Yao Rooftop Bar Bangkok: Menu, Prices & Views Guide

Yao Rooftop Bar sits across the 32nd and 33rd floors of the Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse, representing the city's first vintage Shanghainese-themed open-air sanctuary. While most elevated lounges focus purely on Western trends, this venue pairs panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River with dim sum baskets and bespoke oolong-infused cocktails.

Operated by Marriott International, this high-end rooftop lounge serves as a sophisticated alternative to Bangkok's overcrowded riverside observation decks. The multi-level space merges traditional Chinese design motifs with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, making it highly appealing to corporate groups, upscale international travellers, and local food enthusiasts. It targets visitors who seek refined dining rather than high-octane nightclub environments. Positioned firmly in the premium lifestyle bracket, it offers a structured reservation policy that ensures every patron secures a comfortable seat with a direct view of the glittering capital.

Design and Panoramic Setting

The architectural footprint combines classical Chinese screen-work with sleek marble features to construct an elegant high-altitude garden. Walkways are lined with custom wrought-iron lanterns that cast a warm glow across the seating areas. You can choose between deep, comfortable sofas or high stools situated directly along the safety-glass perimeter. Below you, the Chao Phraya River bends through the capital, its dark waters punctuated by the brilliant lights of slowly passing dinner cruises. The surrounding Sathon district presents a contrasting wall of gleaming skyscrapers. This dual view of ancient water transport corridors and modern financial powerhouses gives the venue a distinct sense of place. The open layout ensures that even tables set further back from the edge benefit from the constant evening breeze. Staff members are positioned strategically to guide you to your pre-booked station without disrupting the flow of other guests. The overall design prioritises physical space, avoiding the cramped table configurations common in older establishments nearby.

You should time your arrival for 17:30 to witness the transition from sunset pastels to the glowing neon nightscape.

Modern Chinese Culinary Selection

Traditional Cantonese and Sichuan flavours are reinterpreted here through a menu of refined small plates and steaming dim sum baskets. The kitchen is supervised by experienced Chinese chefs who ensure that classic techniques are respected while adapting the presentation for a modern rooftop audience. You can enjoy delicate foie gras and shrimp dumplings priced at 480 THB (£10.67), or crispy duck spring rolls served with a rich hoisin dip for 390 THB (£8.67). Unlike standard bars that offer generic fried snacks, the food here is substantial and prepared to order. The signature hand-pulled noodles with spicy minced pork sauce cost 410 THB (£9.11) and provide a hearty, satisfying meal. For larger parties, the sharing platters offer an assortment of roasted meats and seafood that pair excellently with cold drinks. Every dish arrives presented on fine ceramic plates that mirror vintage Shanghainese pottery. The balance of spice, sweetness, and salt across the menu has been carefully calibrated to complement high-altitude dining.

Ordering three to four plates to share among two guests provides a satisfying light dinner without overwhelming your table.

Custom Tea-Infused Cocktails and Premium Spirits

The beverage programme elevates the drinking experience by blending premium spirits with distinct Chinese tea varieties and herbal infusions. Skilled bartenders operate from a central stone-clad bar, hand-crafting drinks that utilise ingredients like oolong, chrysanthemum, and lapsang souchong. A popular option is the Forbidden Fruit cocktail, which combines gin, oolong tea, and sweet peach liqueur for 480 THB (£10.67). For those who appreciate deeper profiles, the Dynasty Drama features dark rum infused with chrysanthemum tea and aromatic bitters at 490 THB (£10.89). The premium spirits list is extensive, featuring single malts such as Macallan 12 Year at 490 THB (£10.89) per pour and artisanal gins like Hendrick's at 420 THB (£9.33). Non-alcoholic options are treated with equal care, utilising fresh ginger and jasmine tea to create complex, refreshing mocktails. The pricing reflects the premium nature of the ingredients and the high standard of service. Every drink is mixed with precision, ensuring that the subtle tea notes are not lost beneath the alcohol.

Look out for the signature serving vessels, which include custom-designed ceramic teapots and brass cups that mirror traditional imperial dynasty tableware.

The Multi-Level Lounge Experience

Spanning two distinct outdoor decks, the venue manages to offer both intimate dining zones and a livelier upper-level bar scene. The 32nd floor is dedicated primarily to comfortable sit-down dining, featuring larger tables and immediate proximity to the main service kitchen. An elegant spiral staircase leads you to the 33rd floor, which operates as an open-air lounge with high-top tables and a circular central bar. The musical curation is deliberate, focusing on mid-tempo lounge beats, deep house, and modern electronic tracks infused with traditional Chinese instruments. This soundtrack maintains an energetic atmosphere without hindering your ability to hold a normal conversation. The lighting is kept low to ensure the city lights remain the focal point of your evening. Service across both levels is highly coordinated, with dedicated captains managing specific zones to prevent long wait times for drinks. The staff are well-trained in menu recommendations and can suggest ideal drink pairings for your food selection.

