Bangkok Planate Dinner Cruise Experience

Bangkok Planate Dinner Cruise Experience: A Balanced Look at an Evening on the Water

When you think of Bangkok and its river, images of illuminated temples, bustling markets, and vibrant city life often come to mind. The Planate dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River offers a way to see this lively city from a different perspective — aboard a boat with a buffet, live music, and traditional dance performances. For around $54 per person, you get approximately two hours of cruising starting from Asiatique The Riverfront, a popular shopping and entertainment complex.

What we love about this experience is the combination of scenic views and cultural entertainment. The boat itself is described as nice, and the staff are reportedly friendly, making for a relaxed atmosphere. The candlelight buffet dinner with seafood and international dishes adds a touch of elegance, and the chance to enjoy Thai classical dance and live music contributes to an authentic ambiance. Plus, the welcome drink and free mini birthday cake (if you’re celebrating your special day in the right month) elevate the experience a bit.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The route change due to high water levels was a disappointment for some, as they missed out on seeing temples or monuments at night — a key part of the promised experience. Plus, the quality of the food has been criticized as poor, and some travelers felt it didn’t quite match the advertised standards. The duration of two hours might also feel a bit brief when trying to soak in the views and enjoy the entertainment, depending on your expectations.

This cruise is best suited for those looking for a relaxing evening rather than a detailed sightseeing tour. It’s ideal for couples, friends, or families wanting an atmospheric dinner with some cultural elements, but if you’re seeking a more immersive or scenic night tour of Bangkok’s landmarks, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Short but scenic: About two hours, providing a quick but atmospheric perspective of Bangkok.
• Cultural entertainment: Includes Thai classical dance and live music, adding authenticity.
• Quality of food: Buffet with seafood and international dishes, but reviews suggest it may be below expectations.
• Route changes: Due to high water levels, some sights may be missed — so don’t expect a full night-time sightseeing tour.
• Perfect for: Those seeking a relaxing dinner and river views, rather than a comprehensive city tour.
• Group size: Up to 300 travelers, so it can be lively but not overly crowded.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Setting and Departure

The cruise departs at 8:00 pm from Asiatique The Riverfront Pier 1. This location is convenient if you’re already exploring the area, which offers plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. The boat itself is described as nice, and the experience begins with a welcome drink — a fruit cocktail with its striking ice blue color — which sets a festive mood. The timing is ideal for catching the sunset and the early evening glow of Bangkok’s landmarks.

The Itinerary and Sights

The itinerary includes passing notable sights such as Icon Siam, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Pra Kaew, and the Rama VIII Bridge. These are among Bangkok’s most famous landmarks, especially when lit up at night. However, some guests, like AGUSTI_P, have noted that they didn’t see a single temple or monument at night and felt the tour didn’t match what was originally advertised. This discrepancy was attributed to high water levels affecting the route.

The Dinner and Entertainment

The highlight for many is the dinner under candlelight, with an international buffet featuring seafood and a variety of hot dishes. The presentation is described as elegant, and the live music duo along with Thai classical dance performances add a romantic and cultural touch. The disco portion brings energy to the evening, making it more lively than a quiet dinner.

Nevertheless, the food quality drew some criticism, with one reviewer describing it as “very loose and poor quality.” This suggests that while the setup is attractive, the meal itself may not satisfy gourmet standards. For travelers seeking a gourmet experience, this might be a drawback.

The Route Change and Its Impact

A major point to consider is the route change due to high water levels, which prevented some guests from seeing the temples and monuments at night — a significant feature of a river cruise in a city like Bangkok. This was frustrating for some, who expected specific sights and felt disappointed when those were missed. It emphasizes how nature can influence the experience, sometimes unpredictably.

The Overall Value

While the price of around $54 might seem reasonable for a two-hour cruise with dinner and entertainment, the quality of food and missed sights mean it may not be the best value for everyone. This cruise is more about the atmosphere than an in-depth sightseeing tour. For those curious about Bangkok’s skyline and craving a romantic or relaxed evening, it can be an enjoyable outing, especially if the route isn’t altered.

Who Should Consider This?

This experience is best suited for casual travelers who want a simple, relaxing dinner with live entertainment and are okay with certain limitations. It’s not ideal if you’re looking for a full-fledged sightseeing cruise with impressive nighttime views of Bangkok’s temples and palaces. Families with young children or couples seeking romance might enjoy the ambiance, but those expecting a gourmet meal or comprehensive city views should explore other options.

Final Thoughts

The Bangkok Planate Dinner Cruise offers a charming way to spend an evening — with scenic river views, live music, and traditional dance — all wrapped into a two-hour package. It’s a nice escape from the hustle, especially if you’re already near Asiatique. Still, the experience’s value depends heavily on your expectations. If you’re after a full sightseeing experience of Bangkok’s illuminated landmarks, you might find this cruise a bit disappointing, particularly given the route changes and the food quality concerns.

That said, if you’re looking for a relaxed, atmospheric evening with a splash of culture, this cruise can be just right. It offers a romantic setting for couples, a fun outing for friends, and a simple introduction to Bangkok’s riverside backdrop. Just keep in mind it’s more about the mood than the sights.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Bangkok Planate Dinner Cruise?
It lasts approximately two hours, starting at 8:00 pm and returning around 10:00 pm.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from Asiatique The Riverfront Pier 1, a central location with many nearby attractions.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes a welcome fruit cocktail, hot coffee or tea, drinking water, the buffet dinner with seafood and international dishes, live music duo, Thai classical dance, and a mini birthday cake if applicable.

Are there any additional costs?
Tips and gratuities are not included, so if you feel the staff did a good job, a small tip would be appreciated.

Can I expect to see Bangkok’s famous landmarks at night?
It depends. Due to high water levels, some parts of the cruise may not offer views of temples or monuments at night, which was a disappointment for some guests.

Is the experience suitable for families?
Yes, it’s generally suitable for families and groups seeking a relaxing dinner rather than a sightseeing tour.

What about the quality of the food?
Reviews suggest the buffet is adequate but not gourmet. Some found it poor in quality, so manage your expectations accordingly.

How crowded is this tour?
It can accommodate up to 300 travelers, so it might be lively but not overly crowded, depending on the day.

Is the tour flexible with cancellations?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, the Bangkok Planate Dinner Cruise offers a pleasant, atmospheric way to enjoy the river and some cultural entertainment. It’s best suited for those who prioritize relaxation and ambiance over extensive sightseeing or gourmet dining. If you’re curious about Bangkok’s riverside at night, this cruise can be worth considering — just be prepared for some possible route adjustments and food that might not wow you.