Romantic Sunset The Planet Cruise with Bangkok Night Views

A Closer Look at the Romantic Sunset The Planet Cruise with Bangkok Night Views

When it comes to enjoying Bangkok from a unique vantage point, this evening cruise on The Planet Cruise offers a blend of scenic beauty, delicious food, and cultural entertainment. Although the experience has mixed reviews, it remains a popular choice for those seeking an affordable way to see Bangkok’s glittering skyline and historic landmarks while indulging in a sumptuous seafood buffet.

What we love about this tour is the spectacular views of Bangkok’s illuminated skyline and iconic temples at sunset, the spacious open deck perfect for relaxing after a busy day sightseeing, and the live music and cultural performances that add a festive atmosphere to the cruise. The all-you-can-eat seafood is another highlight, featuring dishes like fresh salmon sashimi, river prawns, and New Zealand mussels, alongside international favorites and desserts.

However, one key consideration is the mixed nature of reviews—some guests have reported issues with entry or service, which is worth keeping in mind. This tour is best suited for families, couples, or groups looking for a value-packed, leisurely evening with a bit of sightseeing, dining, and entertainment combined.

Key Points

• Stunning panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline and landmarks at sunset.
• Luxurious open deck that provides ample space and comfort.
• All-you-can-eat seafood buffet with fresh, quality ingredients.
• Live music and cultural performances create a lively, memorable atmosphere.
• Flexible booking and cancellation policies offer reassurance and convenience.
• Mixed reviews highlight importance of managing expectations and being aware of potential issues.

An Honest Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Setting the scene: Starting from Asiatique The Riverfront, which is a lively, bustling riverside hub, the cruise departs at around 5:15 pm. This location is easily accessible via public transport, making it convenient for most travelers. The fact that the cruise lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes means you get a solid taste of Bangkok’s riverside scenery without feeling rushed.

The boat itself: The Planet Cruise boasts spacious seating and a stylish open deck, perfect for soaking in the views. The open-air setup allows you to feel the breeze and enjoy unobstructed vistas of Bangkok’s famous landmarks. Although the experience is focused on sightseeing and dining, some reviews mention that the crew’s service can be inconsistent, and entry perhaps isn’t guaranteed if you arrive late or if there are booking issues—one reviewer even called it a “trap for travelers.”

Sightseeing highlights: As you cruise, you’ll pass notable sites like Wat Arun, with its colorful porcelain spires, and the Grand Palace, home to the Emerald Buddha. The Rama VIII Bridge is another striking feature, especially at sunset, thanks to its elegant asymmetrical design and towering pylon. Reviewers have appreciated the chance to see these landmarks from a different angle, with some noting the best views occur at sunset when the city lights start to sparkle.

Cultural stops: The cruise includes stops at cultural and historic sites like the River City Bangkok, known for its art exhibitions and antiques, and the Taksin Bridge, popular for capturing scenic city and river views. These stops, although brief, add an educational layer to the experience, especially for those interested in Bangkok’s art and architecture.

Dining and entertainment: The all-you-can-eat seafood buffet is a standout feature, offering a wide variety of dishes, including salmon sashimi, river prawns, New Zealand mussels, and international options like spaghetti and fried rice. Guests also receive welcome drinks, hot coffee, and tea, with desserts rounding out the meal. Several reviews praise the delicious food and good value, with one reviewer noting the hot dishes are fresh and plentiful.

Music and shows: The onboard entertainment includes live music duos and Thai classical dance or Khon shows, which add a festive touch and help create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. The mini birthday cake is a charming touch for celebrations, though it’s not clear if it’s included in all bookings or reserved for special occasions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxed, scenic evening in Bangkok without the hassle of full-day touring. It’s ideal for families, couples, or small groups wanting to combine sightseeing, dining, and entertainment in one comfortable package. The responsive price point makes it accessible, especially for travelers on a budget.

