Today, Chao Phraya is one of the country's top tourist destinations. Its banks are now home to the city's most glitzy hotels - Mandarin Oriental, Shangri - la, Marriott Royal Garden, Royal Orchid Sheraton, Peninsula, to name a few - with dinner cruise a major lure for tourists.

Indeed, a night cruise on Chao Phraya can be your most romantic experience in Bangkok. You can take a cruise on an ordinary passenger ferry or on a luxurious royal barge. The cruise gives you a breathtaking glimpse of the fascinating life - and historic landmarks - long the river. The trip takes you under the Memorial Bridge, Sapan Put, the first span to be built across the river, and under the new Rama 8 Bridge, whose cable stays look like a giant jewel against a moonless sky.

Of course, the cruise's major night attraction is the Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, At night, its glowing spire majestically rises above the city like a phoenix in full splendor.

Another fascinating sight is the sprawling Grand Palace where monarchs lived in the olden days. The current King now lives elsewhere, but the palace remains a reminder of the glorious days of the kingdom. In the same compound is the Royal Chapel, locally known as Prakeow, It houses the highly revered Emerald Buddha image which, of course, can't be seen from your boat.

A diner cruise is a journey in time, taking you back to the glory of Old Siam. As Pichit Kulkeadech, owner of the Pearl of Siam luxury yachts once said, "Bangkok is one of the world's most exotic ports of call and crossing along the lifeline of Bangkok at night lends a different dimension to one's holiday." If taken on a luxury barge, the cruise is usually capped with a royal Thai dinner, aesthetic in both taste and presentation.

Information from "What's on after dark" and "What's on this week