Bangkok Observation Decks: Where to See the City from Above

Comparison of Bangkok Observation Decks: What to Choose

Bangkok has dozens of tall buildings, but not all of them let you onto the roof. We've picked four places that are genuinely worth your attention: two skyscrapers with panoramic decks and two ancient temples that offer views of the old city you won't get from high-rises. Each option has its own character, its own price and its own best time to go.

Observation Decks on Skyscrapers

Bangkok's glass towers are a world of their own. They're tall, expensive, with panoramic windows and interactive screens. Here it smells of air conditioning and coffee, not incense and street food. And if you want a classic "view of the metropolis" – this is the place for you.

King Power Mahanakhon Skyscraper Observation Deck

The Mahanakhon SkyWalk observation deck is the highest in Thailand and one of the most impressive in Southeast Asia. It opened in 2018 and immediately surpassed the old Baiyoke Sky in popularity. The height is 314 meters. On the 74th floor there's an enclosed observation deck with an interactive city map, from the 75th to 87th floor you go up a transparent escalator, and on the 87th floor there's the open observation deck with balconies and a glass floor. That very moment when you stand over the abyss and see Bangkok beneath your feet – that's here.

In our opinion, this is the best observation deck in Bangkok if you're ready to pay. It's taller, more modern and more spacious than Baiyoke Sky. In the evening before sunset (from 6 to 7 PM) the line can be long, but it's worth it: you'll catch both the daytime view and the lights of the night city. More about the Mahanakhon observation deck.

Practical info

🕐 Opening hours: from 8:00 AM to midnight, last entry at 11:00 PM.

💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: during the day (before 4:00 PM) adults – 880 baht (26.67 USD); children from 3 to 16 years old and seniors over 60 – 250 baht (7.58 USD). Sunset and evening (after 4:00 PM): adults – 1080 baht (32.74 USD); children and seniors – 250 baht (7.58 USD).

🚶 How to get there: the skyscraper is in the Silom district (skyscraper on the map). Nearby is BTS Chong Nonsi skytrain station. From districts without metro – by taxi or buses: 15 (from Khao San Road), 16, 77, 187, 34.

Baiyoke Sky 2 Tower Observation Deck (Baiyoke Sky)

Baiyoke Sky Tower II is a hotel skyscraper 304 meters tall with 84 floors. Before Mahanakhon appeared, it was the tallest building in Thailand and the tallest hotel in Asia. Now it's slipped a bit, but it's still an excellent option. The main advantages are its location in the very heart of Pratunam, a lower price and a bonus in the form of a free drink at the bar on the 83rd floor. The view from here is also great: the city center, rooftops, the river on the horizon. Moreover, if you stay at this hotel for at least one night, you can go up to the observation deck for free.

We think Baiyoke Sky is a good choice if you don't want to overpay for Mahanakhon but still want to see Bangkok from above. The price difference is more than double, while the enjoyment is almost the same. More about the Baiyoke Sky Tower observation deck.

Practical info

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: 450 baht (13.64 USD), the price includes any free drink at the bar on the 83rd floor. Children under 120 centimeters – free. You can buy a ticket cheaper and pay by card on Trip.com.

If you stay at the hotel for at least one night, you can go up for free. A double room costs from 2000 baht, you can book a room at the Baiyoke Sky hotel on Trip.com.

🚶 How to get there: it's in the Pratunam district (Baiyoke Sky 2 Tower on the Bangkok map). The nearest BTS station is Phaya Thai (15–20 minutes walk), the airport express station Ratchaprarop is a 10-minute walk. From Khao San Road – by bus No. 59 or by canal boat to Pratunam Pier.

Observation Decks on Temples: The Old City from Above

And now for the most interesting part. Bangkok has two places that offer a view you won't get from skyscrapers: the old city, Rattanakosin. Golden temple spires, tiled roofs, narrow streets, the river with boats – all of this is visible from the ancient pagodas. And these observation decks cost several times less, while giving no less of an impression. Sometimes even more.

Golden Mount (Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan)

The Golden Mount is an artificial hill about 80 meters high, topped with a gilded pagoda. Before Bangkok began building skyscrapers, it was the tallest structure in the city. And to this day it's one of the best places to see the old city as a whole. The climb up isn't just an observation deck. It's an atmosphere: you walk up a spiral staircase, bells ring around you, it smells of incense and flowers, and at the top – a panorama of Rattanakosin. You can see the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, temple roofs and the river. And also Thais who come here to pray, not just to take photos.

