Ayatana Charoenkrung: A Coffee Shop with Oriental Aesthetics in French Architecture

This quiet and clean coffee shop near Bangkok's Chinatown offers a unique experience. With every purchase, the shop donates 1 Thai Baht to charity. Customers receive a coin upon ordering, which they can place into a black box on the wall, labeled with groups in need of assistance. Ayatana Charoenkrung stands out among Bangkok's coffee shops. Unlike the typical nature-inspired or eco-themed designs, this shop emphasizes a sense of quality. From the intricate carvings on the glass door frames to the floral arrangements and art installations, the space reflects a blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics. Interestingly, the Eastern influence leans more towards East Asian rather than Southeast Asian, as seen in the floral arrangements and tea set displays. Even the recommended drink was matcha. The decor features Japanese-style wooden benches, warm-toned walls, artistic pendant lights, and green plants in the corners. The most eye-catching element is the installation of floating balloons, making it a highly photogenic spot. The menu highlights specialty drinks and desserts. The non-alcoholic Pina Colada, made with coffee and pineapple juice, is refreshing and thirst-quenching. The Banoffee Tart, topped with caramelized bananas, has a perfectly balanced sweetness. Desserts are freshly made upon order, rather than taken from a display case, which is a big plus. Photography Spot: If you're a photography enthusiast, this is a perfect place to capture stunning shots. The decor and natural light streaming through the windows make it easy to create Instagram-worthy photos. Ayatana Charoenkrung Location: 267 ถ. เจริญกรุง Ban Bat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100 How to get there: Take the Blue Line MRT to Sam Yot station, exit 1, and walk 9 minutes following navigation.