Bangkok: Two Ways to See Bangkok High Up

The Mahanakhon (far right) from Le Du Kaan

There are two ways to see Bangkok's skyline from up high. Waaay up high. Those with acrophobia (the fear of heights) need not bother...

One is to go to the Mahanakhon Skywalk, that has an observation deck 314 metres high. Pay a ticket of about 1,000 Thai baht online... but the website isn't always working.

Tons of people taking pictures at Mahanakhon

When you order the tickets online there is a warning not to bring many things, like outside food and drinks (they want you to eat and drink there), no smoking, no pets, no backpacks or suitcases, and of course no weapons. But just in case, a stern reminder.

At the ground floor there is a relatively efficient operation where visitors go through a security check, then if they bring bags, they must be stowed in lockers for free. 

Just before going up, tourists are invited to take pictures that will be ready in minutes when you come down from the observation deck on the 74th floor.

The ride up only takes a minute or two, and luckily it's not a glass elevator, and instead people are entertained by digital images all over the four walls of the small metal box rising up in the sky. 

The view of Bangkok from 76 floors up

Once you arrive, you still need to climb two floors of a spiral staircase, or wait for yet another elevator... it's quite the workout.

Finally at the top it's quite a shock to see so many people up there taking selfies and pictures, ordering drinks and hogging seats on the observation deck. It's quite the zoo being amongst the crowd, which takes away from the cool factor of the landmark. 

There's also "The Glass Tray" where you can take off your shoes and walk on a thick sheet of glass and see everything down below. Again there were lots of people waiting to do this, but it really is only for those with iron stomachs who aren't afraid of heights!

You can take pictures all the way around behind the safety of glass walls, but there's bound to be some reflection.

The other option is trying to snag a table at Le Du Kaan, which is not as high up, but at the 56th floor of The Empire building, it also has an amazing view that can be enjoyed while sipping drinks and dining on food created by Michelin-starred chef Ton.

Beautiful design at Le Du Kaan

While there is indoor seating for when it gets too hot, it's the outdoor seats on the terrace that are coveted spaces that have around a 270-degree view of the city.

Everyone takes selfies here -- we watched two scantily-clad women in outfits that barely covered their chests taking pictures of themselves with the skyline as they danced to the music mixed by a DJ.

In any event the venue is gorgeous, with comfortable sofas and chairs, while guests can sip on cocktails and dine on substantial dishes. 

It's quite hard to get a booking here, but well worth it for a stress-free experience away from the masses!

Mahanakhon Skywalk

114 Narathiwas Road

Silom, Bangrak

Bangkok

Le Du Kaan

EA Rooftop at The Empire

Sathorn Road

Yanawa Sub District, Sathorn District

Khet Sathon