Opium Bar, Bangkok

Venues & Concepts

Dec 16

nside the Experience

Opium Bar sits above the acclaimed restaurant Potong in a 120-year-old Chinatown shophouse, and stepping inside feels like entering another realm entirely. The moment the lift door opens on the top floors, the atmosphere shifts. Black lacquer walls absorb the light, golden accents catch it, and the room unfolds into shadows, glimmers and slow, deliberate movement. It is sultry, sophisticated and rich with history, yet unmistakably modern in its presentation.

The building itself once operated as an actual opium den, and the bar leans into that heritage with a subtle, cinematic touch. The ceilings are low. The corners are dim. The air carries a sense of story even before the first drink is served. It is the kind of place where you instinctively lower your voice, not out of intimidation, but because the environment draws you inward.

Take a seat at the bar and the experience becomes even more immersive. Led by Italian bartender Matteo Cadeddu, the team works with a quiet intensity, moving around the counters with precision that feels almost ritualistic. They guide you through a menu of nearly 50 cocktails and mocktails, each inspired by Thai culture, regional botanicals or the layered history of the building itself. House-made gins, each reflecting a different Thai region, line the shelves like curated artifacts.

The drinks are theatrical but never excessive. The Opium Oath, inspired by Chinese blood-oath rituals, arrives finished with a splash of faux blood made from an herbal menstrual remedy once sold in the very same building. The World Champion, a favourite among guests, is beautifully balanced and elegantly presented, stimulating the senses from aroma to finish. Other creations like Pukka, featuring a grilled squid garnish to activate the sense of smell, show just how playful and multi-sensory the menu can be.

Even the quieter drinks have depth. “Just One More Sip,” a guest favourite, unfolds in layers as it warms, revealing subtle shifts in texture and flavour. Each cocktail feels intentional, a story shaped edge to edge.

What elevates Opium Bar further is the hospitality. Guests note the warmth of service, the attentive pacing and the personal touch that distinguishes it from other top-ranked bars around the world. Instead of feeling mechanical or over-rehearsed, the team leans into connection. Reviewers consistently praise staff like Celina for their charisma and genuine engagement.

The bar bites, sourced from the Michelin-starred kitchen downstairs, add another layer of indulgence. Slow-cooked char siu beef, pork ribs and the standout “dragon skin” arrive in elegant plating that matches the room’s mood. The food is rich, thoughtful and deeply flavour-driven.

As the night stretches on, the ambience softens. The noise level stays moderate to quiet, depending on the hour, making it comfortable for conversation. And if you linger until closing, the team offers a secret soup, a warm, restorative gesture that feels like an inside tradition shared only with those who stayed late enough to earn it.

On weekends, guests can opt into the bar’s tuk-tuk service, whisking them off to other Chinatown bars in a playful nod to Bangkok’s energy. It is this blend of heritage, imagination and hospitality that makes Opium Bar one of the most transportive drinking experiences in the city.

What People Say Most Often

Intricate, imaginative cocktails with thoughtful storytelling behind each serve
Warm, personal service that feels less mechanical than other top global bars
A dramatically atmospheric setting with black lacquer walls and gold details
Beautifully balanced drinks, never too strong or too sweet
Standout signatures like World Champion, Opium Oath, Pukka and Just One More Sip
Excellent bar bites from the Michelin-starred restaurant downstairs
Secret soup at closing, a gesture beloved by guests
Good for couples and small groups, with no wait times reported
A must-visit for those who want a culturally rooted, theatrical cocktail experience

Editorial Snapshot

Overview

Located in a heritage shophouse above Potong in Chinatown, Opium Bar delivers one of Bangkok’s most immersive and story-driven cocktail experiences. With nearly 50 drinks, house-made gins and a setting rich with history, it stands as one of the region’s most imaginative bars.

The Experience

Dark, dramatic and intimate, the space blends old-world opulence with modern cocktail theatrics. Each drink is crafted with narrative depth and precise technique. Service is warm, personal and attentive, setting Opium apart from more formulaic high-ranked bars.

Signature Drinks to Try

Opium Oath
A provocative, ritual-inspired cocktail finished with faux blood made from an herbal remedy once sold onsite.

World Champion
A beautifully balanced, elegant serve that has become a crowd favourite.

Pukka
A sensory-driven drink paired with a grilled squid garnish to awaken smell and flavour.

Just One More Sip
Rich, nuanced and unfolding in layers, praised for its evolving character.

Why People Love It

Guests appreciate the storytelling, the atmosphere and the sense of discovery. The cocktails feel rooted in Thai culture, the service is exceptionally personal and the use of Potong’s kitchen elevates the entire experience.