To enjoy a romantic dinner cruise on Bangkok's legendary Chao Phraya River counts among those must-do experiences that a visit to Thailand's capital would simply not be complete without. It's to reminisce about past, glorious times of silk traders, rice merchants and spectacular royal processions that used the 'River of Kings' to reach the ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya.
It's to behold famous historical sights of the Rattanakosin period along the riverbanks, magically illuminated against the night sky, and in stark contrast with visual evidence of modern-day Bangkok... Mostly, it's about an experience that will be forever imprinted in your mind. And to enjoy these sights and smells on board one of the Manohra cruise boats, is to do it in style with the Rolls Royces of dinner cruises.
Memorable moments in the company of mythical legends
The Manohra boats are beautifully restored 50-year old rice barges that have taken their name from mythological characters with human bodies and wings and legs of birds (also called 'Kinnaree') - legends that have been part of Thai culture and folklore for thousands of years. They are believed to be celestial beings that spread goodness through music, and their virtues are love and royalty.
When they bathe, they remove their wings, and if they are stolen, they will be forced to live as normal human beings and never be able to fly again. But, that's another story altogether. We're about to board the Manohra from the Manohra Cruises Pier (at the Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa), and we can't miss the boat! Literally.
The boats are truly beautiful. They have been lovingly restored to their former glory, albeit with some modifications to allow for a covered upper deck and seating, together with charming restrooms and a modern kitchen in the lower decks. Launched in 1992 and 2000, respectively, Manohra and Manohra Moon both provide for a very intimate and exclusive dining experience with seating for about 40 people.
The latest addition to the fleet, The Manohra Star, was launched in 2005, seats up to 70 people and is mostly used for corporate functions. As they elegantly lie anchored against the backdrop of the Marriott resort's scenic, landscaped gardens, the barges already provide for the first picture opportunity - no doubt proud and thrilled to be put to such good use.
In anticipation of sensory surprises
The mood on board is relaxed and jovial, while the air is thick in anticipation of the two-hour or so journey that lies ahead - and, of course, about the delectable Thai set menu that is to be laid on. The service on board is swift and gracious, with refreshing cold towels forever at hand. Fortunately, there's always a refreshing breeze on the river, which counters the high humidity.
Bring it on, we're ready for the first course... 'Mieng Kam' is a traditional do-it-yourself Thai starter consisting of a variety of fillings like dry coconut, shrimps, garlic, ginger, peanut and of course chili, amongst others, that is put into a chapu leave after you've made a cone from it, topped with a sweet sauce. It takes very little practice to get it right and to find that perfect taste balance for your palate. Don't fill yourself up too quickly, because a platter consisting of a variety of other Thai appetizers ('Manohra Ruam Mit') is also served.
A full bar menu (not included in the dinner cruise price) is available, complete with a variety of cocktails. The first part of the journey doesn't offer much in terms of famous sights, but after we made a stop at Sathorn Pier (Saphan Taksin BTS station) to pick up some guests, a visual feast slowly unfolded.
All the while a knowledgeable guide discreetly points out sights of interest in a friendly voice without intruding in the conversation. A handy map is also at hand, detailing the journey with a bit of background of all the famous attractions.
An era long gone - but not forgotten
Famous five-star hotels like The Peninsula Bangkok, The Shangri-La, The Oriental, the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers and the newer Millennium Hilton imposingly and silently hold guard over their exclusive river domains, while the charming architecture of old buildings like O.P. Place, the Portuguese and French embassies remind of an era long gone - but not forgotten. Don't get too carried away by the visual imagery to forget about the other sensory surprises bundled into this magical evening.
'Tom Yum Goong' (hot and spicy herbal prawn soup) is Thailand's national dish, and this version has been somewhat altered to suit Western taste. Thankfully, some would say, as it can be very spicy. The dishes that followed were equally delectable; 'Mieng Kam' (Chaplu leaf filled with dry coconut and dry shrimp), 'Poo Ja' (deep-fried marinated crab meat and pork), 'Yam Som O Goong Sod' (pomelo salad with lime dressing and prawns), Gang Kiew Warn Ped Yang (green curry with roast duck and sweet basil), 'Pla Kapong Phad Chaa' (stir fried sea bass fillet with spicy Thai herb), 'Goong Lai Suea Rad Prik' (grilled Tiger prawn with marinated Thai chili herbs) and 'Khao Song See' (steamed jasmine rice and red rice).
The star attraction
The boat moves at a pace fast enough to make progress, but slow enough not to miss the sights dotted along the riverbanks. The dazzling Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew complex takes on a mystical aura at night, undoubtedly one of Bangkok's most famous sights and landmarks. But the true star of the 'show', the one that made everyone on board put their forks and spoons firmly down to grab their cameras, is Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn).
Bangkok's oldest temple, on the Thonburi side of the river, has an imposing spire (prang) of 70 metres high, beautifully decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain placed delicately into intricate patterns (detail, of course, that is not quite visible from the boat). Indeed, Wat Arun is to Bangkok what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, and the Big Ben to London...
The 'turning point' of the journey is the impressive Rama VIII Bridge, which in itself is a significant Bangkok attraction - it even appears in the background on one side of the 20-baht note. It's a modern suspension bridge that spans 300 metres over the Chao Phraya River (total length: 475 metres), and was completed in 1992. As the boat gradually made its way back, that all-time dessert favourite of Thais and visitors, sweet mango with sticky rice, was served, followed by coffee or tea.
The ultimate souvenir: A tiny piece of Bangkok's magic
For the past two hours or so, time appeared to have stood still, but all the same it was over in a flash. But what is a given, is that everyone disembarking is taking a little piece of Bangkok's magic along with them... Content smiles and sparkling eyes were evidence of that.
Travellers Tips:
- A free shuttle service to the Manohra Pier is available with the Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa shuttle boat that departs every 15 minutes from Sathorn Pier (Saphan Taksin BTS station).
- This elegant cruise is ideal for couples and intimate groups. It comes highly recommended.
Interested in this Tour?
This is one of our many handpicked tours that are tried and tested – prior to being offered to you. Many years of experience working closely with tour operators will ensure we offer the best experience possible. If you wish to book this tour or read more about it, click here. |
