To experience Bangkok is to ride the mighty Chao Phraya River. There are a number of cruise operators across Thailand offering dining experiences of all kinds on the river, but our recommendation is the gay-owned, truly luxurious Supanniga Cruise from the rapidly expanding, Michelin-starred, global Thai-food brand Supanniga Eating Room. The Supanniga Cruise is a luxurious 40-seat dinner cruise (which is a huge difference from the big buffet cruises that operate on the river) that offers a brand new perspective of Bangkok. There’s a choice of an Evening Cocktail Cruise and an Evening Champagne cruise – us being the OutThere travellers that we are, we went for the latter.
You’re welcomed onboard at the River City terminal to the charming, stylish floating eatery by a lovely team serving up a cold glass of Tattinger champagne. As you cruise up into the sunset, taking in various sites old and new along the way, you’re treated to an absolutely delicious, authentic and exquisite 6-course Thai dinner prepared onboard. The sun dips over the horizon in spectacular fashion just as you reach the Rama VIII bridge, having sailed past the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Bangkok’s divine birthplace Ratanakosin, on the way (not to mention the group’s little boutique place to stay (and foodie hangout), the Riva Arun); and the perfect place to watch the glow of the evening sun is out back on the boat’s lounge deck. The merriment continues as by this time, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with your well-wined fellow cruisers as you take the journey back into new Bangkok, ready for an evening of more hedonism back on-land.
Photography courtesy of Supanniga Cruise
