Akara SkyHanuman is something completely different from the classic Mahanakhon view.

You won't find a glass walkway or a "mere" view over the city. What you get here is a multi-level 360° panorama with cultural elements, interactive zones, themed installations and a live evening program.

Akara is located on the rooftop of the One City Centre skyscraper (floors 58-61) and the highest observation deck with its iconic rooftop bar is at 276 metres.

It is the most visited observation deck in Bangkok.

What to expect and what is included in the price of admission

Unlike other rooftop bars or viewpoints, Akara is not just one space upstairs. Some parts and the overall atmosphere reminded me a lot of New York's famous Summit One Vanderbildt viewpoint.

A ticket usually gives you access to all the main areas under the roof:

Sky Observation Deck (276 m)

Panoramic views of Bangkok with the opportunity to see especially the modern part with high-rise buildings.

The Chao Praya River or the historic centre are quite far from here and a better view of them is from the Mahanakhon viewpoint.

Photography is only possible through the glass, however there are small gaps between the glass fields, through which you can at least stick your mobile phone and take clear photos without glare in the glass.

🕗 We spent about 30 minutes here, but we didn't have anything to eat or drink

Bangkok Reflection

A two-level mirrored observatory with 360° views, where the people and the city in the background are beautifully reflected.

I quite enjoyed this part and it is exactly the same as the aforementioned Summit One Vanderbildt in New York.

🕗 We spent about 20 minutes here, but I can imagine a longer time

Virtual Loy Krathong

An interactive digital zone inspired by the traditional Thai festival of lights where you can "launch" your own virtual krathong.

🕗 We spent about 5 minutes here.

Virtual Sky Lantern

An installation inspired by the lantern tradition, where lighting effects create a sense of infinite space.

This part amazed us the most and in my opinion it is the most beautiful floor of the whole prospect.

🕗 We spent about 15 minutes here.

Siam Societies

A stylish lounge area inspired by the Rama V era where you can have tea, dessert or a cocktail.

It has an indoor area and an outdoor terrace with views.

We didn't get any food here due to the very high prices.

Sky Thai Kitchen / Hanuman Sky Bar & Restaurant

A variety of food and drink options - from the street-style flavours of Sky Night Market to the fine-dining elements at 276m.

The bar in particular looks extremely photogenic. A truly beautiful place!

I was looking forward to a drink, but honestly? We didn't feel like paying more money for a drink here than at any of the upscale bars that made the 50 Best Bars list (and the one at Akara is definitely not).

👉 Where we ate and drank in Bangkok

What type of experience is it

Akara is less of a "quiet prospect" and more of:

• evening party/lounge
• themed light & reflex installations
• a place for photos and instagram moments
• views as a bonus rather than a core activity

This makes it an ideal destination for:

• An evening after shopping program (located in Bangkok's main shopping district)
• a combination of drinks, food and views
• photo enthusiasts with artistic touches

Prices and opening hours

Akara is open afternoon to late evening.

• Sky Observation & Experience Zones: 11:00-02:00
• Hanuman Sky Bar & Restaurant / Night Market: 16:30-02:00
• Last entry: typically around 01:00

Ticket prices vary depending on the time of visit (day pass vs. evening pass).

• 1 000 thb - Day pass (11:00-15:30)
• 1 500 thb - sunset and evening (15:30-02:00)

Do I need to buy tickets online?

No, if you want to visit the viewpoint during the day.

Yes, if you want to visit at sunset or at night. Numbers are limited and tickets may not be available on site.

Reservations are made for the exact time through the official website: akaraskyhanuman.com/

You don't need to print the tickets, just show the email confirmation at the reception in the basement of the building.

How to get there

Akara is located in the One City Centre building, which can be found right next to the Phloen Chit BTS station.

The building is not directly on the main street, but a little off to the side and not well signposted at all. Just follow the stylized letter "A" that marks it.

Once you enter the building, again you will find almost no signage to the viewpoint at all.

You have to take the escalator down to the basement, where there is a reception area and elevators in the up direction.

🚆 BTS Skytrain

The quickest option is to walk from Phloen Chit station (about 2-3 minutes via skywalk).

