Review

When it comes to fine dining in an incredible setting, Saffron Cruise by Banyan Tree Bangkok has an advantage over every land-based restaurant in Bangkok; the Chao Phraya River and neighbouring shimmering skyline. The world seems right when you are cruising on the River of Kings. Beginning at IconSiam and gliding up and down the waterway between Asiatique and the Rama 8 bridge, guests pass a leisurely three hours perusing iconic sights including Wat Arun, The Grand Palace and more. An extensive wine list, signature cocktails and wide selection of gins add to the reverie. Indeed, it would be quite delightful even if the dining component was limited to a plate of nuts. But there's culinary substance to nudge the experience further towards the experiential stratosphere. Seared scallop with a curry sauce and picked papaya gets proceedings off to a righteous start followed by a salmon sour soup enlivened by Phuket pineapple salsa.

A main of river prawn in a rich red curry is a surefire classic and the slow-cooked beef short ribs with longon have a mouth-wateringly delicious appeal. The meal is completed by saffron mango sticky rice with homemade black sesame ice cream, a quintessentially Bangkok ending to an essential Bangkok experience.