A number of competing firms provide the option of an evening dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. It’s a pleasant way to enjoy Bangkok and the ‘River of Kings’ at night, with a typical cruise taking around 2 hours and ranging in price from 800 – 2,000 Baht. Most dinner cruises require reservations at least one day in advance.
The choice of vessels ranges from traditional wooden rice barges through to ultra-modern cruise ships. Some offer live music, others provide a display of traditional Thai dancing and there are even karaoke party boats, so there should be something to suit all tastes. Most cruises depart from River City pier or Si Phraya pier although some of the luxury hotels run their own boats from private piers.
Chao Phraya Princess
Departs River City at 19.30 and charges 1100 Baht for adults, 700 Baht for children. Seating for 300 people.
Grand Pearl
3 modern cruisers each accommodating up to 300 guests. Departs River City 19.00 and returns 21.00. Adults 1400 Baht, 700 Baht for children.
Others
Loy Nava (from Si Phraya pier)
Chao Phraya Cruise and Wan Fah (from River City).
Banyan Tree Hotel
The Aspara departs nightly from River City at 19.45 with free transport to and from the Banyan Tree. Just 60 guests are allowed on this vintage-style open-air rice barge. Approx. 1800 Baht.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
The beautiful Maeyanang is the hotel’s golden teakwood rice barge converted to a luxury diner. Prices around 1850 Baht.
Anantara Bangkok Riverside (formerly Bangkok Marriott & Spa)
The Manohra Star provides a 6-course Thai set dinner. Approx. 1500 Baht.
Read my personal review of the Manohra Dinner River Cruise »
Shangri-La
Horizon Cruise – approx. 2200 Baht.
Montien Riverside
The Montien Thip is an intimate 30-seater rice barge. Approx. 1550 Baht.
River Side Hotel
The eponymous River Side Cruise offers two large boats catering for between 500 – 800 guests.
