If you’re interested in architecture or just like to check out cool buildings, Bangkok’s skyline has been growing for decades and there’s certainly more to see here than just the temples.
Let’s look at some of Bangkok’s most unique and iconic buildings. A list that we’ve narrowed down to Bangkok’s 12 most iconic buildings. We’ve omitted temples from this list because there are just too many to include. We’ve considered buildings throughout Bangkok’s history, so some of these aren’t amazing now but they were in times past.
In alphabetical order, let’s take a look at the Iconic buildings of Bangkok.
Baiyoke II Tower
The tallest building in Bangkok until the MahaNakhon Tower was completed, the Baiyoke II Tower is still one of the tallest hotel buildings in the world. The 84th floor rooftop observatory rotates to give visitors a 360-degree view of Bangkok.
Church of the Blessed Sacrament
The design of this minimalist church draws inspiration from the shape of sacramental bread. The building uses raw concrete, glass, and metal to crate the curved roof. The sloped pathway to the main entrance was inspired by Catholic theology; that man was formed from dirt and would return to the ground.
The 50-meter-tall steeple can be seen from quite a distance.
Elephant Building
Also known as the Chang Building, the Elephant Building pays homage to the elephant. The three towers act as the elephant’s trunk and legs with residential suites forming much of the body. You can also see elements depicting the ears and tusks.
The Elephant Building has had both the honor of being named one of the world’s most unique buildings by CNN and one of the world’s ugliest by Architectural Digest.
G Tower
The design of this building takes its cue from the name G Land, the former owner of the building. The office complex is known for its cantilevered architecture and the 8-degree tilt of the south tower.
Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom
First opened as the Rama Tower Hotel in the 1970’s, what is now the Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom has what’s probably the most interesting windows in the city. The sail style windows forming the façade create a mesmerizing pattern.
Hua Lamphong Railway Station
Constructed in 1916, the Hua Lamphong Railway Station features ornate Neo-Renaissance Italian architecture featuring large stained-glass windows.
With the construction of the new Bang Sue Grand Station, Hua Lamphong Railway Station’s service life is ending. We hope the station remains and isn’t replaced by condos or another shopping mall.
King Power MahaNakhon
Although it lost its place as Thailand’s tallest building to the 4 meters taller Magnolias Waterfront Residences, the 314-meter-tall King Power MahaNakhon remains one of the most distinctive buildings in Bangkok.
This 77 storey high-rise holds 200 Ritz-Carlton Residences, hotel rooms, the Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar, and the MahaNakhon Skywalk, which is Thailand’s highest observation deck.
The look of this building has earned it the nicknames of the “Pixel Building” and “Tetris Tower”.
Pearl Bangkok
No, we didn’t mistakenly place a building from London in this list. The developer rejects such comparisons and has stated the building is inspired by South Sea pearls.
The Pearl Bangkok is 25 storeys and was constructed using 11,300 glass sheets carved into specific diamond shapes. There’s also a smaller structure that serves as a multifunctional space.
The Pearl Bangkok boasts environmentally friendly design. Use of natural lighting and insulated glass keeps the building cool and saves energy using LED lights.
Robot Building
Clearly shaped like a robot, the Robot Building and is one of Bangkok’s most unique buildings. Found in the Silom area of Bangkok, it was originally the Bank of Asia and then became the home of United Overseas Bank.
The building’s design represented the computerization of world banking.
The building measures 20 storeys with circular windows serving as lidded eyes and the sides of the buildings feature robotic parts such as nuts and bolts or speakers. A pair of lightning rods looking like antennae at the top of the building is used for lighting.
Sathorn Unique Tower (Ghost Tower)
Although not completed, the building has become iconic as a symbol of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. Formerly it was an urban explorer hotspot for its spectacular rooftop views, but now accessing the Sathorn Unique Ghost Tower is trespassing.
SCG 100th Year Building
This building was built in 2013 in honor of Siam Cement Group’s 100th anniversary. The building features advanced sustainable technology throughout its 22 storeys.
Tiles are produced from recycled materials, uses low heat transmission exterior glass panes, solar panels, and energy efficient lighting.
The building has been awarded platinum status for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Building Design and Construction by the US Green Building Council.
State Tower
Lovers of architecture recognize this building for its 68 storey neoclassical design. Foodies know the State Tower for award winning eateries Mezzaluna and Sirocco. It also gained some fame and is renowned for its starring role as a setting in Hangover Part II.
The rooftop gold dome serves as a beacon for anyone looking for the building and its identical curved balconies make the State Tower instantly identifiable.
Klook.comHonorable Mentions:
Central Embassy
A shipping mall and hotel with a gleaming aluminum patterned façade.
Indra Regent Hotel
Built in the 1970’s, this hotel is recognized by its pointy façade.
Nightingale Olympic
Bangkok’s oldest department store is more famous for what can be seen inside. But its brutalist façade is a testament to the building and the city’s past.
Park Ventures Ecoplex
Inspired by the wai gesture, this is another eco-friendly building utilizing daylight sensors and insulated glass.
Poh-Chang Academy of Arts
Celebrated as one of Thailand’s first “modern Thai” structures, the building blends Western and Thai architecture covered in a light green wash.
Rosewood Bangkok
A 30-storey hotel inspired by the wai gesture.
Srifuengfung Building
Nicknamed the “Durian Building” due to its spiky façade; a brutalist building now often overlooked by its modern next-door neighbor.
And that concludes our list of 12 of Bangkok’s most iconic buildings. Which of the buildings we listed is your favorite? Are there any buildings we left out that you think should be in the list? Let us know in the comments!
