Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise in Bangkok

Choose the pier nearest your hotel, because the cruise route is almost the same from all of them. Asiatique, ICONSIAM and River City all sit a short shuttle-boat ride from Sathorn Central Pier, which is on the BTS at Saphan Taksin, so any of the three works if you are in Sukhumvit or Silom. Only the Terminal 21 Rama 3 departure, used for the Indian buffet, is further out.

A standard dinner cruise costs from about 845 THB, which is roughly Rs 2,400 per adult at Rs 2.85 to the baht. Mid-range boats with an Indian buffet or a show run 1,050 to 1,520 THB, about Rs 3,000 to 4,350. Heritage set-menu barges such as the Apsara start near 3,350 THB, or about Rs 9,550. Children usually pay around half, and drinks beyond soft drinks are extra.

Yes. Every major cruise offers a vegetarian selection at the buffet, so a no-meat meal is never a problem. For a full Indian spread, book the Chao Phraya Princess departure from Terminal 21 Rama 3, which serves north and south Indian dishes. Halal food is available on some boats but not all, so ask the operator to confirm certification when you book rather than assuming.

Smart casual. Wear closed shoes and a collared shirt or a dress. Most operators turn away guests in flip-flops, beach shorts or sleeveless vests, especially on the mid-range and luxury boats. The rule relaxes on the open top deck once you are sailing, but you have to pass the check-in at the pier first, so do not arrive in swimwear or gym clothes.

Most boats lay out a Thai and international buffet, with a carving station, stir-fries, curries, noodles, a salad bar, fresh fruit and Thai desserts. Seafood cruises such as Viva Alangka and the Opulence add prawns, mussels and grilled fish. The Chao Phraya Princess Terminal 21 boat serves an Indian buffet instead. The food is plentiful rather than fine dining, except on the heritage barges, which serve a plated set menu.

Soft drinks and water are usually included. Beer, wine and cocktails cost extra on most boats, roughly 100 to 150 THB for a beer and 200 to 300 THB for a cocktail. The clear exception is the White Orchid, where beer, soft drinks and house spirits are free-flow for the whole two hours, which is why groups tend to pick it.