Last month we took a tour of four locations for capturing iconic shots of Bangkok’s urban landscape or just marvel at the sprawl. Here’s part two with five more places, from free and easy to perilous and ill-advised.
READ: Photographer’s guide to Bangkok vantage points – Part 1
1. “Ghost Tower”
Let’s start with one of the most infamous urban landmarks, the abandoned Sathorn Unique Tower near Saphan Taksin also known as the “Ghost Tower.”
This 49-story shell resembles the nearby State Tower just a short distance away. Ascending this unfinished, crumbling structure is a risky journey that shouldn’t be taken lightly. A man was found hanged on the 43rd floor in December, and its owner promised to improve security. Those who ignore better judgment and decide to take the risk should bring a bottle or two of water and a flashlight, even for daytime exploring.
Your reward upon ascending this concrete and steel mountain will be an amazing panorama of Bangkok and a sense of accomplishment. The tower is located a few minutes from BTS Saphan Taksin at Soi Charoen Krung 51. There are two ways up to the top of this tower and each requires at least THB200 to 300 per person to gain entrance from the guards. The first is across a bridge from a parking lot connected to the structure. The second is through the basement as you near the tower, jump across the fabric fence and descend down to the basement and up through the staircase. Beware of holes and elevator shafts, as they are everywhere. Enter at your own risk.
2. ITF Tower
The ITF Tower consists of two large buildings, of which the one on the street is strictly for business. But through the lobby and past the Max Value Super Market is an elevator that goes to the top floor of the second building.
ITF Tower opens quite early and stays open until 9pm. It’s easily accessible from BTS Chong Nonsi. There are no crowds and yet the views are stunning. Arrive for the sunset and stay into the night to see some vantage points right in the center of the Bangkok business sector.
3. Saphan Taksin
Saphan Taksin, or Taksin Bridge, is a great place to be during major celebrations or nights there are fireworks over the Chao Phraya. Both the left and right sides of the bridge provide spectacular views for pedestrians and some beautiful light-trail opportunities for photo enthusiasts.
Expect a good amount of people traffic, as like most bridges it is used for jogging and crossing the river on foot. However if you arrive for sunset and stay for the night your camera storage and even your brain will fill with many beautiful sights, including Asiatique’s ferris wheel and various hotels and towers. This bridge also provides a great opportunity for capturing light-trails from boats, vehicles and the Skytrain, all in one easy-to-access location. The Saphan Taksin walkway can easily be accessed by exiting BTS Saphan Taksin and ascending the staircase near the pier.
4. Zeppelin Bar and Restaurant
Zeppelin is one of the rare, city-center rooftop bars that allow the use of tripods. It also hosts the highest skywalk in Bangkok. Do you dare walk across the glass and look down? Zeppelin is located a bit past Soi Sukhumvit 69 and BTS Phra Khanong, just before soi 71.
Zeppelin Bar and Restaurant’s prices are a bit high, but the food is tasty, and the drinks are made well. The vantage point on the 46th floor offers a picturesque view of the building-dense commercial zone. The dress code here is casual, but many business people frequent this spot.
5. Ratchaprarop Tower Mansion
Ratchaprarop Tower Mansion is an interesting but expensive vantage point to visit. Its vantage point gives unrestricted access to a 360-degree panorama, and by unrestricted I mean no guard rails. The owners unlock access to the roof for THB1,500 baht for one to five people. That’s right if you go alone its THB1,500 but if you go with five people it’s only THB300.
Ratchaprarop Tower Mansion is only 24-stories tall and is located about 15 minutes by foot from BTS Victory Monument. The building can be reached on foot from Soi Ratchaprarop 20, through Wat Taphan Alley, or just enter from Ratchaprarop Road at Soi 14 and go nearly to the end. After you’ve found the office to pay, they will guide you to the roof via elevator to a very small and sketchy staircase taking you to the very top of the building. Be careful here, there are no rails and the space is not very large, but the views are truly worthwhile.
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