lebua at State Tower

Rising from the crown of Bangkok's State Tower, the lebua complex houses one of Asia's most celebrated open-air bars: the Sky Bar, suspended above 250 meters of the city below. Thrust into global consciousness by the film The Hangover Part II, the venue draws crowds as much for its commanding views of the Chao Phraya and Bangkok's roofscape as for its Art Deco architecture and fine dining scene.

Quick essentials

• Access: BTS Saphan Taksin station, then water taxi or cab from the center; located on Silom Road, Bangrak
• Dress code: strict—no shorts, flip-flops, or tank tops; elegant attire required
• Recommended stay: 1.5 to 2 hours to catch the sunset and enjoy a drink
• Minimum spend: a purchase is required for Sky Bar entry (no free admission)
• Accessibility: elevators serve the complex's upper floors

What you'll see

The Sky Bar (63rd floor) commands a full 360-degree sweep of Bangkok: the Chao Phraya's meandering course, Wat Arun silhouetted in the distance, and Silom's forest of steel towers. The circular open-air bar, punctuated with golden neon, anchors the experience. The lebua complex also encompasses several fine-dining restaurants—including Sirocco, a terrace establishment—and a five-star hotel.

History and context

State Tower was completed in 2001 by Thai developer Panya Nirund. Left incomplete for years after the 1997 Asian financial crisis dried up funding, it was acquired and reimagined as the luxury lebua hotel complex. The Sky Bar's cameo in The Hangover Part II (2011) catapulted the venue onto the world's tourism radar.

The highlights

The sunset from Sky Bar

The golden hour—roughly 30 to 45 minutes before sunset—transforms the Chao Phraya into a copper ribbon. Arriving early secures a prime spot along the rail before the evening surge arrives.

The Sirocco terrace

An open-air restaurant at the same level, Sirocco serves Mediterranean cuisine in a spectacular setting. Reservation is essential; the mood here is more refined than at the bar.

The Art Deco dome

State Tower's gilded dome, a landmark visible across much of Bangkok's skyline, merits attention up close—the copper detailing and geometric lines reward closer inspection before you ascend.

Etiquette and entry rules

• Dress code is strict: long trousers and closed shoes for men; elegant attire for women.
• Shorts, flip-flops, tank tops, and baseball caps will be turned away at the door, without exception.
• A minimum purchase is expected; budget accordingly for beverages.
• Young children are generally not advisable in the evening given the bar atmosphere.

Photography tips

Light is most flattering between sunset and nightfall—the city illuminates gradually as darkness falls. A wide-angle lens captures the Chao Phraya's curve. Avoid the flash; it bleaches the bar and disrupts other guests. Railing selfies are ubiquitous but stay aware—the height is genuine.

Location and getting there

lebua at State Tower sits on Silom Road in Bangrak, steps from the river. The simplest approach is the BTS to Saphan Taksin station, followed by a cab or water taxi to the Sathorn pier. The building is unmistakable from the water. Taxis from Sukhumvit or Silom take roughly 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.

In the neighborhood

• Wat Arun — the Temple of Dawn, visible from Sky Bar, is reached by boat from Sathorn pier.
• Wat Pho — the Reclining Buddha temple, a few minutes by boat across the river.
• Grand Palace — the royal compound and unmissable Bangkok landmark, accessed from Tha Chang pier.
• Bangrak neighborhood — lively streets, local eateries, and street markets worth exploring before or after your ascent.