The Opulence Dinner Cruise from Iconsiam Bangkok

Taking a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River sounds like a quintessential way to enjoy Bangkok’s skyline, and the Opulence Dinner Cruise claims to offer a luxurious way to do just that. While not perfect, this experience offers some genuinely memorable moments, especially thanks to the views and the food. We’ll explore what makes it a compelling choice—and where it might fall short.

Three highlights we like: First, the spectacular night vistas of Bangkok’s illuminated landmarks like Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and the Rama VIII Bridge are truly breathtaking. Second, the international seafood buffet offers a variety of appealing dishes, including some noteworthy tapas, that make the meal part of the experience rather than just an afterthought. Third, the live music performances add a lively touch to the evening, creating a festive atmosphere.

However, a potential drawback is the lack of organization at the buffet, which some reviewers found frustrating. Plus, the overall food quality, according to some, was not the freshest or most flavorful. This cruise suits travelers looking for a scenic, relaxed evening with good food and entertainment, especially couples or groups of friends wanting to celebrate Bangkok’s vibrant nightscape.

Key Points

• Scenic views: The cruise offers spectacular, illuminated city sights along the river.
• Food quality: The international seafood buffet includes popular dishes but has mixed reviews regarding freshness.
• Entertainment: Live music performances add to the festive atmosphere.
• Organizational aspects: Buffet crowding and seating assignments can sometimes be a bit chaotic.
• Timing & duration: About 2 hours 15 minutes, starting at 8:00 pm, with possible delays due to river traffic.
• Value for money: At around $61, the experience combines sightseeing, dining, and entertainment but has room for improvement.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

The cruise begins at ICONSIAM at 8:00 pm, making it an ideal way to kick off your evening. After boarding, you’ll immediately notice the stunning views as the boat gently glides away from the bustling city. The river provides a unique perspective of Bangkok’s iconic landmarks, many beautifully lit at night.

Wat Arun is a highlight, with its intricate spires glowing against the night sky, while the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew shine with golden reflections. The Rama VIII Bridge, a modern architectural marvel, offers a striking backdrop for photos. Keep in mind that tide conditions can influence the route and the visibility of certain landmarks, so the itinerary may shift slightly.

The rooftop deck is the best spot for panoramic photos, and the cool river breeze keeps the atmosphere comfortable as you survey the cityscape in all directions. As the cruise progresses, the entertainment kicks in—live music performances help set a lively tone, making it more than just a sightseeing ride.

Dining Experience: The International Seafood Buffet

One of the cruise’s main attractions is the buffet, which features a broad selection of dishes. The menu includes appetizers like Nicoise Salad and Thai-Style Glass Noodle Salad, along with hot dishes such as Green Curry with Chicken, Stir-Fried Seafood in Curry Powder, and Steamed Seabass with Lemon Sauce.

Desserts round out the meal with options like Thai desserts, tropical fruits, assorted cakes, and Thai coconut ice-cream. Reviewers mention that the food presentation is appealing, and some dishes are quite good, especially the seafood options. However, some note that the buffet line can be disorderly, leading to crowding and difficulty in accessing the dishes smoothly. One guest mentioned that the food was not very fresh and appeared bland, which could be disappointing if you’re expecting high culinary standards.

Despite this, many still find the variety and tapas-style offerings enjoyable, especially as a complement to the scenic views. The buffet is designed to cater to a wide range of tastes, with both Thai and international options. You should note that outside food and beverages are prohibited onboard, and drinks like soft drinks, fruit juices, and alcohol are available for purchase.

The Atmosphere & Entertainment

The live music features local performances that add a layer of vibrancy to the cruise. Although reviews don’t specify the exact genre, the energy seems to be lively enough for both couples and groups to enjoy a relaxed yet festive evening. The seating assignment is generally done upon arrival, but specific requests for a top deck seat aren’t always guaranteed. If you’re after the best panoramic views, it’s worth arriving early and requesting a spot on the upper deck.

The group size can be quite large—up to 700 guests—so the environment can feel bustling. While some might find this lively, others may prefer a more intimate experience. The duration of about 2 hours and 15 minutes feels just right: enough time to enjoy the sights and meal without overstaying your welcome. Be prepared for possible delays, as river traffic and weather conditions can influence the schedule.

Practical Details & Tips

• Meeting point: ICONSIAM, 8:00 pm start, easily accessible by public transportation.
• Inclusions: Ticket, buffet, a welcome drink, unlimited water, tea, and coffee, plus live music.
• Not included: Soft drinks, juices, alcohol, hotel transfers, and personal expenses.
• Children: Kids aged 0-3 are free, but passports are required for check-in. Children 4-10 pay a discounted rate.
• Cancellation policy: Free up to 24 hours before, but no refund if canceled within that window.
• Weather: The cruise requires good weather—bad weather may cause cancellations or schedule shifts.
• Price: At around $61 per person, it offers a decent mix of sights, food, and entertainment, though some may find the buffet’s quality inconsistent.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer, Rizavic_P, remarked on the disorganized buffet line, mentioning that people crowding the food and staff not managing traffic was frustrating. They also found the food bland and not very fresh, which could affect the dining experience for some. Conversely, others appreciated the variety of dishes, especially the tapas-style appetizers and seafood options, which added a flavorful touch to the evening.

The views received consistent praise—many guests were impressed by the panoramic sights of Wat Arun and the Golden Palace, especially when lit up at night. The live music was generally well-received, though not all reviewers detailed the genre or quality.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Experience?

The Opulence Dinner Cruise is best suited for those wanting to combine scenic river views with a relaxed dining atmosphere. It’s ideal for romantic couples, families, or groups of friends celebrating an evening in Bangkok. While the food can be hit or miss, especially if you’re expecting a fine-dining experience, the overall package of sights, atmosphere, and live entertainment makes it a worthwhile outing.

For travelers on a budget, the price is reasonable considering the combination of dinner, entertainment, and sightseeing—but keep expectations in check regarding the buffet quality. Those looking for an intimate, refined dinner might prefer alternative options, but if you’re after a lively, scenic adventure on the river, this cruise ticks a lot of boxes.

FAQ

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, kids aged 0-3 are admitted for free if accompanied by a guardian. Children aged 4-10 qualify for a child rate, and passports are required at check-in.

Can I request specific seating?
Seating is usually assigned upon arrival, but requests for the top deck are not always guaranteed. Arriving early may improve your chances of sitting on the upper level.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the cruise, the international seafood buffet, a welcome drink, unlimited water, tea, coffee, and live music performances.

Are drinks available onboard?
Yes, soft drinks, fruit juices, and alcoholic beverages are sold separately, so you can purchase drinks as desired.

What if the weather is bad?
The cruise depends on good weather. In case of poor weather, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, with the opportunity for a full refund or alternative date.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise typically runs for about 2 hours and 15 minutes, starting at 8:00 pm, but delays are possible due to river traffic or weather.

To sum it up, the Opulence Dinner Cruise provides a beautiful, relaxing way to see Bangkok’s iconic sights from the river, combined with a buffet that offers a variety of tasty dishes. While the buffet organization and quality might not impress everyone, the stunning views and lively atmosphere make it a worthwhile option for many travelers. If you’re after a scenic, fun evening with good company and a splash of local entertainment, this cruise could be a memorable highlight of your trip.