Royal Princess Dinner Cruise: Bangkok Chao Phraya River

Experience the Magic of Bangkok from the Chao Phraya River with the Royal Princess Dinner Cruise

This evening cruise along Bangkok’s iconic Chao Phraya River offers a unique way to see the city’s famous landmarks while enjoying a meal and live entertainment. For around $37 per person, you get approximately two hours of cruising, with a spacious three-deck boat where you can take in illuminated sights like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the Royal Barge Museum.

We love that the cruise provides a diverse buffet featuring Thai, Japanese, Western, and international dishes—a real treat for food lovers or those wanting to try a bit of everything. The live band and cabaret shows add a lively atmosphere that makes the evening memorable.

A possible downside is that the boarding process can feel a bit hectic and disorganized, which some travelers have noted. Also, the cruise can be quick, leaving little time at each stop, so if you’re expecting a thorough sightseeing tour, this might not fully satisfy.

This experience is best suited for travelers looking for a relaxing, scenic dinner with entertainment rather than an in-depth sightseeing tour. It’s great for those who want to combine city views, good food, and live performances in one evening.

Key Points

• Scenic Views: Spot iconic landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun from the water, especially beautiful when lit up at night.
• Variety of Cuisine: The buffet offers Thai, Japanese, Western, and international options, suitable for diverse tastes.
• Entertainment: Live music and cabaret performances add a lively, fun atmosphere to the cruise.
• Flexible Experience: While not a detailed sightseeing tour, it offers a relaxed way to enjoy Bangkok’s skyline and river life.
• Mixed Reviews on Organization: Boarding and service can be inconsistent, with some travelers citing chaos and others praising the staff.
• Value for Money: At around $36.66, the cruise offers a combination of views, food, and entertainment that many find worth the price, especially considering the comfort of three decks and a buffet.

The Details of the Royal Princess Dinner Cruise

What to Expect and How It’s Structured

The Royal Princess Dinner Cruise departs from Asiatique The Riverfront at 7:30 pm, a lively night market and entertainment hub on the riverbank. You’ll check in at least 30 minutes early—so arriving around 7:00 pm gives you a smooth start. Boarding is on a large, three-deck vessel designed for comfort and views, and most guests seem to gather at the lower or outdoor decks to enjoy the scenery.

Once onboard, you’ll be greeted with a welcome fruit cocktail—a nice touch to kick off your evening. The buffet dinner is a major highlight, with hot dishes and desserts served buffet-style. The variety is designed to cater to both local Thai tastes and international preferences, making it suitable for groups with different palates. From some reviews, we’ve learned that the food quality exceeds expectations for many, with some travelers saying it’s “better than expected.”

The live band plays international songs, providing a pleasant soundtrack as you cruise. As the boat glides past illuminated riverside landmarks, you’ll get a chance to see the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Kanlayanamit, and the Rama VIII Bridge—all free to view from the water, although the boat doesn’t stop at each site.

Details about the Stops and Sightseeing

While the itinerary includes five notable stops—Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Kanlayanamit, Rama VIII Bridge, and the Royal Barge Museum—most of the time is spent cruising and dining. The landmarks are visible from the boat, which is perfect if you’re short on time but want a taste of Bangkok’s riverside beauty.

However, some reviews highlight that the cruise feels rushed, with only a brief window to enjoy the sights or take photos. Several travelers mention that the boat speeds past the landmarks, giving only fleeting views, and some felt disappointed if they expected a more intimate or detailed sightseeing experience.

The Entertainment Experience

The live music and cabaret performances are generally well-received, with many reviewers describing the atmosphere as lively and enjoyable. One reviewer mentioned that the singer and host made the environment jubilant, and others noted the performances added to the sense of celebration and fun.

Food and Beverage Quality

The buffet is often praised for being substantial and tasty, with many noting that the variety of dishes allows for multiple rounds and seconds. Hot coffee, tea, desserts, and a fruit cocktail are included, providing a well-rounded dining experience. Some reviewers, like Rosa, found the food, music, and scenery to be “amazing,” making the whole trip one of their trip highlights.

What’s Not So Great?

While many travelers enjoyed the cruise, a handful of reviews point out disorganization in check-in and seating, with some experiencing long waits or confusion about where to board. One reviewer described the process as “hectic & seemingly haphazard,” suggesting arriving early can help. Others expressed frustration about not being able to secure an upstairs table in advance, as seating is first-come, first-served.

Plus, some guests felt that the entertainment was just average or poor—an area that can vary depending on expectations and the performers.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $36.66 per person, this cruise offers a combination of scenic views, tasty buffet, and entertainment that many find to be a reasonable value, especially considering the romantic sunset and sparkling city lights. Nevertheless, if you’re seeking a more in-depth sightseeing experience or a more organized, premium service, you might find this tour falls slightly short.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This dinner cruise is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a quick, scenic overview of Bangkok’s riverside landmarks. It’s also suitable for couples, families, or groups looking for a relaxed evening with good food and lively entertainment. If your main goal is a romantic sunset or night view, this cruise delivers.

However, if you’re keen on detailed sightseeing or prefer a more structured tour, you might want to explore other options or consider booking a private boat for a more customized experience.

Final Thoughts: Is the Royal Princess Dinner Cruise Right for You?

If you’re after a relaxed, enjoyable evening with the chance to see Bangkok’s famous riverside sights illuminated at night, this cruise can be quite a treat. The diverse buffet and live entertainment add plenty of value, especially for those not expecting a full sightseeing tour but rather a scenic dinner with a lively atmosphere.

Be prepared for a potentially hectic check-in process and the fact that the cruise moves pretty quickly past key landmarks—so don’t expect detailed narration or close-up visits. Instead, focus on the stunning views from the boat’s decks and the lively ambiance created by music and performances.

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate good value, want to enjoy a memorable night on the river, and are flexible about the organizational quirks. It’s a fun, affordable way to experience Bangkok’s river scene without the fuss of a more in-depth tour.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, this cruise requires you to meet at Asiatique The Riverfront, so plan your transportation accordingly.

What is the best time to join?
The cruise departs at 7:30 pm, so arriving at least 30 minutes early will ensure a smooth start.

Are the sights visible from the boat?
Yes, most of Bangkok’s iconic landmarks like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the Rama VIII Bridge are visible from the water as you cruise along.

Can I expect a quiet dining experience?
It’s lively with music and performances, so if you’re seeking a peaceful, intimate dinner, this may not be ideal.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is appropriate; avoid overly casual or beachwear for the best experience.

Is there a dress code?
There’s no strict dress code mentioned, but dressing neat and comfortable is recommended.

In the end, the Royal Princess Dinner Cruise offers a fun, scenic, and affordable evening on Bangkok’s famous river. While it has some organizational flaws, the stunning views, good buffet, and lively entertainment make it a worthwhile choice for many looking to enjoy the city from the water without breaking the bank.