5 hip Bangkok bars to try this weekend

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to give your social life a bit of a face lift by adding some variety and checking out some of the city’s current hip hotspots, this is the list for you. 

From chilled and intimate to loud and bold, these happening Bangkok bars are the ones to hit in 2011. 

If the clever name doesn't slay you, The Horse Says Moooo's wine buffet definitely will.

The Horse Says Moooo 

The Horse Says Moooo (as in the Thai word for "pig") lives up to its rather funky name. Started by four friends (two born in the year of the horse and two born in the year of the pig), this ultra chic two-story lounge-restaurant is a popular joint for the high-society rollers of Bangkok. 

The young and affluent are often seen brunching on afternoon martinis and large plates of fancy looking Western grub as the owners of "The Horse" take their food, drinks and desserts very seriously, even offering a weekly wine buffet. For 950 baht you get an endless supply of two types of reds, whites and sparkling wine.

8/1 Nuam Complex, Sukhumvit soi 33, (opposite to Novotel Lotus). Tel: +66 (0)2 662 0402

Jam Bar is located on the roof of trendy J Avenue Thonglor

Jam Bar

Up until a few years ago, good live English music was something of an alien concept in Bangkok. Today, courtesy of places like the super chilled Jam Bar, you’ll find young bands take to the stage crooning to the best of James Blunt and Nora Jones -- and doing it justice.

Music aside, Jam Bar’s delicious eatables (the green curry fried rice is fantastic), extensive drink list, ample sheesha options and its cool breezy ambiance all add to its rising popularity.

They also have an indoor area equipped with a DJ booth, bar, small stage and a tiny dance floor, perfect for small intimate gatherings and private parties.

J Avenue. Thonglor 15, 4th Floor J-Avenue, Tel: +66 (0)2 714 7599

To Die For's patio was designed for January's cool Bangkok nights.

To Die For

Classy, chic and sophisticated, To Die For’s outdoor patio is an ideal spot for this time of the year. Head there with a small group of friends for after-work drinks or with your significant other for a romantic evening . Those comfortable bed-like couches will keep you anchored for a long time.

To Die For’s menu includes a touch of gourmet, with dishes like pan-fried foie gras, oyster shots, scallops and parma ham among the greats. 

H1 Place Thonglor, Sukhumvit 55. Tel: +66 (0)2 381 4714

Bombay Blues offers a slice of India in suitably chaotic Soi Rambutree.

Bombay Blues

Originally, local Thai-Indian Romie Sachanakul just wanted to open a place for his close family and friends to have a good time at. Today, the Bombay Blues owner is catering to much more than just his inner circle.

Bombay Blues brings a bit of Indian flavor to tiny but bustling Soi Rambutree -- just a few steps away from Khao San Road. Serving up an extensive menu of (finally!) affordable Indian fare, cheap and strong drinks (and jello shots), exotic sheesha flavors and catchy Indian music makes it a winner with the local Thais and foreigners alike.

Head there on a Saturday to get your Bollywood dancing on -- the local Indians will show you how it's done.

Chao Fa Road, Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon. Tel: +66 (0)2 629 3590

Forget the pub. BeerVault has over 40 different types of bottled beer.

BeerVault

Beer lovers tired of resorting to the common beer garden or an English pub should hit the BeerVault, at the newly opened Four Points by Sheraton. This bar adds a certain level of sophistication to the art of drinking beer, featuring classy interiors -- black leather furniture, a sleek bar and flat screen TVs.

But more importantly, it imports over 40 different types of bottled beers from a dozen different countries plus another six draught beer options -- all priced competitively in spite of the fancy surroundings. 

Four Points by Sheraton, Sukhumvit Soi 15. Tel: +66 (0)2 309 3000