The Most Beautiful Buildings of Bangkok: Architecture Nerds Rejoice

Monuments to Modernity: The Most Beautiful Buildings of Bangkok

Bangkok is a mega-city with a whole lot of soul. Sure, it’s got street markets and buzzing streets galore, but it’s also got a long list of beautiful buildings for you to feast your eyes on. Architecture nerds rejoice, Bangkok is your kind of place! Here’s our pick of the most beautiful buildings of Bangkok:

MahaNakhon

Fans of Tetris are going to love this first building on the list. Rising 314 meters above the city, this already-impressive building is further improved by a 3D pixel design that snakes around the upper storeys. It’s the tallest building in Thailand and stands head and shoulders above the rest of the business district, but when you think that it cost $650 million to build it’s not surprising that it’s huge!

Location: MahaNakhon, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep 10500

Sathorn Unique Tower

You might have heard of this building by its other name, the Ghost Tower. A derelict building site that was originally destined to be luxury flats for the super-rich, this iconic tower block now sits empty and disused after the money ran out. A quick delve online will show you multiple videos of people breaking in and making it to the top of the tower, but before you follow suit remember that it’s technically breaking and entering and you’ll be at risk of a trip to the local police station, which isn’t always that fun! The whole place has a spooky atmosphere and only the brave should venture in at night…

Location: Sathorn Unique Tower, 266/14-14, Soi Siam Square 3, Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan

The Grand Palace

OK so this one is a bit of a no-brainer, but we couldn’t write a list of amazing Bangkok buildings without mentioning the Grand Palace. It’s a must-see, and worth persevering with even if every tuktuk driver in town tells you it’s shut! Trust us, it almost certainly isn’t. The complex is home to not just the palace but a group of gleaming gold-roofed temples as well, each one more impressive than the last. The famous reclining Buddha is the icing on the cake and the whole place is well worth the $16 entrance fee.

Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep 10200

Bangkok Art and Culture Center

We’ve got something a bit different next. In stark contrast to the historical glory of the Grand Palace, the Art and Culture Center is a modern monument to creative architecture. Acting as a hub for the local arts scene, the center houses a gallery, a café, a bookstore and multiple exhibition spaces. The sweeping central gallery floods the interior with natural light, and when the monsoon is in full swing it’s a wonderful experience to stand in the middle of the atrium and hear the rain drumming on the roof overhead. Highly recommended for both the architectural value and the interest of the exhibits within. BACC is one of the best art galleries in Bangkok, starting at its exterior.

Location: Bangkok Art and Culture Center, 939 Rama 1 Rd, Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Maha Nakhon 10330

Lebua State Tower

This flashy business-district tower block might not be the most visually impressive at first glance, but add the fact that it played a starring role in the film ‘The Hangover II’ and it suddenly becomes a lot more interesting! One of the scenes shows the main characters enjoying the amazing views from the sky bar on the roof, and that’s as good a reason to visit and check it out yourself in our opinion. The tower is 247 meters tall and it topped with a golden dome, so a trip up here at sunset is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the city. Come for the photos and stay for the cocktails!

Location: State Tower, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Maha Nakhon 10500

Take Your Pick of the Coolest Buildings in Bangkok

The magic of Bangkok lies in its span of history, from the traditional stupas of the old world to the flashy new skyscrapers of the 21st century. If you love architecture then you’re going to love your trip around this amazing city!