Tip: it's best to come here in the morning, while it's not hot and there are few people. Or in the evening, closer to sunset – then the golden pagoda is illuminated and looks especially beautiful. Admission to the temple grounds is free, but the climb to the observation deck costs 100 baht. More about Wat Saket Temple and the Golden Mount.

Practical info

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: temple admission is free, access to the observation deck – 100 baht (3.03 USD).

🚶 How to get there: the Golden Mount Temple is located in the Rattanakosin Island area (temple on the map). From the tourist Khao San area it's about a 20-minute walk. From other districts – by taxi, bus or canal boat.

Wat Ratchanaddaram Temple (Wat Ratchanaddaram)

Wat Ratchanaddaram is probably the most underrated option. The temple began construction in 1846 and is still considered unfinished – the longest ongoing construction project in Thailand, over 160 years. Inside there's a museum, and from its upper tiers a stunning view of the old city opens up. The climb here costs only 20 baht – it's the cheapest observation deck in Bangkok with a view of Rattanakosin. Of course, the height here isn't 300 meters, but the view of tiled roofs, the Democracy Monument and the streets of the old city is completely special. You won't see that from skyscrapers.

Even if you've already been to Mahanakhon or Baiyoke Sky and think you've "seen Bangkok" – climb up here, the city will open up from another side. And there are almost no tourists here, so you can stand quietly looking at old Bangkok, without crowds and fuss. More about Wat Ratchanaddaram.

Practical info

🕐 Opening hours: from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance to the observation deck closes at 4:50 PM.

💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: temple grounds – free, entrance to the museum and observation deck – 20 baht (0.61 USD).

🚶 How to get there: within walking distance of the tourist Khao San Road area (temple on the map). You can walk or take a tuk-tuk.

Rooftop Bars and Restaurants: Bangkok with a Drink in Hand

An observation deck is great, but what if you combine the city view with dinner or a cocktail? In Bangkok this isn't just possible – it's a whole form of leisure enjoyed by both tourists and locals. Bangkok's rooftop bars have long been part of the city's culture: from iconic spots like Sirocco to less pretentious terraces with live music. Formally they aren't considered "observation decks," but the view from them is sometimes no worse, and the atmosphere is its own. And yes, if you pick the right time and place, for the same money as a Mahanakhon ticket you'll get a cocktail and the same sunset.

Here's a selection of places worth considering. Most of them require a dress code (covered shoulders and knees, no shorts or flip-flops), and it's best to book tables in advance – especially for sunset.

• Ojo Bangkok – the highest restaurant in Thailand, 76th floor of Mahanakhon. Mexican cuisine, 360° view. BTS Chong Nonsi.
• Sirocco – the iconic bar on the 63rd floor of lebua at State Tower. Golden dome, river view, remember it from "The Hangover Part II." BTS Saphan Taksin.
• Vertigo & Moon Bar – open terrace on the 61st floor of Banyan Tree. Wind, no glass, 360°. MRT Lumphini.
• Red Sky Bar – 55th–56th floor of Centara Grand at CentralWorld. Red arch, view of the center. BTS Chidlom or Siam.
• Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar – three levels on the 45th–49th floors of Marriott Sukhumvit Soi 57. Live music, cocktails. BTS Thong Lo.
• Above Eleven – 33rd–34th floor of Fraser Suites on Sukhumvit Soi 11. Loft style, Nikkei cuisine (Peruvian-Japanese). BTS Nana.
• Yao Rooftop Bar – 32nd floor of Marriott The Surawongse, Chinese-style interior, view of Mahanakhon. BTS Chong Nonsi.

Compared to classic observation decks: a rooftop bar isn't so much about "seeing the city" as about "spending an evening." Here you pay not for access to the top, but for food, drinks and atmosphere. But at the same time, in our opinion, an evening on such a terrace is remembered no less, and sometimes more, than half an hour on the glass floor of Mahanakhon.

Tips and Life Hacks: How to Choose the Time and Not Overpay

And remember: observation decks aren't just about photos, they're more about the feeling of the city. From skyscrapers Bangkok seems endless and modern, while from ancient temples it's warm, golden and unhurried. Try to see both of these cities. And if you want to learn more about what else to see in Bangkok, we have a big guide to the attractions – with temples, museums, markets and day trips.