For me, Bangkok is the undisputed capital of sky bars. Their history in Thailand, however, is still quite recent.

The first major sky bar opened in 2002 at the five-star Banyan Tree hotel.

The former heliport on the 61st floor was transformed into the restaurant Vertigo . Right next door, the circular Moonbar was created.

The idea was new at the time: excellent food, a cool drink and a one-of-a-kind view over the city at night. I still remember friends telling me about this new place shortly after it opened. My first visit there is unforgettable to this day. In 2003, the restaurant Shirocco opened on the 64th floor of the State Tower near the Chao Phraya. It also features the slightly elevated Skybar in the corner.

Towering above it all is a massive dome, known as the Dom. The view from up there is spectacular, overlooking the city, the lights, and the river flowing peacefully by.

On my first visits, what impressed me almost as much was the air—fresh air high above Bangkok’s rooftops. Down in the street canyons it was hot, stuffy and smoggy. Up there, Bangkok suddenly felt lighter. For a long time, visiting on the first evening of my holiday became a tradition.

Back then, a drink cost around six euros. Before the Lebua Hotel opened below, the bar was mostly frequented in the evenings by expats—that is, foreigners working in Bangkok who stopped for a drink after work. Those were the best years of this sky bar for me.

Today, things are different. A beer there now costs around €30. And Hollywood is to blame. In 2011, the Hollywood blockbuster “The Hangover Part II,” starring Bradley Cooper, was a worldwide hit. Key scenes were filmed at the Sky Bar and the neighboring Dome.

After that, a full-blown Hangover craze began—and it’s still going strong today.

Suddenly, many tourists wanted to stand right there at least once during their holiday, take in the view, especially snap a selfie, and say, “I’ve been there too.” That sent prices soaring.

The view is still fantastic, but for me, the atmosphere it once had is gone.

Another classic top spot is Red Sky Bar. It’s in the central shopping district around Central World Mall. It opened in 2009. I especially like its design. The red, stylized lotus flower behind the bar can be seen from afar. There’s also great food, and an excellent chocolate bar one floor down.

So if you’d like to combine shopping, food and a great view, the Red Sky Bar is an excellent choice. Bangkok now has more than 50 rooftop bars, and the trend has changed.

In the past, it was mainly about the view, dinner, and elegant drinks. Today, many sky bars are more like stylish party venues. They attract a younger, urban crowd with DJs, beats, and plenty of Instagram-worthy atmosphere.

One of my favourite spots is Tishuca on Sukhumvit Road.

If you’re into good “House Vibes” and are looking for a great city view, this is one of the best options in my opinion.

I like to come here shortly after 5:00 pm, when you can still see the city in daylight, all the way to Bang Krachao, Bangkok’s green lung, and the skyscrapers around Silom and Sathorn  Road.

As the sun slowly sets, the whole city changes. That’s exactly why an early visit is worthwhile.

The Octave Bar is also nearby. Spread over three floors, it offers impressive panoramic views. The music there, however, is usually rather “mainstream.”

For me, Sky Bars are an essential part of any visit to Bangkok.

Not every place is affordable, authentic or right for everyone. But there’s such a wide choice these days that almost everyone can find something to suit them: elegant, touristy, peaceful or lively.

My tip: Check the bars’ Facebook pages or websites beforehand. You’ll find up-to-date event listings, DJs, opening hours and any dress code.

If the view is your main reason for visiting, don’t arrive too late.

Bangkok is often at its most beautiful from above just before sunset.