Amazing Sunset Dinner Cruise by Chao Phraya Princess (SHA Plus)

Trying to capture the magic of Bangkok’s skyline at sunset? The Chao Phraya Princess Sunset Dinner Cruise offers a chance to do just that, floating along one of the city’s most iconic waterways. While we haven’t personally set sail on this cruise, reviews and detailed descriptions give us a clear picture of what to expect—beautiful views, delicious food, and a relaxing atmosphere.

What we love about this experience is its accessible price point, spectacular sunset vistas, and the quality of onboard entertainment. The cruise’s comfortable and elegant setting makes for a memorable evening, especially if you’re seeking a romantic outing or a leisurely way to see Bangkok from the water.

A possible consideration is that this cruise doesn’t include round-trip transfers, so planning how to get there requires a bit of forethought. Also, it’s not available on key holidays like Loy Krathong, Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve, or Christmas, which could be a downside if those are your travel dates.

This experience suits travelers wanting a value-packed, scenic dinner cruise with a lively atmosphere, making it ideal for first-time visitors, couples, or anyone wanting to combine sightseeing with good food.

Key Points

• Affordable Luxury: At just around $37.65, this cruise offers good value for a relaxing evening on the river.
• Stunning Views: The cruise provides memorable vistas of Bangkok’s iconic landmarks and sunset over the river.
• Delicious Buffet: An international buffet with Thai and seafood dishes ensures you won’t go hungry.
• Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music, dance shows, and a lively ambiance onboard.
• Convenient Itinerary: Starts at Asiatique, with a leisurely cruise lasting about 90 minutes, perfect for a quick yet memorable experience.
• No Round Trip Transfers: Guests need to handle their own transportation to and from the departure point, which is at Warehouse 7, Asiatique The Riverfront.

Setting the Scene: What to Expect

The adventure begins at Warehouse 7 at Asiatique The Riverfront around 5:00 pm, where you’ll check in and prepare for your evening. The departure is around 5:15 pm, giving you ample time to soak in the lively atmosphere of this popular riverside market and entertainment complex. From here, you board the Chao Phraya Princess, a boat that exudes comfort and class, offering a glimpse of Bangkok’s riverside life.

The cruise itself lasts approximately 90 minutes, during which you’ll enjoy serene views of the skyline as the sun begins to set. The boat’s guide or captain guides your view towards landmark sights like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pra Kaew—perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery.

The Experience: A Detailed Breakdown

Boarding and Initial Views

Guests typically arrive between 4:30 and 5:00 pm, giving you time to settle in before departure. The check-in is straightforward, and the atmosphere at Asiatique is lively yet relaxed. The cruise’s large windows and open deck allow for unobstructed views, making it easy to capture photos of the river and skyline. Expect to hear soulful saxophone melodies, which add a musical backdrop to your journey.

Sunset and Scenic Landmarks

As the boat leaves the dock around 5:15 pm, the captain guides the vessel along the river, pointing out landmarks as they come into view. Reviewers mention the expert guidance and friendly crew, making the experience feel personalized and smooth. The highlight—watching the sunset—happens roughly 30 to 45 minutes into the cruise, where the sky turns hues of orange and pink, creating perfect photo opportunities.

The Dining Experience

One of the main attractions is the international buffet that is served onboard. For around 1.5 hours, you can indulge in a range of dishes, including Thai favorites and seafood options. The food has been described as “decent” and “well-presented,” with many reviewers appreciating the variety. Some mention that the seafood, in particular, is fresh and abundant—a highlight for seafood lovers.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

While dining, you are serenaded by live music, which adds a festive touch. The boat also hosts dance performances and lively music, making for a fun and engaging evening. Reviewers often note that the onboard entertainment helps create a lively, cheerful ambiance, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the stunning views.

The Return and Disembarkation

After about 90 minutes, the cruise returns to Asiatique. No return transfer is included, so planning your transport—whether a tuk-tuk, taxi, or BTS station—is essential. Many guests find the experience well worth the effort, citing the beautiful views and tasty food as highlights.

Practical Details and Tips

• Timing: The cruise departs at 5:15 pm, with check-in starting at 4:30 pm, so arrive early to settle in.
• Duration: The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, making it a perfect short yet memorable outing.
• Price: At around $37.65 per person, the experience offers good value, especially considering the views, food, and entertainment included.
• Group Size: Limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience and better service.
• Accessibility: The departure point is near public transportation, but guests should plan their own transfer arrangements.
• Special Dates: Not available on Loy Krathong, Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve, or Christmas Eve; surcharges may apply on these dates.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Although reviews are limited, those available paint a positive picture of the professional guides and stunning scenery. One reviewer mentioned, “The crew was incredibly friendly, and the captain’s commentary made the landmarks come alive,” highlighting the personal touch. Another pointed out that the live music and dance added a lively element, making the cruise feel more like a celebration than a simple boat ride.

Some noted that the buffet could have more variety, but overall, it provided a satisfying meal with enough options for most tastes. The sunset views consistently receive praise, with many calling it “a photographer’s dream” and “an ideal way to end the day.”

Final Thoughts: Is This Cruise Worth It?

This sunset dinner cruise offers a cozy, enjoyable way to see Bangkok from the river, blending beautiful scenery, delicious food, and friendly entertainment into a single package. It’s particularly good for first-time visitors wanting a quick, scenic overview of the city’s landmarks without spending a fortune.

Travelers who enjoy live music, a lively atmosphere, and a taste of local and international cuisine will find this cruise to be a delightful addition to their Bangkok itinerary. The moderate price combined with the quality of views and entertainment makes it a worthwhile splurge for a memorable evening.

On the flip side, those with specific dietary restrictions, or travelers seeking a more exclusive or private experience, might find the buffet limited or the group size a bit too small on the intimate side. Also, if you’re looking to explore beyond the river or want a fully organized round-trip transfer, you’ll need to make your own arrangements.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This cruise is perfect for couples seeking a romantic evening, families wanting a scenic dinner, or solo travelers eager to meet others in a lively, friendly environment. It’s best suited for those who want an affordable yet memorable way to appreciate Bangkok’s skyline as the sun sets.

If you’re after a relaxing, well-rounded experience with good value, beautiful vistas, and some entertainment, this cruise checks all those boxes.

FAQ

Is round-trip transfer included?
No, the cruise does not include transfers, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the departure point at Asiatique.

What time does the cruise start?
Check-in begins at 4:30 pm, with boarding at 5:00 pm and departure around 5:15 pm.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, providing a perfect short evening activity.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the international dinner buffet, live music, dance performances, and the approximately 90-minute sunset cruise.

Are there any dates when the cruise isn’t available?
Yes, it’s not offered on Loy Krathong, Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve, or Christmas Eve, and surcharges may apply on other special days.

Is the experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the lively entertainment and scenic views make it suitable for most age groups, but check for any specific age restrictions with the provider.

How is the food?
Reviewers say the buffet offers a decent variety with fresh seafood and good presentation, though some note the selection could be broader.

Is there live entertainment?
Yes, live music and dance performances are part of the experience, contributing to a festive atmosphere.

How crowded is it?
With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the cruise maintains an intimate feeling, though some might find it small if they’re traveling in larger groups.

What’s the best way to get there?
Since transport isn’t included, plan your own route—most guests arrive via taxi, tuk-tuk, or public transit to Asiatique.

To sum it up, the Amazing Sunset Dinner Cruise by Chao Phraya Princess offers a balanced mix of stunning scenery, good food, and lively entertainment at a fair price. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers wanting an authentic, scenic way to experience Bangkok’s riverside at sunset—whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a new perspective of the city.