Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, is renowned for its vibrant street life, rich culture, and stunning skyline. Among its many architectural marvels, the Baiyoke Sky Tower stands out as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking breathtaking views and unique experiences. This guide will provide you with comprehensive information about Baiyoke Sky Tower, covering its history, attractions, dining options, transportation, and more.
History of Baiyoke Tower
The Baiyoke Sky Tower, officially known as Baiyoke Tower II, was completed in 1997 and is one of the tallest buildings in Thailand, standing at an impressive 304 meters (1,000 feet) without the antenna and 328 meters (1,077 feet) with it. It was designed by the architectural firm Plan Architect Co., Ltd. and serves as a hotel and observation deck.
Originally built to accommodate the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, which opened in January 1998, the tower quickly became a prominent landmark in Bangkok. The building features 88 floors and houses 673 guest rooms. It was once the tallest building in Thailand until it was surpassed by the MahaNakhon building in 2016. Despite this, it remains a popular attraction due to its stunning views and unique dining experiences.
Attractions at Baiyoke Tower ii
- 77th Floor Observation Deck: This fully enclosed area provides panoramic views of Bangkok through large glass windows. Multimedia guides help visitors identify landmarks visible from the deck.
- 84th Floor Revolving Observation Deck: Experience a thrilling 360-degree view of the city as you stand on this open-air deck. Safety cages ensure a secure experience while you take in the breathtaking sights.
- Sky Restaurant (76th & 78th Floors): Enjoy a buffet-style dining experience with a variety of international dishes while overlooking the city.
- Crystal Grill (82nd Floor): A fine dining restaurant specializing in grilled dishes and seafood.
- Rooftop Bar & Music Lounge (83rd Floor): Sip on cocktails while enjoying live music and an incredible view of Bangkok’s skyline.
Things to Do at Baiyoke Sky Tower
- Enjoy the Views: Spend time on both observation decks to capture stunning photographs of Bangkok’s skyline.
- Dine with a View: Treat yourself to a meal at one of the tower’s restaurants for an unforgettable dining experience.
- Attend Events: Check for special events or exhibitions happening during your visit to make the most of your experience.
- Explore Nearby Markets: After visiting the tower, explore nearby shopping areas such as Pratunam Market for local goods and souvenirs.
Baiyoke Sky Tower – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Daily: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
(Note: Opening hours may vary during holidays or special events.)
Plan to spend approximately 2 to 3 hours at Baiyoke Sky Tower. This allows enough time to explore the observation decks, enjoy a meal, and take in the surrounding area.
How to Get There
Baiyoke Sky Tower is conveniently located at 222 Ratchaprarop Road, Ratchathewi District. Here are various transportation options:
- By BTS Skytrain: Take the BTS Skytrain to Phaya Thai Station (Light Green Line). From Phaya Thai Station, you can either walk (approximately 20 minutes) or take a taxi for about 5 minutes to reach Baiyoke Sky Tower.
- By MRT Subway: Ride the MRT to Phetchaburi Station (Blue Line). Transfer to a taxi or motorcycle taxi for approximately 10 minutes to reach the tower.
- By Bus: Bus numbers 8, 9, 10, 15, and 54 stop near Baiyoke Sky Tower.
- By Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Bangkok. Simply provide the driver with the address or show them on your phone for convenience.
- By Boat: While there are no direct boat services to Baiyoke Sky Tower, you can take a canal boat taxi to nearby stops like Pratunam and walk from there (approximately 10 minutes).
Eateries Nearby Baiyoke Sky Tower
After your visit to Baiyoke Sky Tower, consider dining at one of these nearby eateries:
- The Crystal Grill: Located within Baiyoke Sky Tower itself, this restaurant offers grilled dishes with stunning views.
- Suan Bua Restaurant: A well-known spot for traditional Thai cuisine located just a short walk away from the tower.
- Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle: Famous for its delicious Tom Yum noodles and seafood dishes; it’s about a 15-minute walk from Baiyoke.
- Ban Khun Mae: A cozy restaurant serving authentic Thai dishes located approximately 1 km from Baiyoke Sky Tower.
- Hard Rock Cafe Bangkok: Enjoy American cuisine in a lively atmosphere just under 2 km away from the tower.
- Chotivala Vegetarian Restaurant: A great option for vegetarian Indian cuisine located around 1.5 km from Baiyoke Sky Tower.
Other Attractions Nearby Baiyoke Sky Tower
- Pratunam Market: One of Bangkok’s largest wholesale markets where you can shop for clothing, accessories, and souvenirs at bargain prices.
- Platinum Fashion Mall: A popular shopping destination featuring hundreds of shops selling fashion items at wholesale prices; it’s located just a short walk from Pratunam Market.
- Jim Thompson House Museum: A beautiful traditional Thai house showcasing art collections; it’s approximately 2 km away from Baiyoke Sky Tower.
- Victory Monument: An iconic landmark surrounded by shopping centers and local eateries; it’s about 1 km away from Baiyoke Sky Tower.
The Baiyoke Sky Tower, also known as Baiyoke Tower II, stands as one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit for panoramic city views. This towering structure is among the tallest buildings in Thailand, offering breathtaking vistas from its observation deck and revolving rooftop. Visitors staying at the Baiyoke Tower Hotel enjoy luxurious accommodations paired with the convenience of proximity to major shopping and dining hubs.
As the second tallest tower in the country, the Baiyoke 2 Tower is a favorite spot for travelers seeking to capture the beauty of Bangkok’s skyline. With its combination of spectacular views, comfortable lodging, and vibrant surroundings, the Baiyoke Sky Tower promises a memorable experience for all who visit.