December 4 2003

Baiyoke Sky Hotel observation deck

Baiyoke Sky Hotel

At 84 stories high, the Baiyoke Sky Hotel is the tallest building in Thailand. Using a method of construction usually reserved for tatty shophouses, the tower was erected without a steel frame - making it the tallest reinforced concrete building in the world. Last Saturday, I went to take a look.

It costs 120 baht to admire the best view in Bangkok but getting there isn't as easy as it looks. The base of the tower is hidden within the narrow, congested streets of dingy Pratunam. What on Earth possessed the developers to build their showpiece here? Indeed, when you get up close, it becomes obvious that the place isn't finished.

The elevator ride was breathtakingly quick and the air pressure fell more rapidly than it would inside a climbing aircraft. Like her fellow Thai passengers, my girlfriend stumbled around shrieking and clutching at her ears. It was like the alien death-ray scene in Star Trek. I wish I could replicate the same effect at home - just to keep her in line.

The moving floor of the observation deck takes about 10 minutes to turn 360 degrees. The view is amazing and you can look at things that you would never see from the ground. Interestingly, one of the nicest swimming pools in Bangkok is on the roof of the Nokia building. I knew those buggers were making too much money.

Your Ad Here

[Posted to Activities by David]

Your Ad Here

Readers' comments

Dana says:

Well, the hook is in my mouth. How about a little more detail. Dana

May 27, 2004 5:12 AM

Sam says:

I actually stayed at the Baiyoke Sky Hotel last time i was in Bangkok. I was very impressed. I stayed on the 64th floor, the room was massive with a double and single bed, massive bath, walk-in shower and tv etc etc. however, the best feature of the hotel was drawing back the curtains in the morning and watching the face drop on the charming young girl i picked up from Nana plaza the previous night. Being both drunk and at night she had no idea what level my room was on. She nearly passed out when she casually drew back the curtains the next day. i nearly pissed myself (again). Eating on the 79th floor was great too. I would reccomend staying no where else in bangkok, if only for the thai girls reactions.

June 29, 2004 8:42 PM

mr peter says:

Sam

This is more like it, a sensible post about hotel rooms and prostitiutes. Does this place charge the dread joiner fee? I understood it does, same group as the jade pavillion and that nasty place certainly does. Bit out of the way but might be worth a try if only for the look on the tarts, upps sorry, ladies face in the morning-peter

June 29, 2004 9:42 PM

Sam says:

Peter,
alas, this hotel does charge the hideous 500BHT fee for women not found on the guest list. There are a couple of options. Book the room for 2 and say that you are meeting your "girlfriend" later. Or simply sneak them in at an inappropriate time, that worked for me. Still, a great hotel, yes very strangely situated at the base. However, 500BHT for the tarts, sorry ladies, face in the morning is value for money no matter what. I found myself very amused at her/their squeals of horror in the morning when she drew back the curtains. Brings a smile to my face even now. I would reccomend this hotel. The buffet on the 79th floor is very good, and so is the rather strange entertainment laid on. You will see what i mean if you decide to eat there. Let me just say clowns and musical chefs, all very strange.

July 19, 2004 10:43 PM

richard says:

Did you know that TWO companies were hired to build the foundations, and guess what.....one side of the base is about 10cm higher than the other.

August 16, 2004 12:21 PM

*** THE COMMENT FORUM IS NOW CLOSED ***