The Best Restaurants On The Chao Phraya River

Terrace Restaurant, Chao Phraya River
Terrace Restaurant, Chao Phraya River | © Sergi Reboredo / Alamy Stock Photo
Kelly Iverson

Four tributaries come together to make up the Chao Phraya River. This river is oftentimes referred to as the main artery of the nation as well as the River of Kings. From providing gorgeous views to acting as a source of transportation, this river does it all. The Chao Phraya River has been a reliable shoulder to lean on for a number of things, and fine dining is no exception. An abundance of restaurants and cafés call the banks of this river home, and it is here visitors will find some of the best dining options in Bangkok. Here are the best restaurants on the Chao Phraya River.

Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

1. Arun Residence

Hotel

Visitors flock to Arun Residence for the enviable views of the Chao Phraya River but they stay for the cuisine. The stunning Wat Arun, or Temple of the Dawn, is just across the river from diners at Arun Residence but the views are soon forgotten once visitors tuck into one of the Thai or international dishes served here. Guests can dine at the Deck By The River Restaurant or Amorosa, the cocktail and light snack lounge located on the top floor. Located on the sloping banks of the Chao Phraya River is Arun Residence. In addition to being a great place to call home while you explore the city of Bangkok, Arun Residence is also home to one of the best restaurants in the City of Angels: The Deck. Views do not get more spectacular than those from one of its many seating areas. It is located right across the river from Wat Arun, or Temple of the Dawn, which is best viewed at night when the structure is completely lit up and reflects against the river’s murky waters. In addition to traditional Thai dishes, restaurant-goers will also find a range of international, mouthwatering cuisine, and all for fairly affordable prices. In addition to its delicious dining options, Arun Residence is within walking distance of the top attractions in town, including Wat Pho, which is home to the giant reclining Buddha. For those hoping to escape this touristy area, there is a boat pier within walking distance of the hotel as well, making it easy to explore Bangkok.

2. Riva Surya Bangkok

Hotel

From the oval-shaped swimming pool by the Chao Phraya River to an abundance of tastefully decorated rooms, everything about the Riva Surya Bangkok exudes luxury and the food is no exception. The hotel is home to the Babble & Rum Restaurant, The Garden and the Mezzanine. The delicious cuisine is complemented by stunning views: the Mezzanine Bar has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the winding Chao Phraya River. At the more contemporary Babble & Rum Restaurant, guests enjoy views of both the river and a lush garden sitting right outside its walls

3. Sala Rim Naam, Bangkok

Restaurant, Thai

The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is home to a number of different restaurants, but Sala Rim Naam is certainly one of its finest dining options. This restaurant is a miniature palace of sorts, serving a number of signature Thai dishes. In addition to a lunch buffet, there is also a delicious set dinner menu that guests can browse and choose from. Some dishes include their spicy fresh herb salad with deep-fried sea bass, stir-fried vegetables in oyster sauce, and spicy prawn soup with lemongrass, just to name a few. In addition to its mouthwatering dishes, guests can enjoy both dinner and a show as the restaurant puts on a cultural performance and dance every night. Whether you are enjoying the views of the river or the performance, you will not leave disappointed. The Sala Rim Naam is open daily from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and again from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Sala Rim Naam Lounge, which is just adjacent the restaurant, is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

4. River Duck Riverfront

Restaurant, Thai

With an extended dock that actually sits atop the river’s surface, you will get one of the most up close and personal views of the water at River Duck Riverfront. The dock is lit up with aesthetically pleasing lights, encompassed in vertical, wooden lamps, making for a romantic evening spent on the water. There is also indoor seating available. This restaurant serves American, Asian, and French cuisine. Its most noteworthy meals are its seafood dishes, of which there are many to choose from. The River Duck Riverfront is also offers some delicious cocktails, including its rum punch cocktail, kamikaze, and Singapore sling, just to name a few. The restaurant is open daily from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

5. Thara Thong, Bangkok

Restaurant, Thai

Dive into a bowl of spicy Thai soup at Thara Thong in Bangkok
© dion gillard / Flickr

Located on the first floor of the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers is Thara Thong Restaurant. This restaurant offers guests both an indoor and outdoor dining experience. Those sitting indoors sit on the floor with low tables and find themselves within a Thai, teak wood pavilion with high vaulted ceilings. From Monday to Saturday, guests can enjoy a Thai classical dance accompanied by a khim musical instrument. Thara Thong is open daily from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

6. The View Bar And Restaurant Bangkok

Bar, Restaurant, Thai

The View Bar and Restaurant in Bangkok provides its customers with both a dense menu and stunning views of the river. The menu has plenty of dishes, with a plethora of different dining options. The cuisine here includes spicy and herbal salads, Thai and Chinese fusion, vegetables, vegetarian, and European dishes. In addition to this wide variety of food, you can also try one of the View Bar and Restaurant’s special cocktails, mocktails, smoothies, spirits, beers, and much more. The restaurant is also home to a gift shop. In addition to Bangkok, this restaurant has three other locations in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Vientiane, Laos.

7. Mango Tree On The River, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Restaurant, Thai

Mango Tree Restaurant first opened its doors in 1994, and it has been a favorite dining option along the Chao Phraya River ever since. The restaurant sits within a Thai home that was built almost 100 years ago, during the reign of King Rama VI. The restaurant prides itself on combining sweet, sour, and spicy flavors into all of its dishes, with cuisine stemming from each of the four regions of Thailand. Mango Tree on the River has a number of different locations besides Bangkok. In addition to the City of Angels, you will find the Mango Tree in London, Tokyo, Busan, Dubai, Doha, Kuching, and Hong Kong, with future plans for expansion, as well.

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