Would like to hear from anyone who's done one, several to choose from, any pros or cons. Cheers

Hi there.

We have done the Manohra river cruise and really enjoyed it. It starts from the Marriott pier but we actually picked it up at the Taksin public pier as we were staying at the Peninsular Hotel. The Taksin pier is on the Sky Train so nice and easy to get to.

A very laid back dining experience it's an intimate affair and a far cry from the more modern rather garish boats which ply their trade along the river. Being a historic boat added to the sense of occasion and felt totally in keeping with the surroundings.

Hope that helps.

Henry :)

Both the Manohra and Loy Nava offer hotel pick up, from downtown hotels. This is a nice service for people unfamiliar with Bangkok. They set a pick up time and get you to the boat, ... no worries about where, when or how!

Both have mixed reviews on their food. But, then again, everyone has different tastes and expectations.

The only cruise I do is Riverside Bangkok Hotel's, #3 dinner curise. This is the only one that offers food, cooked to order, on board. Unfortunately, Riverside Bangkok Hotel is a bit out in the sticks. Few taxi drivers know where it is. Also, the only "entertainment, other than the river sights, is a marginal lounge band playing Thai pop.

-= RIVER SIDE BANGKOK =-

When we went we were looking for a more intimate experience than the large boats. You are correct in saying the food was a set menu affair, I think there are a couple of options though.

The good thing about set menus is you get to try different dishes you might not have chosen from an a la carte menu. The downside of course is that you might not like each one!

We survived and didn't need to hit Maccy Dee's on our return ;)

Definitely something you should try when in Bangkok though.

Henry

Yes. For someone wanting an experience, I would definitely recommend the two I mentioned first.

For us, we are usually entertaining friends and spend the evening "socializing".

Speaking of entertainment, the only "Thai Cultural Show" I ever recommend is Siam Niramit. The typical shows bore me to tears, but Siam Niramit is fantastic!

Siam Niramit

Loy Nava is a good choice. I will do a complete review of our last experience on this venerable river boat (2010) this coming weekend.

We have done the Loy Nava dinner cruise a couple of times and have had enjoyable times on all cruises. I thought it was pretty fair value for money considering they will do a hotel pickup as part of the deal.