Shangri-La Bangkok’s Horizon Dinner Cruise along the calming waters of the Chao Phraya River is a splendid launch to any stay in Bangkok. Cruising past many historical buildings and monuments, such as the Grand Palace and Temple of Dawn, guests enjoy an overview of some of the sites that make up this alluring City of Angels.
Akin to a fairytale, there seems to be magic in the air as we glide over enigmatic waters in a luxury vessel with the city’s lights illuminating the edges in a surreal glow. Grand temples offer their peaks to the night skies and activity along its shores highlight the waters as a lifeblood and significant piece of Thai history.
Sites Seen from the Horizon Cruise
The Rama VIII Bridge
Our journey begins just after the sun has set with drinks on the deck. Floating atop the water the day’s heat has released its hold and a gentle draft welcomes the evening. Guests can book a table indoors or out. Our preference is al fresco as we find it more peaceful and extends superior views of the riverside sites. After finishing the last sips of our welcome mocktail, we wander inside to the spacious air-conditioned cabin, to browse the dinner spread.
Table on the Deck
Indoor Tables
In full Shangri-La style the buffet line-up leaves no dietary fancy unturned, offering one of the widest variety of cuisines we’ve encountered on a boat. There are three menu rotations, each offering Chilled Seafood, Salads, Soups, Thai Mains, Western Mains, a Carving Station and Desserts.
We note our fellow diners heading straight for the beautiful array of seafood, with crustaceans, sushi and sashimi popular picks. This is obviously a regular occurrence, for as soon as the cushion of ice begins to bare, another tray of freshly sliced ocean creatures quickly replaces the newly emptied platter.
Seafood
I’m delighted to find countless vegetarian and healthy options, while hubby has skipped the starters altogether and gone straight for some hearty mains. Roast beef gets repeat helpings as do baked potatoes and cheese covered veggies.
Salad and Appetizer Buffet
Thai Mains of course are a must and I delight in the fish soaked in a green curry and too a vegetarian red curry. The papaya salad is fresh and I scoop up numerous spoonfuls of its yumminess.
Ending with a sweet bite hubby finds the coconut rice pudding irresistible and I can’t help but go back for seconds of the Thai tea cheesecake. Tropical fruits make a healthful balance for those preferring a more salubrious finish.
Pistachio Cake
We eat at a leisurely pace basking in the cool evening air and find the two hour journey well timed, allowing us to relish in three unhurried courses, conversation and some photographing of the shimmery city lights and sites before arriving back to the hotel.
Holy Rosary Catholic Church (The Kalawar Church)
The dinner cruise departs nightly from the Shangri-La Pier at 7:30pm and returns at 9:30pm. It’s priced at 2 300 baht per person, which includes an international buffet dinner.
Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok
Reasons to join: an unforgettable way to take in the sites along the river; quality buffet of 5 star standard.
