October 27th, 2011
When the Banyan Tree Bangkok first opened in 2002 in the central business district of Bangkok, the design team had the foresight to utilise the rooftop area of the 61 storey iconic tower as the first truly high-rise rooftop bar and restaurant in Bangkok. Converting what had previously been the helipad of the tower, the designers created a new concept in open air dining for Bangkok- the VERTIGO BAR & GRILL and MOON BAR. Offering guests a fine dining experience under the open nightsky was a masterstroke and the venues were acclaimed as a “must visit” destination for any first time visitor to Bangkok. The location in the heart of the business district- but also with close proximity to the Chao Phraya River and nearby Lumpini Park provide guests with 360 degree panoramic views across the Bangkok skyline. Now, approaching 10 years since the opening of Vertigo and Moon bar, both venues have maintained their popularity, delivering a consistently exhilarating experience for both the first time, and the many repeat customers. Recent years have seen many new rooftop bars and restaurants established atop various hotels and towers within Bangkok- with varying degrees of success. The combination of a spectacular location, unhindered 360 degree views, and the high service and culinary standards of Banyan Tree Bangkok ensure that Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar continue to rate as one of the truly not-to-be missed experiences for Bangkok visitors and residents alike.
The Moon Bar and Vertigo Grill at Banyan Tree Bangkok are accessed via an express elevator to the 59th floor, where a curving stairway leads onto the rooftop deck. The rooftop space is divided into three main sections- with Vertigo Grill on a raised platform at one end, and adjacent private dining lounge area- and then a timber deck leads to the platform at the other end of the roof where Moon Bar is located. The design and decor of Moon Bar is of understated sophistication- the central island bar has a lighted facade with a black counter top on all sides. Tall timber bar stools face the bar, and also along both sides of the timber deck leading up to the raised bar platform. Simple but comfortable seating is arranged on the upper deck- and with glass panelled, low-height barriers around the perimeter- the views are totally unhindered- and breathtakingly spectacular. The only down-side to the total open-sky experience- during the “wet season” in Bangkok ( May- October) evening showers are quite common- and service can be disrupted. There is another indoor bar on the 59th floor – Pier 59– that guests can be moved to in the instances when evening rain curtails service on the rooftop.
Deck area of Moon Bar linking to Vertigo Grill
Looking across rooftop from Moon Bar to Vertigo Grill platform
The bar menu at Moon Bar offer some tantalising signature cocktails, as well as a full range of premium spirits, wines, champagnes, beers- local and imported, and non-alcoholic drinks. Pleasingly, the prices on the drinks are quite reasonable for such a premium venue. Certainly, the experience in itself is worth the price of a few drinks.
The bar counter at Moon Bar
Sunset at the Moon Bar
Corner setting on Moon Bar deck
Moon Bar signature cocktail- “MOON ROMANCE”– Vodka Melon, Creme de Menthe Green, Peach, Lime juice. Served on bed of dry ice.
Moon Bar signature cocktail- ” SUMMER BREEZE”– Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Creme de Banana, mix of tropical fruit juice
Stairway from 59th floor to rooftop platform
MOON BAR – rooftop at Banyan Tree Bangkok
Address: 61/F, Banyan Tree Bangkok, 21/100 South Sathon Road, Sathon, Bangkok. 10120
BTS Station: Chong Nonsi- approx 10 minute walk or MRT– Lumpini Station- 5 minutes walk
Reservations: +66.2.679 1200
Website: http://www.banyantree.com/bangkok
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BanyanTree.Bangkok
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday 5:00 pm ~ 1:00 am (operating hours are subject to weather conditions)
Dress Code: Smart casual
