Last Updated on August 9, 2023 by Jerardo Gomez
When traveling, one of my favorite things to do in cities worldwide is visited rooftops or sky-high observatories. Not only are these places cool but it makes for great pictures and gives you a sense of the destination. They are often government buildings, restaurants, hotels, monuments, or business buildings that host these observation decks that you can explore.
Bangkok, Thailand is a very popular city for people all around the world, not just for being the Thai Capital. It is a huge city with over 10 million people and is a city of the people: hustle and grinding. The Asian city of opportunity welcomes people from all over the world to showcase what the country is all about. The best way to get a feel for the city is to visit an observatory. Most in the city are rooftop restaurants/bars in great locations to include in your itinerary.
Bangkok is a city of contrasts, with its mix of ancient temples, modern architecture, and vibrant street life. The city’s skyline is constantly evolving, with new buildings and developments constantly being built. This makes it an exciting city to observe from above, as visitors can witness the city’s growth and transformation from a different perspective. Bangkok’s tropical climate also means that the sky is often clear, offering unobstructed views of the city and its surroundings.
Observation decks are not only a tourist attraction but also an important part of Bangkok’s economy. They generate revenue for the city and create jobs in the tourism industry. They also offer an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to appreciate the beauty of the city from a different perspective. Observation decks provide a unique experience that cannot be found elsewhere, allowing visitors to take in the amazing view of Bangkok’s skyline and beyond. They are also an excellent way to showcase the city’s modern architecture and innovative design, as many of Bangkok’s observation decks are located in iconic buildings and skyscrapers.
Best Observatories in Bangkok, Thailand
1. Baiyoke Sky Hotel
The best-ranking observatory in Bangkok has to go to Baiyoke Sky Tower. If you are looking for a place to stay then this hotel also has an observation deck.
While it’s not the only one, it is the best one in my opinion for a variety of reasons.
Location, opening hours, and admission fee:
Baiyoke Sky Hotel is located in the Pratunam district of Bangkok, making it easily accessible for tourists. It is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, with the last admission at 9:30 pm. The admission fee is 400 baht for adults.
Facilities available for visitors:
The Baiyoke Sky Hotel observation deck offers a range of facilities for visitors, including a coffee shop, souvenir shop, and restaurants. There is also a revolving rooftop restaurant on the 84th floor, which offers stunning views of Bangkok while enjoying a meal.
The tower stands 88 stories high which offers a great view not only from the deck but also from your room stay. It costs ฿400.00 to get in or about $12.00 dollars. It has a marvelous view and is one of the tallest in the city. In addition, the tower offers many floors worth visiting such as a fruit court on the 18th floor. On several top-level feet, you can find serval restaurants to pick from and even a rooftop bar on the 83rd floor. On the 20th floor, the spa and pool are located. Shops are in the basement.
This hotel also offers free shuttle services to several locations. Due to its location next to a station, it only takes 20 minutes to get to the airport from here. Make sure to check the hours of the observatory before coming.
The unique features and highlights of the observation deck:
The highlight of the Baiyoke Sky Tower observation deck is the 360-degree revolving viewpoint on the 84th floor. Visitors can also enjoy the Sky Walk, an open-air balcony that allows visitors to feel like they are walking on air, 250 meters above the ground. The Sky Walk is a thrilling experience that is not for the faint of heart.
Another unique feature of the Baiyoke Sky Tower is the Sky Buffet, which is available on the 76th and 78th floors. Visitors can indulge in a range of international and Thai dishes while enjoying amazing Bangkok views right from your dinner table.
You can see up to the Gulf of Thailand from here on a clear day.
This is a good observatory point because of: the 2-in-1 hotel and observatory have free transportation to and from the airport.
2. King Power Mahanakhon -10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The observation deck at King Power Mahanakhon offers several unique features and highlights that set it apart from other observation decks in Bangkok. One of the main attractions is the Skywalk, a glass walkway that protrudes out from the building’s edge, offering visitors a spectacular view of the city. The Skywalk is not for the faint of heart, as visitors can look down from a height of 310 meters and see the streets below.
The building is Thailand’s tallest building at 314 meters tall. The first floor’s lobby is where you can purchase tickets but I recommend doing it online as you get a discount and other options for drink and food packages which save money.
Location, opening hours, and admission fee:
King Power Mahanakhon is located in the Silom district of Bangkok and is easily accessible by public transportation. It is open daily from 10 am to midnight, with the last admission at 11 pm.
Tickets are 836 Bhat for adults but for minors and seniors over 60 it’s 250 Bhat.
Facilities available for visitors:
King Power Mahanakhon offers a range of facilities for visitors, including a cafe, restaurant, and a glass-floor section that allows visitors to look down.
Another unique feature of King Power Mahanakhon is the MahaNakhon Sky Rides, which are two different immersive VR experiences that allow visitors to fly over Bangkok or go on a virtual reality roller coaster ride. These rides provide a fun and unique way to experience the city from a different perspective.
