Scenic Bangkok Unicorn Dinner Cruise on Chao Phraya River

Imagine gliding smoothly along Bangkok’s iconic river as the city lights shimmer around you, with a delicious seafood feast and gentle live music setting the scene. That’s exactly what the Scenic Bangkok Unicorn Dinner Cruise offers — a relaxing way to see Bangkok’s best sights from a different perspective. While it’s not a perfect experience, it’s a charming mix of tasty food, beautiful scenery, and a lively atmosphere that many travelers find worthwhile.

What we love most about this cruise is how it combines stunning river views with a diverse international seafood buffet—think river prawns, Chilean mussels, and salmon sashimi. The live band adds a lively touch, making the whole experience feel festive without being overwhelming. Plus, the fact that it starts right at ICONSIAM Pier makes it super accessible, especially if you’re already exploring the city’s upscale shopping and cultural sites nearby.

One downside worth considering is the 2-hour duration, which, while perfect for a relaxing evening, might feel a bit rushed if you’re craving a more in-depth exploration. Also, since the cruise involves slow sailing passing many landmarks, the views depend heavily on tides and weather, and certain sights might be less visible during low or high tide.

This experience suits a variety of travelers — couples looking for a romantic evening, families wanting a fun night out, solo explorers eager to soak in Bangkok’s skyline, or groups of friends celebrating together. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic dinner with good food and music, this cruise could very well fit the bill.

Key Points

• Beautiful river views: The cruise offers stunning sights of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks illuminated at night.
• Delicious international seafood buffet: A highlight, featuring everything from river prawns to sashimi and assorted desserts.
• Relaxed atmosphere with live music: A live duo creates a lively yet pleasant environment, perfect for unwinding.
• Good value for the cost: At under $40, the cruise combines sightseeing, dining, and entertainment into one experience.
• Limited, but scenic route: The cruise passes key sites like Wat Arun, Grand Palace, and River City Bangkok, though visibility may vary with tide and weather.
• Family-friendly: Children aged 0-3 are free, and the overall vibe is suitable for all ages.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Meeting Point and Timing

Your evening begins at ICONSIAM Pier 4PGH6+2PC around 7:00 pm. This location is convenient for anyone shopping or exploring nearby attractions, and it’s near public transportation, making access easy. The cruise departs promptly, so arriving a little early is recommended to avoid missing the boat.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

The cruise’s route is designed to showcase Bangkok’s most photogenic sights from the water. Starting at River City Bangkok (RCB), you’ll get a glimpse of a lively cultural hub with art exhibitions and antiques, setting an artsy tone for your evening. While the stop is more of a visual backdrop than a sightseeing tour, it highlights Bangkok’s vibrant cultural scene.

Next, the boat heads towards Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Reviewers mention its “towering spires” decorated with porcelain mosaics that glow beautifully at sunset — ideal for photos. You can also climb the central prang for panoramic views, though that may be limited depending on tides and safety considerations.

Passing Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace offers a sense of awe, with their ornate architecture and golden rooftops visible from the river. However, since the cruise involves slow sailing, you might not get a full, close-up view of every detail.

Wat Pho, home to the famous Reclining Buddha, is another highlight. The golden statue, over 46 meters long, is a sight to behold, and the peaceful gardens provide a nice break from the bustling city streets.

The cruise then glides under the Rama VIII Bridge, an impressive cable-stayed structure. Many reviewers loved the view from here, especially at sunset when the bridge’s silhouette contrasts against the sky and water.

Ending at Asiatique the Riverfront, the cruise leaves you near a vibrant night market with countless dining and shopping options. This makes it easy to extend your evening if you wish.

Dining: What’s on the Menu?

The buffet is a standout feature. It’s an international seafood spread with options like river prawns, Chilean mussels, and salmon sashimi, complemented by Thai classics like tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup) and green curry. Reviewers consistently praised the variety and quality of the dishes, calling it a satisfying meal with some reviewers even describing it as “delicious” and “tasty.”

The buffet also features a salad bar, desserts, and a few hot coffee or tea options, with fresh water and a welcome drink included in the ticket price. The free mini birthday cake is a charming touch for celebrations.

Entertainment & Atmosphere

Live music is woven into the experience, with duos singing tunes that complement the river views. The reviews mention that the music creates a relaxed and engaging environment — perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Some guests noted the cruise wasn’t overly crowded, providing a comfortable group size, mostly families and couples.

Practical Details: How It Adds Up

The 2-hour duration includes boarding, cruising, and returning, which makes for a relaxed evening without feeling rushed. The cruise accommodates up to 400 guests, so it can be quite lively, but not crowded, according to reviews.

The price of $36.91 per person offers a good balance between quality and affordability, especially when considering the views, buffet, and entertainment bundled in.

What Could Be Better?

While the cruise is charming, some reviewers pointed out that visibility of certain landmarks depends on tide levels and weather conditions, meaning you might not see everything clearly every time. The duration might seem short if you’re hoping for an in-depth exploration, but it’s ample for a pleasant evening.

Plus, beverages outside the included water, tea, or coffee—such as alcohol or soft drinks—are not included, so if you want something extra, you’ll need to pay separately.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a gentle, scenic overview of Bangkok’s most iconic sights. It’s also great for couples seeking a romantic night out, or families looking for a relaxed dinner with a view. If you enjoy live music and seafood, you’ll find the buffet and atmosphere quite enjoyable.

However, those craving a more in-depth or adventurous experience might prefer a more active sightseeing tour or a different kind of boat ride. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace and scenic views rather than intense exploration.

Final Thoughts

The Scenic Bangkok Unicorn Dinner Cruise offers a memorable way to see Bangkok from the river with delicious food, live music, and illuminated sights. Its affordability and ease of access make it a popular choice for many visitors, especially those wanting a peaceful yet engaging evening.

While it may not be the most exhaustive sightseeing tour, it excels in providing a beautiful, relaxed environment where you can enjoy the city’s skyline, indulge in tasty seafood, and listen to pleasant music. It’s an experience that can add a special touch to any Bangkok itinerary.

In summary, if you’re after a laid-back, scenic dinner cruise that combines great views, tasty food, and entertainment, this cruise offers excellent value. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a memorable evening without the fuss of a long or overly structured tour.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?
It begins at 7:00 pm, so arriving a little early ensures you won’t miss the departure.

How long is the cruise?
The total experience lasts about 2 hours, including boarding, sailing, and returning.

Is the buffet suitable for all tastes?
The buffet features international seafood, Thai dishes, salads, and desserts, making it appealing to a variety of palates.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children aged 0-3 travel free with a paying adult, and children aged 4-10 are charged at a special rate.

Can I see all landmarks clearly?
Visibility depends on tide and weather; some landmarks may be less visible during low or high tide.

Is there entertainment onboard?
Yes, live music performed by a duo creates a relaxing, lively atmosphere.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is appropriate; no formal attire is required but comfortable clothing is recommended.

Is the cruise accessible?
It is near public transportation, but specific accessibility details are not provided; contact the supplier if needed.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less notice means no refund, so plan accordingly.

To sum it up, the Scenic Bangkok Unicorn Dinner Cruise balances delicious food, beautiful sights, and a relaxed vibe at a reasonable price. It’s ideal for those wanting a peaceful, scenic evening that captures Bangkok’s magic from the water, without any rush or fuss. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a beautiful night out, this cruise offers a charming snapshot of Bangkok’s river life.