Bangkok Architecture

Beyond the preponderance of the grey breeze block and a tangled sprawling skyline, Bangkok has quietly but zealously become an architectural powerhouse of late. Take a closer look, explore streets, traverse back alleys, and you'll encounter classic teak houses, heady Italian influenced architecture, and plush skyscrapers that work steel and glass to dazzling effect.

The former home of Jim Thompson is visited by over 400 people a day and serves as a museum showcasing Thai architecture and art. It's a beautiful teak house with lots of interesting art objects, sculpture and everyday items used 40 years ago.

A prominent businessman generally credited with revitalizing the Thai silk industry, he mysteriously disappeared on March 26, 1967 in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia and was never seen again, creating a text book of conspiracy theories and a mystery that remains unsolved.

The house, located along one of Bangkok's few remaining canals, origianally came from outside Bangkok and was assembled from six smaller houses comibined into one. Made entirely of teak, Thompson used classic Thai architecture to create a unique house which houses a  collection of Asian art and arifacts, ranging from hair ornaments to stone scupltures. Guided tours show you around the house which also contains a coffee shop in the delightful garden - definitely worth a visit.  

Open: 09:00 - 17:00 everyday with the last Guided Tour at 16:30 (Guided Tour around the house is compulsory).
Admission: Adults 100 baht, students 50 baht
Location: Soi Kasemsan Song, opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Road. Accessible from BTS National Stadium station.
Contact: +66 (0)2 216 7368

Thailand's Prime Minister from 1974 to 1975, M.R. Kukrit Pramoj and his beautiful home on Soi Suan Phlu were often the focus of national politics during times of turbulence, with journalists flocking outside. Today, thanks to the Kukrit 80 Foundation, it's the public who now flock to see the elegant home of this intellectual leader.

More than a museum, it's a testament to his talents not only as politician, but also poet, writer and artist. Its five traditional teak houses on stilts were painstakingly assembled under his supervision, a process that took over 20 years. Each is inter-connected and crammed full of fine-art treasures, not museum pieces but the things he saved and savoured, like ceramics, precious furniture and Buddha images. There is also an interesting library, the stacks of books ranging from fiction to philosophy proof of his diverse interests, and a Thai-style pavilion used for public functions. The serene gardens are full of exotic plants, trees and flowers but most notable for their bonsai-style trees, called 'mai dat' in Thai. 

Open: Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays 10:00 - 17:00
Location: Soi Sathorn 3 or Soi Narathiwat
Admission: 50 baht per person, 20 baht for pupils and students
Contact: +66 (0)2 286 8185

Not only is this the main rail terminus for trains from all over Thailand, but also a fine example of the Italian Renaissance architecture that had such an impact on public buildings here in the early 20th Century. Opened in 1916 after six years of building, its concave wooden roofs, stained glass windows and overall aura of elegance are the work of Turin-born architect Mario Tamagno, who also designed Bang Khunprom Palace (site of the Bank of Thailand Musuem) and the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall. During the Second World War, the Allies tried to bomb it. Thankfully, they missed.

Location: Rama IV Road, Pathum Wan

During the reign of King Rama I, fourteen forts were built to protect the borders of the Old City, but most have disappeared over the years. Only this one, on Phra Arthit road, and the Mahakhan Fort on Ratchadamnoen road now remain. Nestled in the quiet Suan Santichaiparkran Park, which itself straddles the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the hexagonal shape of this pale white concrete fort, with battlements, canons and observation deck are still in good, albeit slightly distressed looking shape. If you come here during the day, combine your visit with a spot of relaxation in the park, or lunch at one of Phra Arthit Road's hole-in-the-wall restaurants. The fort, however, looks its best when lit up at night.

Location: Phra Arthit Road, Banglamphu, near Khao San Road

Although mainly a popular sojourn for those looking to pick up Thai silk, antiques, jewellery, carpets and art, OP Place is also something of a destination in itself. Built in 1908 and constructed in elegant Neoclassical style, this impressive white stone Asian Heritage Shopping Centre, originally known as the Falck & Beidek Store, exudes an atmosphere reminiscent of old Bangkok.

It consists of two storeys with a three-storey tower at each end and wonderfully gabled porches. Vintage flair is added by a manually operated elevator. Not to be missed is the Ashwood Gallery, which features works ranging from 19th Century Burmese alabaster sculptures to Chinese and Japanese prints, and a branch of Chitralada shop, a project initiated by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

Open: 10:30 - 18:30
Location: 30/1 Soi Charoen Krung 38 (behind the Oriental Hotel)
Contact: +66 (0)2 266 0186
BTS: Saphan Taksin

Quite a landmark in the Chatuchak district, the Elephant Tower is one of the most unique buildings in Bangkok. The three towers (A, B, and C) make up a shape of Thailand's national animal, which can be seen even from the Expressway. On the right edge of the building you can also see an eye and tusk. The building is used as a condominium, office space, and also houses a language school.

Location: 369/38 Phaholyothin 26, Chatuchak

At 304 metres tall and rising 85 floors into the sky, Baiyoke Tower II is Bangkok's (and Thailand's) tallest building. Construction was completed in 1997. The building has a public observatory deck on the 77th floor, and on the top floor is Thailand's first and only open-air, 360-degree revolving roof deck (open from 10:30 until 22:00, admission 200 baht), offering a bird's-eye view of this sprawling city. The world's third-tallest hotel, Baiyoke Sky Hotel, covers from the 22nd up to the 74th floor.

Location: Pratunam

First opened in 1986, the 'robot building' is located on South Sathorn Road. According to the architect, the original inspiration for the 20-storey building came from his son's toy robot. Complete with 'eyes' and 'antennae', the building's quirky characteristics masks the fact that the elements in the exterior design serve real purpose. For instance, the oversized 'bolts' and 'caterpillar wheels' act as sunshades and canopies.

Location: UOB building, Sathorn Tai (South Sathorn)