A chao phraya dinner cruise boards at piers such as ICONSIAM and Asiatique The Riverfront. The boat passes Wat Arun and the Grand Palace after dark. Listed departures run from 7:15 pm to 8:00 pm, and a standard sailing lasts two hours.
This guide covers the boats, the piers, the route, the food, the shows, the sailing times and booking. Anyone planning more trips across the country can compare destinations and tours on the Thailand Tours homepage.
Which boats run a chao phraya dinner cruise?
A chao phraya dinner cruise sails on boats such as Meridian, White Orchid, Wonderful Pearl and Super Galaxy. The boats have two or three decks. One operator runs a 500-passenger boat and a 290-passenger boat.
GetYourGuide’s search for a chao phraya dinner cruise lists boats under these names. They are White Orchid, Chao Phraya Princess, Royal Princess, Noah, The Planet, River Star, New Horizon, Meridian and Sawasdee. Our other Thailand tours run on the same platform.
One operator publishes sizes for two boats. The Grand Chaophraya Cruise is 50 metres long and 10 metres wide, and it carries 500 passengers. The Chaophraya Cruise is 43.5 metres long and 8.5 metres wide, and it carries 290.
On both boats, a chao phraya dinner cruise has an air-conditioned lower deck and an open-air upper deck. The interior of both boats is in a distinct Thai style.
Another operator runs a three-deck boat with a rooftop deck. It calls the boat medium-sized and says the rooftop hosts approximately 200 to 250 guests. Indoor air-conditioned seats sit on the first and second floors, behind floor-to-ceiling windows.
Bangkok also has smaller boats, such as longtail boats on the narrow waterways beside the river. See which Bangkok canal tour listings GetYourGuide shows, then learn where Damnoen Saduak sits on a floating market tour.
A guest with an indoor seat is welcome to go up to the rooftop at any time, says the operator. The same operator also offers a newer boat with an upgraded design.
On Meridian, a chao phraya dinner cruise has two floors, according to one seller’s seat plan. The first floor is air-conditioned and has 120 to 140 seats. The second floor is open-air with 120 to 140 seats. A front deck on the second floor adds 40 open-air seats.
White Orchid has three decks and an open-air top deck, says one seller. The same seller calls Wonderful Pearl a boutique three-deck boat with escalators and an indoor fountain. It also calls Wonderful Pearl one of the largest cruises on the river.
Super Galaxy has three floors. Its first and second floors are indoors, with a galaxy-inspired space theme. The outdoor seats are on the third floor and on the second-floor front deck. One blog says the second deck is styled like an entertainment venue.
A comparison blog lists The Planet, Sawasdee and Wonderful Pearl as premium boats. It says every premium vessel has three decks, including an open-air rooftop. On Chao Phraya Princess, a chao phraya dinner cruise has two decks, says the same blog.
Where does a chao phraya dinner cruise board?
A chao phraya dinner cruise boards at ICONSIAM, Asiatique The Riverfront, River City or Yodpiman River Walk. The pier depends on the boat you book. Your booking confirmation names it, so check it before you leave your hotel.
Departure points differ from one chao phraya dinner cruise to the next. One operator lists ICONSIAM, Asiatique The Riverfront, Yodpiman River Walk, River City, Riverside Bangkok Hotel and Terminal 21 Rama 3. Another operator says its premium cruises depart from both ICONSIAM and Asiatique.
Krabi’s island boat trips have departure points of their own. Two Krabi guides answer which stops a Hong Islands trip makes and what a 4 islands boat trip covers.
Asiatique The Riverfront stands on Charoen Krung Road in Bang Kho Laem District, facing the river. At one operator, guests check in at Warehouse #3. They then go to Pier #2 for boarding.
Asiatique is reached by road or by boat, with shuttle services from Sathorn Pier. One pier guide says to take the BTS to Saphan Taksin station and leave by Exit 2. Then follow the signs to Sathorn Pier.
At the pier, look for the Asiatique Shuttle Boat sign on the far left. The same guide lists a free shuttle from about 16:00 to 23:30, leaving every 15 to 30 minutes.
Saphan Taksin is a BTS Silom Line station, and Sathorn Pier sits next to it. Wikipedia calls it the first rapid transit station in Bangkok with an interchange to river ferries. Every Chao Phraya Express Boat service stops at Sathorn Pier.
ICONSIAM stands in Khlong San, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Four piers are built on site for private boats and public ferries. For a chao phraya dinner cruise from ICONSIAM, ride the BTS Silom Line to Krung Thon Buri station. Change there to the Gold Line for Charoen Nakhon station, next to the mall.
You can also arrive by water. Wikipedia says ICONSIAM provides a ferry from Sathorn Pier, the Sheraton Hotel Bangkok and Si Phraya Pier.