Guests seeking a quiet, conversational meal should request a table on the lower deck, while those wanting an energetic evening should head upstairs.

How Yao Compares to Silom Rooftops

While nearby Silom high-rises house older, globally famous rooftop lounges, this venue offers a vastly more relaxed and culinarily distinct alternative. Competitors like the Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower attract massive tourist crowds, resulting in a standing-only environment where guests are often herded through tight spaces. In contrast, this venue guarantees seating for all confirmed reservations, allowing you to appreciate the view in comfort. The pricing structure here is also more reasonable, with signature cocktails starting around 450 THB (£10.00) compared to the 800 THB (£17.78) or higher charged by older icons. Establishments like Vertigo at the Banyan Tree offer classic Western menus, whereas this location provides a highly specific Chinese culinary theme that feels more appropriate for social sharing. The crowd here consists of a pleasant mix of international travellers and middle-class residents, avoiding the tourist-trap feel of more publicised spots. The physical layout is also less susceptible to wind disruption than the completely exposed, higher-altitude platforms.

Choosing this venue over older, tourist-heavy platforms guarantees a comfortable seat, lower drink prices, and room to move without sacrificing the view.

Location and Getting There

The venue is located on Surawong Road within the historic Bang Rak district, placing it slightly north of the main Sathon business corridor. The nearest BTS Skytrain stations are Surasak and Chong Nonsi, both situated roughly 1.2 kilometres from the hotel entrance. This walking distance takes approximately 15 minutes, which can feel challenging in Bangkok’s evening heat. Taking a local taxi or a registered ride-hailing vehicle from the station is highly recommended, costing around 80 THB (£1.78) to 100 THB (£2.22) depending on traffic conditions. If you are travelling directly from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the distance is approximately 37 kilometres. The journey typically takes 45 to 60 minutes via the Sirat Expressway. Toll fees on this route total 75 THB (£1.67), which you should pay in addition to the standard metered taxi fare of approximately 450 THB (£10.00) to 550 THB (£12.22).

Costs and Booking

An evening here is a premium experience, but the pricing remains fair when compared to other five-star hotel lounges in Bangkok. Signature cocktails range from 450 THB (£10.00) to 520 THB (£11.56), while local beers cost approximately 280 THB (£6.22). Food items are priced individually, with dim sum baskets starting at 380 THB (£8.44) and larger main courses reaching up to 1,200 THB (£26.67). All prices are subject to a mandatory 10 per cent service charge and 7 per cent government tax (VAT), which will be added to your final bill. Booking in advance via the hotel's online reservation system is highly recommended, especially for weekend slots between November and February. There is no entrance fee, but booking the exclusive private canopy booths requires a minimum spend of 5,000 THB (£111.11) for up to six guests.

Who It Suits Best

This venue is perfectly suited for sophisticated couples looking for a romantic evening, small families wanting high-quality shared dining, and business colleagues seeking a relaxed spot to close a deal. It is not suitable for budget backpackers seeking cheap drink promotions, families with very young, restless toddlers who might struggle with open balconies, or large stag parties looking for noisy nightclub atmospheres. The environment prioritises polite conversation and leisurely drinking over loud, rowdy celebrations. If you value personal space, attentive service, and high-quality food alongside your skyline views, this venue represents an excellent investment of your holiday time.

What to Know Before You Book

The smart-casual dress code is strictly enforced at the ground-floor elevator entrance. You must avoid wearing athletic wear, sleeveless shirts for men, torn clothing, or rubber flip-flops to gain entry. High-winds or heavy tropical rain can cause the upper 33rd deck to close at short notice. The indoor restaurant on the 32nd floor remains open, but your outdoor skyline view will be restricted during storms. Table reservations are held for a maximum of 15 minutes before being released. Arriving late can mean losing your river-facing table to waiting walk-in guests. Minimum spends apply to the private canopy booths on the upper deck. You must plan your budget accordingly if you intend to secure one of these cushioned alcoves for the evening.

Practical Tips

Arrive early for sunset

The sun dips below the horizon rapidly around 18:00, making the first half-hour of opening perfect for photography.

Reserve the river-facing side

When booking online, specify that you prefer tables facing west to catch the water views.

Try the handmade noodles

These are prepared daily by the culinary team and offer a more filling alternative to light dim sum.

Budget for extra charges

Remember that a 10 per cent service charge and 7 per cent government tax are added to your final bill.

Take a taxi directly to the hotel

Walking from the nearest BTS stations can be sweaty and uncomfortable on humid Bangkok evenings.

Check the weather forecast

Afternoon downpours are common during the monsoon season, so look at the skies before committing to an outdoor table.

Combine your visit with dinner

Staying for food rather than just drinks gives you a far more satisfying and complete rooftop experience.

Quick Reference Table