In November, the rains waft away and the cooler weather drifts in, making this the best time to hop on board a dinner cruise (unless you are prone to sea-sickness, of course). Buffet or set dinner, traditional barge or modern vessel, Thai-style performance or live music—choose the one that best suits you.

Apsara

Ferry: The new addition to the river-dining scene, this elegant teak wood rice barge is operated by Banyan Tree Bangkok. The boat accommodates 64 people and guests can choose between the Sunset Cruise and the Dinner Cruise.
Food: The Sunset Cruise entitles you to drinks and canapés, complemented by a dramatic sunset at Wat Arun, while the Dinner Cruise treats you to a set dinner prepared by the chefs at the hotel’s Thai restaurant, Saffron.
Fee: B600 for Sunset, B2,000 for Dinner.
Where and when: Since Banyan Tree isn’t a riverside hotel, it rents a pier at the Royal City Shopping Complex where its boat docks. It leaves daily at 5:45 pm for its Sunset Cruise and 8:30pm for the Dinner Cruise. Book your seats at 02-679-1200.

Grand Pearl Cruises

Ferry: The three-story fleet provides seating for 300 passengers in its open-air upper deck and air-con cabins. Grand Pearl Cruises will stop at various picturesque spots for you to take some snapshots, while khon performers, traditional dancers and bands take turns entertaining the crowds.
Food: International buffet. Enjoy the food you’ve selected at your candle-lit table.
Fee: B1,400, exclusive of drinks.
Where and when: The ferry leaves River City Shopping Complex Pier (Charoenkrung Soi 30, Siphaya Rd.) at 7pm and returns at 9pm. For reservations, call 02-861-0255 ext. 201/-4.

Maeyanang

Ferry: The Oriental’s Maeyanang is a classic Northern-style teakwood rice barge with carved wooden sculptures and tables to match. It provides seating for 32 guests in an open-air traditional setting.
Food: The trip begins with cocktails in the hotel’s garden, followed by dinner on board. Usually it’s a four-course Thai set dinner, but from time to time it switches to buffet.
Fee: B1,950 net, exclusive of drinks.
Where and when: Maeyanang departs Tue-Sun at 7pm and returns at 10pm. The Oriental, 48 Oriental Avenue, 02-659-9000. From now to Apr 30.

Manohra Luxury Cruises

Ferry: The rice barge-turned-cruise ship offers an intimate dining experience as it can accommodate only 40 people. You can choose whether to hop on board at the hotel pier (at Sathorn Bridge) or at the Oriental public pier upon arrangement. The vessel sails past various historic spots such as Wat Po, Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. Or if you simply want to admire the sunset while sampling canapés, there’s a Manohra Sunset Cruise, departing at 6pm.     
Food: No buffet. Just sit back and the courteous staff will serve you various Thai dishes. The menu has recently been updated, featuring such specialties as mieng kham, kaeng khiew warn ped yang (green curry with roasted duck), stir-fried tiger prawns with Thai herbs and pomelo salad.
Fee: B1,990 for Dinner Cruise and B750 for Sunset Cruise.
Where and when: The cruise departs at 6:30pm daily. Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, 257 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-477-0770, www.manohracruises.com.

Horizon Boat

Ferry: Operated by the Shangri-La hotel, the spacious, air-con cabin of the Horizon Boat can accommodate 140 people. There’s also open-air seating on the upper deck for outdoorsy or smoking diners. The modern cruise leaves from Shangri-La’s pier and makes its way along the Chao Phraya past the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Rama 8 Bridge, then returns to the hotel’s pier. 
Food: International buffet dinner, offering an extensive spread of sushi, sashimi, meats and cheeses as well as Thai favorites like chicken with cashew nuts and green curry. The real highlight is seafood with oysters, New Zealand mussels and prawns to choose from. With such a nice selection you need to prepare yourself to fight for your food.
Fee: B2,200 net.
Where and when: Daily 7:30-9:30pm. Shangri-La Hotel, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, Charoenkrung Rd., 02-236-7777 ext. 6205-6, www.shangri-la.com/bangkok

Published as "Dinner on Board, Feast on the River of Kings"