River City Bangkok stands on the Chao Phraya River at Si Phraya Pier, near large hotels. For a chao phraya dinner cruise from River City, take the BTS to Saphan Taksin station. Then ride an express boat to Si Phraya Pier. One pier guide also lists buses 36, 45, 93 and 187 to the Si Phraya Pier stop.
Getting to the pier is one stage of a Bangkok trip, and the airport is another. For flights out of Bangkok, one guide explains how a Suvarnabhumi airport fast track works on departure.
One operator tells guests of its second cruise to go to Yodpiman River Walk, not Asiatique. Yodpiman River Walk also serves as a pier for the Chao Phraya Express Boat. Its pier code is N6/1, between Rajinee Pier and Memorial Bridge Pier.
What landmarks does a chao phraya dinner cruise pass?
A chao phraya dinner cruise passes Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Memorial Bridge and Rama VIII Bridge. Operators list them as lit-up sights at night. The direction and order of the sights can change from day to day with the tide.
Operators name Wat Arun as a sight on a chao phraya dinner cruise. The temple stands on the west bank of the river, in Thonburi. Its name comes from Aruna, a Hindu god linked with the rays of the rising sun. One operator lists Wat Arun among its illuminated riverside attractions.
The Grand Palace sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya, in the Phra Nakhon district. King Rama I ordered its construction, which began in seventeen eighty-two. Wat Phra Kaew, a royal chapel, stands within the palace walls. Wat Pho lies directly south of the palace, and one guide names it on the route.
One listing for a chao phraya dinner cruise names two bridges. Memorial Bridge is a bascule, or lifting, bridge between the Phra Nakhon and Thonburi districts. It opened in nineteen thirty-two. The name is shortened to Saphan Phut.
Rama VIII Bridge is the second. It is a cable-stayed bridge over the Chao Phraya, and its pylon is 160 metres tall. The bridge is named in tribute to King Ananda Mahidol, the brother of King Bhumibol.
The same operator that lists Wat Arun adds Wichai Prasit Fort, Wat Kalayanamit and the Santi Chai Prakan Royal Pavilion. A second operator names Wat Kalayanamit too, with Wat Arun, the Grand Palace and ICONSIAM.
Which way the boat heads can change on a chao phraya dinner cruise. One listing says the direction and order can change each day because of the tide. Fireworks and light-and-sound shows can change them too. Another guide says routes vary by operator and river conditions. It adds that no landmark is guaranteed on every sailing.
A temple stays where it is, however a boat route changes. Is any temple older than the city of Ayutthaya? The Ayutthaya tour from Bangkok guide settles that question.
One listing for the ICONSIAM pier gives this order of sights:
- Wat Arun
- Wat Phra Kaew
- the Grand Palace
- Tha Maharaj
- Wang Lang
- Memorial Bridge
- Rama VIII Bridge
- Asiatique
The boat then returns to ICONSIAM. A listing for the Asiatique pier starts at ICONSIAM and ends at Rama VIII Bridge. That boat returns to Asiatique.
High water changes the route for one operator. It can stop the boat passing under Memorial Bridge to reach Wat Arun and Rama VIII Bridge. The route is then adjusted southwards, and that chao phraya dinner cruise shows Wat Bukkhalo and Rama IX Bridge instead.
What food is served on a chao phraya dinner cruise?
A chao phraya dinner cruise serves a buffet of Thai and international dishes. One operator lists over 30 selections prepared by its chefs. Drinks depend on the listing, from a welcome drink and soft drinks to free beer.
On a chao phraya dinner cruise, guests serve themselves from the buffet. One operator describes Thai delicacies and international favourites. A second operator lists desserts, fruits and snacks with its Thai and international buffet.
A third operator names its buffet stations. They are fresh seafood, Thai classics, international favourites, desserts, live carving, and chocolate and sweet treats. The same operator lists seafood, salads, hot dishes, roasted meats and desserts. One comparison guide says chefs stand at the counters for premium items such as grilled seafood and salmon sashimi.
The food changes between budget and premium boats. One guide says budget cruises run out of salmon sashimi and seafood quickly, and restocking takes slightly longer. For premium cruises it lists unlimited grilled river prawns, steaks, and Japanese dishes served throughout the trip. It also lists dishes served only on board.
Cuisine changes by boat too. One operator serves a four-course Thai menu and calls it a Thai Gastronomic Journey. GetYourGuide lists a Japanese dinner cruise and an Indian dinner cruise. Two operator pages link a full menu through a View Menu button. Read it before you book a chao phraya dinner cruise.
Drinks depend on the listing for each chao phraya dinner cruise. One operator includes a welcome drink, soft drink and water. Another lists coffee and tea. A third lists coffee, tea and water with its international buffet.
