12 over-water cafes to dine at for the perfect slow weekend, just 50 minutes from Pratunam, Bangkok

Once in a while, I enjoy relaxing holidays that let me laze around, especially since I live in Bangkok – a city that’s always bustling with activities. Sadly, these “chill” spots are usually located far away from the city centre – not so convenient if you only have a few hours to spare.

Thankfully, more and more of these places are popping up near Bangkok’s neighbourhood, including over-water restaurants and cafes. What I love most about them is:

• They’re by the water (great views!)

• Have a peaceful atmosphere (relax and lie down on catamaran nets)

• They serve great food (seafood, desserts, etc)

A lot of them are within 45 minutes from Pratunam Market and easily reachable too! So if you’re like me and wish to spend a slow weekend, read on to discover 12 over-water cafes in Bangkok.

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1. Eat Tom Yum Noodles Soup in giant bamboo bowls – Nalintara Food & Drink

Ask me what Thai food I miss the most when I’m overseas and I’ll answer Tom Yum. Why? Because the spicy and sour flavours complement each other so well. Add noodles and seafood in the broth and you have a winner. 😀

So imagine my delight when I found this restaurant – a place where I can eat delicious Tom Yum Noodle Soup (in a cute bamboo container) at a scenic location with water lilies. You can even sit on one of the gazebos by the pond and relax on a catamaran net too!

Mann… Now I want to go back… >.<

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2. Are we in the Northeast of Thailand? – Sab Nua (แซ่บนัว ครัวบ้านนา)

With the rice paddies, straw roofs and wooden bridges, even I felt confused for a minute. On top of the Isaan (which means “northeast” in Thai) food they serve in this restaurant, it definitely feels like you’re not in Bangkok.

The Isaan food is great here, serving everything from Thai Spicy Salads to Grilled Meat. However, I love this place’s calming vibes even more. I mean… you get to sit in the middle of nature, either around the pond or by the field, while eating your spicy food. What’s more perfect than that?

But if you can’t stand the spice, there are drinks and desserts you can order too.

3. Have a lovely lunch in this jungle paradise – Ran Nang Hoi Kha (ร้านนั่งห้อยขา)

If you like nature scenery and enjoy pork and noodles even more, then you’ll absolutely love this place. This place offers noodles soup filled with egg, red pork and meatballs that’s topped with a ribbon-shaped fried wonton. And if you want to enjoy the ultimate pork meal, add a bowl-shaped meat in your bowl.

You can also order satay, fried wontons and other Thai appetisers, as well as meatball or wonton soups for something crunchy and savoury. All this in addition to a great nature view, being surrounded by trees and a pond filled with lotus leaves. Awesome eh?

4. Enjoy the Chao Phraya River view on catamaran nets – Rongsi Studio

I’ve always wanted to sit on a catamaran net because it looks so fun and Instagrammable. So when I found out Rongsi Studio also had this, I immediately wanted to come – especially since we could sit “on air” and above the Chao Phraya River.

But if you’re thinking that you’ll be eating on catamaran nets, I’m sorry to say that you won’t be doing that. Instead, you’ll be eating and drinking on sturdy seats – whether it’s chairs-and-tables or on the floor.

Don’t know what to eat? Rongsi Studio serves Thai and Western food and sweet treats, satiating all types of cravings.

Fun fact: Did you know this cafe used to be the location of a rice mill (it’s 100 years old!)?

5. It’s so relaxing, I bet you’ll fall asleep here – Floating Space By On The Boat Cafe & Co.

Just imagine… You’re lying down on a catamaran net over the flowing Tai Chin River as the soft breeze blows on your face. And once you feel refreshed, you’ll find your cake and frothy latte on the table. Doesn’t that feel like heaven?!

One thing’s for sure, you’ll find time passing soooo slowly, it won’t be surprising if you actually fall asleep here. It’s a nice break from your hectic Monday to Friday schedule too, great if you’re looking to recharge and feel refreshed when you’re back in the office on Monday.

They also serve coolers, in case you need a sip of alcohol in the afternoon.

6. Is this a fishing village in Phuket? – Khun Orn Seafood (ครัวคุณอรซีฟู้ด)

Nope, it’s not. But with the amount of connected straw-roofed cabanas, it’s no surprise you would think so. The only difference is that this restaurant has no boats and each cabana has its own catamaran net.

