Baiyoke Sky Hotel 82nd Floor with Crystal Grill Buffet | Bangkok

If you’re eyeing a meal with a view in Bangkok, the Baiyoke Sky Hotel’s Crystal Grill Buffet might seem like a tempting choice. Sitting atop one of the city’s tallest buildings, this experience promises panoramic vistas alongside a menu packed with seafood, meats, and international favorites.

But does it live up to those lofty expectations? We’ve taken a detailed look at what travelers can expect, the pros and cons, and whether this experience is worth your time and money.

What draws many visitors to this experience are the breathtaking 360-degree views of Bangkok from the 84th-floor observation deck and the opportunity to indulge in a buffet featuring Wagyu beef, sashimi, and grilled river prawns. These highlights make it a popular choice for those wanting a memorable meal combined with sightseeing.

On the other hand, some reviews hint that the food quality and selection might fall short of expectations, especially considering the price. The experience can feel a bit overrated if you’re expecting a top-tier buffet, and the limited seafood variety has been a point of disappointment for some. This contrast means potential diners should weigh their priorities carefully.

This tour works best for food lovers wanting skyline views and those seeking a quick, convenient sightseeing combo. If you’re after an authentic local experience or a culinary adventure, it might be worth exploring other options. But if a panoramic meal with a view sounds appealing, this could still be worth considering.

Key Points

• Panoramic views from the 84th floor observation deck are a major highlight.
• The buffet offers a variety of international dishes, including seafood, meats, and dim sum.
• Food quality and selection have received mixed reviews; some find it underwhelming.
• Pricing at $35 per person includes access to the observation deck and buffet.
• Group size is limited to 40, providing a more intimate experience.
• The experience is best suited for those interested in the combination of dining and sightseeing.

What to Expect When Visiting Baiyoke Sky Hotel’s Crystal Grill Buffet

As you plan your visit, it’s good to understand how the experience is structured. You’ll start by heading to the 82nd floor, where the Crystal Grill Buffet awaits. Here, the focus is on a luxurious dining environment with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Bangkok skyline. The setting is elegant but not overly formal, making it suitable for both romantic dinners and family outings.

The buffet itself is robust, featuring both local and international dishes. The dinner buffet is particularly noted for its imported Wagyu and Angus steaks, grilled river prawn, dim sum, sashimi, and seafood. The lunch option emphasizes grilled or parboiled seafood, sushi, and the signature Baiyoke dishes, including seafood in steamed egg and Nam Tok Shabu with premium beef and pork. Both meals aim to offer an all-you-can-eat experience with a focus on quality ingredients.

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, the highlight is heading up to the 84th-floor observation deck, which is included in the ticket price. The 360-degree views provide a stunning backdrop for photos, with daylight offering a different perspective compared to the glittering city lights at night. Many find this part of the experience genuinely memorable, especially as Bangkok sprawls out in all directions.

The Dining Experience: Pros and Cons

The buffet highlights are undoubtedly the seafood selections. During dinner, you can expect imported Wagyu and Angus steaks, grilled river prawns, and sashimi, along with dim sum and grilled seafood. The lunch offers similar options, emphasizing seafood in steamed egg, sushi, and Baiyoke’s signature dishes.

The indoor setting is described as elegant, with the city lights providing a lovely backdrop for evening diners. The complimentary drink at the rooftop bar adds a nice touch, especially if you arrive early or linger for a drink after your meal.

However, the mixed reviews about food quality and variety are worth noting. One reviewer found the seafood selection minimal, with the best item being the grilled river prawns. They also noted that they didn’t offer regular crabs, only flower crabs, which could be disappointing to seafood enthusiasts. Another comment mentioned that the sashimi selection was “acceptable” but not exceptional, hinting at a buffet that might not satisfy those looking for gourmet standards.

The value of this experience hinges on your expectations. At $35 per person, you’re paying for the view and the convenience more than a gourmet feast. If you’re looking for a high-end culinary adventure, you might find the buffet’s quality lacking. But if you value stunning vistas combined with a substantial, varied meal, it could still be fun.

The Observation Deck: A Must-See

The 84th-floor observation deck is arguably the most memorable part of the experience, offering breathtaking city views in daylight and at night. Many visitors appreciate the clear panoramic perspectives of Bangkok’s skyline, with some noting that it’s a great spot for photos.

Access to the revolving viewpoint on the 77th floor is also included, providing additional vantage points. The ticket includes free access to these observation areas, which is a significant bonus considering the cost of similar attractions elsewhere.

Reviewers have expressed that the views are worth the trip, especially if you’re keen on photography or simply want to see the city from above. Just remember that re-entry isn’t allowed, so plan your visit accordingly.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Timing: The tour lasts about 1 day and 7 hours, so plan your day accordingly. Dinner reservations are best scheduled around sunset for a truly magical experience.
• Group size: Limited to 40 travelers, which helps keep the atmosphere manageable but means booking in advance is recommended.
• Weather considerations: Since the experience depends on clear views, bad weather might lead to cancellations or less impressive scenery.
• Children: Free for kids 79cm or below, making it family-friendly.
• Dress code: Casual but neat attire is suitable; no need for formal wear.
• Additional costs: Other personal expenses are not included, so bring cash or cards for souvenirs or additional drinks.
• Re-entry: Not permitted once you leave the venue, so enjoy your time thoroughly.

Review Summary: Is It Worth It?

For travelers who dream of dining high above Bangkok with stunning cityscape views, the Baiyoke Sky Hotel buffet offers a convenient and memorable experience. The view alone justifies many visits, and the buffet’s diverse selection can satisfy a range of tastes.

However, the food quality and variety seem to fall short of high expectations, with some guests feeling disappointed by the limited seafood options and the overall buffet quality. It’s important to set realistic expectations: this isn’t a gourmet feast but rather a value-packed combo of skyline sightseeing and buffet dining.

This experience is best suited for those interested in panoramic vistas combined with a substantial, if not gourmet, meal. It’s an excellent choice for families, first-time visitors, or those wanting a quick cultural snapshot of Bangkok’s height and culinary offerings.

On the flip side, if you’re a culinary connoisseur or craving an authentic local experience, you might want to explore other venues or street-food adventures.

FAQs

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, children under 79cm tall can attend for free, making it accessible for families.

Does the ticket include access to the observation deck?
Yes, your ticket grants access to the 84th-floor observation deck and the 77th-floor revolving viewpoint.

How long does the whole experience last?
It’s approximately 1 day and 7 hours, including dining and sightseeing time.

Can I visit the observation deck separately from the buffet?
The ticket includes both, but re-entry is not allowed once you leave, so plan accordingly.

What is included in the buffet?
The buffet features seafood, meats, dim sum, sashimi, and international dishes. Dinner highlights include Wagyu, river prawns, and grilled seafood.

Is the buffet worth the price?
It depends on your expectations. The key value is the spectacular view, but some find the food quality and variety less impressive for the cost.

Are there any extra charges I should know about?
Other than the buffet and view access, personal expenses such as souvenirs or drinks are not included.

Can I make reservations in advance?
Yes, booking about 20 days ahead is common, and space is limited to about 40 travelers.

What should I wear?
Casual, neat attire is fine—no need for formal dressing.

To sum it up, the Baiyoke Sky Hotel’s buffet and view experience offers a unique opportunity to enjoy Bangkok from above, with delicious food and stunning vistas. While it may not satisfy those seeking top-tier gourmet cuisine, it provides a fun, memorable combination of sightseeing and dining. Planning carefully around your expectations and weather will help ensure you get the most out of your visit.