So you’ve found yourself in Bangkok, the city of angels, broken dreams and epic sunsets.
Bangkok is one of the most captivating cities in Thailand, a country known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Watching the sunset in Bangkok is among the most rewarding free activities you can enjoy in the city, providing a serene and sometimes even romantic moment.
But where are the top locations to watch a sunset in Bangkok?
You might have seen some of the captivating photographs of Bangkok’s sunsets on Instagram and perhaps are eager to capture your own shots. However, to take the perfect sunset picture, you need to locate the ideal viewpoint first.
Well, the good news is that Bangkok has heaps of spots to catch the sunset from! I’ve been living on and off in the city for over two years now, and I’ve managed to check out all these places myself. And now I’m keen to spill the beans and share with you my favourite locations to watch the sunset in Bangkok.
When Does The Sun Set in Bangkok
If you want to catch a breathtaking sunset in Bangkok, it’s crucial to time it right. There’s no use going to a rooftop bar to watch the sunset if it’s already dark by the time you get there.
The sun typically sets in Bangkok sometime between 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm, but the exact time varies depending on the time of year. You can use this helpful tool to find out the precise sunset time on any given day or take a quick look at the table below for a rough estimate.
Sunset Times in Bangkok
| Month | Sunset Time |
| January | 6:00 PM |
| February | 6:17 PM |
| March | 6:26 PM |
| April | 6:29 PM |
| May | 6:33 PM |
| June | 6:42 PM |
| July | 6:50 PM |
| August | 6:46 PM |
| September | 6:29 PM |
| October | 6:08 PM |
| November | 5:50 PM |
| December | 5:48 PM |
Once you’ve figured out what time the sun sets based on the month you’re visiting Bangkok, it’s time to find the ultimate spot to watch it from. Here are some of my favourite places to catch the sunset in Bangkok.
While some of these spots may be more crowded than others, they’re all equally awe-inspiring. It’s best to arrive early to secure a prime seat before others arrive. So here is the list of the best spots to watch a sunset from in Bangkok. I’ve picked out my seven favourite Bangkok sunset locations for this post, which are listed in order of preference. Enjoy!
Wat Arun Temple: (Temple of The Dawn)
Wat Arun is also known as ‘the Temple of Dawn’. It’s easily my favourite temple in Bangkok and the location on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River makes it an awesome spot to watch a sunset from in Bangkok.
Its distinctive design features a central prang surrounded by four smaller ones, all adorned with intricate carvings, colourful glass, and Chinese porcelain. It’s a must-visit attraction in Bangkok even if you can’t make it for the sunset!
There are a few vantage points to watch the sunset at Wat Arun Temple the first is to scale to the top of the temple. Steep staircases lead up to a viewing platform which circles the structure. But be prepared to deal with crowds here.
For a more chilled-out sunset spot at Wat Arun in Bangkok there is a small garden next to the river and in between the two piers. You can sit on this grass area and with views of the Wat Arun Temple, you can see the sun setting behind.
Chao Phraya Boat Cruise at Sunset
When most people think of places to watch the sunset in Bangkok, they will envision Sky Bars, Sky Scrappers and rooftops. The Chao Phraya River doesn’t often come to mind. But it’s actually a beautiful place to watch the sunset from. You can book a Chao Phraya River Cruise as a relatively inexpensive activity.
The Chao Phraya River Boats will leave from Asiatique the Riverfront and sail up and down the river- dinner is often included from the buffet on board the ship and you’ll see the sun setting over the horizon. You’ll also have views of Wat Arun from the river!
Book a Chao Phraya Sunset Cruise Here | Read More about the Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise
Sala Rattanakosin Riverside Hotel
The Sala Rattanjonsin is a Hotel on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River and it’s an excellent spot to watch a Bangkok Sunset. Guests at the hotel have epic views of the river and the Bangkok Sunset. But for the best views, you’ll want to head up to the Roof Top Bar.
The Sala Rattanakosin rooftop is open to the public without reservation and opens daily at 4:00 PM.
This is not a cheap place to watch the sunset by any means. You’re paying for the location, service and epic sunset view more than anything else. You’ll be expected to buy drinks from the bar where beers start at 295 Thai Baht and cocktails average 500 Baht. Download the drinks menu right here.
If you want to spend the night at the Sala Rattanakosin Riverside, (which I highly recommend) you can check the prices and availability here.
Lebua Rooftop Bar
You might have heard about the Lebua State Tower before, it’s become a famous location after being used as a film set for the Hangover Part 2. The Rooftop bar is open to the public without any admission costs. Drinks on the other hand are expensive, around 1,000 Baht. But it is a scenic spot with city views and a nice atmosphere set by the resident house band. One of the most popular place to catch a Sunset from in Bangkok.
Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park is one of my favourite places in the city of Bangkok to just chill out for an afternoon. Lumpini is also an awesome place to watch the sunset in Bangkok from! And the best thing about Lumpini Park in Bangkok is that it is totally free to enter.
Besides the park being totally free for all. There are far fewer crowds than you would find at the other Bangkok Sunset Spots. You’ll have your own space and it’s much more peaceful that the rooftop bars which draw larger crowds.
Sit on one of the many benches surrounding the Lake or roll out a mat and sit on the grass. The park is open until late so you can chill in Lumpini long after the sun goes down.
Want to know more about Lumpini Park in Bangkok, including how to get there; then check out my full guide to Lumpini Park.
Golden Mount Temple Sunset Point
Temples are what Bangkok is most famous for. I already mentioned that Wat Arun is an excellent place to watch a sunset in Bangkok but the Golden Mount Temple is equally as stunning.
There are three hundred and forty-four steps to reach the top of this Temple so you get a pretty good vantage point of the city! At the top of the Golden Mount Temple, you’ll experience the serenity of Thailand’s Buddhist culture in full force. It’s pure bliss and one of the most relaxing places to watch a sunset in Bangkok.
Watch as the sun slowly sets over the city skyline, the temple takes on a golden hue, creating a breathtaking sight. The serene atmosphere and tranquil surroundings make it the perfect place to unwind and reflect.
The Mahanakhon: Bangkok’s Tallest Building
I had to include the Maha Nahkon Building on my list of best places to watch the sunset in Bangkok because the views from here are epic. It’s the tallest building in the city and with the highest vantage point you can see over the tops of all other buildings.
But however cool this building is. it’s last on the list of Bangkok Sunset Spots for one reason- the uncontrolled crowds. The sunset is only nice if you can actually see it- but at the Maha Nakhon, it can difficult to push your way through the hoards of people to even get a glimpse of the sunset. Visit here with this information in mind.
Read my Full Guide to the Maha Nakhon Bangkok SkyWalk right here if you want to know more about what to expect at sunset time here. Or if you want to chance it you can book tickets online to save yourself 5%.
