Cruising through the heart of Bangkok, Chao Phraya River Cruise offers more than just a boat ride—you’ll discover why the river is called the lifeblood of Thailand.
Learn about different cruise options, ticket types, best timings, tips for your visit, and what to expect on board.
Top Tickets
# White Orchid river cruise with International dinner + beer
# Chao Phraya Princess cruise with buffet dinner & live music
# Alangka luxury Bangkok dinner cruise with live music
# Royal Princess cruise with buffet dinner & live musicIt’s best to book your Chao Phraya River Cruise tickets as soon as your travel dates are confirmed, as they sell out well in advance.
Table of Contents
What is a Chao Phraya River Cruise?
A Chao Phraya River Cruise is a scenic boat experience along Bangkok’s most famous river, the Chao Phraya, which flows through the heart of the city.
According to Wikipedia, the name ‘Chao Phraya’ likely comes from ‘Bang Chao Phraya’ a historic name for Samut Prakan, recorded as early as the 1660s.
The cruises offer stunning views of Bangkok’s illuminated skyline and iconic landmarks, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and more.
These Bangkok river cruises feature buffet-style dining with a mix of Thai and international cuisine, live music, and cultural performances.
Where is it located?
- Address: The Chao Phraya River flows through Bangkok, Thailand.
- BTS Skytrain:
- To Iconsiam: BTS to Krung Thon Buri → Gold Line to Charoen Nakhon Station.
- To Asiatique: BTS to Saphan Taksin → free shuttle boat from Sathorn Pier
- Bus: To ICONSIAM, bus 3. BMTA lines 1, 15, 17, and 75 stop at Asiatique The Riverfront
- Taxi: Easily available from anywhere in Bangkok, direct and convenient
- Boat: Public ferries or free shuttle boats from Sathorn Pier to ICONSIAM or Asiatique
Where and when to book tickets
It’s best to book your Bangkok river cruise tickets online in advance, as they often sell out during peak seasons. While some cruises allow walk-in purchases at the pier, availability isn’t guaranteed.
Once booked, your e-ticket is sent instantly to your email—show it on your phone at the pier. No printing required!
Cruise ticket options
Choose from a variety of Bangkok River Cruises, including sunset, dinner, and luxury options with Thai, international, or Indian buffets.
Each cruise offers scenic views of Bangkok’s landmarks and onboard entertainment, including live music and traditional dance.
1. White Orchid river cruise with International dinner + free beer
- Duration: 2 hours
- Includes buffet dinner with Thai and international dishes
- Enjoy a welcome drink, unlimited beer, live music, Thai dance, and cabaret show
- Ideal for couples, families, and groups seeking a fun evening
- Special cruise events available on New Year’s Eve and Loy Krathong (Nov 5)
- Optional hotel pickup and drop-off from Khao San, Pratunam, Siam, and Sukhumvit (up to Soi 31)
- Meeting point: Asiatique Pier 2 or Iconsiam Pier 2, depending on the option you choose.
- Price: From ฿1,099 (adult), ฿1,049 (ages 4-10), free for infants
2. Chao Phraya Princess Cruise with buffet dinner & live music
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Cruise along the Chao Phraya River and enjoy Bangkok’s night views with live 80s–90s music onboard.
- You can enjoy the international buffet on the sunset cruise and on dinner cruises departing from Asiatique and ICONSIAM meeting points.
- Indian buffet option is also available with departure from Terminal 21 Rama 3
- Best for couples and families looking for a scenic dinner with entertainment
- Price: Sunset & dinner cruises – ฿850 & ฿1,200 (adults), ฿650 & ฿950 (ages 4-10), free for infants.