For those who want to dine while enjoying the stunning views, there is a rooftop bar and restaurant called the Mahanakhon Bangkok Sky Bar, which offers a range of cocktails and gourmet dishes. The restaurant is located on the 76th and 77th floors and offers unparalleled views of the cityscape.
Lastly, the King Power Mahanakhon observation deck is also home to Thailand’s highest observation deck, called The Peak. Visitors can take an elevator to the 78th floor and enjoy 360-degree views of Bangkok and its surroundings. The Peak is also home to an indoor observation area and a panoramic view of the city.
What you will find here on the 74th floor is the indoor observational deck with a 360° view. After a few flights up you will be at the 78th-floor outdoor 360° view of the city and the glass floor experience to get a bird’s eye view. The current cost is Thai Bhat ฿836.00 which is about $24.00 US dollars. I certainly think this a must for first-timers to the city and it is best to go before sunset. Watch this video about it here.
3. Lebua at State Tower – Sky Bar
Lebua is a luxurious skyscraper in Bangkok that boasts one of the city’s most popular rooftop bars and observation decks. Here are the key details about this observation deck:
The highlight of Lebua’s observatory is the views of Bangkok from the 63rd floor. Visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of Bangkok’s skyline and take stunning photos to capture the moment. The view is particularly spectacular at sunset and during the night when the city is lit up.
Another unique feature of Lebua Tower is the Hangover Bar, which is themed after the popular movie “The Hangover Part II.” The bar offers a range of cocktails inspired by the movie and is a fun place to visit for fans of the film.
Location, opening hours, and admission fee:
Lebua State Tower is located in the Bang Rak district of Bangkok and is easily accessible by public transportation. It is open daily from 6 pm to 1 am, with the last admission at midnight. The admission fee is 350 baht per person, which includes a complimentary drink.
Facilities available for visitors:
Lebua Tower offers a range of facilities for visitors, including a rooftop bar, restaurants, and a swimming pool. The rooftop bar, called Sky Bar, is one of the main attractions, offering a breathtaking view of the city while enjoying a cocktail or two. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at one of the tower’s restaurants, which offer a range of international and Thai cuisine.
There are several restaurants 2 of them having 2-Star Michelin status and others with various awards.
Now let’s talk about what you are actually interested in, the observation deck. The top deck is an open-air space with a restaurant and bar on this floor. They do require an appropriate dress code which I interpret as business-casual. The views are on the 63rd floor and you have an amazing view of the city with a great atmosphere and architecture. I recommend this as an evening out for good food, drinks, and spectacular views.
Overall, Lebua State Tower is a must-visit observation deck in Bangkok for those who are looking for a luxurious and unique experience. The stunning view of the city, combined with the tower’s facilities and features, make it a memorable experience for visitors.
4. Vertigo Banyan Bangkok
Located in the business district, smack down in the middle of the city and surrounded by skyscrapers, you have great 360 views on the 61st floor. You can see many landmarks such as the floating market from this spot.
As with others on this list, it is a restaurant and bar on top of a hotel. A highlight that makes this different, however, is the glass floor area so you can get a bird’s eye view of the buildings underneath making it great for pictures.
The restaurant offers high-quality means, while to bar has exciting drinks. Rated as a 5-star luxury hotel, has luxury accommodation space, amenities, and a very helpful concierge to help guide you in your travels. I would put this one on your radar if you are looking for accommodation.
The unique features and highlights of the observation deck:
The highlight of Vertigo at Banyan Bangkok is the breathtaking view of the city from the 61st floor. Visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of Bangkok’s skyline and take stunning photos to capture the moment. Its particularly spectacular at sunset and during the night when the city is lit up while you enjoy panoramic views.
Another unique feature of Vertigo at Banyan Bangkok is the Moon Bar, which is located next to the observation deck. The Moon Bar offers a range of cocktails and has a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, making it a popular spot for couples and groups of friends.
Location, opening hours, and admission fee:
Vertigo at Banyan Bangkok is located in the Sathon district of Bangkok and is easily accessible by public transportation. It is open daily from 6 pm to 11 pm. The admission fee is free of charge, but visitors are required to make a reservation prior to their visit.
Facilities available for visitors:
Vertigo at Banyan Bangkok offers a range of facilities for visitors, including a rooftop bar, lounge, and restaurant. The bar offers a range of cocktails, while the restaurant serves a variety of international and Thai cuisine. Visitors can relax and enjoy the stunning view of the city while sipping on a cocktail or indulging in a delicious meal.
5. Octave rooftop lounge and bar
Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar is a popular observation deck located on the top of the Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit in Bangkok. If you are looking for a Bangkok Hotel with excellent views then this one would be my go-to. Here are the key details about this observation deck:
The unique features and highlights of the observation deck:
The highlight of the Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar is the 360-degree view of the city from the 45th floor. Visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the Bangkok skyline, including famous landmarks like the Golden Mount, and Wat Arun Lumphini Park. The view is particularly spectacular during the sunset and at night when the city is illuminated by colorful lights.
