Gorgeous Bangkok Skyline at Baiyoke Revolving View Point

Our dinner reservation was at six in the evening. We were stuck in traffic for two hours and we’re just traversing a good two kilometers from our hotel to our endpoint (gotta love Manila traffic eh?). We then decided to jump out of the cab and go on foot to the highlight of that evening, the Baiyoke Revolving View Point at Baiyoke Sky Hotel.

Traffic is really bad in Bangkok

Located at one of the best places to shop in Bangkok (Pratunam - where factory outlet shopping is the best), the tallest structure in Thailand stands tall amidst this busy bazaar area (check here for discounted tours, transportation and activities in Bangkok). We eased our way through numerous shopping stalls and arrived at this significant landmark way past dinnertime.

The 85-storey (997 ft.) Baiyoke Tower II holds the record as the tallest building in Bangkok (and in Thailand). It houses the Baiyoke Sky Hotel (seventh tallest all-hotel structure in the world and the tallest hotel in Southeast Asia – as of writing – check rates) and nine restaurants/bars plus an observation deck.

It took us three elevator transfers to reach our dinner place; an elevator from the ground floor to 18th floor (lobby), then another one going to 77th floor and then another one going to the 82nd floor where the Crystal Grill Restaurant and the Bangkok Balcony Restaurant are located.

We booked at Crystal Grill Restaurant for dinner buffet beforehand and were greeted by an attendant and went straight ahead to our assigned table. We were famished and all we wanna do was to dive into the lovely buffet spread and just feast.

Crystal Grill Restaurant

The interiors and fixtures were all modern. The restaurant hugged the tower thus the circular layout. Food selections were very diverse and we didn’t have much time to look around and just dug into the yummy dishes on the spread. And then we realized that there’s a gorgeous view on the huge glass windows around the restaurant.

We were nursing our stuffed bellies when we saw a fancy bar outside the restaurant which apparently was the Bangkok Balcony (Sky Box Premium). We requested for a transfer right away and were all stunned with the great view from the restaurant.

Bangkok skyline (and the heavy traffic situation all around the city)

The funky neon-lighted seats were so welcoming. The view from the highest open-air restaurant in Thailand was amazing. And so we asked for the menu and tried to get everything on the list (as if we’re not full yet).

We had Lobster Bisque, Sushi-Sashimi, Steamed Seafood, Seafood Tom Yum, Australian Lamb Chop Steak, Australian Tenderloin Steak, Salmon Steak and Double Cooked Duck Maryland with Tamarin Sauce. It was a feast!

Lobster Bisque

Sushi-Sashimi

Salmon Steak

Steamed Seafood

Every dish has its own character and was presented beautifully. I super loved the Seafood Tom Yum; I truly felt the freshness and creaminess of the ingredients and the sauce. 

Australian Tenderloin Steak

Australian Lamb Chop Steak

Seafood Tom Yum - the rockstar that evening!

Double Cooked Duck Maryland with Tamarin Sauce

The food was great and I could just imagine being with an intimate group on the balcony restaurant celebrating whatever momentous event or probably hanging out with that special someone. The perfect definition of seclusion from the city.

After about two hours of lounging at the Bangkok Balcony, we decided to check out the roof deck for the climax, The Observatory Revolving View Point. We took an elevator, again, up to the 83rd floor where a small exhibit showing “old” Thailand was displayed and then took the steps leading to the 84th floor where the 360 degrees revolving observation deck is located. Being the tallest structure in the city, this should have the most wonderful view of Bangkok’s skyline at night, I’m pretty sure.

Perfect "high" in Bangkok - pun intended

It was gorgeous beyond imaginable. As it revolved around the tower, I couldn’t help but be in awe upon witnessing the wonderful Bangkok skyline that night. It took a one full revolution for me to shush the shutters of my camera and just relish it as it was. Another round and we’re done. Too much of something might ruin the whole experience. For 400 Baht per person (US$ 12), it's quite a steal.

We called it a day and head out of the Baiyoke Sky Tower with thrilled smiles on our faces. It was almost midnight and the Bangkok heavy traffic kinda waned. We then decided to take a tuk tuk going back to our hotel. Yes, we needed to haggle and yes, it’s more expensive than taking a cab but what the heck, we really wanna try it out. And so we did.

Tuk tuk is much more expensive than cabs; haggle

Baiyoke Sky Hotel (book online for discounted rates)
222 Ratchaprapop Rd., Ratchathewi,
Bangkok 10400 Thailand
Contact Numbers: (+66) 2656.3000 | (+66) 2656.3456
Email Address: baiyokesky@baiyoke.co.th