3.Chao Phraya Alangka luxury dinner cruise + live music
- Duration: 2 hours
- This luxury dinner cruise includes live music, Thai and international seafood buffet, tea, and coffee
- Enjoy a candlelit dinner with live singers onboard and watch traditional Thai dance performances as you cruise along the Chao Phraya River
- Includes a host or greeter available in both English and Thai
- Perfect for a romantic evening or a special celebration in Bangkok
- Meeting point: ICONSIAM shopping center
- Price: ฿990 (adult), ฿690 (ages 4-10), free for infants
4.Bangkok river cruise and canal tour on a teak boat
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cruise through the scenic canals of Thonburi and Daokanong
- An English-speaking guide will accompany you on a teak boat ride
- You’ll be provided with water, a life jacket, and travel insurance
- Ideal for travelers interested in local life, Thai heritage, and off-the-beaten-path exploration
- Meeting Point: Rive City Bangkok
- Price: ฿700 (adult), ฿500 (ages 3-9), free for infants
5.Royal Princess cruise with International buffet dinner & live music
- Duration: 2 hours
- Enjoy a romantic dinner on a luxury cruise along the Chao Phraya River
- Feast on a wide variety of Thai, Western, Japanese, and seafood dishes
- Listen to live music performed by a band onboard
- Ideal for families and groups wanting a relaxing dinner with live music
- Meeting point: Warehouse 7-8, Asiatique Pier 1
- Price: ฿1,299 (adult), ฿1,199 (ages 4-10), free for infants
6.The Planet cruise with sunset & International buffet dinner
- Duration: 2 hours
- Sail on a luxurious 3-level cruise ship along the Chao Phraya River with open-air rooftop and skyline views
- Dine on an international buffet featuring appetizers, mains, and desserts
- Enjoy live cultural performances and modern music with a premium JBL sound system
- You can choose between a sunset or a night-time dinner cruise
- Best for groups celebrating a special night or seeking a scenic evening with food and entertainment
- Meeting point: Asiatique The Riverfront
- Price: Sunset & dinner – ฿900 & ฿1,480 (adult), ฿750 & ฿1,300 (ages 4-10), free for infants
7.Opulence Luxury river cruise with buffet dinner & live band
- Duration: 2 hours
- Sail on a sightseeing cruise along the Chao Phraya River and enjoy buffet dinner with Thai and international dishes
- Relax and enjoy a live band onboard as you sip on your drink.
- Ideal for visitors who want to experience Bangkok river cruise, enjoy local cuisine, and relax with onboard entertainment
- Meeting point: ICONSIAM Pier 1
- Price: ฿1,799 (adult), ฿1,699 (ages 4-10), free for infants
Bangkok Highlights Small-Group Tour: Explore Bangkok’s iconic landmarks such as—Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat Pho—on a guided walking tour.
Chao Phraya River cruise timings
Chao Phraya River cruises operate daily, including weekends and public holidays, with different timings based on the type of cruise.
Sightseeing cruises run from 10 am to 5.30 pm. These are ideal for exploring Bangkok’s riverfront attractions during the day.
Sunset cruises begin around 5 pm to 5.30 pm, offering golden hour views of iconic landmarks like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. They last for about 90 minutes.
Dinner cruises sail in the evening from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Some premium options may run slightly longer and include live music or Thai dance performances.
Services may be limited or operate modified schedules during major festivals like Songkran or Loy Krathong.
Cruises Timings
| Cruises | Timings |
| White Orchid cruise | 5 pm, 7.45 pm |
| Chao Phraya Princess cruise | 5 pm, 7.30 pm |
| Alangka Luxury cruise | 7.15 pm |
| Canal tour on a Teak boat | 10 am, 2.30 pm |
| Royal Princess cruise | 7.30 pm |
| The Planet cruise | 5.15 pm, 8 pm |
| Opulence Luxury cruise | 8 pm |
Excellent experience, worth every penny. Dinner is varied, and meets all tastes. The music is great and there’s a dance show. – ELISANGELA L, Tripadvisor
Best time to take the Chao Phraya Cruise
- The best time to go on a Chao Phraya River cruise in Bangkok is during the cool and dry season, from November to February.
- During these months, the weather is pleasant, humidity is lower, and evenings are perfect for enjoying dinner cruises or sunset views without discomfort.
- March to May brings intense heat, especially in the afternoons, making daytime cruises less comfortable but evening and dinner cruises remain a great option.
- June to October marks the monsoon season. While short bursts of rain are common, most cruises still operate on schedule. Cloudy skies actually create a romantic vibe.
- Festive seasons like Loy Krathong in November and New Year’s Eve are magical times to cruise, with lit-up temples, floating lanterns, and fireworks on the river.
Don’t believe our word for it? Check out what Condé Nast Traveler had to say about the Sunset Dinner Cruise—they were totally impressed over the lounge beats, Champagne, standout cuisine, and that cool, modern Thai vibe.
Chao Phraya River cruise route
Most Chao Phraya dinner and sightseeing cruises follow a scenic circular route between Asiatique The Riverfront Pier and Rama VIII Bridge, passing some of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks.
The journey begins from one of the major piers, either Asiatique Pier or IconSiam Pier, where passengers board stylish riverboats for an evening of food, entertainment, and stunning city views.