Another unique feature of Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar is the three-story outdoor bar, which offers a variety of drinks and snacks. The bar is a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the view while sipping on a refreshing cocktail.
Overall, Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar is a must-visit observation deck in Bangkok for those who are looking for a luxurious and relaxing experience. The stunning view of the city, combined with the bar and restaurant facilities, make it a memorable experience for visitors
This 360° view of the city from the 44th-49th floor is located on top of a Marriot hotel, with various floors to pick from so you can sit and admire Thailand from Marriot’s roof. It’s on the outside of the main skyline to give you views of the city from a distance. The ambiance is cool, chill, classy, and easy to get to especially if you stay at this hotel. There is a variety of food options, a specialized drink menu, and a DJ every day.
Location, opening hours, and admission fee:
Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar is located in the Wattana district of Bangkok and is easily accessible by public transportation. It is open daily from 5 pm to 2 am! The admission fee is free of charge, but visitors are required to make a reservation prior to their visit.
Facilities available for visitors:
Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar offer a range of facilities for visitors, including a rooftop bar, lounge, and restaurant. The bar offers a range of cocktails, while the restaurant serves a variety of international and Thai cuisine. Visitors can relax and enjoy the stunning view of the city while sipping on a cocktail or indulging in a delicious meal.
6. Red Sky – Rooftop Bar
Red Sky is a rooftop bar and observation deck located on the 55th floor of the Centara Grand at CentralWorld in Bangkok. Here are the key details about this observation deck:
The unique features and highlights of the observation deck:
The highlight of Red Sky is the view of Bangkok from the 55th floor. Visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of Bangkok’s skyline, including famous landmarks like the Chao Phraya River and the Grand Palace. The view is particularly spectacular during the sunset and at night when the city is illuminated by colorful lights.
Another unique feature of Red Sky is the Skywalk, which is a glass platform that juts out from the building, providing visitors with a thrilling and unique view of the city below. The Skywalk is not for the faint of heart, but it offers a one-of-a-kind experience for those who are brave enough to try it.
Location, opening hours, and admission fee:
Red Sky is located in the Pathum Wan district of Bangkok and is easily accessible by public transportation. It is open daily from 5 pm to 1 am. The admission fee is free of charge, but visitors are required to make a reservation prior to their visit.
Facilities available for visitors:
Red Sky offers a range of facilities for visitors, including a rooftop bar, lounge, and restaurant. The bar offers a range of cocktails, while the restaurant serves a variety of international and Thai cuisine. Visitors can relax and enjoy the stunning view of the city while sipping on a cocktail or indulging in a delicious meal.
Overall, Red Sky is a must-visit observation deck in Bangkok for those who are looking for a luxurious and unforgettable experience. The stunning view of the city, combined with the bar and restaurant facilities, make it a memorable experience for visitors. The Skywalk adds an extra level of excitement for those who are looking for a thrilling experience
Which will you go to?
Bangkok, Thailand is a city for the world’s travelers with over 25 million visitors annually. Rich in culture, delicious food, architecture, history, night parties, red light district, and more. The rise in popularity is due in part to social media which shows what the city has to offer.
Some people say that Thailand is unlike anywhere else in the world, and the observatories are a way to see how majestic the city which is why I have written about the top spots in Bangkok.
Are you ready for your next trip? Get your ticket now and don’t miss the best view of Thailand.
FAQ
The highest viewpoint in Bangkok is located atop the Baiyoke Tower II AKA Baiyoke Sky Hotel, an impressive 88-story skyscraper. At a staggering 304 meters, this observation deck offers stunning panoramic views of Bangkok’s bustling cityscape as well as the Chao Phraya River.
The Sky Bar at the luxurious Lebua Hotel is arguably Bangkok’s most famous rooftop bar. Located on the 64th floor of the State Tower, it offers great views of all of Thailand The 360° terrace overlooks iconic landmarks including Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. It is known for being featured in the Hangover movie.
The best ones in Bangkok vary by personal interest. For observing the city high from a bird’s eye view then either Baiyoke Sky Hotel or King Mahanakhon tower would be the best choice. But if you would like a nice cityscape closer to the ground, a great eye-level place to be is Vertigo or Octave observatories. But if you don’t like heights, check out Wat Pho or Lumphini Park.
The best times to visit the observation decks in Bangkok mostly depend on the weather. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (July to October) when there is a risk of heavy rains and limited visibility.
The best times of year to have clear visibility would be from November to February. Evening time is the best of both worlds for daylight and dusk.
To get to observatories in Bangkok, could ask the hotel concierge to point you in the right direction for the taxi to take you. At some, reservations or tickets are needed ahead of time, while at others you can just get in for free.
