Baiyoke Sky Tower in Bangkok: Photos, Review & FAQs
Baiyoke Sky Tower in Bangkok is an impressively quirky structure, complete with a treadmill-style rotating platform (more on that later), observatory, bar, three incredible buffets, what they claim to be the world’s highest international breakfast, and a floating market.
1. Getting There and Getting In
The tower itself is a 5-minute walk from the Ratchaprarop Skytrain station on the airport line. You can also get a Grab, Tuk Tuk, or Taxi there if you fancy sitting in traffic for a while. After the Skytrain, my favourite way to get around Bangkok is by scooter taxi, but I acknowledge that clinging to a stranger and weaving through the seething mass of traffic isn’t everybody’s cup of tea.
Upon arrival, you are bombarded with a whole host of options. The Baiyoke Sky Tower entrance fee ranges from THB 450 for the observation deck and bar (the price includes a drink) to the outdoor sky box at THB 1999. We opted to book our buffet online before arrival for THB 950, which was worth every baht.
2. The Buffet(s)
We opted for the dinner buffet on the 78th floor. There is also a lunch buffet on the 76th floor, but I cannot comment on how similar or different it is. Upon arrival, there was a short wait before we were seated, but oh my, it was worth it. The buffet extends 360 degrees around the floor, with every Thai food imaginable: seafood, sushi sashimi, a salad bar, a steak counter, a soup station, drinks, and much, much more.
We found the Baiyoke Sky Tower dinner price thoroughly worth it. Bangkok Sky Restaurant 76/78 Floor allows you to stay for 2 hours, which was plenty of time for us to take in the incredible view from our table and enjoy far too much Thai food. Be sure to leave enough time to head up to the bar and viewpoint after dinner, after all, it’s what the tower is famous for.
3. Viewpoint
The best way to describe the Baiyoke Sky Tower observation deck is a big treadmill. To reach the deck, one must take the elevator to the 77th floor before walking up a flight of stairs–which actually span the entire height of the building and host an official world tower running race. As you step out onto the platform, watch out. Unlike other rotating levels in other famous buildings, the floor does not move. Instead, there is a metre-wide metal platform rotating around the building. The platform is open to the elements with a metal screen, so there is no chance of falling but a one hundred percent chance of amazing views.
As the third tallest building in Bangkok, the Baiyoke Sky Tower view is incredible. We could see everything from the Chao Phraya to Chatuchak, although the humidity and smog occasionally combined to haze the picture. Regardless, it is quite an experience.
4. FAQ
I’m not sure what floor to eat on, they all look so good.
I’m not sure what floor to eat on, they all look so good.
This is entirely up to you and depends on the time of day you would like to visit. For breakfast, both the 78th and 81st floors serve an international buffet. The highly Instagramable sky boxes are located on the 81st floor and can be booked in advance. Otherwise, I can attest that the dinner buffet is incredible and has plenty of choices to keep the whole family happy.
What is the quality of the food?
Now, I am not Gordon Ramsey, but the buffet food was certainly not shabby. The seafood tasted fresh, Pad Thai hot, the soup station steamed with ginger, and the sashimi was up to standard. Put it this way–don’t expect bluefin tuna in the sushi or Michelin star food, but rather a high-quality hotel buffet with a massive spread.
Is the tower close to the city centre?
The “centre” of Bangkok is a bit ethereal, but if you are staying in the old city or near Khaosan, expect a 20 to 30-minute Tuk Tuk ride. From the embassy district around Lumphini, it is far closer but can still take up to 20 minutes as the traffic around Chit Lom can be terrible. If you are coming from further afield, consider taking the Skytrain to Phaya Thai and then jumping on the airport line for one stop to Ratchaprarop, which is a 5-minute walk from Baiyoke Sky Hotel Tower 2.
Is it worth staying in the hotel itself?
Baiyoke Sky Tower Hotel in Bangkok is highly regarded. While I have not stayed there myself, having that buffet for dinner every night would be amazing. For information on the rooms and deals, check out the Baiyoke Sky Tower website.
Is there a dress code?
The Baiyoke Sky Tower is the kind of place families go on holiday as well as couples looking for a romantic dinner to go to enjoy themselves. I would not define it as exactly ‘Hi-So’ as they say in Thailand but smart casual is probably not a bad idea.
