CHAO PHRAYA RIVER CRUISE
In Bangkok there are many different dinner cruises on the Chao Phraya River. What they all have in common is the amazing view. This is because in the evening the buildings and temples along the Chao Phraya River are fabulously illuminated. Most cruises sail the same route, so as far as the view is concerned, it doesn’t matter which one you choose. You’re going to see the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and the imposing Rama VIII bridge anyway.
We have gained quite some cruise experience in Bangkok and have discovered that it is important to decide for yourself what you are looking for in a cruise. Would you like to dine authentic with a touch of romance, hip with tasty cocktails or are you more of a party that ends with a polonaise?
Image: Thailand Magazine
All hands on deck!
Do you belong to the last group? Then the Chao Phraya River Cruise might be a good choice for you! Because on this cruise they know how to build a party. The atmosphere on board is nice and relaxed, so this cruise can also be fun for families with young children.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Warm welcome
When you are waiting before boarding you will be welcomed by the employees of the boat with a traditional dance and music, a nice welcome! The Chao Phraya River Cruise boat is a large boat of almost 45 meters long and can accommodate almost 300 people.
Image: Thailand Magazine
On entering the cruise we were brought to our beautifully set table. We had indicated that we would like to sit on the upper deck and had a nice spot on the railing. This gave us a beautiful view of the river.
Are you curious what function those sparkling special buildings along the river have? Take a look at our article about the surroundings of the Chao Phraya River.
Image: Thailand Magazine
It’s possible to eat below deck if you prefer air conditioning. On deck the wind provided enough cooling but you have a roof over your head in case it rains. Upper deck is the most fun for us, you see more of the beautiful view.
Upon arrival everyone got a (free) welcome drink to start the evening with. Once we left the buffet was opened. The buffet consisted of western and Asian dishes. There was also a selection of fruit, pastries and ice cream.
The Chao Phraya cruise is one of the cheapest cruises on the river in Bangkok and in our opinion this is mainly reflected in the quality of the food. On the Chao Phraya Cruise they compensate this to a large extent with the festive atmosphere and the extremely friendly and always smiling staff on the boat.
Price for the dinner cruise
For an adult you pay 950 baht and for children 750 baht. The cruise on the river takes 2 hours and coffee and tea are free. Other drinks are not included. You can order wine / champagne by the glass or by the bottle.
Images: Thailand Magazine
Traditional dance and polonaise
During our cruise a beautiful traditional dance in traditional costume was performed. The whole evening there was also a good live band that played and sang all kinds of famous hits. As the evening progressed, the music became more and more exuberant and the staff invited the guests for a dance. This even ended in a festive polonaise in which a large part of the guests participated. The floor literally shook!
Image: Thailand Magazine
Before we knew it, the two hours had already passed and we were moored at River City, the place where we had also boarded. Time had flown by. We have great appreciation for the staff on the boat, the drive to give everyone a nice evening is clearly visible and not without result!
Image: Thailand Magazine
Sleeping along the Chao Phraya River
Along the river are beautiful large luxury hotel chains to find, often you look from your hotel room or pool on the river. The luxury hotels almost all have a free boat service to and from the hotel. Some famous top hotels along the Chao Phraya River are the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok and the Millennium Hilton Bangkok. But sleeping by the river doesn’t have to cost a fortune, less known but more affordable options include V Varee Bangkok and the River View Guest House.
In the InfoBox at the bottom of this page you can find more accommodations near the river.
More practical information about the cruise and Bangkok can be found in the InfoBox below.
Chao Phraya River Cruise
Website en reservations: ChaoPhrayaCruise
Facebook: ChaoPhrayacruise
Address:
River City Pier
Soi Charoenkrung 24, Talat Noi,
Samphanthawong, Bangkok
tel: +662-541-5599
Email: sales@chaophrayacruise.com
Goig out around the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok
Going out near the Chao Phraya River is mainly enjoying good drinks and long dinners with good company and great views! The Flow restaurant of the Millennium Hilton Bangkok has a beautiful terrace on the river and excellent service. Perfect if you want to celebrate something! While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the ThreeSixty Rooftop Bar and ThreeSixty Jazz Lounge on the 31st floor. From there you have a magnificent view on the river of Bangkok. At least as good is the view from SEEN further on. This rooftop bar is located on the roof of the beautiful Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel. Here you can also enjoy amazing food and great cocktails!
Could it be a little more exuberant? Not far from the river are the lively streets Khao San Road and Rambuttri Road, here you can go out until late at night.
Things to do in Bangkok
- Populair neighbourhoods in Bangkok
Discover some popular neighborhoods in Bangkok - The shopping malls of Bangkok
Shop till you drop in Bangkok’s mega malls - Temples in Bangkok
You can’t actually leave Bangkok without visiting a temple. - Parks in Bangkok
Beautiful green parks in the middle of Bangkok, a green oasis to relax for a while. - Markets in Bangkok
Take a look into local life and look for bargains among the colourful market stalls. - Museums in Bangkok
Here you discover the cultural (art) treasures of Thailand - Fun activites in Bangkok
Alone or with children, there are so many fun things to do in Bangkok. See them here! - The most amazing sky and rooftop bars of Bangkok
Don’t leave Bangkok without visiting at least 1 sky bar, a wonderful night out with breathtaking views!
Transportation to the embarkation point
The boarding point for the cruise boats is at the River City shopping mall. In the small luxury mall there are a number of clothing shops and souvenir shops. There are a number of restaurants overlooking the river.
You probably have to pick up your ticket at a ticket shop, where you will get a sticker. It can be a bit hectic on the pier because there are several boats leaving. The sticker makes sure you don’t get on the wrong boat.
The River City Pier can be reached by using the Chao Phraya Expres Boat, the use of these boats is cheap, fun and easy to organize yourself. The only disadvantage is that these boats only sail until 20:00. For the way back you can’t use them and you have to use a tuk tuk or taxi. They are already waiting at the exit of the mall, because they know what time the cruise boats come back.
For more information about using the Chao Phraya Expres Boat, tuk tuk, taxi and sky train read our article about transportation in Bangkok.
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