Bangkok Day Four: Wat Arun Temple and Coffee With a View at Empire Tower
We started our fourth day in Bangkok at one of the city's most iconic temples: Wat Arun. Later in the day, for a completely different experience, we headed up to the 55th floor of Empire Tower and enjoyed coffee facing the entire Bangkok skyline. This route combined historic charm with modern luxury all in a single day, and I want to share it with you along with the prices and locations.
Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn
Starting the day at Wat Arun, also known as the "Temple of Dawn," was a great idea. The entrance fee is 200 baht, roughly 280 Turkish lira. From the moment you step inside, a completely different atmosphere welcomes you.
The most striking feature of the structure is its exterior. The outside of the temple is entirely covered in Chinese porcelain and seashells. These details only reveal themselves up close, showing just how much effort went into every inch of the walls.
The Mystical Atmosphere of the Morning Sun
The biggest advantage of visiting Wat Arun in the morning is the unique mood created when the morning sun hits the structure. As the sunlight refracts off the porcelain surfaces, the temple practically glows, creating such a mystical atmosphere that we were genuinely amazed by its architecture. I'd recommend going early; the light is far more beautiful, and you get a more peaceful visit away from the crowds.
Empire Tower: A Bangkok View From the 55th Floor
After leaving Wat Arun, we stopped by Empire Tower for a coffee break. Honestly, we expected an ordinary coffee stop, but even the entrance felt incredibly luxurious.
At the door you're welcomed as if you were a very special guest and directed straight to the elevator. The elevator goes up to the 55th floor in one go. Once you reach the top, you get to sip your coffee facing the entire Bangkok skyline. The city's skyscrapers, the river, and the endless silhouette stretch out beneath your feet.
How Much Did This Experience Cost?
The best part was the price. Despite all that luxury and the incredible view, we paid only 140 Turkish lira for the coffee. In other words, for the price of an ordinary chain coffee back in Turkey, we got to enjoy our drink while taking in one of the most beautiful views in Bangkok. These kinds of hidden, affordable luxury spots in Bangkok are truly surprising.
Locations
You can find the Google Maps locations of the two spots we visited below:
- Wat Arun: Google Maps location
- Empire Tower: Google Maps location
Final Thoughts
Our fourth day in Bangkok was a delightful one where we combined the historic, mystical mood of the morning with the modern luxury of the afternoon. Wat Arun's porcelain craftsmanship and the view Empire Tower offers from the 55th floor reminded us once again just how versatile this city is. And we experienced all of it without needing a big budget.
Feel free to ask anything you're curious about in the comments, and I'll do my best to answer. See you at the next stop, take care!