Dinner Cruise Boats on the Chaophraya River

Many cruise boats travel up and down the river at night and are a great way to see the city at night. The majority are buffet style although there are a few high end dining experiences albeit on smaller boats (see below).

They usually include music (don’t sit to close to the stage at the front unless you are deaf) and some include a Thai dancing show

Top Tip: Seating on either side of the boat is fine as the boat turns around and comes back up the river. Depending on the state of the river some boats will travel under a very low bridge which can be quite interesting.

There are several places to board these Dinner cruises: Asiatique (the best in our opinion), ICONSiam and RiverCity.

Top Bangkok dinner cruises offer unforgettable views of the Chao Phraya River, featuring iconic landmarks like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. Top choices include luxury options like Wonderful Pearl, The Opulence, and Apsara Cruise, which provide intimate, high-end dining, alongside lively, popular buffet cruises like White Orchid and Chao Phraya Princess. 

Top-Rated Luxury Dinner Cruises

• Wonderful Pearl Cruise: Widely considered a top-tier luxury experience with a 5-course meal,, live music, and a high-end, spacious boat.
• Apsara Cruise (by Banyan Tree): A restored, intimate rice barge providing a fine-dining, multi-course set menu for a more romantic experience.
• The Opulence Cruise: Launched in 2023, this modern, three-deck vessel offers a lavish experience with a large capacity and refined dining. 

Popular Buffet and Entertainment Cruises

• White Orchid River Cruise: Known for its lively atmosphere, live cabaret shows, and unlimited beer, typically departing from Asiatique.
• Chao Phraya Princess Cruise: A popular choice featuring a mix of Thai and international buffets, along with live entertainment, often departing from ICONSIAM or Asiatique.
• Alangka Cruise: Features an expansive international and seafood buffet with a scenic, open-deck design.
• Meridian Cruise: Another popular option, often sailing from ICONSIAM with a focus on seafood and international dishes. 

Key Information for Booking

• Departure Locations: Most cruises operate from River City Pier, Asiatique the Riverfront, or ICONSIAM.
• Duration: Most cruises last approximately 2 hours, typically running from around 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
• Best Time: Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekends and special occasions like New Year’s Eve. 

These cruises combine cultural sights with varied dining options, from authentic Thai to international buffet