Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise – Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok

Experience Bangkok from the Chao Phraya River with the Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise

Imagine gliding along the Chao Phraya River as the sun dips behind Bangkok’s skyline, casting a golden glow over historic temples and modern bridges. For around $26.70, you can enjoy a 2-hour sunset dinner cruise that promises both scenic views and a tasty mix of food and entertainment. Departing from the vibrant ICONSIAM mall at 5:00 pm, this cruise takes you on a journey that combines the magic of sunset with the glittering nightlife of Bangkok, all from the comfort of a boat.

What we particularly like about this cruise is how it balances spectacular river vistas with delicious international and Thai buffet options. The live band playing Thai, Chinese, and international songs adds a lively touch that makes the evening feel festive. Plus, with admission to sights like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the Royal Barges Museum as part of the experience, it’s a great way to combine sightseeing with an enjoyable dining experience.

One thing to keep in mind is that the window clarity isn’t perfect, as some reviews mention that the glass wasn’t very clean, which can slightly mar the view. Also, the cruise lasts about an hour and a half, so if you’re after a longer, more leisurely experience, this might feel a bit brief. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a quick yet scenic meal with a side of Bangkok’s iconic river landmarks—perfect for first-time visitors wanting a taste of both culture and comfort.

Key Points

• Stunning sunset views over Bangkok’s skyline and landmarks
• Diverse buffet including Thai, Indian, and international dishes
• Live band entertainment playing a mix of Thai, Chinese, and international songs
• Accessible location departing from ICONSIAM, near public transit
• Affordable price with a focus on value and scenic experience
• Brief duration of approximately 2 hours, ideal for a quick evening outing

A Detailed Look at the Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise

Setting the Scene: Bangkok from the Water

Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River is often called the city’s lifeblood, winding through the heart of the metropolis and offering views that seem to encapsulate the city’s vibrant spirit. From the deck of the Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise, you get a perspective that’s hard to replicate from land—seeing landmarks like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the Rama VIII Bridge as they glow in the evening light.

The cruise starts from ICONSIAM, a modern, luxurious shopping complex that’s easy to reach using public transportation. The meeting point at 5:00 pm means you’ll catch the sunset while still on land, giving you a chance to snap some photos before setting sail. We appreciate that the check-in is recommended at least 30 minutes early, helping prevent last-minute rushes.

The Itinerary and Sights

While the main focus is the cruise itself, it’s complemented by a tour of Bangkok’s stunning riverfront landmarks. The Grand Palace is a highlight, with its sprawling complex and ornate architecture visible from the river, though visitors aren’t allowed inside. The Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), with its towering spires, is another icon of Bangkok’s riverscape, often beautifully lit at night.

Additional sights include Wat Kanlayanamit, a Buddhist temple established in the early 19th century, and the Royal Barges Museum, where you get a glimpse of Thailand’s royal ceremonial boats. Crossing the Rama VIII Bridge, a cable-stayed structure built in the early 2000s, provides a modern contrast to the historic sites.

While some reviews mention that the tour duration from start to finish is around 1 hour and 30 minutes, the actual cruise offers plenty of time to enjoy the changing scenery and take in the evening glow of Bangkok’s riverbanks.

Dining Experience: A Buffet of Flavors

The buffet is a major highlight of this experience. It features a variety of Thai and international dishes that satisfy many palates. Some reviews mention the food as being “correct for the price,” with “enough to go around,” and desserts being continuously replenished, which is great if you like a sweet ending to your meal.

The welcome drink sets a friendly tone, and the live band adds a lively soundtrack, with songs spanning Thai, Chinese, and Western genres. This musical accompaniment helps create a relaxed, festive atmosphere. The price point of roughly $26.70 is quite reasonable for a dinner cruise that combines scenic views, entertainment, and food, especially considering the location and the quality of the setting.

Authenticity and Comfort

Some reviewers have noted the windows weren’t perfectly clean, which can detract from the view. If you’re keen on photography or seeing the sights clearly, bringing a camera with a good zoom might help. The group size can go up to 300 travelers, so it’s a lively, bustling environment rather than an intimate cruise, but that’s part of the fun.

Practical Considerations

The absence of transfer services is worth noting—most travelers will need to make their own way to ICONSIAM. The cruise is scheduled to start at 5:00 pm, just as sunset begins, so arriving on time is essential. Also, most travelers can participate, but children aged 4-10 years and under 120 cm tall are charged at a child rate. Be aware that certain holidays and special days like Loy Krathong, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve may not be available for booking or might have different rules.

If the weather turns bad, the tour — like many outdoor activities — can be canceled, with a full refund or rescheduling offered. The free cancellation policy allows flexibility if your plans change.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

If you’re after a cost-effective way to see Bangkok from the river while enjoying a decent buffet and live music, this cruise hits the mark. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors looking to combine sightseeing with a relaxed dinner, or for anyone wanting a quick scenic escape after a busy day of exploring the city. Families with children might find it enjoyable, but those seeking a more intimate or long-lasting experience might prefer a different option.

While not a luxury cruise, the Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise offers a fun, scenic, and affordable way to experience the beauty of Bangkok’s river at sunset, with enough comfort and entertainment to make it a memorable evening.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For a budget-friendly price, this cruise offers a well-rounded experience—great views, tasty food, and lively music. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to see Bangkok’s highlights from the river while enjoying a meal without breaking the bank. The scenic landmarks, especially at sunset, create a picturesque backdrop that’s perfect for photos or just soaking in the atmosphere.

If you love the idea of combining sightseeing with a relaxing dinner, this cruise will suit you well. Keep in mind that the window clarity isn’t perfect and the duration is fairly short, so if you’re a big fan of leisurely, extended river trips, you might want to seek alternative options. But for a quick, fun, and scenic evening on the water, it’s hard to beat this value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a welcome drink, a buffet dinner featuring Thai, Indian, and international dishes, and live band entertainment playing Thai, Chinese, and international songs.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise duration is approximately 2 hours, starting at 5:00 pm, with the experience ending back at the meeting point.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from ICONSIAM, located at 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, near public transportation.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation?
Yes, there is no transfer service included, so travelers are responsible for reaching the meeting point themselves.

Can children participate?
Yes, children aged 4-10 years and under 120 cm in height are charged at a child rate. Adults need to pay the full price.

What should I do if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour start are not refundable.

Is the sightseeing component free?
Yes, sights like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the Royal Barges Museum are admission-free as part of the experience.

Will the view be clear through the windows?
Some reviews mention that the windows weren’t very clean, so your view might be slightly obscured at times.

What kind of music is played?
A live band performs a mix of Thai, Chinese, and international songs, adding a lively atmosphere to your dinner cruise.

Are there any holidays when the cruise isn’t available?
Yes, the cruise isn’t available on Loy Krathong Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve or January 1st.

The Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise offers an enjoyable, value-packed way to experience Bangkok from the river with good food, lively music, and iconic sights. It’s especially suited for those wanting a quick but scenic introduction to the city’s waterways—perfect for a relaxed evening after a day of sightseeing.