"Baiyoke Sky Observatory" Baiyoke Tower Tip by xuessium

How to see Bangkok from above? Well, short of hiring a helicopter for a day, try the 84th storey high observatory floor of the Baiyoke Sky Hotel.

The building is 309m tall (or about 182 people standing on top of each other). If you find taking the lift a hassle, try the 2060 steps instead for a 1 hour climb. Do not worry about not seeing the view, the building has 1740 window panes. Less you worry about earthquakes, the piling of the tower runs 65m deep underground (~22 storey building) and the inside of the building occupies an area of 179400 square meters (or about 80 soccer fields).

Look for the ticket booth at the entrance of the Hotel. There is a separate lift you'll take to reach the apex. The first stop: the 77th storey for a quick browse through some exhibits and drown yourself in statistics. Connect to another lift, and you'll be on your merry way to the 83rd where you'll get to walk around an air-conned observatory area (and maybe buy a souvenir) before going for the real thing: the rotating observatory on the 84th in open air.

See BKK in circles.

After you're done spinning around, hop back to the 83rd, hunt for the rooftop bar to claim a free drink (anything on the menus for 200 Bahts or less), take some breathers before you go right back out to conquer BKK again.

Entry is 200 Bahts (circa Nov 07)

Address: 222 Rajprarop Road, Rajthevee, Bangkok 10400
Directions: From BTS Siam station, take 1 stop to Ratchathewi station. Exit down the right hand stairs, take a right at the next main intersection and walk down Phetchaburi until you see Platinum department store (10-12 mins walk). Or take a tuk tuk/taxi to the area.
Website: http://www.baiyoke.co.th