7 of the Most Impressive Buildings in Bangkok Inspired by Thai Culture

When we think of an iconic building, we refer to the architecture of a structure that draws attention and features a special symbol.

Bangkok is home to a slew of iconic structures, each of which is renowned for its striking visual design, innovative engineering, and deep connection with Thailand’s culture and traditions. 

We’ve picked some incredible buildings in Bangkok that should be added to your list of must-visit places.

Elephant Building

You can easily spot the iconic Elephant Building because of its resemblance to a rudimentary LEGO elephant. In Thai culture, elephants play a significant role as they are considered the kingdom’s national animal and a sacred emblem in Buddhism.

The Elephant Tower, also called Chang Building, is a 32-storey high-rise structure that stands at an impressive height of 335 feet. It has three towers (A, B, and C) that were completed in 1997.

The residential units of the building can be found along its horizontal band, while the tusk is home to the building's offices. The circular windows serve as the skyscraper’s “eyes,” its “ears” span multiple storey balconies, and its “tail,” located at the rear of the building, contains 20 storeys of smoked-glass enclosed rooms.

Location: Elephant Building, 3300 Phahonyothin Road, Khwaeng Chom Phon, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Reminiscent of the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre (BACC) is also an iconic building in the capital, with an enormous white curving façade and spiral pathways.

The BACC serves as the centre for cultural diversity in the city, promoting both local and international arts and culture. Its exhibition space spans 4,000 square metres and is home to various shops, an art library, and cafés.

The art centre is open every Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM-9 PM. Admission is free. 

Location: Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, 939 Rama I Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan

Rosewood Bangkok

The vertical architecture of the luxury hotel Rosewood Bangkok was inspired by wai, which is a traditional Thai greeting using a graceful hand movement that looks like praying hands. Its façade is entirely made of glass with water features since water symbolises peace and harmony in Thai culture.

The 30-storey hotel is known as one of the best in the world for its ultra-luxurious amenities, including residential-style accommodations, dynamic dining experiences, stylish speakeasy bars, an indoor and outdoor saltwater lap pool, and signature lost remedy treatments. 

Location: Rosewood Hotel, 1041/38 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan

Lebua at State Tower

The State Tower's lavish gold lebua dome is impossible to miss when you’re exploring Bangkok. It has been featured in the Hollywood movie “The Hangover Part II” because of its famous Sky Bar.

The dome holds the iconic restaurants at lebua Bangkok, not to mention its vistas with stunning views. You can find here Sirocco, Breeze, two-Michelin-star Mezzaluna, Sky, Flute, Alfresco 64 – A Chivas, lebua No. 3, Pink, and Chef’s Table.

The tower received numerous awards, including the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2021: #4 Best Hotels in Bangkok, Travel + Leisure (USA) “World’s Best 2020” awards: Top 5 Hotels in Bangkok (2nd place), 2018: World Travel Awards - Asia’s Leading Luxury All Suite Hotel, and more. 

Location: lebua Hotels and Resorts, 1055 Silom Road, Bangrak

Central Embassy

The Central Embassy is considered one of the most iconic structures in Bangkok because of its ultra-modern design with intricate patterns. Its exterior is designed with 300,000 aluminum tiles that show a moiré pattern due to its sweeping curves combined with light and reflection.

It has a continuous loop that produces asymmetrical dimensions within the building, which consists of a six-storey luxury retail podium and a 27-storey five-star Park Hyatt Hotel.

The Central Embassy is situated at the intersection of Wireless Road and Ploen Chit Road, and in the gardens that formerly belonged to the British Embassy in Bangkok. 

Location: Central Embassy, 1031 Ploenchit Road, Pathumwan

King Power Mahanakhon

Known as one of the tallest buildings in Thailand from 2016-2018, King Power Mahanakhon is an iconic structure in the kingdom because of its cuboid exterior and spiral cut on its sides with 78 floors.

The architectural landmark is a luxury mixed-used development that houses The Ritz-Carlton Residence, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, FIRSTER, and King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalk.

On the 74th floor, you can find its indoor panoramic observation deck with 360-degree views, complete with binoculars and an interactive screen. Its rooftop, also known as The Peak, holds an outdoor observatory with a glass tray at a height of 314 metres. 

Location: King Power Mahanakhon, 114 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road, Bang Rak

The Bank of Asia Tower aka Robot Building

Have you noticed this amusing yet iconic Robot Building in Bangkok? Despite its significantly shorter size (83 metres tall), the Robot Building remains one of the most prominent towers in the city.

The 20-storey building has two eyes that function as windows on the top area that resemble lidded eyes. The design was inspired by the son of Thai architect Sumet Jumsai, who was carrying a toy robot at the time when he struggled to come up with a “suitable” one.

Location: The Bank of Asia Tower, 191 South Sathorn Road