Bangkok Planate Dinner Cruise Experience

Bangkok Planeate Dinner Cruise Experience: A Review

Taking a cruise along the Chao Phraya River sounds like a quintessential Bangkok experience—bright lights, historic temples, and the city’s lively atmosphere. But, as with many things, the reality can sometimes fall short of expectations. This particular dinner cruise, offered by My Trip Maker and priced at around $54 per person, promises an evening of scenic views, international buffet, live music, and entertainment. While it may seem like an idyllic way to wind down after a busy day exploring Bangkok, the actual experience offers some pleasant moments, but also some notable shortcomings.

What we like about this cruise
First, the setting at Asiatique The Riverfront is fantastic. This vibrant shopping and dining area is a lively hub, making it a convenient meeting point and adding to the overall ambiance. Second, the cruise’s scenic route passing icons like Wat Arun, ICONSIAM, and Rama VIII Bridge promises some picturesque views, especially at night when Bangkok’s skyline lights up. Third, the live music and traditional Thai dance performances give a cultural touch that can make the evening feel more authentic, especially for first-time visitors.

A potential drawback is that some guests, like one reviewer, felt the experience did not match what was advertised—particularly, the inability to see the planned landmarks during the cruise, which was a disappointment. The food quality also drew criticism, with reports describing the buffet as “very loose and poor quality,” and not quite living up to expectations. This suggests that while the cruise offers a charming atmosphere, the overall value depends heavily on your expectations.

Who should consider this experience?
This cruise primarily suits travelers who want a relaxed, scenic boat ride with light entertainment in Bangkok. It’s ideal for couples seeking a romantic evening, families looking for a gentle cruise, or anyone wanting a quick overview of the river’s illuminated sights. However, those looking for a highly authentic or high-quality dining experience should read further.

Key Points

• Spectacular Views: The cruise offers glimpses of Bangkok’s iconic landmarks lit up at night, perfect for memorable photos.
• Cultural Entertainment: Live Thai classical dance and music add a cultural dimension to the trip.
• Convenient Location: Departure from Asiatique makes it easy to combine with other activities or dinner beforehand.
• Questionable Food Quality: Several reviews mention the buffet as being of low quality, which might disappoint foodies.
• Route Variability: Occasional route changes due to water levels mean you may not see all the landmarks on some nights.
• Limited Duration: At around 2 hours, it’s a short experience that offers a quick glimpse of Bangkok’s riverside attractions.

A Detailed Look at the Bangkok Planeate Dinner Cruise

The Departure and Setting

Departing promptly at 8:00 pm from Asiatique The Riverfront, the cruise sets sail from a lively, modern pier that’s easy to access via public transportation or car. Asiatique itself is a bustling night market, so arriving early can give you a chance to explore or grab a drink before boarding. The boat itself is described as nice, with friendly staff, which provides some reassurance after reading mixed reviews.

The welcome drink—an ice-blue fruit cocktail—sets a playful tone, and you’re encouraged to relax and enjoy the scenery. The cruise’s group size can be up to 300 travelers, which means it can feel crowded at times, especially during peak seasons or weekends.

The Route and Sightings

The itinerary states a departure at 8:00 pm, with the actual cruise leaving around 8:15 pm. During the cruise, you’ll pass major landmarks such as Icon Siam, the majestic Wat Arun, the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, and the Rama VIII Bridge. These sites are best enjoyed at night when illuminated, and the boat’s vantage point offers a good perspective.

However, one review criticizes the experience for not aligning with the advertised route: “It doesn’t correspond to what he sells! We did not see a single temple or monument at night.” They mention that an unusually high water level affected the route, which can happen during certain times of the year, limiting what’s visible.

Dinner and Entertainment

The buffet dinner is a highlight for many, but reviews suggest that the quality is underwhelming. One guest described the food as “very loose and poor quality,” which can be disappointing if you’re expecting a gourmet experience. The buffet features international dishes and seafood, presented elegantly, but the taste and freshness are reported as lacking.

As you dine under candlelight, live music plays, and traditional Thai classical dance performances add a cultural touch. There’s also a disco element later on, providing some lively energy.

Additional Perks

The cruise includes a welcome drink, tea, coffee, and bottled water, which are nice touches, especially in the humid Bangkok heat. If celebrating a birthday, you might receive a mini birthday cake, adding a personal touch to the evening.

The Return and Overall Experience

The cruise typically returns around 10:00 pm, back at Asiatique. While the experience offers a relaxing atmosphere and scenic views, some guests may find that the landmarks are not as visible or impressive as expected.

Price and Value

At $53.82 per person, the cruise is priced competitively for a two-hour experience that combines dining and entertainment. Nevertheless, considering the mixed reviews on food quality and route consistency, travelers should weigh whether the scenic and cultural elements justify the cost.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This dinner cruise can be a lovely way to see Bangkok’s riverside at night, especially if you prioritize relaxation, live entertainment, and a convenient location. However, it might not be suitable for those seeking a gourmet meal or a fully authentic sightseeing experience.

The variability in route and catering quality means that your experience could be quite different depending on the night. If you’re a first-time visitor wanting a quick glimpse of Bangkok’s illuminated landmarks with some entertainment, this cruise offers decent value. But for a more immersive or higher-quality experience, exploring other options or combining this cruise with additional activities might be better.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, departing at 8:15 pm and returning around 10:00 pm.

Where does the cruise depart from?
From Asiatique The Riverfront, a popular shopping and entertainment complex.

What’s included in the ticket?
Your ticket includes a welcome drink, hot coffee and tea, bottled water, a buffet dinner with seafood, live music, Thai classical dance, and a Khon show.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is the food worth trying?
Some reviews mention the buffet as being of low quality, so if food is a priority, you might find it disappointing.

Are the landmarks visible during the cruise?
They should be, but some guests report that high water levels or route changes mean landmarks aren’t always visible as advertised.

Is the experience suitable for families?
Yes, it’s suitable for families and couples, given the relaxed atmosphere and entertainment options.

What kind of music and entertainment can I expect?
Live duo music, Thai classical dance, and a disco later in the evening.

Is this experience good for a romantic evening?
Yes, the candlelit dinner and scenic river views make it a popular choice for couples.

Will I see temples or historic sites?
You may see some illuminated landmarks, but the experience is more about the river cruise than sightseeing.

To sum it up, the Bangkok Planeate Dinner Cruise offers a laid-back, scenic way to enjoy the city’s riverside by night, with live entertainment and a buffet dinner. While it’s a convenient choice and has its charms, travelers should be aware of potential route inconsistencies and the mixed quality of the food. For those looking for an affordable, relaxed cruise with cultural touches, it’s a decent option. But if your priority is a high-end dining experience or guaranteed landmark views, exploring other options or adding additional tours is advisable.