Best Bangkok river cruises for overnighters

For most travelers, the words “Bangkok river cruise” bring to mind painful recollections of drawn-out evenings trapped aboard one of the many cheesy dinner boats that putter up and down the Chao Phraya River.

Though prices and experiences vary, there are usually two certainties: a live band that blares timeless "classics" such as "YMCA" and a buffet filled with vats of mediocre Thai food. 

But Bangkok’s floating boutique hotels, set in refurbished rice barges, cook up a different plate of Thai cliches, recalling a time when the Chao Phraya River was the lifeline of the city and skyscrapers were non-existent.

Most of these Bangkok river cruises stop at tourist-heavy attractions, like Bang Pa-In and Ayudthaya.

But there are some lesser known spots on itineraries, too. Here are the four top overnight Bangkok river cruise offerings. 

Thanatharee

One of the newest brands on the overnight river cruise scene is Thanatharee, which offers two- and three-night trips up or down the Chao Phraya River.

The converted rice barge, named Treasure on the Water, is 21 meters long and has 12 beds in six private, air-conditioned cabins. Top speed: a breakneck 10 kilometers per hour.  

The boat has two showers, two toilets and additional sinks. The upper deck has a relaxation space and sundeck.

All meals are eaten onboard and guests are welcome to help out with the preparation if they want to learn about Thai cooking. 

Itineraries include stops at Koh Kred, the village of Ban Chang Noi and Ayutthaya. 

Price: From 12,000 baht per person, based on double occupancy. Price includes meals, non-alcoholic drinks, hotel transfers and tours.

To book, visit www.thanatharee.com.

Mekhala

The Mekhala brand has three restored rice barges that make daily overnight trips between Bangkok and Ayuthaya, retracing the former routes of royal processions.

The boats are 20 meters long and made of massive teak planks.

Boats have between six and nine double-bed cabins. There’s a deck for sunbathing, dinner deck, audio entertainment, library, games and, most importantly, a bar.

Prices start at 6,400 baht per person for a double cabin (low season) downstream cruise, which includes food, non-alcoholic beverages and tours. Upstream cruises start from 8,000 baht per person. Online specials are available.

Dinner cruises are also available. 

To book, visit Asian-oasis.com. 7th Floor, 2/4 Nai Lert Tower, Wireless Road, Bangkok. +66 (0)2 655 6246

Anantara River Cruises

Starting this month, the famed Manohra Cruises line will sail under a new name: Anantara Cruises. 

The popular Thai luxury hotel chain recently took over the river-cruise brand, which once referred to itself as “the Orient Express of the River." 

There are two boats -- the four-stateroom Manohra Song, and the smaller two-stateroom Manohra Dream. Everything is decorated with Thai silks, antiques and rich wood. Very Thai, but with European influences.   

Set trips include two nights aboard the Song, starting at 69,000 baht per cabin, with routes from Bangkok to Ayuddhaya. Private charters start from 230,000 baht for 1-8 passengers.  

The Dream is available for charter only, from 200,000 baht for two nights. This boat sleeps 1-4 passengers and offers guests an onboard Thai cooking class.  

Prices include gourmet meals, turn down gifts, non-alcoholic drinks, transfers and tours.

For more information or to book, visit Anantara.com or call +66 (0) 2477 0770.

Classic Barges

For now, Classic Barges has just one luxury barge making overnight trips -- the Montha -- but it is in the process of restoring two others.  

The Montha is small, but that's alright because you get the whole boat to yourself. It's available for charter only, which means you can pick your own itinerary and have the run of the barge.

Dinner is served in the air-conditioned dining room or on the deck. Guests can choose their own menus -- even pizza. 

There’s one fancy stateroom, with satellite TV and a king-size bed, as well as a saloon that can be fitted out with bunk beds for traveling families. 

One night charter prices start at 40,000 baht for two adults, plus two children. Itineraries include trips to Ayuddhaya, Bang Pa In, Koh Kred and Bang Sai. 

For more information or to book, visit Classic-barges.com. 30/3 Moo 2 Vibhavardi-Rangsit 60
Bangkhen, Bangkok. +66 (0)81 813 1495