Must-See Architecture: Popular Buildings in Bangkok You Should Check Out

Bangkok is a developing city that’s a mix of the old and the ultra-modern. While most people visit heritage sites and religious temples to see monuments, there are some who go around the capital to see its architectural wonders.

Here are some examples of the most stunning architecture in Bangkok. Take inspiration from them and who knows, you could be designing the next most popular building in Thailand.

King Power MahaNakhon

King Power MahaNakhon is a 314-meter skyscraper that many locals call the “Tetris Building” because of the pixel-like spiraling effect of its glass façade. It was the tallest building in Thailand before the 318-meter Magnolias Waterfront Residences ICONSIAM took over the title in 2020.

Apart from its unique exterior, many locals and tourists visit the SkyBar on the 76th floor to dine and drink with a view. If that’s not your thing, there’s a panoramic glass lift that can take you to the indoor observation deck on the 74th floor or to the SkyWalk.

Location: Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak

Robot Building

The Robot Building is a 20-story building that looks like — you guessed it right — a robot. Architect Sumet Jumsai took inspiration from his son’s toy during the time when the Bank of Asia wanted their building to reflect their move towards computerized banking systems.

Currently the headquarters of the United Overseas Bank (UOB), its exterior isn’t purely decorative. The two antennas on the roof, for example, are for the building’s communications. The top-most part, which serves as the head, has lidded “eyeballs” made of reflective glass that serve as windows in front of the main meeting and dining rooms. These rooms are where most executives meet to “see” which direction the company is going.

Location: Yan Nawa, Sathon

Elephant Tower

The Elephant Tower is a 335-feet high and 560-feet long building that gives honor to elephants, which play an integral part in Thai culture and religion, as the country’s national animal. Its cubist abstract design was the brainchild of engineer and real estate mogul Arun Chaiseri.

Completed in 1997, this iconic high-rise offers a massive urban complex that’s a combination of luxury residential units, business offices, and a shopping complex.

Location: Khwaeng Chom Phon, Khet Chatuchak

Pearl Bangkok

Pearl Bangkok is a 25-story building constructed from 11,300 glass sheets carved into diamond shapes. Although some people are saying that it looks like a copy of London’s The Gherkin, its owner denied the allegations and said that the shape of the building is inspired by a pearl. This is not simply pertaining to any pearl but to South Sea pearls, which are the largest and rarest in the world.

The building is proud of its environment-friendly and energy-efficient design, which reduces electricity use by making the most of natural light through its insulated glass exterior. It also uses daylight sensors.

Location: 1177 Phahonyothin Rd, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai

Sathorn Unique Tower

The Sathorn Unique Tower, also known as the “Ghost Tower,” is a 49-story unfinished skyscraper in Bangkok. Its decomposing exterior filled with graffiti has somehow attracted many curious tourists, although it’s off-limits to the public.

The construction project of this would-be luxury condominium was halted during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and was never started again. With no demolition plans in sight, this building serves as a reminder of a crisis the country once faced.

Location: 266/14-15, Soi Siam Square 3, Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Khet Pathumwan