Rama Ix Super Tower

Rama IX Super Tower Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Bangkok Historical Sites Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Bangkok’s skyline is a testament to the city’s ongoing evolution, balancing tradition with modernity. The Rama IX Super Tower—also known as the Grand Rama 9 Tower—was conceived as a visionary skyscraper that would transform not only the Rama 9 district but also the very image of Southeast Asian urbanism. Although the project was cancelled before completion, its ambitious plans catalyzed significant urban renewal and left a lasting impression on Bangkok’s development narrative. This guide explores the history, design, and intended visitor experience of the Rama IX Super Tower, as well as practical information for exploring the thriving Rama 9 district and its main attractions.

Introduction
Vision and Ambition: The Genesis of Rama IX Super Tower
Planning and Design: Architectural and Functional Highlights
The Grand Rama 9 Megaproject: Context and Synergy
Economic and Cultural Significance
Challenges and Project Cancellation
Legacy and Current Status
Visiting the Rama 9 District Today
Timeline of Key Events
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
Call to Action
Detailed Visitor Guide: Planned Features and Surrounding Attractions
Practical Tips for Visitors
Summary of Key Information
References and Useful Links

Vision and Ambition: The Genesis of Rama IX Super Tower

Announced by Grand Canal Land (G Land), the Rama IX Super Tower was positioned as the anchor of the Grand Rama 9 megaproject—a 1.2-million-square-meter commercial district designed to reposition Rama 9 as Bangkok’s new financial hub (MultiHousing News). With 125 stories and a planned height of 615 meters, the tower would have become the tallest in Southeast Asia, surpassing even the Petronas Towers and standing among the tallest structures worldwide (A49 Architects).

The project was conceived as a symbol of Thailand’s economic ambition, technical prowess, and cultural pride. Its design was intended to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) by integrating traditional Thai motifs and aiming for LEED Platinum sustainability certification (Bangkok Post; Architects 49).

Planning and Design: Architectural and Functional Highlights

Design Elements:

Mixed-use spaces: 90,000 sq. meters of office space, a six-star hotel (260 rooms), convention center, retail outlets, and serviced apartments.
Observation deck & rooftop gardens: A planned enclosed observation deck over 580 meters above ground would have ranked among the world’s highest, offering panoramic city views. Rooftop gardens were intended to provide tranquil green spaces (thetowerinfo.com).
Sustainability: LEED Platinum certification was targeted, with energy-efficient facades, water recycling, and advanced waste management (A49 Architects).
Accessibility: Direct connection to MRT Phra Ram 9, a major expressway, and planned private access roads.

The Grand Rama 9 Megaproject: Context and Synergy

The Rama IX Super Tower was to be the centerpiece of a wider development including G-Land Tower, The 9th Towers, Belle Grand Rama 9, Central Plaza Grand Rama 9, and The Shoppes at Corridor (MultiHousing News). This synergy was designed to create a vibrant, integrated business, retail, and lifestyle district, strategically located at the intersection of Ratchadapisek and Rama IX Road (Invest Bangkok Property).

Economic and Cultural Significance

The announcement of the Super Tower drove a surge in property values and business activity in Rama 9, fueling the district’s transformation into a commercial and financial hotspot even before the project broke ground. The tower was also conceived as a symbol of modern Thailand, blending innovation with respect for tradition (Invest Bangkok Property; A49 Architects).

Challenges and Project Cancellation

Despite its promise, the project faced daunting financial challenges—an estimated budget of 18 billion baht (about USD 500 million)—and was ultimately cancelled, largely due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (MultiHousing News). The cancellation was confirmed in the early 2020s, and the site was earmarked for smaller-scale development (SkyscraperCity).

Legacy and Current Status

Although the Rama IX Super Tower was never built, its announcement accelerated the district’s urban renewal. Rama 9 is now a major commercial and residential area, featuring Central Plaza Grand Rama 9, G Tower, the Stock Exchange of Thailand’s headquarters, and a vibrant nightlife and dining scene (Invest Bangkok Property).

