Thiptara

The serene Thai restaurant of the Peninsula hotel is lit by torches and candles and has a wonderful location right by the Chao Phraya River. Tables are set along the river and throughout five teakwood pavilions (imported from the ancient capital of Ayutthaya). It’s a beautiful setting in which to try traditional Thai dishes, like spicy papaya salad served with chunks of fried bass; yellow curry with duck, lychees and Kaffir limes; and the delicious minced chicken with spicy basil. Dessert may include homemade coconut ice cream served with honey and fried banana. Thanks to the different intimate sitting areas (along the river, in the garden, or in one of the salas), the restaurant feels warm and romantic. If you’re not staying at the hotel, you can take the shuttle boat there from the Sky Train station at Saphan Taksin, which runs from 6 a.m. until midnight.