Tallest building in Bangkok? Check.
Sky Deck with panoramic view and glass floor? Check.
One of a kind design? Check.
Cool (yet cheesy) elevator ride? Check.
Tailor-made mobile app? Check.
In the Silom district, you will find one of the newest additions to the scattered Bangkok skyline. This place has Bangkok written all over it. The building stands out, lookin’ like an unfinished puzzle or a Transformer. If you happen to be near MBK, there’s actually a great view of the building from the BTS walking path.
I went up to the top of the King Power Maha Nakhon building once. It is incredible to see Bangkok from that perspective and refreshing to see the green cover of Bang Kra Chao when you look to the south. But there is no need to go up multiple times.
allow your friends to take photos of you acting a fool.
If you want to make comparisons, it is a more catered overall experience than going up to the Baiyoke Sky Tower or the Menara in Kuala Lumpur. However, it lacks the awe and history of the likes of an Empire State Building. The closest comparison I will make (albeit a loose comparison) is the Tokyo Sky Tree. Up to you to decide if it has the same intrigue. Go with the right attitude and the right people and you will enjoy yourself.
The cost of entry for an adult is about 850 Thai baht (~$27 USD) as of 2020. Cheaper for children and seniors, and there isn’t a dual pricing scheme, so Thais and foreigners pay the same amount. There are frequent sales so check in advance. For example, on International Women’s Day, all women could enjoy a 20-30% discount. When I went in January 2019 the price was slightly cheaper and it included a coupon for a free drink at the bar on top.
Tips: Go in the late afternoon. When the sun is still out, spend some time in the indoor floor, play with the King Power app, try to spot your hotel and the rooftop bars you went to the nights before. Then climb to the deck before the crowds come. The glass-window deck will have a long queue. Amateur photographers will stake their claims with their tripods for hours for the perfect time-lapse. There isn’t much shade relief on the top so be prepared for that.
It feels artificial because they try to sell you on a lot of things (e.g. green screen photo when you arrive). Also, when you try to leave the tower, there is a 10-minute maze of duty free items that everyone is directed through before the exit. A bit cringeworthy on how badly they want to sell their imported whiskey and perfumes – definitely feels like the Suvarnabhumi Airport terminal.
It is in a great location, and you can easily get there by exiting the Chong Nonsi BTS station. Taxis and tuk-tuks are also queued up to pick up tourists.
Around the corner, there is a boujee cafe that makes me feel like I’m in LA again. If that’s what you’re feeling, check out Another Cup cafe.