Glide past Wat Arun's porcelain facade, the Grand Palace, and capture Wat Pho's reclining Buddha, all bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. Get views of the city you can't get from land.
Average duration: 90 minutes
Recommended experiences:
Average duration: 120 minutes
Recommended experiences:
Regardless of your choice of cruise, you’ll start your journey from either of these 4 piers. Each pier is conveniently located in city hotspots, making it easy for you to not just access your cruise but also get a flavor of the local culture.
While cruise hours may vary depending on your choice of cruise operator, here's a handy breakdown of general timings and duration that'll help you plan your visit better:
Note: Check-in starts 1 hour before departure.
Know moreAll Chao Phraya dinner cruises and sunset cruises come with either buffet options or a multi-course set menu. While menus are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, here are a few links to help you understand what to expect:
A charming riverside temple known for its peaceful atmosphere and intricate wood carvings. Take a moment to appreciate the delicate details of the ubosoth (main ordination hall) and the surrounding gardens.
The "Temple of Dawn" boasts a stunning prang (Khmer-style tower) adorned with colorful ceramics. Be sure to admire the intricate porcelain details.
Home to the iconic Reclining Buddha statue, this temple complex also houses traditional medicine schools and massage clinics. Don't miss the chance to experience a traditional Thai massage in a serene atmosphere after your cruise.
A majestic cable-stayed bridge offering views of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok skyline. Capture photos from the observation deck or simply admire the well-engineered structure as you sail under it.
The former royal residence, now a museum showcasing Thai cultural treasures. Did you know the Emerald Buddha within the Grand Palace is carved from a single massive block of jade and is considered Thailand's most sacred statue?
This riverside campus features a blend of Thai and Western architectural styles. The prestigious Thammasat University is known for its iconic "Democracy Monument," a symbol of the fight for democracy in Thailand.
Chao Phraya cruises come in various options, mainly categorized by time of day. Sunset cruises let you enjoy fiery skies and iconic landmarks for shorter durations (around 1.5 hours) with snacks and light meals. While dinner cruises let you savor multi-course meals with vibrant city lights and live entertainment for a complete evening experience (around 2 hours).
The best time of day to go on a cruise would be either at sunset (5 PM to 7 PM) for breathtaking hues and fewer crowds or at night, after 7 PM for twinkling city lights, lively vibes, and dinner. The best season would be the dry season (Nov-April) offers clear skies and pleasant weather, but expect crowds. Shoulder seasons (May-June, Sept-Oct) provide a balance. Rainy season (July-Aug) has lower prices but potential disruptions.
Besides famous Bangkok landmarks like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Rama VIII Bridge, and Wat Pho you’ll also get a glimpse of the cityscape and culture, charming riverside neighborhoods, royal barges, temples, and local life.
The duration varies depending on the type of cruise you choose. Sunset cruises last around 1.5 hours, perfect for capturing the golden hour and city lights. Dinner cruises typically last 2 hours, offering a full dining experience with stunning night views.
Consider Asiatique for post-cruise nightlife buzz, ICONSIAM for pre-cruise luxury shopping and dining, River City for history buffs near antique stores, and Wat Pho, Rama 3 for stunning bridge views and easy Wat Arun access. All piers are conveniently accessible by public transport! Ultimately, pick the one that aligns with your interests - nightlife, luxury, history, or sights.
Sunset cruises offer international platters, seafood options, and sometimes unlimited beer. Dinner cruises offer buffets (international, Thai, seafood, Indian) or set menus with fine dining options on luxury cruises. Some cruises offer unlimited beer, birthday cakes, and refreshments like tea, coffee, or welcome drinks
Restrooms, life jackets, first-aid kits, buffet areas (on buffet cruises), seating, bars, open decks, live music (on some), dance performances (on some), and air conditioning are some facilities available on Bangkok River cruises.
Cruise prices vary depending on the type, duration, and inclusions like food, drinks, entertainment, and your chosen pier. Budget-conscious travelers can enjoy stunning sunset cruises from ฿650, while mid-range options like dinner cruises with buffets start at ฿880. Craving luxury? Fine dining experiences with live music await from ฿1,400.
Popular choices include the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise, White Orchid River Cruise, Royal Princess Cruise, Meridian Cruise, Wonderful Pearl Cruise, and Sirimahannop Dinner Cruise.
Yes, all cruises are family-friendly and offer child-friendly options like buffets with kid-friendly dishes.
While there's no strict dress code, smart casual attire is generally recommended. For luxury cruises, you might consider slightly dressier options.
Most cruises have limited luggage storage space, so pack only essentials. Large suitcases or backpacks might not be allowed. Consider leaving unnecessary luggage at your hotel or using luggage storage services.
Most cruises are accessible to people with disabilities. However, it's always best to check beforehand to ensure your needs can be accommodated.