Personal Review of Bangkok’s Highest Glass Skywalk – Is King Power Mahanakhon Worth Visiting?
Even before knowing what was inside the building, I noticed King Power Mahanakhon Tower because of its architecture. Every time I passed by, I called it the “Lego Tower”. The building located in the busy downtown area between Sathon and Silom has become a unique part of Bangkok’s skyline.
But in addition to its appearance, it offers another new experience: King Power Mahanakhon is home to Bangkok’s highest glass skywalk. For all those of you who are in for an adventure, it is a must-visit to dare yourselves and overcome your fear of heights. I overcame my own fear and visited the skywalk to write this review for you.
How to Get There
The building is conveniently located right next to Chong Nongsi BTS station. Considering traffic in the area, I recommend taking the train there. I made the mistake of taking a Grab taxi from Asoke and it took me almost 45 minutes to go there. Hence, I opted for the BTS to go back.
Tickets
Visiting the skywalk is not a cheap affair. A regular ticket is BHT 765 (about EUR 22, USD 25). If you book online in advance, there is a 5% discount. I recommend to book in advance to be able to visit during your desired time slot.
There are concessions for children aged three to twelve (children under the age of three can enter for free) and seniors.
Opening Times
The skywalk is open daily from 10 am until midnight. The last admission is at 11 pm. It is probably most crowded around sunset time between 5 pm and 7 pm. I visited at lunchtime on a Monday and it was not too crowded.
What It Is Like – My Personal Experience
There is a security check before you enter the lift. Please note that food or drinks are not allowed. I did not know about this and they made me throw away my water bottle. It is similar to the security at the airport. It would be great if this was communicated more clearly at the ticket counter. Furthermore, according to the website, alcohol is not allowed but I did not read anything about water.
The lift takes you directly to the 74th floor. As you are in Bangkok, the lift turns into a multimedia room with videos on its walls and music.
The 74th floor is an indoor observation area with 360˚ views of Bangkok. It gives you a first idea of what awaits you upstairs. I walked around and discovered an installation by American artist David Kracov. “The Gift of Life” is made of hundreds of butterflies. Each one stands for a moment, an experience or a connection which makes life worth living. I found this thought really beautiful.
This floor offers interactive views of the city. Unfortunately, I read about this only after my visit: with the help of augmented reality, visitors can learn more about Bangkok’s key historic sites. In my opinion, these activities could be advertised more – or some signs would help.
I took up the escalators to the lift to the skywalk. Visitors receive fabric shoe covers and bags if needed. The shoe covers are mandatory if you want to access the glass tray. There is a restaurant right at the entrance of the lift – maybe this is the reason why drinks and food are not allowed…
Depending on the time and how many people are up there, you may need to wait in line to enter the skywalk. There are some benches to sit down and put the shoe covers on. Bags have to be left in the waiting area. Furthermore, it is not allowed to take your phone with you. Your friends can take a picture of you from the waiting area. As I went on my own, I asked the staff to take a picture of me.
I am not scared of heights in the strict sense. However, I get scared if I am in a tall building and walk up too close to the window. I usually also do not enter skywalks. But the day I went to Mahanakhon Tower, I dared myself.
When the guy in front of me finally moved after taking about 1,000 pictures in different poses, I just went onto the glass floor. I have to admit, I tried not to look down too much and focused on the people waiting in line.
It was really fast, the lady took a few pictures of me sitting down and then I moved on. It was actually less scary than I thought – but as I said, I avoided looking down directly… so you may consider it cheating.
Right next to the skywalk, there is a seating area on the steps which lead to the highest point of the building. It is called “The Peak” and is 314 meters up high. I chilled out for some time and took in the views. I actually enjoyed this part most.
I took the lift down and was made to leave on the 4th floor through the mall. This is my major criticism of the skywalk: it was a nightmare to find my way out through this maze. Another mall Bangkok does not need. As I had left my water bottle behind, I wanted to buy water. But I was unsuccessful to find any among the souvenirs, high-end brands and other things we do not need after sightseeing. Unfortunately, everything seems to be linked to consumerism… I ended up buying a bottle of water at a vending machine right outside the BTS station.
In conclusion, I think visiting the skywalk is a fun activity when visiting Bangkok. It allows you some beautiful views and even if you do not like to walk on the glass tray, it is fun to watch all the Instagram-wannabes pose. Nevertheless, the price point is very high and you may argue that you can get the same view AND a drink at one of the rooftop bars. I completely agree with that. However, I still enjoyed my visit and I would take visitors there in the future.
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All information as of the date of publishing/updating and based on the personal visit of Elisabeth Steiger and the information provided at the location and the official website of the Mahanakhon Skywalk. We cannot accept responsibility for the correctness or completeness of the data, or for ensuring that it is up to date. All recommendations are based on the personal experience of Elisabeth Steiger, no fees were received by the recommended places above.
Wow – that view is incredible. I’m heading to Thailand later this year for the first time so will make sure I check this out.
It is a lot of fun, if you have time check it out!
This looks like such fun! My other half loves a good view and I love a scary glass floor so it will be a perfect addition to your next trip to Thailand. Plus, who says you cant do this AND a rooftop bar!
Haha, so true, let’s just do both!
I like the name Lego tower (and the tower). I’d happily look down through the glass of the skywalk – as long as I’m convinced it has been fixed in properly.
That’s actually a good approach, I will try that next time!