Wat Saket
Better known as the temple of the Golden Mount, Wat Saket sits beside some 300 steps that reward climbers with impressive views out across Bangkok’s old city and beyond. 58-metre-high Wat Saket itself is home to relics of the Buddha, and dates back to Thailand’s Ayutthaya period but we think that, history aside, this is one spot that you should visit at sunset for a truly unforgettable view of Bangkok’s skyline. Watch the contrasting traditional and modern buildings on the horizon begin to gently twinkle as the sun sinks in the sky, with the mighty Chaophraya river snaking between them to create a scene that’s hard to replicate.
Red Sky
For a great view of Sukhumvit, and some wind in your hair, check out the 360-degree views from chic bar and restaurant Red Sky on the 56th floor of the Centara Grand At Centralworld hotel. With open-air seating and an unobstructed view of the urban landscape, you truly have the city at your feet.
Tip: beat sky-high bar prices by visiting during the two-for-one drinks happy hour that runs between 4pm to 6pm.
River View Guest House
Chinatown’s River View Guest House claims to have the best views over Bangkok’s Chaophraya river. In fact, come on a tour with us and there is a chance you might even end up here for a drink and a chance to soak up the vista.
Set among old shophouses in the Talat Noi neighbourhood, this aptly named eight-storey guest house indeed boasts mesmerising river views that are best soaked up from the rooftop River Vibe restaurant and bar, where a giant sofa bed makes for the perfect spot from which to soak up the view.
Moon Bar
An alarmingly short barrier at this rooftop bar is all that separates one from the street, 61 floors down. Located on top of the Banyan Tree Bangkok hotel, Moon Bar claims to be among the highest al fresco bars in the world. It is also a great place from which to see Phra Pa Daeng, a vast green area that is colloquially known as Bangkok’s green lung.
Tip: the strict dress code is on the smarter side of smart-casual; no shorts or flip-flops.
Park Society
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.
Sathorn Unique
Often referred to as the Ghost Tower, the Sathorn Unique is an abandoned Bangkok skyscraper. Not only is it illegal to enter but it is also in a state of dangerous disrepair. Where there is a will there is 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 is against the law.
Sala Rattanakosin
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 will be treated to fabulous views of Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) and the skyline on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River.