar uses Dewar’s 15-year-old,) sweet Vermouth, apple, rosemary, and honey.
Don’t ask me what the measurements are!
Where’s The Closest Metro Station To Lebua State Tower Building?
If you plan to take public transport to the Lebua State Tower Building, then the easiest way is to take the Bangkok Mass Transit System or BTS for short.
The BTS Sky Train, as it’s known, is an elevated railway system and the closest BTS station to the state tower building is BTS Saphan Taksin. The station is only around 500m from the tower building and takes 6-7 mins to walk.
Lebua Sky Bar Opening Hours
Depending on where you look (and I’ve looked all over) the opening hours are either 16:00 to 01:00 or 17:00 to 00:00. So late afternoon until around midnight. That’s every single day.
Whichever time is correct, it’s probably better to visit around 18:00 anyway.
Wrapping Up: Is Lebua Sky Bar Expensive?
It may cost more than your accommodation but the Lebua Sky Bar is expensive but is a must-do in Bangkok if you can afford it!
We passed through Bangkok a few times during our travels through Thailand and decided to save the Lebua Sky Bar as a special treat.
When travelling through budget-friendly destinations like Thailand and Vietnam, we do occasionally have the odd splurge so I can honestly say that it was just a really awesome night. The drinks were delicious, the views were spectacular and the atmosphere was just so pleasant.
Having said that, the prices of the drinks meant we didn’t stay too long. We nursed our cocktails for nearly an hour before ordering a second one each! It wasn’t as cheap as a bottle of Chang from 7-Eleven on Kao San Road but it was totally worth it!
