We’ve traveled to over 30 countries around the world, and while many places have some unusual buildings, it’s Thailand, and specifically Bangkok, that has some of the most unusual and weird ones. We’ll add to this list if we come across any others.
The Robot Building
The Robot Building is one of my favorite buildings in Bangkok, as it reminds me of playing Space Invaders in my youth. The building was designed for the Bank of Asia by Sumet Jumsai to reflect the computerization of banking. It’s now the Bangkok headquarters of United Overseas Bank (UOB).
The BTS passes right in front of the building, so it spoils the view. But above you can see the top half of the building from across the street. You can also see the BTS track in front of it. A funny thing is that the “eyes” have eyelashes.
Location: UOB, 191 South Sathorn Road
Nearest BTS: Suksa Wittaya (opening 2018); Currently between Surasak and Chong Nonsi BTS stations.
Sathorn Unique (The Ghost Tower)
Sathorn Unique has been used for large banner advertising for many years, but recently one of the banners caught fire. You can see the huge burnt are at the front of the building in the above image. This is the view from the bridge that crosses the Chao Phraya River.
This is the view from the small park across the road from the building.
Location: Charoenkrung Road (near Saphan Taksin BTS)
Nearest BTS: Saphan Taksin
The Boat Temple
This boat-shaped temple is just across the road from Sathorn Unique (mentioned above). Wat Yannawa is a very popular temple for Thai people, and they hold the annual Loy Krathong Festival here.
Location: Charoenkrung Road (near Saphan Taksin BTS)
Nearest BTS: Saphan Taksin
Maha Nakhon
Maha Nakhon was completed in 2016, although it won’t be fully open until 2018. It’s now Bangkok’s tallest building. I love the unique, pixelated design.
When the building was completed there was a light show, but the weather was not great, and so the image above doesn’t really do it justice. But there will be future light shows from time to time.
Above is the view from the front of W Hotel, next to Sathorn Square.
Location: Next to Chong Nonsi BTS station
Nearest BTS: Chong Nonsi
The Elephant Building
The Elephant Building (or Chang Building) is one of the most well-know buildings in Bangkok. In 2013, CNNGo ranked the building number five in a list of 25 Great Skyscrapers. It has 32 floors and is 102 meters high. It was completed in 1997.
Location: Paholyothin Road and Ratchadaphisek Road
Nearest MRT: Phahon Yothin (about 1.5 km away)
The Lego Building
I’ve walked passed this building many times, and always thought that the design was a little odd. I don’t know anything about it, apart from the fact that it’s a branch of Krungsri Bank. It’s next to Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom Hotel.
Location: 318 Silom Road
Nearest BTS: Surasak