In the grand tradition of great cities, Bangkok's heartbeat pulsates along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, aka ‘River of Kings’. Just as London has the Thames, Prague the Vltava, and Paris the Seine, the Chao Phraya is the lifeblood of central Thailand, facilitating the flow of goods like rice and teak, and supporting a bustling network of river buses, ferries, and water taxis that cater to over 50,000 passengers daily.
On the banks of the river, you’ll find some of Bangkok's iconic landmarks, including the majestic Grand Palace and the stunning Wat Arun. For a truly unforgettable experience, a river cruise is a must. As you glide through the evening, you'll be treated to a beautiful cityscape, exquisite meals, and a taste of Thai culture, from luxury to local charm. It's an experience that's almost imperative for any Bangkok visitor, and we're here to guide you through the many options and what to expect on board.
Why go on a Chao Phraya River Cruise?
Scenic views
On Chao Phraya River Cruise, you’ll experience the vibrant contrasts of Bangkok. The eastern bank, Krung Thep, has a more urban landscape with landmarks like Wat Arun and ICONSIAM, alongside bustling riverside cafes. The western bank of Thon Buri presents a serene backdrop of the Bangkok Flower Market, historic canals, and museums.
Amazing food
The food on board is delicious, offering a wide range of options. We highly recommend trying authentic Thai cuisine, and don’t worry, you’ll have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. Some cruises also feature international buffets with Japanese, Indian, and Italian cuisine. You'll be spoiled for choice with desserts too.
Live music and show
On these cruises, live bands often perform a diverse range of genres, including hits from the 80s and 90s. Expect to hear iconic songs by artists like ABBA, Donna Summer, and The Supremes. Some dinner cruises also feature traditional Thai dance performances, offering a glimpse into Thailand's rich cultural heritage.
Sunset or Dinner Cruise: Which one should you go for?
If you're deciding between a dinner cruise and a sunset cruise on the Chao Phraya River, here are some key considerations:
- Duration and timing: Dinner cruises last 2 hours, while sunset cruises are 90 minutes and typically end by 7pm, making them ideal if you have later plans.
- Views: Sunset cruises offer stunning, Instagram-worthy photos as the sky transforms with vibrant colors.
- Cost: Sunset cruises are generally cheaper.
- Experience: Dinner cruises provide a fine dining experience with multi-course meals, traditional Thai dances, and live music, perfect for those seeking a luxurious evening.
Choose the sunset cruise for evening hues and a quicker, more budget-friendly option, and the dinner cruise for a rich culinary and cultural experience.
Recommended tickets
There's a Chao Phraya River cruise to suit every budget. Budget-friendly sunset cruises start at ฿650, while families can enjoy mid-range options (฿899+) with buffets and entertainment. For special occasions, luxurious cruises (฿1,400+) offer fine dining. Prices also vary by boat type, with 2-story and 3-story boats generally cheaper than luxury cruises. Opt for the top deck, you may incur extra costs, but it's totally worth it.
Chao Phraya River Cruise boarding points
Cruises depart from four main boarding locations.
1. Asiatique Pier: Located near the Asiatique Night Market, this is the most popular boarding point. You'll find it easily accessible via BTS to Saphan Taksin station, followed by a free shuttle boat. Nearby landmarks include the Asiatique Sky Wheel, riverfront restaurants, and shopping outlets. The pier is well-maintained with clear signage and comfortable waiting areas. Most luxury dinner cruises depart from here. Opt for this one if you are living on the western bank of the river.
2. River City Bangkok Pier: A historic pier next to the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel is easily accessible via river ferry services. The pier features a shopping complex with antique stores and art galleries. Many mid-range dinner cruises depart from this location.
3. ICONSIAM Pier: Connected to the luxurious ICONSIAM mall, this modern pier offers excellent facilities and stunning views. The pier is accessible via the free ICONSIAM shuttle boat from Saphan Taksin BTS station.
4. Rama 3 Pier: Located in the northern part of Bangkok, this pier serves as a departure point for several local cruise operators. It's connected to the MRT Purple Line and offers convenient access to nearby attractions like the Rama VIII Bridge and Bang Pho Market.
