July 16, 2025
Bangkok has no shortage of great bars, but Opium stands out, and it’s now officially recognised as one of the best, ranking No.43 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025. Just upstairs from Potong, a restaurant also making waves on the region’s top list, this bar offers a drinking experience that feels exciting, fun, and full of stories.
Opium sits on the top two floors of a 120-year-old shophouse in Chinatown, a building that was once an opium den and later a traditional medicine shop. Today, it feels like a secret escape above the busy streets of Yaowarat. The space mixes the cosy feel of a New York lounge with the lively, late-night vibe of Bangkok. It’s the kind of place where every corner seems to hold a memory.
The bar was created by Arnon ‘KK’ Hoontrakul and is run by Matteo Cadeddu, an Italian bartender who’s worked in Australia, Singapore, and Mumbai. Together, they’ve built a huge drinks menu with nearly 50 cocktails and mocktails, plus four house-made gins, each inspired by a different region of Thailand. There are even tasting flights if you want to try a little of everything.
One of the most talked-about cocktails is the Opium Oath. It’s dramatic and fun, served with a splash of “fake blood” made from an old herbal remedy once sold in the building. The drinks here aren’t just tasty, they’re playful, surprising, and connected to the history of the place.
You won’t go hungry here. The bar food comes straight from the award-winning kitchen at Potong downstairs. There’s slow-cooked char siu beef or pork ribs, and a dish called ‘dragon skin’ (crispy chicken skin topped with onion cream and caviar).
On weekends, the team even arranges tuk-tuk rides to other bars nearby, turning your night out into a Chinatown adventure. It’s fun, relaxed, and very Bangkok.
Opium made it to No.43 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 because it’s more than just a place for drinks. It’s got history, great cocktails, amazing food, and a team that knows how to make a night feel special. Whether you’re stopping by before dinner, hanging out late, or just looking for something different, Opium is one of the coolest spots in the city.
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