Bangkok from a Bird's Eye View
Did you know that Bangkok has the longest capital name in the history of the world? You can listen to it here. It goes on for more than a minute.
The city also has some of the highest rooftop bars in the world. There's the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, who's cocktail lounge is a dizzying 83 floors high.
You can also drink at Distil, on top of the Lebua State Tower, which is on the 64th.
While these are fun, they are very known. At the top, you'll find long waits for a drink and plenty of sunburnt tourists with cameras.
Want something truly memorable, where you'd have the chance to meet a few locals too? We've got 6 other places that are truly the ultimate for checking out Southeast Asia, sky-high.
If you're into neon and DJ talent with views of the cityscape, Aloft on Sukhumvit Soi 11 is the place to be. There are three levels of nightlife, and we also have a soft spot for the great room rates, frequent upgrades and the swimming pool on the roof. Why get in a cab after a night of partying when you could simply take the elevator to bed?
Just a block away on the same street as Levels, you'll find incredible sushi and cocktails sky-high at Above Eleven. This swanky cross between a Japanese restaurant and a romantic outdoor lounge is definitely a hotspot. Make sure you have a reservation, if you want a table.
Wallflowers
Down in Chinatown, there's an alley full of incredible, award-winning cocktail bars. The street is called Soi Nana and you'll find Tep Bar, Teens of Thailand and Ba Hao here for delicious, craft sips. However, head up the wrought iron stairs, above the plant shop at the end of the alley to experience Wallflowers. You get lovely, quirky views of tin rooftops and plenty of plants. The drink list changes frequently and makes fun use of local spirits.
Wat Arun is one of the top sights in Bangkok. Completed in 1847, this white temple right on the riverbanks is best viewed at sunrise or sunset. If photographing the sunset, you cannot do better than a barstool right on the railing at the roof of this boutique hotel. Their open-air eatery is popular with locals and tourists, alike. Beyond the views, they serve a nice wine list and chicken or pork skewers right off the barbecue.
Bangkok's citizens love a good barbecue. The American staple has become a trend here and for lovely views and incredible ribs, pulled pork and hot wings, this place––located above the popular cocktail bar, FooJohn––is a must visit. In fact, every floor in this four-floor building has something cool and culinary to offer up. You could spend an hour on each level, at the least.
If you're after a date-night, dinner spot, al fresco with jaw-dropping views of the river, a few people might send you to the Michelin-starred Le Normandie at Mandarin Oriental. For our money, it's Riva Arun, located mere feet from the Grand Palace and Wat Po. First and foremost, you come to Thailand to eat Thai food, and this lovely, tiny hotel plates up incredible cuisine that leans heavily Thai, but with dashes of global fusion. Secondly, the views are some of the best in the city, from the tops of the Palace to the shimmering river at night to the lights of Wat Arun.
Glittering temples, verdant palm trees, the white walls of the old forts and the colorful laundry hanging out to dry. This is what we think of when we think of Bangkok. One of the the ultimate ways to gaze out upon this incredible city is to take the easy uphill walk that spirals you around Golden Mount temple. Stop along the 344 steps to ring the sacred bells. At the top, it's a 360 degree view of clouds and color, birds and blue sky. Remember to dress respectfully, covering your knees and your shoulders.
