There has been a growing trend in recent years which has seen high-rise buildings in Bangkok try to capitalise on their views over the City Of Angels. Although that sounds great in theory, the reality is that not all of Bangkok’s rooftop bars and restaurants enjoy spectacular views. In many cases the rooftop bars are surrounded by other tall buildings and views aren’t as impressive as you might hope. There are exceptions, of course, like the Millennium Hilton and Lebua at State Tower with their locations overlooking the Chao Phraya River. But for the most part, there is little to differentiate one city view from another amidst the numerous rooftop bars in Bangkok. However, there are still some venues in the Thai capital which always impress no matter how many times you visit. With delightful views over Lumpini Park and beyond, Park Society at So Sofitel is one of my favourite rooftop bars in Bangkok.
If family or friends visit Bangkok this is somewhere I like to take them. The views over Bangkok’s first public park offer a different perspective of a city renowned for its traffic and bustle. The busy roads can still be seen when you look down, but it is the peaceful environs of Lumpini Park that draws the eye. I’ve not yet been to New York, but my sister on her visit to the rooftop bar at So Sofitel said it reminded her of looking out over Central Park. With the greenery and lake in the foreground and the cityscape of Sukhumvit in the background, this is one of the most attractive vistas to be seen from any of Bangkok’s rooftop bars.
If you visit Park Society soon after the bar opens at 5pm you can usually grab the best seats. The terrace tends to get busier after 7pm, but I always think the best time to visit any of Bangkok’s rooftop bars is earlier in the evening as the sun descends and the lights begin to illuminate the City of Angels.
Sample menu and prices
As with all the rooftop bars in Bangkok, the views come at a premium. That said, the prices at Park Society are on a par with most other rooftop bars in the city and still better value than the more expensive venues like Lebua. Cocktails start from 250 Baht and mocktails from 240 Baht. On my most recent visit I was with family from the UK and we found service was efficient and measures were generous. We only ordered drinks and not a meal, but our cocktails were accompanied by complimentary bar snacks.
- Kaffirberry Fizz cocktail 320 Baht
Hennessy, Cointreau, lime soda, kaffir lime leaves and fresh strawberries - Mai Tai 350 Baht
Pampero Rum, Captain Morgan, orange Curacao, orgeat - Virgin Mojito 240 Baht
fresh mint leaves, fresh lime, brown sugar and soda - Carlsberg/Heineken/Chang/San Miguel 250 baht
Sample prices shown here are from the food and drink available to order on the terrace. A more extensive food menu can be found inside at the Park Society Restaurant.
- Garden Salad 350 Baht
mixed greens, cherry tomato, quinola, vegetables - Thai Chicken Skewers 450 Baht
6 pieces of chicken thigh coated in red curry sauce - Salt and Pepper Calamari 520 Baht
deep-fried squid served with citrus aioli
In common with most rooftop bars in Bangkok, all prices are subject to an additional 10% service charge and 7% tax (VAT).
Practicalities
Park Society is located on the 29th Floor of So Sofitel Hotel. From Park Society there is a small set of stairs which leads to another outdoor terrace called the Hi-So Bar. This used to have limited access and can sometimes get booked out for private events, but on my recent visits it has been open to everybody and often has more spare seats than the Park Society Bar directly below.
The rooftop bar at So Sofitel Bangkok isn’t the type of venue I’d pitch up to by myself, but it is always a pleasure to visit there with family or friends. This is a trendy hotel, but the atmosphere at the terrace bar is relaxed with subtle chill-out music and the venue tends to attract a more local clientele than you usually see at some of the other hotel rooftop bars in Bangkok. I’m not entirely sure what the official dress code is, but I would say smart casual.
Open 5pm-after midnight.
How to get to So Sofitel Bangkok
So Sofitel Hotel is located close to Lumpini Park on the corner of Sathorn Nuea (Sathorn North) Road and Rama IV. The closest MRT Metro station to the hotel is Lumpini with the nearest BTS Skytrain station at Sala Daeng. On arrival at the hotel, take the elevator to the 29th Floor for the Park Society Restaurant and the rooftop terrace.
