Shangri-La Bangkok has relaunched its popular Horizon Cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Hop on Shangri-La’s beautifully new, fully air-conditioned boat and take in the sights and scenes of Bangkok’s colourful and distinctly unique riverside while enjoying an extensive international buffet that features specials from the hotel’s signature restaurants. Here is a flavour of this once-in-a-lifetime experience on the River of Kings, as the Chao Phraya River is sometimes called.

Five-star cuisine on board

Setting off on a magical two-and-a-half-journey along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, you’ll be treated to international and local seafood displayed on a long table.

From creamy river prawns and blue swimming crabs to spiky, bright red Chilean king crabs and tender New Zealand mussels with apricot-coloured meat – the buffet laid out in the dining room is a feast for your eyes and palate alike. Let’s not forget the firm tuna sushi and salmon sushi with its mild, buttery taste.

The mouthwatering buffet that experts have meticulously created includes juicy Angus Prime Rib from Australia as well, plus a range of Thai and Western favorites that’ll tickle your taste buds.

Needless to say, you can enjoy a glass of bubbly and personalised tipples at your table or the fully stocked bar while watching iconic landmarks roll by.

A visually appealing luxury dinner cruise

Set sail at Shangri-La Bangkok’s NEXT2 Pier after twilight, and you’ll soon see the 11-storey ICONSIAM on your left. Beautifully lit at night, the shopping haven is shaped like a Bai Sri banana leaf cone.

Watch out for the tiny Kian An Keng Shrine as you continue to glide upstream. The Hokkien-style shrine is some 240 years old, sandwiched between Santa Cruz Church and Wat Kanlayamit.

Photo credit: Philipp Meier

Photo credit: Philipp Meier

While Wichai Prasit Fort is a dramatic, brilliant white structure, Wat Arun beckons just a moment later. Also known as the Temple of Dawn, the pyramidal, glass- and Chinese porcelain-covered temple towers some 70 meters above the Chao Phraya River.

With a cabin capacity of 140 guests, air-conditioned river dining Bangkok warrants an unforgettable journey on the Chao Phraya, where the past and present are intertwined. Many shrines and temples nod to bygone eras, when kingdoms have fallen and risen, though modern Bangkok was built on the eastern side of the river.

A sight to behold is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, better known as the Grand Palace. Aglow with warm light, the walled complex of buildings and pavilions with marble bases has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam.

Shangri-La Bangkok’s Horizon Cruise boat makes a U-turn at Rama VIII bridge, an eye-popping, architectural masterpiece. The cable-stayed bridge is illuminated at night, resembling travelling light caught on a camera.

The rich tapestry of Bangkok life continues at the purply lit Ferris wheel of Asiatique, an open-air night bazaar with over 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants.

Photo credit: Philipp Meier

An affordable river cruise

At just B2,900 for adults and B1,450 for children, the Chao Phraya River cruise price will not break the bank. That amount includes a glass of sparkling beverage, free-flowing soft drinks, water, and chilled juices.

Those interested in private luxurious dining can charter Shangri-La Bangkok’s boat for weddings, celebrations, and other special events. The price for luxurious private charter services start at B395,000, net, inclusive of food and drinks.

Book your Horizon Cruise now and look forward to an unforgettable dining experience amid the ravishing beauty of Bangkok’s riverside.

For more information and to reserve your spot aboard the relaunched Shangri-La Bangkok Horizon Cruise, please contact Shangri-La Bangkok’s restaurant reservations desk at +66 (0)2236 7777, or send an email to restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com. You can also visit the hotel website here.