Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [101]
MBK Center (Click here) and Siam Paragon (Click here) both have bowling alleys to keep the older ones occupied. Krung Sri IMAX (Map; 0 2129 4631; www.imaxthai.com; Siam Paragon, Th Phra Ram I; adult/child 600/250B) screens special-effects versions of Hollywood action flicks and nature features.
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TOURS
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Dinner Cruises
Perfect for romancing couples or subdued families, dinner cruises swim along Mae Nam Chao Phraya basking in the twinkling city lights at night, far away from the heat and noise of town. Cruises range from down-home to sophisticated, but the food generally ranges from mediocre to forgettable.
Loy Nava (Map; 0 2437 4932; www.loynava.com; set menu 1618B; 6-8pm & 8-10pm) Operating since 1970, and quite possibly the original Bangkok dinner cruise, Loy Nava offers two daily excursions, both departing from the River City Complex. Vegetarian menu available.
Manohra Cruises (Map; 0 2477 0770; www.manohracruises.com; Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, Thonburi; cocktail/dinner cruise 900/1990B; cocktail cruise 6-7pm, dinner cruise 7.30-10pm) Commands a fleet of converted teak rice barges that part the waters with regal flair. Boats depart from the Marriott Resort, accessible via a free river shuttle that operates from Tha Sathon (near Skytrain Saphan Taksin).
Wan Fah Cruises (Map; 0 2222 8679; www.wanfah.in.th; cruises 1200B; 7-9pm) Departing from the River City Complex, Wan Fah runs a buxom wooden boat that floats in style with accompanying Thai music and traditional dance. Dinner options include a standard or seafood set menu and hotel transfer is available.
Yok Yor Restaurant (Map; 0 2439 3477; www.yokyor.co.th; dinner 300-550B plus 140B surcharge; 8-10pm) This long-running floating restaurant on the Thonburi side of the river also runs a daily dinner cruise, as well as several boats that can be hired for private functions.
Bang Pa-In & Ayuthaya Cruises
A little faster than the days of sailing ships, river cruises from Bangkok north to the ruins of the former royal capital of Ayuthaya (Click here) take in all the romance of the river. Most trips include a guided tour of Ayuthaya’s ruins with a stop at the summer palace of Bang Pa In (Click here). Normally only one leg of the journey between Bangkok and Ayuthaya is aboard a boat, while the return or departing trip is by bus.
Asian Oasis (Map; 0 2651 9101; www.asian-oasis.com; 2-day trip 9050-14,100B depending on season & direction) Cruise the Chao Phraya River aboard a fleet of restored rice barges with old-world charm and modern conveniences. Trips include either an upstream or downstream journey to/from Ayuthaya with bus transfer in the opposite direction.
Chao Phraya Express Boat (Map; 0 2623 6001; www.chaophrayaboat.co.th; adult/child 1400/1200B) The municipal boat operator offers a once-monthly guided tour to Ayuthaya. For departure date and other details, go to the website or stop by the information desk at Tha Sathon (Skytrain Saphan Taksin).
Manohra Cruises (Map; 0 2477 0770; www.manohracruises.com; Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, Thonburi; 3-day trip 64,000B) The nautical equivalent of the Eastern & Oriental Express train, the Mahnora Song is a restored teak rice barge decorated with antiques, Persian carpets and four luxury sleeping berths. The trip is a three-day, two-night excursion to Ayuthaya, and the package price is all-inclusive except for tax and service. The Manohra Dream, an even more luxurious boat for a maximum of two couples, is also available for longer excursions.
Bicycle & Segway Tours
Although some cycling tours tackle the city’s urban neighbourhoods, many take advantage of the nearby lush, undeveloped district known as Phra Pradaeng (Map), where narrow walkways crisscross irrigation canals that feed small-scale fruit plantations and simple villages.
To tour the sites of old Bangkok by free borrowed bicycle, see the boxed text on Click here.
ABC Amazing Bangkok Cyclists (Map; 0 2665 6364; www.realasia.net; 10/5-7 Soi 26, Th Sukhumvit; tours from 1000B; daily tours depart