Sights you will see
1 Wat Arun
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a mesmerizing sight from the river cruise. As darkness falls, the temple's iconic spire (prang) becomes illuminated. The architecture is quite amazing, with the towering 70-meter central spire, adorned with colorful porcelain and seashells.
2Wat Pho
Wat Pho, home to the famous Reclining Buddha, is a stunning sight along the river. The temple complex's golden spires and ornate rooftops create a magnificent panorama, especially when lit up at night. You'll see its extensive grounds, which house the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand.
3Wat Kanlaya
Wat Kanlaya, a historic temple on the western bank, showcases traditional Thai architecture. Dating back to the Ayutthaya period, its white walls and ornate decorations reflect brilliantly in the evening light, creating perfect photo opportunities. The temple's location near local communities offers glimpses into Bangkok life along the waterfront.
4ICONSIAM
ICONSIAM is Bangkok's newest landmark, a spectacular waterfront mall complex. Its illuminated facade creates a dazzling reflection on the river at night. The complex features luxury shopping, dining venues, and a stunning riverside park. While you are waiting for your cruise, you'll see the iconic choreographed water show accompanied by music and lights.
5Rama VIII Bridge
The Rama VIII Bridge's distinctive asymmetrical design features a single soaring tower and suspended cables. Its dramatic lighting system transforms the bridge into a glowing landmark, particularly impressive during special occasions when colored lights create spectacular displays.
6Asiatique Sky
The Asiatique Sky Wheel, standing at 60 meters tall, offers spectacular panoramic views of the river and cityscape. As your cruise passes by, you'll see its illuminated capsules. This iconic Ferris wheel has become one of Bangkok's most recognizable riverfront attractions, particularly stunning in the evening.
7The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace complex is Bangkok's most iconic landmark. Its glittering spires, golden temples, and elaborate architecture create a magical spectacle from the river. The exterior walls and traditional Thai rooflines provide stunning photo opportunities. Its interiors are equally beautiful housing, The Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew), known for its intricate murals.
What’s the best time of the year for the Chao Phraya River Cruise?
Avoid the rainy months from May to October, as monsoons cause rising river levels and limit access to the open-air deck. If you're in Bangkok during this time, check the weather forecast before booking. The best time for a Chao Phraya River Cruise is from late October to February, offering perfect evening skies and climate. Be prepared for occasional rains, but rest assured you'll get a refund if the trip is canceled due to bad weather.
Chao Phraya River route map
Insider tips
- While there isn't a strict dress code, luxury cruises often have guidelines. Opt for smart casual attire to ensure you're appropriately dressed for your Chao Phraya River cruise experience.
- Wat Pho and Wat Arun are particularly stunning when illuminated, and don’t forget to click photos when they pass! The best shots are typically captured during the twilight.
- Choose your boarding pier based on your preferences. Opt for Asiatique for post-cruise nightlife, ICONSIAM for pre-cruise luxury shopping, River City for history and antique stores, and Rama 3 for easy access to and from Wat Arun.
- There will be a huge queue outside, so make sure you arrive on time. If you have pre-booked, you’ll be standing in a separate queue.
- Don't miss out on delicious Thai desserts like mango sticky rice or coconut ice cream.
Chao Phraya River Cruise Reviews
So happy we booked the sunset river cruise, the views and singer were great, food was tasty and good variety. Great value for money, great way to explore a different side to Bangkok. Booked last minute and details and tickets received instantly.
- Beth, Headout, November 2024
The river dinner cruise was the best one we have been on in Bangkok. We have probably done 6 or 7 dinner cruise's and the food was fantastic and the beers were cold. The entertainment was great and the views spectacular. The crew were very professional.
- David, Headout, November 2024
The food was great and the singer wad very entertaining. It was exciting to cruise under the bridges, and we really enjoyed the entire experience.
- Corey, Headout, October 2024
Very nice and ultimate experience.Food was good . We preferred vegetarian food and the cruise people provided us with tasty vegetarian options at the table itself. Prefer upper deck for ultimate pics but you will have to take the beer from the lower deck.
- Sachin, Headout, November 2024
