6 best places to watch the sunset in Bangkok
Very few experiences in life are as riveting and soothing as watching the sun sink below the horizon. A spectacular sunset, where the sky is illuminated in brilliant red and orange hues before being blanketed in cool pinks and purples, is a balm for the soul.
In Bangkok, there are many places to soak up this daily show and the cotton-candy clouds it brings. But some sunset spots are better than others, and we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite places for a sundown treat. From a hilltop temple to vibey rooftop bars to a leafy enclave, here are the best places to see and appreciate the golden hour.
Where better to raise a glass to the setting sun than right on the Chao Phraya. At Sala Rattanakosin’s rooftop lounge, the sunset is even more magical because you get to watch the sky turn a gorgeous golden hue and provide a stunning backdrop to Wat Arun lighting up for the night from across the river. Come with a date or a get your mates together and book the hotel’s sunset package, which pairs stunning views with a bottle of bubbly and scrumptious snacks.
Enjoy views of the color-streaked sky over the old town’s skyline from Bangkok’s only temple on a hill. Offering an amazing 360-degree view of Rattanakosin Island, the impressive Golden Mount chedi at the Wat Saket complex is one of the best places to watch the sun’s glorious exit into the horizon—your reward for climbing up the 320 steps to get to the summit.
Wat Saket’s famous chedi can be spotted from the hotel’s higher floors or the Coconut Bar on the 11th. Time it right and catch the glowing sun as it hovers right above the Golden Mount’s spire and then cast a golden halo effect as it continues its descent.
When you’re surrounded by nature among this inner-city park’s many tree-lined paths and grassy expanses, it’s easy to forget that Bangkok’s CBD lies a few hundred meters away. Plan your visit just before during dusk, spread out a mat or prop yourself on a bench, and watch as swirly, dramatic hues fall over stunning natural backdrops and the city’s many skyscrapers.
This 64th-floor rooftop venue is where golden hour is at its best! Crowning the State Tower on Charoenkrung, this lofty bar soars 250 meters up in the air and offers views of Bangkok on all sides. In one direction, the city’s skyline and on the other, the many twists and turns of the majestic Chao Phraya. When the sun sets, the whole scene is cast in stunning golden light and splashes of fiery color, calling for a drink to match the vibe
For a record-breaking sunset view, head to he 78th floor of the iconic King Power Mahanakhon building. The observation deck of Bangkok’s second-tallest building is a no-brainer for enjoying the magic hour. From 314 metres up high, you can see the entire city take on a shimmering warmth as rosy orange reflections of the setting sun bounce off the city’s many glass towers.
