The tallest building in Bangkok, Thailand, is the Baiyoke Sky Hotel with 85 floors (also known as Baiyoke II or Baiyoke Sky Tower), one of two Baiyoke Towers right near each other. At the top is an outdoor rotating platform where you can view and take photos of the fabulous city of Bangkok. Yet there is an even better attraction just a few floors below the top... the buffet. There are two restaurants in this building: the Sky Grille and the Sky Buffet. The Sky Buffet is the best, and it excels on many levels.
First, Baiyoke Sky excels because of the view. At 77 floors high, you can see everything they see up on the rotating deck, but you don't have to contend with the wind. It's both romantic and breathtaking. Of course, it's not for diners with vertigo, but it's a truly spectacular view. See the photos attached. Make your reservation for 6pm, so you can watch the sun set. It's a thrilling site. (top photo is the observation platform at the top at night; right photo is the hotel in day)Second, Baiyoke Hotel's Sky Buffet excels on another level: gastronomically. It's a feast of delights from many countries. The restaurant is circular (as is the building here at the top), and you walk around the circle until you get back to your seat, picking up more food than you'll ever be able to eat. I have had prawns the size of my hands, dipped in butter sauce, and seafood of every kind. You can get French crêpes, special salads, beef bourgignon, custom made pizza or spaghetti, and of course, pad thai, papaya salad and other popular Thai dishes. You can also get many kinds of Japanese sushi, and there are several exotic soups to choose from. For dessert there are more than 20 types of fruit, including the rare dragon fruit (we rarely get in the US). Of course, there is also cake, pastries, and lots of sugar coated delights.
Violinists and other musicians roam about and serenade you from time to time.
Wine and spirit drinks are extra, but it does include soft drinks, tea and fruit juices - even guava juice, loaded with vitamins to help you absorb all this food.
There is also a club one floor up, where you can relax on couches and have a drink with your friends, or meet new friends. Enjoy the view of the city of Bangkok from here too.
A floor above that, just under the Baiyoke's rotating deck, is a level for tourist photos and information about the tower. Here you can see a smaller scale model of the building, a huge skyline photo along the wall, and areas to take special photos with traditional Thai ornaments. There is also a stationary "hot air balloon" for photos, to appear as if you're riding over the city.
I've been to Baiyoke Hotel's Sky Buffet 4 times in the past 4 years, and it never disappoints me.
The price is about $21 per person, and well worth it. Make reservations in advance, at least a week, as it does fill up quickly. When you arrive at the hotel, go to the Lobby at floor 17 (just push L), and there you'll be able to buy the tickets and get on the special elevators that take you to the top.
Separately, there is also a glass elevator that can bring you back down, but only for those with no fear of heights. Most diners just take the normal elevators back to the lobby, then down to ground level.
Finding Baiyoke Sky Tower itself is not hard. You can see it from everywhere in the city. Ride the BTS (Sky Train) to either Siam, Chit Lom or Pyathai stations, and from there a taxi will take you to the door of Baiyoke.
Worth noting is that Bangkok's Fashion District starts (or ends) at Baiyoke, so you might want to get some shopping in first. Go to the Platinum Mall or Fashion Mall at 3pm and start walking and shopping along the street... by 6pm you'll be at Baiyoke and ready for dinner!
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