Loy Krathong is a night for passion and romance. Maybe it’s the full moon. Maybe it’s the fireworks. Or perhaps it’s the glittering parade of candlelit krathongs. But we get why most Thais lose their virginity on this special night. So don’t fight that loving feeling, head to the river for that perfect dinner date—and the chance of getting lucky afterwards.
Aquatini
Romance ♥♥
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Food: Cheap and tasty
Aquatini is so called for a reason. A combination of the words “aqua” and “martini,” this cozy restaurant is an ideal spot to enjoy a cocktail by the river. There is an air-con area, but stick to the alfresco terrace and revel in the river view and fresh breeze. Service can be a bit laidback, but the spacious layout affords intimacy for a romantic, easygoing dinner. The menu offers a variety of pocket-friendly Thai and international dishes. Wind down the evening, or get it warmed up, with a signature Aquatini Dream, rum, pineapple juice and triple sec.
45/1-2 Navalai River Resort, Phra Athit Rd., 02-280-9955.
Open daily 6:30pm-1am. www.navalai.com.
The Deck
Romance ♥♥♥♥
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Food: Stick to Italy
From a picturesque backdrop of the Chao Phraya River and Wat Arun to beautifully-presented food, The Deck makes dining out a pleasure. To make the most of its stunning vista, arrive early to enjoy the sunset while sipping on an aperitif. Unless you want to pay B260 for a toned-down green curry, opt instead for The Deck’s western menu. Try risotto with wild mushroom and porcini cream sauce. You can head to the rooftop Amorosa bar for after-dinner drinks or stay the night by booking one of its five Sino-Portuguese rooms.
36-38 Arun Residence, Soi Pratoo Nok Yoong, Maharat Rd., 02-221-9158. Open daily 11am-10pm. www.arunresidence.com.
Baan Kalabok
Romance ♥♥♥
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Food: Boran bites
You’ll have to go out of your way to get to Baan Kalabok. But this riverside restaurant is a worthy destination, especially for vintage fans. Decorated with kitschy collectibles, this charming wooden house serves up traditional Thai recipes along with views of Rama 4 Bridge. Recommended dishes include stir-fried lotus stems with shrimp and tom khaa pla salid.
Chaeng Wattana Rd., Pakkred, near Wat Sanam Neua pier, Nonthaburi, 02-963-5476. Open daily 11am-11pm.
The Good View
Romance ♥♥
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Food: Typical Thai
Like its name suggests, a good view is guaranteed. Fortunately, the huge menu, everything from Thai to Japanese and European, is also reliably good. Inside, house bands serve up pop rock music, so sit outside amid the riverside garden for a more relaxed ambience. For those not worried about an expanding waistline, try the crispy pork knuckle served with mash potatoes.
2525 Charoen Krung Rd,. 02-689-1393/-6. Open daily 5pm-1am. www.goodview.co.th.
Khinlom Chom Saphan
Romance ♥
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Food: Touristy Thai
The fabulous postcard-view of the Rama 8 Bridge is the reason this restaurant is usually packed despite its location tucked deep in a dark soi. The kitchen whips up straightforward Thai fare and yummy seafood dishes with grilled salted snapper and curry crab as recommendations. Just don’t expect to have a tête-à-tête dinner here—tables are so tightly spaced together that it’s impossible not to eavesdrop on the next door tables.
11/6 Samsen Soi 3, 02-628-8382. Open daily 11-2am.
www.khinlomchomsaphan.com.
To Sit Pier 92
Romance ♥♥♥
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Food: Thai and tested
Who would have thought this non-descript, dark soi would lead to such a bustling eatery? With an affordable menu of yummy Thai dishes, this 800-seater restaurant is a favorite spot for friends and families. But starry-eyed couples can still snuggle up on the candle-lit beach chairs in the Honeymoon Zone, while an acoustic band croons easy-listening songs. Even better, really escape the crowds with the intimate Lover Room in the lighthouse.
115 Charansanitwong Soi 92, 02-879-1717. Open daily 4pm-1am. www.tosit.com.
Dinner Cruises
Apsara
The Banyan Tree Bangkok’s Apsara Cruise operates a teakwood rice barge for up to 64 guests. Enjoy canapes and a Thai set dinner prepared by the chefs from the hotel’s Saffron restaurant. The boat leaves Royal City Shopping Complex pier at 8:30pm every Mon-Sat. B2,000 per person. For more information, call 02-679-1200.
Grand Pearl Cruises
Seating up to 300 passengers, the Grand Pearl Cruise (B1,400 per person) provides both an open-air upper deck and air-con cabins. Dig in to the buffet (excluding drinks) while enjoying a khon performance. On Nov 12 the cruise leaves at 7:30 pm from the River City Shopping Complex pier. For more information, call 02-861-0255 ext. 201-204.
Maeyanang
Accommodating just 32 people, the Oriental’s Northern-style teakwood rice barge offers an intimate feel. Start off the trip with cocktails in the hotel’s garden before a choice of the buffet or a four-course Thai set dinner on board. The price is B1,950 excluding drinks. The Maeyanang departs every Tue-Sun at 7pm. For more information, call 02-659-9000.
Horizon Boats
Float past the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Rama 8 Bridge with the Shangri-La’s dinner cruise. Seating 140 people, it offers an international buffet dinner. The price is B2,200 net per person. Leaves daily at 7:30pm from the Shangri-La. For more information, call 02-236-7777 ext. 6205-6.
Manohra Cruise
Accommodating only 40 people, this cruise is all about sitting back as the staff serve you a set Thai dinner (B1,990 per person). On Nov 12, for B5,999 per person, you also get a free krathong, entry into a lucky draw and a fireworks show at 10 pm. Boat departs at 7:30 pm from Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa. For more information, call 02-476-0022.
