Opium Bar

Our take

The cocktails arrive in hand-thrown ceramics and blown glass made by Thai artists, the menu leans surrealist, and the room — black lacquer, gold, low light — occupies a century-old heritage building above Michelin-starred Potong. Now ranked No. 25 on Asia's 50 Best Bars, it prices its drinks accordingly; for once, the theatre justifies the bill. The bar snacks alone are an argument for cancelling your dinner plans elsewhere.

Insider tip

Booking is essential — the room is small, and so is the heritage elevator that serves it, so a short wait can be part of the ritual. Pair the cocktails with bar bites sent up from Potong's kitchen downstairs rather than eating beforehand.