Drinks are worth checking on other Thai outings too, not only river sailings. For a Chiang Mai zipline day in the hills, one guide answers whether drinking water is provided.
Alcohol depends on the listing too. One operator says alcoholic drinks can be ordered at an extra charge. GetYourGuide titles name free beer, and one title offers free-flow beer and wine. One guide says certain premium cruises offer unlimited select beverages.
For a vegetarian meal on a chao phraya dinner cruise, one operator offers a vegetarian set menu. It carries no additional cost. Guests ask for it under special requirements when booking. GetYourGuide lists dinner cruises titled halal, and one title says Halal Certified. Tell the operator about any allergy when you book.
One guide says guests sailing in their birth month receive a complimentary mini-cake on premium cruises. Its tips section also mentions a complimentary birthday cake on request.
What shows play on a chao phraya dinner cruise?
Operators list live music and Thai dance on a chao phraya dinner cruise. One lists a Filipino band. Another lists professional singers and a traditional Thai greeting dance. One guide also describes a premium cruise with a live DJ.
Three operator websites include live music in what their dinner cruise offers. One names a professional Filipino band. The band performs classic hits, modern favourites and soulful songs throughout the voyage. Another operator names professional singers. The Filipino band operator also lists live music on its sunset cruise.
Thai dance sits beside live music on the same lists. Each of these operators lists Thai dance for its chao phraya dinner cruise, but the names differ. One page lists live Thai classical dance shows and a traditional Thai dance show. A second lists a traditional Thai greeting dance. A third lists Thai dance as a dinner cruise feature.
None of the three pages says how long the dance runs, or when it starts. None of them lists a cabaret or a DJ. Check the running order in the listing before you book.
The music style changes with the boat. One comparison guide says budget cruises have a lively, party-like mood, with upbeat dance music and larger crowds. It says budget boats also offer cultural shows, on a slightly more intimate scale. Its cruise table tags one budget boat for Thai dance and another for live music.
Another live show in Bangkok is a fight night held in a ring. For a seat, the muay thai tickets Bangkok guide answers the questions travellers ask.
The same guide says premium cruises have a more relaxed, romantic mood, with soft classic and jazz music. For quiet conversation on a chao phraya dinner cruise, it points to a premium boat. It says the live music and entertainment there are kept at a comfortable volume.
The guide gives stage detail for premium boats. It says they have state-of-the-art stages with light and sound systems, and host multiple grand performances during the night. It describes one premium cruise with a live DJ and a mix of classic tunes and traditional Thai music. It also says birthday guests receive a special birthday song.
GetYourGuide names the entertainment in its listing titles. Its dinner cruise titles include “with Live Music”, “with Live Show” and “with Shows”. Compare that wording when you look at each chao phraya dinner cruise listing. One title also ends in “Buffet Dinner Cruise & Music”. A sunset and dinner listing carries the “with Live Music” tag too.
When does a chao phraya dinner cruise sail, and for how long?
Listed departures for a chao phraya dinner cruise run from 7:15 pm to 8:00 pm. A standard sailing lasts two hours, and check-in opens between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm.
Each operator sets its own timetable for a chao phraya dinner cruise. One operator lists the dinner cruise as running every day. Two operators give these times.
- Operator one: check-in 6:00 pm to 7:45 pm, departure 8:00 pm, finish 10:00 pm.
- Operator two: check-in 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm, departure 7:15 pm, finish 9:15 pm.
- One agency lists the Super Galaxy sailing from 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
One operator calls its sailing a “2-hour evening cruising and dining” trip. A guide says a budget cruise gives “a complete 2-hour journey, exactly the same duration as the premium ships”. Two hours is the length to plan for a chao phraya dinner cruise on those boats.
The Super Galaxy cruise lists 2.5 hours on GetYourGuide. The newest luxury 5-star Bangkok cruise lists a range of 2 to 3.5 hours. White Orchid lists 2 to 4.5 hours. Open each listing to see what the range covers.
A sunset sailing leaves earlier than a dinner sailing. One agency lists an every-day sunset sailing from 4:30 pm to 6:20 pm. On GetYourGuide, the Noah luxury sunset cruise lists 1.5 hours. The Luxury White Sunset or Dinner Cruise lists 105 minutes to 2 hours.
In Bangkok, the sun sets between 5:47 pm and 5:50 pm in November. In June, it sets between 6:42 pm and 6:49 pm. A chao phraya dinner cruise that departs at 8:00 pm sails after the sun has set in both months.
The sun also sets the plan for boat days far from Bangkok. One Krabi guide covers which time and season suit a private longtail boat tour in Krabi. Another shows what snorkellers see on a Phi Phi island tour.
