Chao Phraya Cruise (Seafood)

After a day of temples and Bangkok traffic, the river is the easiest way to see the city without much effort. The Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise — one of our dinner cruises in Bangkok — pairs a relaxed two-hour sailing with a Thai seafood & international buffet dinner. The boat sails from Asiatique up the Chao Phraya, the wide river that splits the old city, to the Rama VIII Bridge and back, while the landmarks on both banks are lit for the evening.

The evening opens with a welcome Thai classical long-drum dance and Phang Prathip dance, a welcome drink and a snack on the table, and there is live music with a singer and saxophone on board. Drinking water, hot coffee and tea are included, plus a free drink offer: 4 adults get one free jug of draught Chang beer, or 6 adults get one free bottle of red wine. The boat has an open-air upper deck, better for photos and the breeze, and an air-conditioned lower deck. Let us know any dietary needs when you book and we will pass them to the operator.

The route passes several of the city’s best-known riverside sights, each lit at night:

• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): the spired riverside temple, washed in gold lighting against the dark water.
• The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: the former royal complex, seen glowing from across the river.
• Rama VIII Bridge: a single-pylon suspension bridge with cables fanning out from one tower.
• ICONSIAM: the large riverfront mall whose facade lights carry across the water.

Check-in is at Asiatique The Riverfront, between Warehouse 7 and 8, from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM. The cruise boards at Pier No. 1 and sails from 7:15 PM to 9:15 PM.

The pace suits most travellers — you stay seated, eat and watch the banks go by. Prefer an Indian buffet on board? That is our separate Chao Phraya Princess dinner cruise.