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Famous as a paradise for tourism, food, and shopping in Asia, Thailand, the "Land of Golden Temples," not only boasts many distinctive dishes but is also home to cafes that impress with their unique creativity. Unlike the familiar cafes on buses, the experience of enjoying drinks inside retired airplanes in Thailand has recently attracted the attention of the travel community, especially during a time when the pandemic has kept almost everyone confined to their homes.
331 Station (Coffee War)
331 Station (or Coffee War) is located on Sukhumvit Road, Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri Province, about an hour's drive from Bangkok. The cafe is actually two decommissioned commercial aircraft that have been renovated into a unique coffee space. Opened a year ago, the site was previously used as an aircraft hangar. Now, passengers of the two A330s and L10-11s, instead of enjoying a scenic flight, can take photos and sip drinks. This unique concept has made a strong impression on Thai youth since its launch and remains a popular destination for tourists worldwide.
The aircraft's interior remains unchanged. The characteristic airplane seats are still there, except for the addition of a table in front for drinks. Passengers can choose from economy to business class seats, then head to the bar to order drinks. Many passengers even get to explore the cockpit on their own, something they can't do on regular flights. Beyond the interior of the airplane cafe, 331 Station also features other aircraft and several cars, resembling a miniature military base.
747 Cafe
It's not every day you get to have lunch on an airplane, but that's exactly what you can experience at the 747 Cafe. Although Boeing announced the end of production of the Boeing 747 earlier this year, the airline's iconic aircraft still holds a glorious place at the 747 Cafe, located in a field in the Lat Krabang district of Bangkok.
Inside a fully equipped airplane with a cockpit and empty jet engines, visitors can freely explore and take photos. The cafe's menu is quite extensive, featuring a variety of drinks such as Italian teas and coffee beans roasted right in Chiang Rai province, supporting and showcasing local farmers' produce.
You're sure to have an exciting experience being greeted by flight attendants and pilots, and even using a realistic-looking airline ticket (actually a drink receipt), giving you the feeling of actually being on a flight in the sky.
Na-Oh Bangkok
Na-Oh Bangkok restaurant is located inside a large, silver Lockheed L-1011 aircraft in the heart of the Changchui complex in Bangkok. However, Na-Oh is not simply a restaurant serving pastries, food, and drinks on an airplane; it's a "futuristic dining establishment that promotes culinary and cultural innovation." Despite its elegant and luxurious design, the food is not expensive. The restaurant is open weekdays from 6 PM to 10 PM (except Wednesdays).
Niagara N Garden
Niagara N Garden is a newly opened airplane-themed cafe in Nakhon Pathom, a central province of Thailand. It's not just one airplane; the spacious grounds feature three airplanes and a coast guard patrol boat, along with a lush garden with a pond, pine trees, and a cascading waterfall wall.
Visitors can try walking on the airplane wing, enjoy drinks both indoors and outdoors, admire the 50-meter-high artificial Niagara Falls, the largest waterfall on the premises, or freely take photos in every corner of the airplane. The menu is also incredibly diverse, featuring Thai dishes, European cuisine, snacks, coffee, and drinks, totaling up to 500 items. Niagara N Garden officially opened on September 20th, serving customers from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays (Monday to Friday). On weekends and holidays, it is open from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