If you are from the Sukhumvit area, transfers are easy and the journey often takes 15-25 minutes.

🚕 Taxi / Grab / Bolt

Works reliably, but the journey can be longer at peak times.

We explain in detail how public transport works in the chapter Transport in Bangkok.

Where to stay at Akara Sky Hanuman

Quite logically it makes sense to stay in the central part of Siam / Phloen Chit:

This will save you time in the evening, especially if you plan to combine your visit to Akar with other activities (e.g. shopping in Siam).

If you want to stay cheaply right next to the Akara skyscraper:

• 👉 Grande Centre Point Ploenchit ****

If you want to live in style and without compromise on the main street right by the BTS station:

• 👉 Park Hyatt Bangkok *****

Want a wider choice across Bangkok?

The 10 best hotels in Bangkok

How to combine Akara with other activities

The following combination works well:

• Afternoon shopping in the Siam area
• Akara SkyHanuman at sunset
• evening drink or bar after 22:00

And if you are just planning your whole stay, I recommend reading our personal tips:

👉 Where to stay in Bangkok
👉 O ur favourite bars, bistros and cafes
👉 How transport works in Bangkok

And for a wider choice of accommodation across the metropolis:

Book a hotel in Bangkok in advance

Is it worth a visit?

Akara makes sense if you want more than just a view. It's an evening program that connects:

• panoramic views
• cultural shows and themed light installations
• an open-air bar and restaurant
• interactive zones and photo booths

Would we go there again?

My girlfriend and I agreed on this one - we wouldn't.

The rooms with mirrors or lanterns were beautiful, but the main thing that makes Akara interesting - the rooftop bar and restaurant - are extremely overpriced.

If you only have a short visit in Bangkok and the main motive is "best view", the difference between Akara and Mahanakhon is clear - Mahanakhon has a cleaner skyline, Akara has atmosphere and fun.

The best time to visit Akara SkyHanuman

Akara works differently than Mahanakhon. It's not just about the light, it's also about the atmosphere.

🌅 60-45 minutes before sunset

This is the perfect option.

You will see:

• the city in broad daylight
• the golden hour
• the gradual lighting of Bangkok
• an evening programme that gradually builds up

If you want a combination of views and evening atmosphere, this is the best compromise.

🌇 After 20:00

The space is livelier, music is playing and the terrace feels more like a lounge or party place. The view is already fully nocturnal and the installations stand out more than during the day.

If you're primarily going for the photos and the view, it may already be a little fuller.

☀️ During the day

Less crowded during the day, but some of the evening atmosphere is missing. The view is clear, but the interactive zones don't make as much of an impact as after dark.

In addition, the Rooftop bar and restaurant are closed (they don't open until 4pm).

Personally, an evening visit makes more sense to me.

Practical tips before visiting

• Some sites claim that the dress code is slightly stricter than at regular prospects, but in reality no one really follows it and no one
• If you are planning a meal, booking ahead is very advisable
• If you're just going for the view, consider arriving outside of the evening rush hour
• Count on the fact that drink and food prices here are the highest in Bangkok

FAQ - Akara SkyHanuman

These are the questions we addressed most before our visit.

Is Akara worth more than Mahanakhon?

It depends on expectations. If you want the highest open view in Bangkok, King Power Mahanakhon is stronger.

If you want evening entertainment, music, themed installations and a combination of bar and view, Akara may be more fun.

Is Akara only suitable for the evening?

Actually, yes. During the day, the bar and restaurant are closed. I think the best experience is at sunset and after dark.

Are all the attractions included in the price of admission?

Basic admission includes access to all the main experience zones and observation decks. Food, drinks and some special packages or themed programs are charged separately.

How much time should I reserve for my visit?

If you have a drink and go through all the zones, allow 1.5-2 hours.

The view itself would take significantly less time, but Akara is not just about the horizon.

Does it make sense to combine Akara with other rooftop bars?

Yes. Thanks to its central location, you can combine Akara with other bars in the Siam or Silom area in one evening.

If you're into world-class views and rooftop spaces, you can experience a similar evening effect at Marina Bay Sands SkyPark in Singapore or Edge at Hudson Yards in New York, for example - just on a different scale.

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