One of the charms of cruise dining in Bangkok is the fresh perspective visitors get of the city from a boat on the Chao Phraya River. On an evening cruise Bangkok’s great temples and historic sites beautifully illuminated and reflected in the water and the glistening lights of the city’s high rises is one of the attractions. There are several options to select from depending on the cruise route and the budget.
Cruise dining offers a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and to enjoy classic Thai food, classical Thai music and dance and to enjoy the city’s iconic illuminated sites including Wat Arun, the temple of dawn Wat Phra Kaew as well as the Grand Palace all of which look magnificent at night. Among the many types of dinner cruises being offered are those on large modern boats that can accommodate up to 300 diners in air conditioned spaces and on the open area atop the boat. A traditional Thai buffet, Thai dancing, loud music by an on board band that is not always appreciated and dancing after dinner is the norm here.
Then there are the romantic candle lit dinner cruises and those run by the 5 star hotels on their own cruise boats. Guests on these cruises have some of the best experiences as theses five star rated cruises offer not only a well thought out menu that is a mix of international and Thai fare but provide a suitable luxurious ambience on board. Among them are cruises on old refurbished teak barges. They take on board only a limited number of guests and make their way slowly along the river giving plenty of photo opportunities and time to leisurely enjoy the passing scene lit by the setting sun and illuminations. Guests enjoy a traditional Thai welcome with rosewater sprinkles and a jasmine garland. The set menu offers hot and cold canapés and a selection of food from across Thailand with seafood and vegetarian options. Food is served at table to the accompaniment of soft music and entertainment in a cozy and intimate environment. Cruise operators make sure that every table has a view. Many consider cruise dining one of the best ways to eat traditional Thai food and to soak up nighttime views with traffic noises only a faint buzz in the background.
Take the slow and easy way to enjoy the great Chao Phraya River on Anantara Cruises. As one of favoured Bangkok cruises guests have the privilege of sailing on a converted traditional teak rice barge that has been fitted out with amenities and facilities to make the trip comfortable as well as a memorable one. Take Bangkok cruise tour all the way up to the historic ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya or on the Ang Thong River and enjoy the passing scenery of ancient temples and palaces and Thai people on the river bank going about their daily chores.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.