Bangkok: Royal Princess Cruise with Buffet Dinner & Show

Many travelers dreaming of Bangkok picture shimmering temples and lively night markets, but few consider how a river cruise could add a special touch to their trip. The Royal Princess Cruise offering a 3-hour evening voyage along the Chao Phraya River promises a mix of scenic views, tasty food, and live entertainment. While it’s priced affordably at $40 per person, it’s worth knowing what’s really on offer—and what’s not.

Our review explores the key highlights of this experience, what you can expect from the cruise, and some honest feedback from fellow travelers. Whether you’re after a romantic evening, a relaxing way to see Bangkok’s landmarks, or just a decent dinner with a view, this cruise might be a good choice—if you go in with the right expectations.

Three things we like about this tour are the opportunity to enjoy iconic Bangkok sights from the river, the chance to indulge in both Thai and international buffet dishes, and the relaxing outdoor deck where you can soak up riverside views. However, a potential concern is the reported issues with timing and organization, which could affect your overall experience.

This cruise could work well for travelers who want a budget-friendly way to see Bangkok from the water, enjoy some live music, and appreciate a casual, scenic evening. But if punctuality, seamless service, or prime viewing spots are top priorities, it’s worth considering the mixed reviews before booking.

Key Points

• Affordable price point makes this cruise accessible for most travelers.
• Iconic landmarks such as Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and Rama VIII Bridge are visible from the river.
• Variety in cuisine offers both Thai flavors and international options.
• Outdoor deck space provides a relaxed setting for sightseeing and taking photos.
• Mixed reviews highlight issues with timing, organization, and seating arrangements.
• Live band music adds to the lively, festive atmosphere onboard.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

The Royal Princess Cruise departs from Asiatique The Riverfront, a bustling night market area that’s easy to reach and popular among visitors. Expect to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled boarding time to check in and find your spot. Once onboard, the ship is the newest on the river, promising a modern, comfortable setting with outdoor deck areas.

The cruise’s main highlights are the panoramic views of Bangkok’s illuminated landmarks. As the boat glides along the river, you’ll spot Wat Arun, the stunning temple that’s especially striking at night, and the Grand Palace, which looks majestic against the city’s night sky. The Rama VIII Bridge provides a contemporary contrast to the historic temples, and the views are especially good from the outdoor deck.

Dining Experience

The buffet dinner is one of the main attractions, offering a mix of Thai and international dishes. According to reviews, the food is generally considered decent to good, with some guests appreciating the variety and flavors. A reviewer from the US mentioned that “the food and the DJ were good, and entertainment was okay,” indicating a reasonably enjoyable meal. The buffet layout, however, has been criticized for being unsystematic—guests reported long lines and a lack of organized service, which can mean a bit of waiting and crowding.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

Live music from a band adds a festive vibe, and many find the outdoor deck a romantic spot to relax and take photos of the city lights. Still, some guests felt that the seating arrangements were less than ideal—reviewers mentioned being seated behind the entertainment area, which limited visibility. The atmosphere tends to be casual and lively, suited for those wanting an informal evening rather than a refined dinner experience.

Practical Details and Tips

• Departure point: Asiatique The Riverfront, a lively night market with plenty of nearby parking and transportation options.
• Duration: Exactly 3 hours, making it a manageable evening activity.
• Timing: Be sure to arrive 30 minutes early—timing seems to be a common point of confusion, with reports of boarding delays.
• Reservations: You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change.
• Accessibility: The cruise is wheelchair accessible, which is great for guests with mobility needs.
• What to bring: Wear comfortable clothes, bring a camera for photos, and keep in mind that smoking and alcoholic drinks are not allowed onboard.
• Weather considerations: Since the outdoor deck is open-air, check the forecast and dress accordingly—rain or wind could impact your experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Key points based on reviews

One traveler from New Zealand expressed frustration about the timing mismatch—the boat departs at 7:30 pm, but guests are asked to arrive at 5:30 pm, which can lead to long waits and wasted time. Another reviewer noted that seating behind the entertainment area limited their view, detracting from the overall enjoyment. The buffet, while praised for its flavors, lacked organization, with guests having to queue for food.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is a solid option if you’re looking for an affordable, scenic way to see Bangkok’s famous landmarks at night. It’s perfect for travelers who want to relax, enjoy live music, and dine without breaking the bank. The outdoor deck offers a nice atmosphere for photos and unwinding, especially if you’re content with less-than-ideal seating arrangements.

However, if you prize timeliness, organized service, and premium views, you might find this experience a bit lacking. It’s also less suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, as noted in the restrictions, and it may not be ideal for travelers seeking a more refined dinner experience.

Final Thoughts

This cruise provides a cost-effective way to enjoy Bangkok’s nighttime scenery from the water. While the experience is generally casual and lively, the drawbacks mentioned—such as timing issues and seating concerns—mean it’s not perfect for everyone. The delicious buffet, combined with iconic views and live music, makes for a pleasant evening if expectations are realistic.

For travelers who want a fun, budget-friendly activity to complement their Bangkok trip, this cruise offers a reasonable option. However, those who value smooth organization or a more exclusive experience might want to explore other options or arrive with extra patience.

FAQs

Is there a fixed departure time?
The cruise departs at scheduled times, but reviews mention some confusion about boarding times. It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes early.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts exactly 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the sights, food, and music without feeling rushed.

What does the buffet dinner include?
Guests can expect a mix of Thai and international dishes. The food is generally considered decent, with some reviewers enjoying the flavors and variety.

Can I see the landmarks clearly?
Yes, major landmarks like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace are visible from the boat, especially from the outdoor deck area.

Is it suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes are recommended since you’ll be on the outdoor deck. Consider bringing a light jacket if it’s cooler in the evening.

Are drinks included?
No, alcoholic beverages are not allowed onboard, and it’s unclear if drinks are available for purchase.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility for changing plans.

To sum it up, the Royal Princess Cruise provides a reasonably priced, scenic, and lively way to explore Bangkok’s nighttime river views. While it offers good value and tasty food, some organizational issues and seating limitations mean it’s best suited for travelers relaxed about minor hiccups and looking for a casual evening. If you’re after a budget-friendly cruise that combines sights, bites, and music, this experience could be just the ticket.

You can check availability for your dates here: