Jessica Wong was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada and comes from Hong Kong Chinese roots. In 2014, she relocated to Bangkok to work for the UN’s capital investment agency, UNCDF. She is the lead communications focal point for a women’s economic empowerment programme, and a clean energy programme.
A certified PADI scuba diver, she also describes herself as a full-time foodie and a part-time traveller. During her down time, you will find her bargain hunting at Chatuchak (Bangkok’s largest weekend market), ordering coffee to go at a local café, or out for a drink at one of the following of Bangkok’s finest and most interesting bars. Jessica shares her favourite watering holes in the City of Angels.
For a late night out: Maggie Choo’s
“A unique design by Ashley Sutton, Maggie Choo’s is located in the basement of Novotel Fenix Silom behind the drapes of a Chinese restaurant. The furnishings are inspired by a 1930’s Shanghai cabaret, and the theme is completed with real-life cabaret girls. This is the place to be on the weekends, for nostalgic atmosphere and live entertainment.”
TipThere is a strict dress code: No shorts or sandals, even dressy ones. Rumour has it that as long as the shoes have backs, you should be fine but we can say from personal experience that even nice dress sandals without a back strap will get turned away.
Where: On Silom Road, a short cab from BTS Stations Saphan Taksin or Surasak
Opens: 7pm – 2am
More information: Maggie Choo’s Facebook
For date night: Above Eleven
“Make your way around the back of the Fraser Suites Sukhumvit for the hidden elevator that will take you to Above Eleven, which sits on the 33rd floor. The restaurant serves Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine along with spectacular views of the city, and great DJs. Their rooftop Gramercy Park, inspired by the popular New York landmark, is not to be missed but note that it is currently closed for renovations.”
Where: At the end of Sukhumvit Soi 11 (Nana BTS Station), at the top of the Fraser Suites Sukhumvit.
Opens: 6pm – 2am
More information: Above Eleven’s Facebook
For a quiet night: The Speakeasy
“The Speakeasy is situated in Hotel Muse on Langsuan Road, Chitlom. Even though this speakeasy doesn’t require a password, the atmosphere gives a sense of exclusivity, from its interior décor to the classic cocktails they serve. This chic, and underrated rooftop bar offers a great view of the city centre.”
Tip Make a reservation on the eatigo app to receive a discount off your bill.
Where: A ten minute walk down Langsuan Road from the Chitlom BTS Station.
Opens: 5:30pm – 1:00am
More information: Hotel Muse’s Facebook
For ladies’ night: WOOBAR
“Who can say no to free flow of bubbly? WOOBAR at the W Hotel offers the best ladies’ night promotion in Bangkok. Bring your girlfriends to enjoy two hours of free flow sparkling wine every Thursday. Towards the end of the drink special, the DJ often starts to play everyone’s favorite divas, from Spice Girls to Beyonce.”
Where: The W Hotel, a five minute walk from the Chong Nonsi BTS Station.
Opens: 9am – 1am
More information: Woobar’s Facebook
For city views: Moon Bar
“Of the many sky bars in Bangkok, Moon Bar on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel is the one to recommend to visitors. The bar is also connected to Vertigo Restaurant so you can have a great dinner before drinks. However, most visitors make their way to the bar first for the 360-degree view. Ranked as one of the top sky bars in the city, Moon Bar is worth the visit just for the panoramic photo opportunity. As the place also caters to vacationing tourists, prepare to spend more on drinks compared to other places..”
Where: Sathorn Road, but you’ll likely need to catch a taxi as it is in between a number of BTS and MRT stations; the closest (Lumpini MRT station) is a 10-minute walk away.
Opens 5pm – 1am
More information: Moon Bar’s website
For a secret hang out: Havana Social
“This secret bar takes you back in time to Cuba in the 1950s. The vintage-themed cigar bar and lounge is literally a hidden gem in Bangkok. Look for the sign, “Telefono” at an alley off Sukhumvit Soi 11 – the entrance is through a telephone booth. To get in, you have to punch in the secret passcode. To get the passcode, call the restaurant ahead on a real phone or when you arrive, dial the restaurant’s number (087-066-7711) and press ‘#’.”
Where: At the end of Sukhumvit Soi 11 (though the address is technically Soi 13), near the Nana BTS Station
Opens 6pm – 2am
More information: Havana Social’s Facebook