The highlight of the route is when the boat reaches the historic stretch that includes the Grand Palace, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and Wat Kanlaya. These temples are beautifully lit at night, providing a magical backdrop for photos.
The cruise continues further north toward the elegant Rama VIII Bridge, which is the turning point for most cruises.
Then, the cruise reaches the end point Asiatique The Riverfront, and makes its way back to the original boarding point, completing a relaxing loop through the heart of Bangkok’s riverside heritage.
Tips to know before going for the cruise
- Arrive early: Be at the pier at least 45–60 minutes before departure, especially for dinner cruises, as boarding lines can get long.
- Choose the right cruise: Decide between sightseeing, sunset, or dinner cruise based on your interests. Dinner cruises are more immersive, while daytime cruises are great for temple views.
- Pick the upper deck for best views: If your boat has multiple levels, try to sit on the open-air upper deck for uninterrupted skyline and temple views.
- Book online in advance: Cruises often sell out, especially during holidays and weekends. Booking early ensures better seats and combo deals.
- Dress comfortably: Smart casual attire is fine, but avoid overly revealing outfits if you plan to combine the cruise with temple visits before/after.
- Weather can shift quickly: Bring a light jacket or umbrella, especially during the rainy season (June–October).
- Photography: Highly encouraged especiallyat night for Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. Avoid flash during performances or near others.
- Restrooms: Dinner cruises have restrooms, but they can be small—use the pier facilities before boarding if needed.
- Bring some cash: Even if your ticket is prepaid, carry some cash (Thai Baht) for extras like drinks or small purchases, as cards may not be accepted everywhere.
- Double-check the Pier location: Popular departure points include IconSiam Pier and Asiatique Pier. Make sure your ticket mentions the correct one.
Worth a Read: Rachna Sachasinh recalls her childhood by the Chao Phraya as Bangkok rediscovers the river’s cultural soul—-a heartfelt piece in National Geographic
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions tourists ask before going for the Chao Phraya river cruise.
What are the best Chao Phraya river cruises?
Both sunset and dinner cruises are great, so it depends on your preferences. Sunset cruises offer golden-hour views with food and drinks, while dinner cruises feature buffet meals, live music, and stunning night scenery.
Is the Chao Phraya river cruise worth it?
Yes, the Chao Phraya River cruise is worth it for its stunning views of Bangkok’s landmarks like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. With dinner, music, and a relaxed atmosphere, it offers a scenic and memorable way to experience the city, especially at night.
Can I go on a Chao Phraya cruise with the kids?
Yes, Chao Phraya cruises are family-friendly, offer a safe and relaxed environment. Some cruises even have live music or cultural shows that can keep kids entertained throughout the ride.
What can I see on a Bangkok river cruise?
On a Bangkok river cruise, you’ll see iconic landmarks like Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the Rama VIII Bridge. You’ll also pass by luxury hotels, local temples, traditional houses, and vibrant riverside life—all beautifully lit during evening and night cruises.
Why should I take a Chao Phraya cruise?
A Chao Phraya cruise offers scenic views of Bangkok’s top landmarks, a relaxing escape from the city’s hustle, and a memorable experience with dining, music, and riverfront charm.
What time does the cruise check-in start?
Check-in for Chao Phraya river cruises starts 1 hour before departure. Arriving early ensures better seating and a smoother boarding experience.
What is the cancellation policy for Bangkok river cruises?
You can cancel your Bangkok river cruises tickets up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What items are not allowed on the Chao Phraya cruise?
Large luggage, outside food or drinks, smoking, pets, and disruptive behavior are not allowed on Chao Phraya River cruises. Drones and large camera gear may require special permission.
In Summary
- A Chao Phraya River cruise offers stunning views of Bangkok’s top landmarks like Wat Arun, Grand Palace, and Rama VIII Bridge.
- Cruise types include sunset and dinner cruises, each with different timings and experiences.
- Dinner cruises feature buffets, live music, cultural performances, and night views—great for couples, families, and groups.
- The best time to cruise is during the cool season (Nov–Feb); sunset and dinner cruises are ideal year-round.
- Cruises depart from major piers like ICONSIAM and Asiatique; check-in begins one hour before departure.
- Kids are welcome, and cruises are safe and family-friendly.
- Restrooms are available onboard, but can be compact—use pier facilities before boarding.
- Large luggage, pets, and outside food are not allowed; small bags and photography (without flash) are fine.