However, you’ll probably be reminded of the fishing village as you eat here since they also serve Thai-style seafood dishes like grilled prawn and fried fish.

Too much seafood? They also offer non-seafood dishes like stir-fried vegetables and Thai spicy salad.

7. A Thai-Western fusion riverside restaurant – Tree of Love Riverside Cafe’ at Donwai

One thing I like to do on a Saturday afternoon is hanging out with my family eating good food while enjoying a great view. However, it’s almost impossible to do so in downtown Bangkok – a city filled with malls, pollution and noise.

But that’s not the case at Tree of Love Riverside Cafe’ at Donwai, a riverside cafe just 40 minutes from Pratunam Market. Due to its location, you can enjoy the river view while eating delicious Thai and Western dishes. You can even sit on a catamaran net and pose for your own collection of cover-worthy images.

8. Chill in the evening with food and music – Krua Rim Nam

If you’re looking to experience an authentic Thai-style evening on the weekends, we highly recommend you to come here. You not only get to dine by a pond, but also listen to live music in the open-air. You can even lie down on a catamaran net for a more relaxing seating position. However, note that there’s only 1 catamaran net available so you’ll have to take turns.

Krua Rim Nam serves all kinds of Thai food from seafood dishes to spicy salads and fried fritters. They also offer both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, perfect for chilling on a slow weekend evening.

9. Hang out in a net – On the River Café

Who doesn’t dream of lounging on a Catamaran net and sailing the Caribbean islands?

Well, if you lop off the sapphire Caribbean waters, the sea breeze, and the Catamaran from your fantasy – you will find the exact same thing at On the River Café.

The very comfy netted platforms hanging off the edges of the coffee shop will feel like a bed of roses extending over Chao Praya River.  (Just mind the rainy season unless you are willing to bring on the swimming suit.)

Try drinks such as the lotus-infused signature On the River Iced Tea, the Sunset on the River smoothie – and unique concoctions combined with desserts like Blueberry Cheese Pie made as a blended drink, or a simple Caramel Macchiato.

For desserts, the mixed-berry compote Noah’s Ark or just the old favourite Honey Toast will more than satisfy your sweet tooth!

10. It’s a seafood feast above water! – Than Talay Seafood (ธารทะเลซีฟู๊ด)

Ask me what’s my favourite food and I’ll say seafood. It’s savoury, chewy yet soft and super delicious, no matter how you cook it. And when you top off your meal with a glass of coconut water? Perfect!! 😀

From Steamed Mussels and fluffy Crab Omelette to Fried Fish and Garlic Fried Prawns, you’ll find a wide array of delicious Thai-style seafood here. So if you want your slow weekend to be filled with seafood, remember to come over to Than Talay Seafood!

11. Have a slow afternoon with your loved ones – The Scene Cafe by The River

My sister always told me that talking and spending time with your loved ones is crucial in a relationship. However, it’s not that easy to do so in a busy city like Bangkok, where distractions are plenty.

If this sounds like you, visit The Scene Cafe by The River. It’s super quiet and relaxing here that you can finally have that quality time both of you need. You can also sit outdoors close to nature for a change. And when you do feel famished, they also offer Western food from spaghetti to waffles.

12. It’s a crab party! – Krua Tubtim Seafood (ครัว ทับทิม ซีฟู้ด)

Love eating crab? Then you’ll love this restaurant due to the numerous crab dishes available. From Crab Curry and Steamed Crabs to Glass Noodles with Crabs, you’ll definitely have your crab fill here.

They also offer other seafood dishes like prawns, fish and clams – all cooked Thai-style.

Most of the seatings here are lesehan-style (sit on the floor), however they do offer chairs and tables in case you can’t sit on the floor. But if you do opt for the lesehan-style, then you’ll be happy to know that each cabana has a catamaran net you can sit or lie on. Now, eating while levitating is definitely possible!

Found any to your liking? Whether you’re looking to eat seafood, sweet goodies or savoury Asian or Western food, you can count on lazing around on the weekend at these places. What a relaxing way to end your busy week eh? 😀

Happy eating! 😀

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