The Chao Phraya is a marvelous thing, and anyone who isn’t captivated by it—the views, the lights, the boats, the riverside dining opportunities—should have their head examined. If, like us, you never tire of a meal by the river, check out these suggestions.

Samsensoisam

Vibe: Feel like you’re having your own private party in your own lovely garden. And that you’ve acquired a pool table along the way. Find a lot of university students, young office workers and couples here having a good time. The place can be quiet, so it’s a good spot for romance amidst the sounds of mellow pop, jazz, and bossanova. Service here is terrific.

View: The riverside tables win the best view prize. If you’re annoyed by the noise from the passing boats, grab a table inside the adorable house, decorated in a modern white color scheme.

Victuals: They serve nicely styled Thai food, which will cost you a very reasonable B200-300. Try the kai ta-khrai samsen (deep-fried chicken with lemongrass served with spicy sauce, B150), and sii krong muu ob sauce Tokyo (roasted pork rib with Tokyo sauce, B180).

Venue: 10 Soi Samsen Soi 3, Samsen Rd., 02-628-8362. Open daily 5pm-1am.

Baan Klang Nam 2

Vibe: The restaurant has a retro vibe and dark wooden tables and chairs with music comprised of old Thai songs. The now famous Baan Klang Nam 1 has paved the way for Baan Klang Nam 2’s popularity: A lot of loyal customers come here. On weekdays the place is packed with office workers, while weekends see the family crowd. Riverside tables are always occupied, so book ahead if you want one. Attentive waiters are energetic and work fast.

View: Sunset brings a gorgeous view. Across from the restaurant is a lush forest, making you feel like you are sitting in suburbia.

Victuals: Seafood cooked Chinese style is the way to go. Try plaa ka phong tod nam plaa (deep fried white sea bass in fish sauce B500), puu phat phong karii (stir fried crab in curry powder B300).

Venue: 762/7 Chatuchak Market Rama 3 Rd., 02-819-3880/-2. Open daily 11am-10:30pm.

Buri Tara

Vibe: Decorated in a classy black and red theme, with a mix of Balinese and Thai styles. Tables and seats are big and comfortable. Bands take turns playing soft jazz and acoustic music. Wear your most fetching new outfit: everyone here is well-dressed. Service is supreme: the staff is both well trained and well mannered.

View: Surrounded by trees, with the river nearby, the view is quite magical. At night, candles and red lamps are lit, adding to the romantic atmosphere.

Victuals: They serve three different cuisines—Thai, European and Chinese. Try puu lon song khreuang (chopped crab and pork with coconut milk served with vegetables B450), plaa ka phong rad sauce wine kao (white snapper with white wine B450) and paw pia thawd sot sai phak khom kab cheese (deep fried spring roll with baked spinach and cheese B150).

Venue: 762/2 Rama 3 Rd., 02-682-9457-9. Open daily 6pm-1am.

Khin Lom Chom Saphan

Vibe: This casual restaurant is the place to go for university students. But their exuberance doesn’t scare off the large contingent of office workers. Hear live music in the form of pop, acoustic, country and folk. Reservations during weekend evenings are highly recommended.

View: The place is popular for its fabulous view of the Rama 8 bridge stretching over the Chao Praya. The sunset view is perfect and the traffic lights at night create a memorable picture.

Victuals: The kitchen isn’t known for consistency, but we always have good luck with these dishes: miang kung foy (baby shrimp with herbs B90), paa thong ko yad sai (fried wheat pastry B100) and ruam mit talay (mix charcoal grilled seafood B380).

Venue: 11/6 Soi Samsen 3 Samsen Rd., 02-628-8382-3. Open daily 11am-2am.

River Bar

Vibe: This chic restaurant next to the river is a great choice for senior university students and young office workers, as well as couples out on a date. At the bar the DJ plays hip hop and other hits at 9pm, while at the restaurant side live bands play jazz and blues.

View: River Bar is one of the most attractive riverside dining places in town. The restaurant offers a great view of the Sang Hee bridge, the dimming lights of Bangkok and, of course, the Chao Praya. In the moon light, reflections are gorgeous.

Victuals: Choose from a variety of delicious food, including kung sa dung fire (sizzling prawn, B300) and yam sam lao thap (squid, shrimp and oyster spicy salad, B120).

Venue: Soi Chaopraya Siam Rachawitee Rd, 02-879-1747-8. Open daily 5pm-1am. (Take the express boat and get off at Saphan Sang Hee pier.)

To Sit Pier 92

Vibe: This well-known Mediterranean beach style hangout (with lighthouse) looks simple with white plastic tables and chairs. On Friday, the place is filled with office workers, while weekdays see university students and families. The music is Thai pop songs. Staff is nice and service minded.

View: Your best bet for a view is the second floor terrace of the lighthouse.
Victuals: Authentic Thai food includes laap muu tod (deep fried, mince pork salad, B90), and paw pia To Sit (spring roll stuffed with lichee and shrimp, B90). You’ll spend about B250-300.

Venue: 115 Charunsanitwong Soi 92, 02-879-1717. Open daily 5pm-midnight.