Bangkok is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations and Southeast Asia’s most visited cities. If you come to Southeast Asia, you start in Bangkok! However, Bangkok is not the most aesthetic of cities, with the city being a mixture of skyscrapers and traffic jams, with the occasional tree or temple to brighten up the greyness. It’s also hot all year round, especially at the ground level, to if you want to experience some of the best views of the city, and escape the sometimes 40+ temperatures, you should head up to some of the best rooftop pools in the city.
So Sofitel
One place to escape the busy city below is at the 10th floor of So Sofitel. Located in the heart of the city, between Silom and Sathorn, close to BTS Sala Daeng, the hotel is a living piece of art. Designed by Christian Lacroix, each floor has unique signature touches that bring a fun and artistic essence into the hip hotel. There are four different room concepts and So Sofitel lets guest move to a different one each night if they wish!
The rooftop pool is no exception to this stunning design hotel, with a 32m infinity pool offering views out across the city and over Lumpini Park. The So Sofitel pool has a fun and young atmosphere so wear your best bikini. Music fills up the entire pool area with a variety of house and hip hop music; the pool even has underwater speakers built into it. The pool is best seen at night, as it is lit up with underwater LED lights, making the pool an excellent place for a party. Of course So Sofitel has thought of that and the last Saturday of the month brings some of Bangkok’s prettiest people, who lounge around the pool desk or dance in the water to local house DJ’s. Don’t forget your shades and sarong!
Akyra Thonglor
One of Bangkok’s hippest new hotels, and sister of Akyra Manor Chiang Mai (with an equally impressive rooftop pool), Akyra Thonglor has a great city view of its local area. Slim and sexy the pool is on the 11th floor and has a lounge next to it serving up great cocktails. The pool area consists of the main infinity pool, a Jacuzzi, as well as plenty of space around for lounging. There are chairs with shade located around the entire pool area so you won’t get burnt, and the pool area is never busy so you might end up having the place to yourself.
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
The Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn is located in one of Bangkok’s busiest districts – Sathorn – but that seems to make the pool even more relaxing. The view is incredible, with imposing, oddly shaped skyscrapers popping out over the Bangkok skyline and a raised motorway to the right of the view. The pool is slim and the pool deck has cute hideaways to relax in post-swim. While you can hear the traffic below, its a pleasant adding to the heights of the 14th floor. Slight snacks and drinks can also be served around the pool, and since the rooms are preferred by business travellers , the pool is never full.
Sivatel
The Sivatel Bangkok’s pool is more like a lake than a rooftop pool. One of the lesser known pools, but possibly one of the prettiest, the pool has tree islands and recliners hovering on top of the water. The Sivatel 22m infinity pool also has a great view over the city skyline and is a great place for sunset. The rooftop garden adds to a feeling of having left the busy city and instead entered a relaxing garden. To add to the delight, the pool is actually saltwater, so it’s good for your skin and hair, and feels refreshing even in the heat of the day.
137 Pillars Hotel
Another sister property to a Chiang Mai hotel, the 137 Pillars Hotel has a stunning, sleek pool that covers the entire rooftop! Close to a 360 degree view of the city skyline from the rooftop the infinity (x3) pool is backed up by the 137 Pillars famous green wall – first created in 137 Pillars House in Chiang Mai. A second infinity pool sits on the 27th floor for those afraid of dizzying heights of the main pool. One of Bangkok’s most luxurious hotels, the pool is one of many stunning aspects of this hotel, alongside world class dining at Nimitr restaurant by Chef Nanang Prasetya Aditama, or the decadent suites with unforgettable city views. If you are choosing a hotel based on it’s pool then 137 Pillars Hotel is my personal favourite rooftop pool in Bangkok.
