Ghost Towers of Bangkok – Abandoned Buildings – Photo Friday

Bangkok - abandoned buildings can be fun

When you think of “adventure travel”, do you imagine mountain climbing, crossing deserts, trekking through jungles, and things of that nature? Abandoned buildings, and skyscrapers in particular, can be just as adventurous, every bit as beautiful, and perhaps even more thought-provoking.

One of the many downsides is that this kind of exploration is illegal, and very dangerous. Definitely a demanding environment in every way, including photographically. In every major city on earth lie a vast number of abandoned buildings, but in Bangkok, the Asian Financial crisis of 1997 resulted in abandoned skyscrapers. Unfinished “ghost towers”, often a tangle of rusted steel and cancer ridden concrete, can be seen in various neighbourhoods around Bangkok.

Older ruins like Angkor Wat, the Acropolis, the Great Wall of China, and Borobudur, are an incredible testament to by-gone era. However, it is the ruins of the 20th century that hold a special appeal to me. Industrial sites, hospitals, universities, stadiums, and more, have been abandoned, forgotten, and left to rot. Photographers the world over treasure these locations for the untouched layers of spectacular patina. Yet, despite being right under our noses, most abandoned buildings remain mysterious and off-limits.

I climbed to the top of this skyscraper. Bagged the summit, as the mountaineers say. Plus, bagged a few more while I was in Bangkok. Next week, I will have an article about tips and details on exploring these type of sites around the world. First tip: elevators don’t work in abandoned buildings.

Nate.

PS, this Sunday, I will be travelling to Hong Kong.

PPS, UPDATE: more abandoned buildingshere.

BTW, I would love to send you the next dispatch, posted from some-where random around this planet (and you'll soon find out why YOMADIC email followers are my favourite followers):

9 thoughts on “Ghost Towers of Bangkok – Abandoned Buildings – Photo Friday

  1. Interesting – I’ve never thought to climb an abandoned building – don’t you worry about the stability of the floors? Or are they not that old?

  2. My goodness…I would never have thought to do this! As the more mature person here…. BE CAREFUL but…look forward to hearing and seeing more…

  3. Found this building today. Some french guys approached me and asked if i wanted to join him and some spaniards for a late night climb to the top and told me of the elevator shaft climb. Wa so shattered as i had to fly out back home to australia. Really makes me want to make bangkok my next travel destination to do some exploring.. (Have been travelling with the gf an she is really not keen on me venturing to these types of things especially abroad and especially alone, had to get a “day pass” just to check out this building!) Or can you recommend a better city to explore?

    1. Hey Alex… yes, I’ve been in contact with a few people about this building, sounds like it’s much more secure than it was before. Sad you didn’t get to explore it further! Bangkok is pretty good for urbex, but a lot of the buildings are either finally being completed, or inaccessible for one reason or another. Best place I have ever been for this sort of thing, very recently, is Bulgaria. Put this one on your map: http://www.yomadic.com/communist-architecture-buzludzha-bulgaria/

      Once you get to Bulgaria, it’s pretty cheap – similar to Thailand. All the best mate, from one Aussie to another.

      Nate.

  4. I m in Bangkok until May 2nd and looking to climb Ghost tower before I leave, either tomorrow 28th or this weekend. Anyone up for coming wth me?

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