The Bamboo Bar at the Mandarin Oriental

48 Oriental Avenue, Bangkok 10500

Since 1953, The Bamboo Bar at the elegant Mandarin Oriental hotel is sheer magic, a must, not only for drink lovers but as a piece of Bangkok history. The bamboo, tigers and palms decor is tropical yet refined, an ideal backdrop for live jazz, blues and classic cocktails. While the bar is a Bangkok institution, bar manager Jamie Rhind, who manned some of London’s great bars, ensures the cocktails go well beyond classics. His “Compass Thailand” menu is a much desired trip around Thailand, showcasing the country’s flavours and ingredients, something difficult to find at many Bangkok bars that merely copy international trends. Mapped out in five regions, expect Thai flavours from dishes like tom ka gai soup to show up in the crushable Hawker (tequila, clarified coconut, kaffir lime, lemongrass, ginger). Local Iron Balls gin is showcased in Aggy Aggy with watermelon, salak fruit and yira leaf. Note: The Bamboo Bar adheres to a “smart” dress code (think trousers and close-toed shoes).