Bangkok Must See: The Deck and the Temple of Dawn

In my previous post I took you to a little coffee shop that overlooks the river and has a majestic view of the Temple of Dawn.  If you aren't too tired after the walk around the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, I suggest you make one more stop before you journey back to rest.  If it's too hot and you have more days, come back another day to visit the Temple of Dawn.  It is indeed beautiful and one that should not be missed.

I wrote about my visit to the Temple of Dawn earlier last year, so check it out if you are interested :) 
( http://havingmetime.wordpress.com/2010/05/14/the-temple-of-dawn/)  It is a beautiful site indeed.

What I didn't mention last year though was this little restaurant right opposite the Temple of Dawn called "The Deck"(which a friend kindly mentioned yesterday :) Thank you.  It is located not too far from Vivi the Coffee Place and it too is part of a boutique hotel called Arun Residence (http://www.arunresidence.com/).  This hotel is so small it has only five bedrooms but it is indeed cosy and cute.  I've never seen the rooms so I can't say how they are, but I have been to the restaurant more than a few times.   They have a stunning view of the temple and it's somewhere I like to take my friends from abroad especially in the evenings or for a few drinks.  It's unique and not like just another hotel bar where people go to "be seen."  Here you go to "see" and to get in touch with your romantic side.  

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy hotel bars, but depending on the mood, the weather, sometimes I just want to be outdoors and at peace.

The food itself I thought was average, but there are a lot of people who like it.  I'm not sure if it's the ambiance that makes it taste good or whether the fact that we are usually quite hungry when we get there.  I suppose you'd have to go taste the food for yourself :)  They serve both thai and western dishes like spaghetti and salads.   They have both indoor and outdoor seating, but the one with the best view is outdoor on the balcony.   There on the second floor you will having dinner opposite the Temple of Dawn with lights shining on all its glory.

Most nights, you'll find couples out for a romantic dinner, but some days (like when I go) it'd be a slightly bigger group of friends out for a good time.  I discovered that its best to make a reservation before going, and if you want to take someone out on a date, make sure you ask for the table on the left of the balcony.  It offers a clearer view of the Temple :)  Oh, beware of mosquitoes.  I get bitten all the time but it doesn't deter me from enjoying my time.

What you shouldn't miss though is the little bar on the third floor.  The stairway up is small and not for those who are scared of heights,  but almost certainly a sound expressing delight will escape from anyone's mouth when they first see the view.  I remember my first climb up.  I didn't expect it to be so beautiful, but there was the temple, right opposite me with nothing but the sky between us. I immediately lost my heart to it.  On a clear evening, it is magical.  The dark sky, the soft sounds of the waves reflecting the light that illuminates the Temple of Dawn give it all a surreal feeling.

There are a few high tables and a little sofa where you can order a few drinks or coffee and just bathe in the glory of the Temple of Dawn.  The view itself is enough to make the trip worthwhile.  I wonder what it was like in the 1800's. Without buildings nor electricity, it must have been a dark and mysterious presence looming over the river.  How I wish I could travel back in time.... Maybe I'll go back for a visit soon if it doesn't get too hot.