Visiting the Rama 9 District Today

The Rama IX Super Tower was never constructed, so there are no visiting hours or tickets. However, the district’s major attractions are thriving:

Central Plaza Grand Rama 9: Major shopping mall with retail, dining, and entertainment.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand: A modern financial landmark.
Rama 9 Park: Urban green space for relaxation.
Jodd Fairs Night Market: Popular for street food and local culture.
Thailand Cultural Centre: Major performing arts venue.

All are easily accessed via the MRT Phra Ram 9 station.

Timeline of Key Events

2014–2015: Project announced as centerpiece of Grand Rama 9 megaproject (MultiHousing News).
2016–2019: Design and planning progress.
2020: Economic and pandemic-related delays.
2021–2022: Official cancellation; shift to smaller-scale development (SkyscraperCity; Invest Bangkok Property).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit the Rama IX Super Tower?
A: No, the tower was cancelled and never built (wikipedia.org).

Q: What can I do in the Rama 9 district?
A: Visit Central Plaza Grand Rama 9, Rama 9 Park, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Jodd Fairs Night Market, and Thailand Cultural Centre.

Q: How do I get to Rama 9?
A: The MRT Phra Ram 9 station provides fast, direct access.

Q: Why was the project cancelled?
A: High construction costs and the economic impact of COVID-19.

Q: What is the legacy of the Super Tower?
A: Accelerated urban renewal and commercial transformation in the Rama 9 district.

Detailed Visitor Guide: Planned Features and Surrounding Attractions

Location and Accessibility

The tower was to be located in the heart of the Rama 9 CBD, adjacent to CentralPlaza Grand Rama 9 and near the MRT Phra Ram 9 station, with expressway and planned private road access (thetowerinfo.com; thailandlog.com).

Planned Visitor Facilities

Observation deck & rooftop garden: 360-degree views and a green oasis above the city (thetowerinfo.com).
Retail & dining: Multiple levels of shops and restaurants.
Convention center: Designed for international events.
Mixed-use amenities: Office, hotel, serviced apartments, and 24-hour office spaces (a49.com).

Architectural and Environmental Features

LEED Platinum target: Energy-efficient glazing, recycling, and extensive green spaces (thetowerinfo.com).
High-speed elevators: For efficient visitor movement.
Universal accessibility: Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Getting There

MRT: Phra Ram 9 station (Blue Line) is the main access point.
Car/taxi: Expressway access and planned private roads for parking and drop-off.

Nearby Attractions

CentralPlaza Grand Rama 9: Shopping and dining (10 AM–10 PM).
The Esplanade: Shopping and entertainment.
Jodd Fairs Night Market: Open evenings (5 PM–midnight).
Thailand Cultural Centre: Performing arts.

Payment & Currency

Cards accepted at malls and larger venues; carry Baht for markets (asiahighlights.com).

Dress Code & Comfort

Modest attire for temples; comfortable shoes for walking.
Dress for hot, humid weather.

Health & Safety

Drink bottled water; be cautious with street food (thailandawaits.com).

Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi in major venues; tourist SIMs at airport and 7-Eleven (asiahighlights.com).

Tipping

10% for upscale services is appreciated but not required.

Summary of Key Information

The Rama IX Super Tower remains a symbol of Bangkok’s ambitions for sustainable, world-class urban development. Though never built, its influence helped catalyze the transformation of the Rama 9 district into a modern business and lifestyle hub (Invest Bangkok Property; MultiHousing News). Today, visitors can experience the area’s vibrancy through shopping, culture, green spaces, and night markets—all accessible by MRT (thetowerinfo.com; trek.zone). The tower’s story offers insight into Bangkok’s dynamic growth and its ongoing journey toward architectural excellence (CBRE Thailand; Bangkok Post).