Bangkok has a tropical savanna climate and a monsoon pattern. The rainy season lasts until October. September is the wettest month, with 335.9 millimetres of rain on average. The dry, cool northeast monsoon then runs until February. April has an average high of 35.7 degrees Celsius.
One operator says the cruise “will still operate as usual” in rain. Its rooftop guests move to indoor air-conditioned seating, and umbrellas are provided on board. Another guide says staff move rooftop and front-deck guests to the indoor air-conditioned deck.
The same operator warns that schedules “are subject to change depending on weather conditions and event arrangements”. Confirm the time for your chao phraya dinner cruise with the seller before you travel.
How do you book a chao phraya dinner cruise on GetYourGuide?
Open a chao phraya dinner cruise listing on GetYourGuide, pick a date and an option, then reserve. All four top listings offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the cruise. You can also reserve now and pay later.
The top chao phraya dinner cruise listings score from 4.2 to 4.8. The 5-star cruise holds 4.8 from 5,289 reviews. The ICONSIAM cruise holds 4.6 from 788 reviews. The White Orchid cruise holds 4.4 from 5,494 reviews. The Chao Phraya Princess ticket holds 4.2 from 885 reviews.
Each package lists what it covers. The 5-star listing bundles the cruise, the buffet, soft drinks and the live shows. Alcoholic drinks are not included and cost extra. The Princess listing sells a ticket valid for the selected date only. You exchange its voucher for the ticket on that date.
On the 5-star chao phraya dinner cruise, rooftop seats must be booked in advance. You choose a seating zone when you book, but check-in assigns the seat numbers. Each booking gets its own table and is not seated with other guests.
The 5-star listing has two daily options with their own piers and start times, so check the option you pick. Other labels show the booking rules:
- Cut-off: at least 30 minutes for the 5-star cruise, 2 hours for ICONSIAM and 5 hours for White Orchid.
- Pickup available: the label on Bangkok: The Planet Dinner Cruise with Optional Hotel Transfer.
- Wheelchair accessible: shown on the 5-star listing and the Princess ticket.
The White Orchid listing states that the cruise will not wait for late arrivals. Guests who miss it through lateness get no refund and no reschedule. The 5-star listing says Bangkok traffic can be heavy in the evening, so it strongly recommends arriving early.
The pages for the four top chao phraya dinner cruise listings set no dress code. The Princess ticket page lists a passport or ID card, comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes under what to bring.
One operator of a chao phraya dinner cruise lists children under 3 as free. Children aged 4 to 10 pay a child rate, and children over 10 pay the normal rate. The same site says infants must sit on laps and lists the cruise as stroller accessible. The 5-star listing page states no child policy.
After booking, use the GetYourGuide messaging system to tell the provider about a birthday or an anniversary. The 5-star listing can arrange a cake and a song. Pets are not allowed on that cruise.
What do travellers ask about a chao phraya dinner cruise?
A chao phraya dinner cruise sails a river 372 kilometres long that flows into the Gulf of Thailand. These answers cover the river’s name, its role in Bangkok, the Royal Barge Procession and motion sickness.
How long is the Chao Phraya River?
The river begins where the Ping and Nan rivers meet at Nakhon Sawan. From there it flows south for 372 kilometres to Bangkok and the Gulf of Thailand.
That figure counts from the meeting point of the two rivers. Measured from the source of the Nan River in the Luang Prabang Range, the river is 1,112 kilometres long.
What does the name Chao Phraya mean?
Chao Phraya is a Thai title of nobility. English-language media in Thailand translate the river’s name as “river of kings”.
Written evidence of the name dates to the reign of King Mongkut in the nineteenth century. Records from the reign of King Narai call the settlement that is now Samut Prakan “Bang Chao Phraya”. One historian’s account traces the river’s name to that settlement.
What role does the river play in Bangkok?
The river became significant after Rattanakosin, now Bangkok, was founded on its east bank in seventeen eighty-two. The location protected the city from Burmese invasions coming from the west.
In Bangkok, the river a chao phraya dinner cruise sails is a major transportation artery. River buses, cross-river ferries and water taxis run on it.
What is the Royal Barge Procession?
It is a ceremony of religious and royal significance that has taken place for nearly 700 years. It takes place rarely, marking only major cultural and religious events.
The procession has 52 barges and 2,082 oarsmen. It sails down the Chao Phraya River from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Dusit district.
The National Museum of Royal Barges stands in Bangkok Noi District. It displays eight important barges, including all four royal barges.
Can a chao phraya dinner cruise cause seasickness?
One tour seller lists travellers with severe seasickness or motion sensitivity as not suited to its cruise. It says river wake can cause occasional gentle movement.
One review site calls its featured dinner cruise not ideal for anyone prone to motion sickness. One guide describes a catamaran as “the steadiest ride on the river”.