Step through an unmarked door. Descend into dim lighting where delicate jazz notes float through the air, and sharply-dressed bartenders measure spirits with practiced precision. Ice clinks against crystal while conversations unfold under the shuffle of the brushed snare drum. This is the world of speakeasies – and Bangkok does them better than most cities.
Bangkok’s bar scene is globally renowned, earning spots on Asia’s 50 Best Bars annually. Beyond the themed bars and neon clubs, the city harbors a host of little hidden gems that exude neo-noir through their ambience. These speakeasies in Bangkok offer a bespoke experience by encouraging visitors to explore and discover something truly special.
What Are Speakeasy Bars?
Originally, speakeasies emerged during America’s Prohibition era (1920-1933), when alcohol sales were deemed illegal. These establishments operated in secret: behind unmarked doors, in basements, through entrances with coded passwords. Once inside, patrons literally had to “speak easy” to avoid detection from police.
These modern iterations capture that clandestine spirit without all legal drama. In Bangkok, they focus on three elements: hidden entrances, intimate atmospheres with dim lighting, and expertly crafted cocktails that prioritize quality. The best Bangkok speakeasies do their best to make you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something truly exclusive.
5 Speakeasy Bars to Visit
Tulum Sky Bar
Perched 29 floors above the trendy Ekkamai neighborhood, Tulum Sky Bar flips one element of the speakeasy concept for Bangkok’s tropical setting. While most speakeasies in Bangkok hide underground, Tulum conceals itself up high.
The elevator inside the Estella Hotel whisks you from the street-level noise into a separate world. Despite being open-air, Tulum feels isolated, and the sky bar’s distinct seating areas give guests the feeling of privacy. The cool DJ beats in the early evening mixed with the Mexican-inspired boho-chic decor channels the real Tulum’s jungle mystique.
Tulum’s strongest homage to traditional speakeasies is their cocktails. Their mezcal and tequila selections anchor cocktails blending tropical flavors with smoky depth, and each drink arrives with deliberate presentation from passionate mixologists.
What makes Tulum truly feel like a modern speakeasy is the sense of discovery – finding something special above the city’s hustle. Plus, those panoramic Bangkok views don’t hurt.
Propaganda Bar
Tucked away on Soi Sukhumvit 33, Propaganda Bar feels like stumbling into a journalist’s secret hideout. The walls display agitprop from around the world – Winston Churchill’s V-for-victory, Chairman Mao posters, vintage Soviet advertisements that spark conversation and controversy (in good nature).
The bar’s owner, a former UK journalist, created this space for media professionals and like-minded individuals who appreciate history and well-made drinks. Their cocktail menu reflects this approach with names such as the Red Revolution and the Reporters’ Revenge.
The atmosphere encourages deep conversations that speakeasies were meant to foster. Music stays background-level, lighting remains warm, and the crowd tends toward expats and locals who value substance over loud music.
Abandoned Mansion
Descend beneath The Coach Hotel near BTS Asok for Bangkok’s most authentic speakeasy experience, as Abandoned Mansion has done wonders to fully recreate Prohibition-era America.
The gangster theme runs deep. Cocktails with names like “Al Capone” and “Bonnie and Clyde,” served by bartenders in period-appropriate garb. Live jazz bands perform nightly, filling the underground space with sounds that would have echoed through 1920s Chicago. Golden and copper tones, vintage furniture, and chandelier lighting from the vaulted ceilings round out the essence of the time.
Alone Together
Hidden behind an unassuming entrance, Alone Together specializes in jazz-focused speakeasy culture. The name captures the perfect speakeasy paradox: being surrounded by people while maintaining anonymity.
Their cocktail program emphasizes classic preparations with modern touches, while live frequent jazz performances have earned them the distinction as Bangkok’s most music-focused hidden bar. While the jazz is the main event, the cocktails complement rather than compete with performances.
Freaking Out the Neighborhood
Part vinyl listening bar, part cocktail lounge, Freaking Out the Neighborhood occupies a unique space in Bangkok’s speakeasy scene. Located near BTS Thonglor in a converted house, this alternative music haven targets music heads who desire a place to unwind with a record and a nice beverage.
The concept centers on featured full-album listening sessions, creating shared experiences that are both intimate and communal. Their cocktail menu reflects this music-first approach, with drinks designed to go down easy with the sonic experience.
Dim lighting, vintage audio equipment, and a carefully curated library of vinyl create an atmosphere that’s nostalgic yet contemporary. It’s where music lovers gather to discover something new to add to their own catalog of favorites.
Bangkok’s Hidden Bar Scene
Bangkok’s speakeasy culture proves the city’s nightlife extends far beyond glamorous rooftop bars and mega-clubs. These (literally) hidden gems offer something increasingly rare in modern social life: genuine discovery and intimate experiences with friends or a date.
For the ultimate combination of speakeasy intimacy and iconic Bangkok nightlife, make sure to visit Tulum Sky Bar, as a unique bar like Tulum proves the best Bangkok rooftop bars are sometimes hiding in plain sight. And with weekly DJ and special events that can’t be missed, Tulum truly is a standout among Bangkok’s best. To stay up to date with their latest, subscribe to our newsletter.
Whether you’re drawn to underground jazz, tropical vibes, or stimulating cocktail conversations, any of these speakeasies in Bangkok will deliver experiences that reward curiosity and patience.
