The most unique skyscrapers in Southeast Asia are all special in their own way. From one-of-a-kind features to stark contrasts in their surroundings, you’d be surprised at what you will find in the region.
Some of these towers are in bustling metropolises while others can be found in unexpected places. Let’s take a look at some of these special skyscrapers and get a better idea of what makes them unique.
The most unique skyscrapers in Southeast Asia
King Power MahaNakhon
Bangkok, Thailand
Height: 314 meters (1,030 feet)
Completed: 2016
King Power MahaNakhon is a Bangkok icon thanks to a unique design – which is supposed to capture the look of pixilation – and multitude of features. These include Thailand’s first Ritz Carlton Residences, an Orient Express hotel and a rooftop observation deck. King Power MahaNakhon is visible throughout Bangkok with its unique façade making it easily recognizable to both locals and visitors alike.
Bitexco Financial Tower
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Height: 262 meters (861 feet)
Completed: 2010
With its unique helipad sticking out like a blossoming lotus bud, Bitexco Financial Tower remains arguably the most recognizable skyscraper in Vietnam even if it is no longer the tallest. The world-famous Carlos Zapata is the architect behind the Bitexco Financial Tower and he designed it in a way he felt captured the energy and aspirations of the Vietnamese public. The majority of the skyscraper holds offices while an observation deck can be found on the 49th floor.
46 Wisma
Jakarta, Indonesia
Height: 261 meters (860 feet)
Completed: 1996
It’s remarkable to think 46 Wisma is almost 25-years old. It remains one of the most iconic buildings in Indonesia thanks to a unique design that looks a bit like a fountain pen depending on who you ask. When 46 Wisma opened in 1996, it was not only the tallest building in Indonesia, but was among the tallest in the entire southern hemisphere although it has since been passed on both fronts.
KOMTAR Tower
Penang, Malaysia
Height: 249 meters (816 feet)
Completed: 1985 (renovated 2015)
The KOMTAR Tower in George Town on the island of Penang is outside the top ten of the tallest buildings in Malaysia and would be dwarfed in Kuala Lumpur. However, it’s not located there. It is in Penang where it has towered over the skyline for decades and remains the tallest building on the island. It is home to government offices in addition to retail space. KOMTAR underwent massive renovations in 2015 that added several new floors which contain the highest glass skywalk in Malaysia along with some other tourist attractions.
Vattanac Capital
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Height: 187 meters (613 feet)
Completed: 2014
Vattanac Capital is the most impressive modern building in Cambodia and has shown just how far the country has developed. The mixed-use development boast Grade A office space in addition to the Rosewood Phnom Penh hotel. The design is claimed to look like a dragon’s back and the building utilizes elements of feng shui and traditional Naga motifs. There is also a unique observation space that extends away from the building to create a dramatic outline.
For more on the most unique skyscrapers in Southeast Asia, checkout our video on YouTube.
