9 of the Best Views in Bangkok and Where To Find Them

Topping the list of observation decks in Bangkok is the Mahanakhon Skywalk, which towers 1,030 feet (314 meters) over Thailand’s capital from the 78th floor of the King Power Mahanakhon building. But indoor and outdoor viewing areas are just the beginning at this Bangkok big-hitter. The landmark also boasts the completely transparent Glass Tray section and a Skyride virtual reality experience, an immersive ride through your choice of scenery. Beat long lines by booking your admission ticket in advance or upgrade for 360-degree views from the open-air rooftop.

Some of the capital’s best-known attractions line the banks of the Chao Phraya River (Mae Nam Chao Phraya), so it’ll come as no surprise that it's one of the top places for city views in Bangkok. Whether you’re cruising down the river by day or on a dinner cruise at night, the city’s main artery is always alive with activity and is flanked by the gloriously golden Grand Palace and the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun), to name just two. The canals and waterways that snake out from the river offer a more authentic glimpse of local life. A longtail boat tour is one of the best ways to explore them.

While Bangkok’s buildings make it seem like a towering metropolis, it’s actually home to only one hill: Golden Mount (Wat Saket), so called because of the resplendent Buddhist temple that sits at its summit. It’s one of the most scenic spots in Bangkok and is often a stop on temple tours of the Thai capital because of its historical significance—it dates back to the Ayutthaya period between the 14th and 18th centuries.

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to rooftop bars with a view of Bangkok. But Sky Beach at King Power Mahanakhon claims the prize of the highest rooftop bar in Bangkok—and the third highest in the world, for that matter. A rotating menu of soft-serve ice cream flavors and retro-chic decor add a healthy dose of fun to this super-cool spot, which offers a small yet perfectly formed cocktail and drinks menu. It’s open day and night but, as you’d expect, gets particularly busy at sunset.

Once you’ve seen Bangkok’s top attractions from ground level, there’s only one thing left to do—admire them from above. Bangkok helicopter tours let you appreciate the scale of Thailand’s sprawling capital and are arguably the most exhilarating way to go sightseeing. But these aerial flights don’t just take you over sights such as the golden Grand Palace and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)—some tours take you over Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of Siam.

If you like to dine up high, then look no further than Baiyoke Sky Tower, which boasts nine bars and restaurants across its 85 floors. And while the top floor is reserved for the observation deck, you can enjoy a Thai buffet at the floating market-themed restaurant on the 75th floor; breakfast on the Bangkok Balcony on the 78th floor; premium Chinese cuisine on the 79th floor; a luxurious seafood buffet on the 82nd floor; and cocktails and tapas at the 83rd-floor rooftop bar. Combo packages that include dinner and the deck save you from making reservations separately, so you only have to focus on panoramic views of Bangkok.

If you’re still looking for where to see the best sights in Bangkok, then call off the search—the 196-foot (60-meter) Asiatique Sky Ferris wheel has arrived. Part of the sleek and super-cool Asiatique The Riverfront—also home to 1,500 shops, cabaret performance venues, and restaurants—this revolving wheel is one of the best Bangkok skyline photography locations. Thanks to its perch on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, you’ll likely pass by it on a Bangkok dinner cruise.

Insider tip: The Calypso Cabaret Show takes place right next door to the Ferris wheel. It’s an extravagant celebration of Thailand’s gender-fluid performance culture and makes for a fabulous evening out. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as they often sell out.

While Bangkok’s bustle is exhilarating, it can be exhausting. And that’s where the Green Mile comes in, an elevated walkway that not only offers lovely views of its surroundings but connects two of the capital’s prettiest green spaces—Lumpini Park and Benjakitti Park. It offers a cross-section of the daily life taking place below and is the ideal spot for running and exercising in either of the lush parks, both home to Thai flora and fauna.

Most rooftop bars with a view in Bangkok favor quantity over quality, but Eagle Nest on the banks of the Chao Phraya River just focuses on a few of Bangkok’s most gorgeous attractions. From its location directly opposite on top of the Sala Arun Hotel, it offers unrivaled views of the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), whose colorfully decorated spires and tiered towers make it one of the city’s top attractions.

Insider tip: Wat Arun isn’t all you can see from here: Go to the back of the bar and you’ll catch a glimpse of the golden spires of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) and Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew).