The Mahanakhon SkyWalk is the observation deck at the top of King Power Mahanakhon, the 314-metre tower in Bangkok's Silom business district whose surface looks as if blocks have been cut out of it, like a building made of pixels. The deck has an indoor viewing floor and an open-air rooftop with a glass floor projecting over the edge, so you can stand and look straight down at the street far below. For a first look at Bangkok's size, the Mahanakhon SkyWalk is one of the easiest and most dramatic options.
Why visit the Mahanakhon SkyWalk
King Power Mahanakhon, designed by the architect Ole Scheeren and completed in 2016, was the tallest building in Thailand when it opened. It stands on a busy corner of Narathiwas Road, so the views take in the whole of central Bangkok: the towers of Sathorn and Silom, Lumphini Park, the curve of the Chao Phraya River and, on clear days, the flat plains beyond the city.
A visit has three parts. A fast lift ride with video projections takes you up the tower. The indoor deck gives sheltered, air-conditioned views in all directions. Then stairs and a lift lead to the rooftop, where the glass tray is the main attraction and there is a bar for a drink with the view.
How to get to the Mahanakhon SkyWalk by BTS
The nearest station is Chong Nonsi on the BTS Silom Line. The tower sits right beside the station, and an elevated walkway links the station to the building, so you barely touch the street. Follow the signs for King Power Mahanakhon; the SkyWalk ticket counter and entrance are inside the retail building at the base.
Chong Nonsi is two stops from Siam, where the Silom and Sukhumvit lines meet, and a few stops from Saphan Taksin, where you can connect to the river boats. Pay with a Rabbit card or single-journey tokens from station machines; the BTS has also been adding contactless bank card payment at gates.
Mahanakhon SkyWalk tickets and opening hours
Tickets can be bought at the counter or online in advance, and booking ahead is worth it for sunset on weekends. There are usually separate prices for the indoor deck only and for full access including the rooftop, plus packages with a drink or a meal. Prices, packages and opening hours change, so check the official King Power Mahanakhon website (kingpowermahanakhon.co.th) before you go.
Bags pass through security at the entrance, and the rooftop may close in heavy rain, strong wind or thunderstorms, which are common in the wet season.
Highlights of the SkyWalk
The glass tray
The glass floor on the rooftop sits out from the edge of the building. Visitors put on soft shoe covers before stepping onto it to protect the surface. Small groups take turns, so expect a short wait at busy times.
The rooftop
The open-air top of the tower gives a full circle of views without glass in the way on most sides. It is the best spot for photos of the river and the skyline.
The indoor deck
A cool, comfortable floor with floor-to-ceiling windows, information on the landmarks you can see, and a café. A good fallback if the rooftop is closed for weather.
Best time to visit and how long to stay
Sunset is the most popular time, when you can watch the light fade over the river and the city lights come on. Arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset to get up, settle in and queue for the glass tray. For fewer people and clearer views, try the late afternoon on a weekday, especially in the cooler, drier months from roughly November to February. Allow about one to one and a half hours, or longer if you stay for a drink.
Nearby on the same stop
Silom Road and its side streets are full of street food, and the Silom area has a lively night scene after dark. Lumphini Park, the city's largest green space, is a short ride away at Sala Daeng or a longer walk. Head toward the river and you reach the old streets of Bang Rak and Charoen Krung, with historic buildings, galleries and some of the city's oldest restaurants.
See more near the station on the Mahanakhon SkyWalk page on Around the Metro, and plan the rest of your trip with our Bangkok BTS and MRT guide.