However, if you’re looking for a flawlessly run experience or very personalized service, this tour may not meet all expectations. The mixed reviews highlight the importance of managing expectations—some guests have faced issues with entry or service, so arriving early and having a backup plan could be wise.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Start at Asiatique The Riverfront

The meeting point at Asiatique is lively and vibrant, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Most travelers appreciate its atmosphere, but some reviews mention the importance of arriving on time to avoid missing the cruise. The easy access via public transit is a plus for many.

Cruising past Bangkok’s Landmarks

As the boat pulls away, the real magic begins. Expect to see Wat Arun, with its stunning porcelain decoration, especially at sunset. Many guests love snapping photos of the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha from the river, which offers a different perspective than visiting on foot.

The Rama VIII Bridge is an architectural highlight, with some reviewers mentioning that the best views are during sunset when the city’s lights start to twinkle. However, if the tide is low or high, some landmarks might be inaccessible, which is a minor but noteworthy detail.

Cultural and Art Stops

The cruise includes a visit or view of the River City Bangkok—a hub for local and international art and antiques. If you’re an art enthusiast, this is a nice addition, though the main focus remains on the river cruise itself. The Taksin Bridge is another view point for panoramic city shots, especially at dusk.

Dining Experience

The buffet is carefully curated, with seafood sections and international options. Reviewers mention the salmon sashimi and river prawns as highlights, while others appreciate the variety of desserts and hot drinks. The all-you-can-eat format offers good value, especially considering the quality of the seafood.

Entertainment & Atmosphere

Live music by duo singers and cultural performances add vibrancy to the cruise. Although some reviews point out that service can be inconsistent, most guests agree that the overall ambiance is enjoyable, especially with the city lights twinkling around you.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Arrive early: To ensure entry, arrive at Asiatique by 5:15 pm as instructed, especially considering reports of entry issues.
• Dress comfortably but smart: The open deck can get breezy, especially at sunset—layers are recommended.
• Bring your camera: The views are picture-perfect, particularly at sunset and during the night.
• Manage expectations: Some reviews highlight issues with customer service or entry, so be patient and prepared for possible hiccups.
• Check tide conditions: Low or high tide might affect some landmark views, so keep this in mind if you’re particular about certain sights.

The Sum Up

The Romantic Sunset The Planet Cruise offers an affordable, scenic way to see Bangkok’s iconic riverside landmarks while enjoying a generous seafood buffet and lively entertainment. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a balance of sightseeing, dining, and cultural fun without overextending their budget.

While it may not be flawless—some guests have faced entry issues or inconsistent service—the experience’s highlights, like the stunning cityscape views and delicious food, often outweigh the drawbacks. It’s particularly suited for those new to Bangkok or visitors seeking a relaxed, enjoyable evening with memorable sights and sounds.

For anyone craving a mix of scenic beauty, good food, and lively atmosphere, this cruise is worth considering. Just remember to arrive early, keep your expectations realistic, and enjoy the beautiful skyline and river scenes that make Bangkok so special.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 4-10 can participate, and kids under 3 are free, making it family-friendly.

What’s included in the price?
You’ll get an international buffet with seafood, welcome drinks, hot coffee and tea, live music, Thai classical dance or Khon show, and a mini birthday cake.

Are drinks other than water included?
No, other beverages are not included, so you might want to bring extra drinks or purchase them onboard.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise runs for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy the scenery and entertainment without it feeling too long.

Where does the cruise start and end?
It departs from Asiatique The Riverfront and returns to the same location.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is recommended. Dress comfortably but appropriately, especially considering the open deck and evening breeze.

What if the weather is bad?
The cruise requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the cruise, with a full refund.

Are the landmarks definitely visible?
Most landmarks are visible, but tide conditions may impact your view of certain sites like Wat Arun or the Grand Palace.

The Romantic Sunset The Planet Cruise offers a charming blend of scenic riverside views, tasty seafood, and lively entertainment—perfect for a relaxed evening in Bangkok.