Top 10 Tallest Buildings in Southeast Asia in 2018

The Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower is a multi-use complex featuring a shopping mall, residential apartments, and office spaces, developed by the South Korean Keangnam Group. Construction began on August 25, 2007, and the project was completed in 2011, consisting of two 50-story residential buildings and a 72-story tower standing at 336 meters tall. Once the tallest building in Vietnam from 2011 to 2018, it was overtaken by The Landmark 81. Covering a total area of 609,673 square meters, the complex offers a wide range of amenities, making it a microcosm of Hanoi itself. The world-renowned Intercontinental Hotel, occupying floors 62 to 70, opened in September 2017, further enhancing the tower’s prestige. Located on Pham Hung Street in Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi, the tower symbolizes Hanoi's economic growth during its period of modernization and reflects the increasing demand for high-end shopping and services in the city.

Standing at 318 meters with 66 floors, the Federal Land Tower (also known as Grand Hyatt) is a mixed-use skyscraper located in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila. Completed in 2017, it is the tallest building in Bonifacio Global City and the tallest in the Philippines. The tower is part of the Grand Central Park complex by Federal Land, which includes the Metrobank financial center and a 461-room hotel. It also features three top-tier restaurants: The Grand Kitchen, number 8 China House, and The Peak, along with meeting and event spaces totaling 2,281 square meters.

MahaNakhon, the tallest skyscraper in Thailand, features shopping malls, office spaces, apartments, restaurants, and bars. The building's design is inspired by the concepts of imperfection and deconstruction, possibly reflecting the idea that nothing is truly perfect, or simply aiming to stand out among the multitude of modern skyscrapers. Standing at 314 meters with 77 floors, MahaNakhon is located in the heart of Bangkok. Construction began on June 20, 2011, with completion in April 2016, and it was officially opened on August 29, 2016. The tower spans 150,000 square meters of floor space. With its unique and unconventional design, it has become one of the most popular 'check-in' spots in the area. When you see the night-time images of MahaNakhon, you’ll understand why it’s so 'hot' and famous.

Gama Tower, formerly known as Cemindo Tower, is a striking skyscraper located on Jalan H R Rasuna Said in South Jakarta, Indonesia. During its construction, it was referred to as Rasuna and Cemindo, but upon completion, it was officially named Gama. Currently, it is the tallest building in Indonesia and ranks as the 74th tallest building globally, standing at 310 meters with 69 floors. The tower is a mixed-use complex, housing both office spaces and a hotel. Construction began in 2011, and the building was completed in 2015, with its grand opening in August 2016. Designed with luxury office spaces and a focus on green building practices, Gama Tower is a notable example of sustainable development in Jakarta.

Telekom Tower, also known as Menara TM, is another iconic structure located in the southwest of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Standing at 310 meters, the tower is on par with Gama Tower in height but has fewer floors, totaling 55. The construction began in 1988 and was completed in 2001. It serves as the headquarters for Telekom Malaysia and was designed by Hijjas Kasturi Associates, with its shape inspired by the young bamboo shoot. The tower also features a 2,500-seat auditorium, a prayer room for Muslims, and a sports complex. A unique feature of the building is its 22 open-air gardens, offering a green escape amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.

Standing at 304 meters and with 85 floors, Baiyoke Tower II is the second tallest building in Thailand, located on Ratchaprarop Road in the Ratchathewi district of Bangkok. This tower houses the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, the tallest hotel in Southeast Asia, and the third tallest hotel structure in the world, with 673 rooms. Completed in 1997, the tower is known for its transparent elevators and even features a golf course. It’s a must-visit destination in Thailand, offering panoramic views and renowned high-rise restaurants where you can enjoy a meal while watching the sunset.

The tallest building in Singapore, Tanjong Pagar Centre stands at 290 meters and features 64 floors. Construction began in 2013 and completed in 2016, with a total floor area of 158,000m². This iconic building houses hotels, a shopping mall, office spaces, and residential units. It has earned multiple accolades, including being a finalist at the World Architecture Festival’s “Future Project” category in 2014 and receiving the WAN AWARD 2014. Tanjong Pagar Centre integrates advanced technologies, such as photovoltaic glass that converts sunlight into energy, helping the building achieve Greenmark and LEED Platinum certifications. With its striking design, cutting-edge technology, and prime location, it's a must-see landmark when visiting Singapore.

Currently, The Landmark 81 is the tallest building in Southeast Asia, boasting 81 floors above ground and 3 basement levels. Situated in the Vinhomes Tan Cang project, a Vingroup development, the tower covers a massive area of 241,000m² and includes luxury apartments, office spaces, and integrated commercial zones. The construction began on July 26, 2014, with a budget of 30,000 billion VND. The final spire was completed on April 9, 2018, reaching a height of 461.5 meters, making it the tallest building in Southeast Asia, surpassing the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia, which held the record for 20 years. Landmark 81 has set numerous records in Vietnam, including the tallest apartment, the best panoramic infinity pool, the highest observation deck, and the largest indoor ice rink, making it a symbol of quality real estate and modern construction. The tower’s design was inspired by the traditional Vietnamese bamboo bundle, symbolizing unity and resilience in overcoming challenges. Located along the Saigon River in the Vinhomes Central Park district, Bình Thạnh, Ho Chi Minh City, it is a remarkable addition to the city’s skyline.

The Petronas Towers, a pair of iconic skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, stand at 452 meters tall with 88 floors. From 1998 to 2004, they held the title of the tallest buildings in the world. Today, they rank as the second tallest in Southeast Asia, just behind The Landmark 81 in Vietnam. Construction began on March 1, 1993, and completed on March 1, 1996. The towers feature a shopping center, an art gallery, an underwater aquarium, and a science museum. Tower 1 primarily houses the offices of Petronas, the state-owned oil company, while Tower 2 is occupied by various businesses. Not only are the Petronas Towers the tallest in Malaysia, but they are also a symbol of the country, renowned for their unique architectural design.

Taking the third spot is another remarkable structure from Malaysia, the Four Seasons Place Kuala Lumpur. This mixed-use development includes a shopping mall, hotel, and residential apartments. Located near the iconic Petronas Towers, it offers a striking skyline view. The hotel within this building ranks as the second tallest in the world, just behind the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai.

Construction began in 2013 and was completed in 2018, reaching a height of 343 meters with 65 floors. As Kuala Lumpur continues to see new skyscrapers and upcoming supertall buildings, the city is increasingly becoming a Southeast Asian version of China’s skyline.