Asia - Seafood by the Chaopraya in Bangkok

I have had a good read through the various BKK threads, but don't have a definitive answer. If I wanted a great seafood orientated meal, by the river, and wasn't too concerned about super-luxurious surroundings, where would I go?

The market and the Oriental both hit certain bits of the criteria, but aren't the overall package.

Any advice gratefully received - I will need some food inbetween Sirocco and hitting the Met Bar. :)

swanhunter, hi,
like you i love my seafood, and of late have decided to "eat in house" and have been very surprised. this trip i had one of the best seafood spreads ever. the new hilton is accessed from rivercity (go to hilton office and a boat is sent across to you). i spent 3 hours eating everything from caviar to lobster, with an army of chefs cooking, and another horde of table cleaners and serviette folders hovering. the salads are awesome and the desserts, oh the desserts. Likewise you will be very happy with any of the river hotels, esp oriental, peninsula, royal orchid and shangrila. tried them all and honestly cannot fault any, but the hilton being new is just trying so hard. lunch was about A$30 and dinner A$45. if it's a fine night and most are, sit outside. if you're into food display, spend some time at the new paragon. it's so good i spent a hour yesterday in their supermarket, the array of food is incredible. hope you enjoy bkk as much as i, thank god i have to fly back on the 20th, regards 3131

Has a nice restuarant, and the 'mall' beside it has an even nice one (sorry, can't recall the name - but if you hop over to the Royal Orchid, it's right beside...

Enjoy!

B950++ I think, except for Saturday when it is B1250++. Prices are current - I was there about three weeks ago.

Great seafood buffet, sushi to lobster - but also roast beef, lamb, etc.

A floor to ceiling wall of glass overlooks the river from the second floor. Great view! Great food!

FYI, the seafood buffet at the Oriental is only available during lunch.

http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hotel/510000237.asp

You might try Yok-Yor, just across the river from the Sheraton. I believe they have a boat that leaves from the Sheraton dock. There is also a local ferry, next to the Sheraton, that will take you across the river, but you will need to take a Tuk-Tuk or walk a little on the first street away from the river and going upriver. The prices are moderate, and there are a large number of locals that also go there. Have fun.

What is acceptable lunch attire at the Oriental? I know dinner would be jacket and tie but I am not sure about lunch. We would like to try this buffet with 2 teenaged boys (16 & 17) but I do not think I will be successful talking them into ties at lunch no matter what is on the menu.

HELLO VKER

THE MO WORKS ON THE BASIS THAT IF YOU CAN AFFORD OUR PRICES, YOU PROBABLY HAVE GOOD TASTE AND ARE WELL DRESSED. THEY DO MAKE IT OBVIOUS THEY DISLIKE RUNNERS, SHORTS, AND SANDALS. IT IS MORE FOR THE CUSTOMER THAN FOR THE HOTEL, AS IT IS NORMALLY THE OTHER DINERS THAT MAKE THE "BEACH ATTIRED" FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE. YOU ARE RIGHT THAT IN THE EVENING THEY REQUIRE A JACKET AND TIE, BUT DURING THE DAY, YOU WILL FIND THEM VERY ACCOMMODATING. YOU WILL LOVE THE VISUAL DISPLAY OF PRODUCT THAT IS AVAILABLE FOR LUNCH, DON'T RUSH IT, AND IF YOU PARTICULARLY LOVE A CERTAIN ITEM, ie LOBSTER, YOU CAN GO BACK AND BACK. TELL YOUR BOYS TO PICK A LITTLE OF WHAT THEY LIKE, AND IF THEY WANT MORE, ASK FOR IT. THEY MAKE YOU FEEL AT EASE TO ENJOY THE BUFFET THEN RETIRE TO THE RIVERFRONT FOR DESSERTS AND COFFEE. JUST WRITTING ABOUT IT MAKES ME WANT TO GO THERE FOR LUNCH TODAY, BUT I KEEP IT FOR SPECIAL DAYS AND SPECIAL PEOPLE

What is acceptable lunch attire at the Oriental? I know dinner would be jacket and tie but I am not sure about lunch. We would like to try this buffet with 2 teenaged boys (16 & 17) but I do not think I will be successful talking them into ties at lunch no matter what is on the menu.

They will tell you that "smart casual" is fine. I wear a nice pair of jeans, athletic shoes, and a nice shirt - no problem - no funny looks from anyone.

You can eat ouside by the pool in the evening with casual dress. And the view is nicer. Too hot for me in the daytime though.

francophile is right - I forgot to mention the seafood buffet is for lunch only.

The lunch buffet at the MO (Lord Jim) is great. Outstanding selection of seafood. There is also a sushi bar where you can ask for made to order sushi. I remember three types of lobster. The desserts are great. The service is typical Thai, which means very gracious and friendly.

Yes, it is expensive for BKK at about USD 25. But can you get such great quality, abundance, service, and ambiance for USD 50 here in the US?

By the way, across the river is another fine lunch buffet:

http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hotel/510000238.asp

Vker (my wife) and I were discussing the dress code.

I am happy with your responses. We will be on vacation in Thailand for 2 weeks )1 week in Bangkok and 1 week in Phuket) and I would love to enjoy the buffet. But, I was planning on casual on the trip and wasn't going to bring a jacket on the trip.

I wanted to make sure khakis and a pull over (collared) shirt would be of w/ decent shoes (not sandals or tennis shoes.)

If I understand you correctly, this is fine.

I told her that I dont care if the boys go! I want her and I to get away from them at some point on the trip.

I am very much looking forward to our vacation and we will make this a part of it.

Reservations or just show up?

Reservations or just show up?

I'd make a reservation for the Saturday buffet, but I don't think it would needed during the week. But, you don't want to be disappointed either. I found them quite responsive to e-mail. The F&B manager's e-mail is on their website - she was very helpful (She is who I asked about dress code.)