Where to Catch the Best Views of Bangkok's Skyline

Also known as the Golden Mount, the elevated position of Bangkok’s revered Wat Saket provides terrific views over Bangkok’s historic core. Modern buildings stand in the background, with the Chao Phraya River winding between the buildings, creating almost a twisting and curving line between the old and the new.

If you climb the pagodas of Wat Arun you can enjoy great views over the river to Banglamphu, Thailand’s historical heart.

Located within the elegant Millennium Hilton Bangkok, ThreeSixty offers, as the name suggests, panoramic views across Bangkok. Move around the edges of the restaurant and soak up the splendid vistas.

As the highest rooftop bar in Bangkok, you can expect spectacular city views from Sky Bar at Lebua. Located on the 63rd floor of the luxurious hotel, sip on a cocktail as you soak up the surrounding skyscrapers and buildings. If you visit after dark you can enjoy the sight of many twinkling lights below.

Located on the 24th floor of Centara Grand Lad Prao Hotel in Chatuchak, the views from Blue Sky Bar offer something a bit different to Bangkok’s many other rooftop bars; you can see the famous Elephant Building among the skyline. The verdant Chatuchak Park provides a pleasant contrast to the abundance of architecture.

Part of the sophisticated Banyan Tree hotel, Moon Bar sits 61 floors above the busy streets. Gaze out over the majestic grounds of the Grand Palace and the gorgeous Wat Pho, with the Chao Phraya River snaking through the scenes below.

Another of Bangkok’s sky bars, Park Society can be found within the SO Sofitel Bangkok hotel. Offering stunning views over Silom and Siam, the dramatic skyline views are made all that more special by the inclusion of the lush Lumphini Park with its shimmering lakes.

Located on the edges of the river, Sala Rattanakosin is a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and a river-facing restaurant. Whether you come here to eat, drink, or check into a home, you’ll be treated to fabulous views of Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) and the skyline on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River.

Perched on top of the Grand China Hotel in Bangkok’s Chinatown, Sky View 360 offers dining and views with a twist; you don’t need to move around for the best angles as the restaurant slowly revolves as you enjoy your meal! It’s the only revolving restaurant in Bangkok. Spot the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Saket, and more. Do note that the restaurant doesn’t start revolving until the evening. If you come earlier in the day, however, you can still walk around the room for awesome views.

If you’re a guest at The Okura Prestige Bangkok, or if you book a treatment in the hotel’s spa (available to non-guests), don’t miss spending a few hours at the swimming pool. Located on the 25th floor, the infinity-edge pool provides mesmerising views of Bangkok from a unique vantage point.

The 60-metre-tall Ferris wheel at Asiatique is another way to add something different to your skyline-viewing experience. Only open in the evenings, enjoy views of both sides of the river at dusk and in the dark.

Often referred to as the Ghost Tower, the Sathorn Unique is an abandoned Bangkok skyscraper. Not only is it illegal to enter but it’s also in a state of dangerous disrepair. Where there’s a will there’s often a way, however, and many daring souls have slipped a “tip” to the security guards and made their way through the debris to experience an exhilarating adventure topped with glorious views over Sathorn’s towering buildings. Do keep in mind that this is not a recommended experience due to the risks involved and the fact that it’s against the law.

Okay, so the skyline views from Fantasia Lagoon may not be the most iconic, but we’ve included it for the novelty factor. Perched on top of The Mall Bangkae in neighbouring Nonthaburi, you can cool off in the pools, enjoy the slides, and look out over the surrounding rooftops.

We may be jumping the gun a bit here, but the interesting modern marvel that is the Maha Nakhon tower is now the tallest building in Bangkok. The cube-like building has cut-out designs and is set to open its observation deck at some point in 2018. This will be the city’s first dedicated observation deck, independent of a bar, restaurant, or other facility. Watch this space!

Good news for people with vertigo — you don’t always need to head high to admire Bangkok’s skyline. There are plenty of places at ground level that provide great views. Visit Sukhumvit’s Benjakiti Park and soak up the striking views of Asoke’s skyscrapers across the sparkling lake.