Bangkok's spectacular views

Bangkok is built in the delta of the Chao Praya River, in the recent past it was permeated by a network of canals, now mostly backfilled and turned into highways.

The height above sea level is only two meters. Within a radius of fifty kilometers of King’s Palace of Bangkok there is not a single natural elevation, and even the capital’s Suvarnabhumi Airport was built on a place that was called “Cobra Swamp.” Therefore, all viewpoints in Bangkok have a man-made nature. They include both the bulk of the hills below the temple complexes and the outdoor terraces of restaurants located on the roofs of skyscrapers. Here are a few points from our vantage point to panoramic views of this vast human anthill.

MahaNakhon

On August 29, 2016, Bangkok’s new and tallest skyscraper MahaNakhon (Thai for “Megapolis”) opened, 314 meters tall and with 77 floors. The high-rise is notable for its “pixel facade”, which resembles the disfigured buildings by aliens in the movie “Pixels”. Here guests are offered a panoramic observation deck with a 360° all-round view. Because it is located far away from the Baiyoke Sky, the views are very different and no less spectacular.

Baiyoke II Tower

The Baiyoke Sky skyscraper (Baiyoke II Tower or Baiyoke Sky) is 309 meters tall and features a chain of restaurants. There’s Bangkok Balcony on the 81st floor with an open balcony, Crystal Grill fish restaurant on the 82nd and a bar with panoramic windows on the 83rd floor. Bangkok’s only revolving viewing platform Bayok Sky is on its roof. If you don’t feel like eating and drinking, get off the elevator on the 77th floor, where there is an observation deck with telescopes, which are paid but not very expensive to use. There is also a small museum exhibit. All of the observation decks are accessible via a glass-cab elevator on the outside of the building.

River Vibe

This Bangkok viewpoint is located in the so-called Chinese Quarter, next to Hualampong Station. From the rooftop guest terrace of the River Vibe Restaurant at the River View Guest House, there are panoramic views of the river and the nearby Royal Palace complex. According to those who have been there, the view of the capital is much better than the Thai dishes served there. It’s a very democratic place where you won’t be reminded of the dress code.

Golden Mount

The mound to the east of the Royal Palace on which the Wat Saket Temple stands. It is called the Golden Mountain because of the chedi covered in gold. From the observation deck you can see several temples and the Royal Avenue – the local “Champs Elysees”. The temple is active, so it can be visited only with clothes covering the shoulders and legs. This is a regular requirement for anyone visiting the historic center of Bangkok.

Park Society

That’s the name of the restaurant located on the top floor of the Sofitel hotel. It’s not Bangkok’s most impressive highrise, it has some 29 floors. The restaurant has a special “feature” – an open veranda on the roof fenced with impact-resistant glass. When you get there, you wouldn’t think you were transported to Manhattan-the observation deck below reveals the green treetops of Lumpini Park, which is flanked by skyscrapers. The outdoor veranda is accessed by an inconspicuous staircase marked with a sign that reads “Hi-So Only,” a sort of “high society only,” but it’s a kind of Thai humor, nothing more.

Moon Bar

This is a rooftop bar located on the Banyan Tree Bangkok hotel. Fully open to all winds, Bangkok’s observation deck with a low (waist-high) tempered glass fence. It’s 61 stories to the ground, so the ruf bar format is perceived as a hangout for those who like to climb higher. Excellent view of the district Phra Pa Daeng, for the abundance of greenery is called the “lungs of Bangkok. The strict dress code requirement is mitigated by the offer of pants that can be worn directly over shorts.

Cloud 47

United Center is an office tower in Bangkok, 47 stories high. On the outdoor veranda of the latter is the Cloud 47 Bar. It is located near Lumphini Park and the Bangkok subway station – Sala Daeng. Looking west, you can see the bend of the Chao Praya River winding among the stone jungle. To the east is the green expanse of the park. The bar is free during the day, the partying with live music starts at 9 pm. The atmosphere is democratic, no dress code required.

Roof

The rooftop bar at the Sala Rattanakosin. Located in the city’s Rattanakosin neighborhood of the same name. This viewpoint of Bangkok, offering one of the most hyped views of the city. It is adjacent to the Wat Arun – Morning Dawn Temple, which is illuminated in the evening. There are seats overlooking Chao Praya, but they are not easily occupied.

Long Table

The Long Table Bar and Restaurant is located on the 25th floor of the Column Hotel, located at 16 Sukhumvit Soi. The place is expensive and has a strict dress code. The view of the human anthill is especially interesting from about six in the evening, when the tracks below are loaded with cars. There’s a pool on the restaurant’s veranda.

Sky Bar

A bird’s-eye view of Bangkok offers the Sky Bar, located on the 63rd floor of the State Tower, a skyscraper on the Chao Praya River, visible with its gilded dome. The veranda is open and enclosed in a ring. You can walk around it and view the metropolis on all sides of the world. The Bang Rang business district, of which it is the visual dominant, doesn’t allow for personalities in shorts, flip-flops, and alcoholic T-shirts.

Wat Arun temple

The Morning Dawn Temple, located on the right bank of the Chao Praya River, is considered one of the most beautiful ancient temples in Thailand. Its complex consists of five towers. The central one is shaped like a cob. On it there are two observation decks. The ascent to them by very steep (the stairs are almost vertical) steps. So take your physical condition into account. Although such a test is conceived by the builders of the temple on purpose. It is a symbol that to reach the highest level of enlightenment is not easy at all.