Rollin’ on the River

Bangkok is one of the most visited and photographed cities in the world. Nowhere is the Thai capital more iconic than the banks of the Chao Phraya River, where numerous historical and culinary hotspots offer cultural, visual, and olfactory thrills. Here are some of the best locations to enjoy a tropical sunset and experience the charisma of Bangkok‘s legendary royal river.

One of the most unusual viewpoints in Bangkok, the Chao Phraya Sky Garden is nearly 300 meters long and 8.5 meters wide. It sits atop a bridge originally constructed in 1990 for a sky train line that was never completed. Today, it’s a terraced walkway with greenery, located between two lanes of traffic that span the river. While its setting may sound odd, Southeast Asia’s only skywalk lets visitors sit in the center of the Chao Phraya, offering excellent views upriver toward Wat Arun. A bicycle lane and ample seating areas, interspersed with trees and flower beds, have made the skywalk especially popular with Bangkok’s youth. There’s an elevator for visitors with disabilities, and the famous Pak Khlong Talat (flower market) is just a few minutes’ walk away.

Phu Khao Thong, Bangkok’s only hill, is located within Wat Saket Ratchawora Mahawihan. The structure began as a chedi in the 19th century, which collapsed due to the city’s soft soil. The hillock first served as a military lookout until another chedi was erected on top, containing a Buddha relic from Sri Lanka. A concrete wall was added in 1940 to prevent erosion. In the 19th century, Wat Saket served as a burial ground for cholera victims, attracting vultures that fed on the dead. Today, the chedi atop the mount stands 80 meters high and is reached via 344 steps. From the summit, visitors enjoy 360-degree views of the Thai capital, particularly historic Rattanakosin Island and the Chao Phraya.

Jack’s Bar

Located next to the Shangri-La Hotel, Jack’s Bar forgoes five-star luxury for an authentic, old-school Thai drinking experience. This shack-like watering hole—think wooden walls adorned with buffalo skulls beneath a metal roof that turns a monsoon downpour into a drum solo—is an unpretentious, friendly sunset spot along a stretch of riverbank otherwise dominated by high-end hotels and restaurants. Occasional live music, lively conversations, and, of course, beautiful sunsets await.

Eagle’s Nest Bar

True to its name, Eagle’s Nest Bar sits atop the Sala Arun Boutique Hotel. This rooftop bar serves a wide range of cocktails and snacks into the small hours and offers the best sunset and nighttime views of the iconic Wat Arun, which rises like a retro-fitted rocket ship from the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya. At night, the illuminated Grand Palace and glittering spires of Wat Pho add to the visual splendor. It’s a popular spot for tourists and selfies, but the panorama is unbeatable.

Chakrabongse Villas is the perfect romantic dinner spot on the Chao Phraya. Several platforms and salas of this upscale resort, which has ties to Thailand’s royal family, sit right by the river’s edge—just south of Wat Arun and across from the white ramparts of the handsome Wichai Prasit Fort. The hotel’s restaurant, Aharn Thai, serves an ever-changing set menu of royal cuisine—excellent reimaginings of Thai favorites—that has been listed in the Michelin Guide since 2002. The restaurant has hosted dignitaries like French President Macron and former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (not on the same night), a testament to both the food’s quality and the riverside ambiance. To keep things intimate, capacity is limited to 30 diners per night, and just 20 during the rainy season.

The Siam, one of Bangkok’s most luxurious and eclectic hotels, boasts the largest pier on the Chao Phraya, making it a perfect spot for an early evening cocktail. A little north of the city center, this stretch of river is very quiet—there are no party boats or local ferries to distract from your drink. The hotel’s elegant, retro-fitted motorboat, reminiscent of another era, would suit Grace Kelly and her entourage perfectly and offers a sunset cruise toward Saphan Taksin at 5:30 pm. There’s a barman mixing cocktails on board, and canapés are served.

Don’t write off the eastern side of the river. While there’s no sunset, the afternoon light playing on the river’s choppy waters is magical, and there’s hardly a better place to witness the fading day than the Tasana Nakorn Terrace on the 6th floor of Bangkok’s vast ICONSIAM mall. Here, several restaurants and bars offer fantastic views of Bangkok’s unruly skyline.