After a day of temples and Bangkok traffic, the river is the easiest way to see the city without much effort. The Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise is the larger of our two riverboats, and it pairs a relaxed two-hour sailing with an unlimited Thai & International buffet — a spread that leans on seafood alongside Thai and Chinese dishes. The boat runs along the Chao Phraya, the wide river that splits the old city, while the landmarks on both banks are lit for the evening.

There is room to move on this boat: an open-air upper deck that is better for photos and the breeze, and an air-conditioned lower deck for dinner and live music. The buffet is unlimited across the sailing, with vegetarian options available — let us know any dietary needs when you book and we will pass them to the operator.

The route passes several of the city’s best-known riverside sights, each lit at night:

• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): the spired riverside temple, washed in gold lighting against the dark water.
• The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: the former royal complex, seen glowing from across the river.
• Rama VIII Bridge: a single-pylon suspension bridge with cables fanning out from one tower.
• ICONSIAM: the large riverfront mall whose facade lights carry across the water.

The pace suits most travellers — you stay seated, eat and watch the banks go by. Prefer an Indian buffet on board? That is our separate Chao Phraya Princess dinner cruise.