So I finally made it. After months of internal debate and planning, I was able to visit one of Bangkok’s most recent iconic building – the King Power MahaNakhon. Not only is it Thailand’s newest tallest building, but it also has a unique design. Some call it the pixel building because…well, you can see why.

Photo credit: @heartpatrick

On a clear blue-sky day (which have been hard to come by these days in Bangkok), I made my way to the tower. I was pretty excited as it had been on my bucket list for a while, especially having been living in the city.

This was my experience.

Before the views

The Mahanakhon experience starts even before you get to the top. As soon as you buy your tickets, (after going through security), there is a corridor of digital walls that await you. The graphics showcase some of Bangkok’s iconic attractions and culture. Unfortunately, because of the line behind me, I was unable to capture them.

If this wasn’t cool enough, even the elevator is a giant screen from inside. There are no views from the elevator except for the awesome audio-visuals that last for the entire 50-second ride. Take photos/videos or just soak in the experience – it’s definitely a sensory treat.

Also, maybe it is just me but it almost feels like the elevator is moving in more directions than up/down. Maybe it’s the audio-visuals messing with the brain. I honestly don’t know.

Observation Deck

The elevator takes you to the 74th floor first. This is the airconditioned observation deck that has a 360 view of the city. However, the room mazes around with several corners so you don’t get the full 360 panoramic views. You get bit pieces as you walk around.

There is plenty of light coming in through the ceiling-t0-ceiling glass walls so there are plenty of photo opportunities from the get-go. As you walk around you can buy drinks at the bar (open till 5 pm only), buy a souvenir through vending machines or look through a binocular to see things up close. All these are NOT included in the entrance ticket fee.

Since I was here around 4 pm, it was still pretty hot and I had a long way to go to 6:30 (when the sun sets). So this is a good place to hang around since it is air-conditioned and there are a few benches to sit on. Still, I had a lot of time to kill. Luckily, there is another cool feature at Mahanakhon skywalk – their augmented reality app.

Augmented reality

WiFi is available and free throughout the area. At the observation deck on the 74^th floor, you will notice some signs for the WiFi. Simply scan the QR code and then on prompt, connect to the network. Easy!

On the same notice, there is a QR code for an app that you can download. The app is called Mahanakhon Skywalk AR. This is their AR application that allows you to interact with the view around you from the King Power Mahanakhon Tower.

The app can be used from both 74^th and 78^th floor but each floor has its own “game” or features.

From the 74^th, it allows you to look at local attractions, world landmarks, tallest buildings in the world and Thai cities through the app camera view. Click on any of the attractions and you can learn more about them including how far they are from your location. This is a pretty cool use of technology, I would say.

Up on the 78^th floor, the app lets you find cool spots around Bangkok and collect them as badges or icons. You can also learn more about these places. However, I think the location of all, if not some of these spots relative to the view from the app camera are incorrect. For example, it was showing China Town at a completely opposite direction from where it actually is. In any case, quite interesting.

Glass Tray Experience

There are lots of reasons to visit Mahanakhon Skywalk but the main highlight here has got to be the glass tray. It is basically a glass platform on the 78th floor that lets you look straight down! It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted and those with vertigo.

For our safety, they have a few rules to go on the glass tray. First, we had to queue up and pick up these cloth booties to cover our shoes. I guess this is to make sure we don’t scratch or crack the glass. We also could not bring any sharp objects, bags or mobile phones with us on the glass. They have to be left behind the barrier. So you can’t take any selfies on the glass. You can, however, ask your friends to take your photos from behind the ribboned barried.

Now I saw all these people taking photos and since I had come alone I was wondering how I will get any photos. That’s when I noticed another person (who was also alone) getting her pictures taken from one of the staff. Naturally, I did the same. I went up to him and asked if he could take my photos. Without hesitation, he said of course.

Now, I have to say I think his main job is this. He was pretty good at it as he knew the right angles and suggest poses and what not.

Now I don’t have a fear of heights but it was a bit weird being on top of the glass. My legs buckled as soon as I got on fell backward. Luckily, I was able to manage my composure and walk around. It was an awesome feeling now. 

Rooftop 360 view

In front of the glass platform is the rooftop 360-degree rooftop deck where the view is completely unobstructed and you can see the entire city and beyond. It is the highest point, after all, sitting at 314 meters. From here it’s a fun game to try to figure what is what and where.

For example, I found Bang Krachao – the green lung of Bangkok. Do you see that spot of green in the center of the picture below? That’s it. I was also noticing how the river snakes around the city and finally goes into the sea. It was pretty cool to see that. I don’t think you can see it anywhere else.

The 78th floor also has a bar, places to sit, have a drink, listen to some music and watch the skyline as the sun sets. By sunset, however, it gets pretty crowded here with local photographers and tourists.

Overall thoughts

All in all, it is definitely worth a visit but just once. It’s a bit expensive to start with and I’m not talking about just the entry fee. Drinks are mad expensive as local beer starts at 270 and goes up to 430 THB. Classic cocktails are 480 and signature champagne drinks go up to 940 THB.

It’s also very touristy so for locals to come here for a drink does not make sense. There are plenty of rooftop bars to enjoy sunsets with more affordable drinks. I also wish Kanika had joined me or some friends came along because going alone can be a bit boring.

Having said this, it was a fun experience and I’m glad I got to tick off the “to-do” list. I wouldn’t tell you not to go.

General info

Ticket price: promotional price of THB 765 (original price is THB 965) for adults. For children/seniors, it is THB 250 (from THB 450). This promotion ends on June 30, 2019.

Opening hours: daily from 10.00 – 24.00 hrs.
Last admission 23.00 hrs

For more information, visit their website.