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Hello, fellow travelers! I'm back with another recommendation that I absolutely have to share.
If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, you simply cannot miss out on experiencing the city from the Chaophraya River.
Today, I'm going to introduce you to the Royal Princess Sunset/Dinner Cruise.
Trust me, this isn't just another boat ride; it’s a truly special experience where you can see Bangkok's major landmarks in a whole new light.
I hope this post helps you create a safe and enjoyable trip.
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Is Travel Planning Underway? Here’s Why You Need This Cruise.
You've probably seen a lot of pictures of Bangkok's vibrant city life and incredible temples.
But let me tell you, nothing quite compares to seeing the illuminated temples and city skyline from the water at night.
Bangkok's charm really comes alive after dark, and a river cruise is the perfect way to soak it all in without the hassle of navigating crowded streets.
Many people think about doing a dinner cruise but worry about long queues, fighting for good seats, or getting stuck with a poor view.
This Royal Princess Cruise solves all those problems with its designated seating system.
If you're looking for a romantic evening, a fun family outing, or just a relaxing way to end a busy day of sightseeing, this cruise is an essential part of your Bangkok itinerary.
It transforms a potentially stressful evening into a truly magical memory.
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What Makes This Cruise So Good?
Let's talk about the key selling point: designated seating.
This might seem like a small detail, but when you're dealing with large group tours in Asia, avoiding the mad rush to get on board and grab a window seat is a game-changer.
With the Royal Princess Cruise, you can pre-select your seats, ensuring you get the best possible view.
For my trip, I booked the 3rd floor rooftop seat, and it was absolutely worth every penny.
The open-air rooftop provides an unobstructed view of the glittering skyline and landmarks like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace as you float by.
The atmosphere on the rooftop deck is completely different from the lower decks—it feels much more exclusive and romantic.
The combination of delicious international food (especially the seafood and Thai specialties), live music, and the stunning scenery makes for an unforgettable night out.
Detailed Information: Sunset vs. Dinner Cruise
When booking, you'll need to decide between the Sunset Cruise and the Dinner Cruise.
The Sunset Cruise offers a truly magical experience as the sun sets over the river, with free-flowing beer included, making it perfect for a pre-dinner activity.
The Dinner Cruise (19:30-21:30) is the classic choice, offering a full buffet and live entertainment under the glow of the city lights.
Both options provide a fantastic opportunity to relax and take in the sights.
The cruise operates from Asiatique The Riverfront, a bustling night market and entertainment complex.
Check-in starts about an hour before departure, and it’s crucial to arrive early not just for check-in, but to truly enjoy the experience.
The designated seating system ensures you won't miss out on the best spot, even if you arrive just on time, but getting there early helps avoid the stress of Bangkok traffic.
Recommended Itinerary: A Night on the Chaophraya
Here’s how I recommend structuring your evening for the perfect experience.
Start by arriving at Asiatique around 5 PM (for the Dinner Cruise) to avoid the infamous Bangkok rush hour traffic.
The area itself is a fun place to explore.
Exchange your voucher for tickets at the designated counter (between Warehouse 7 and 8).
With your ticket in hand, take some time to wander through Asiatique, grab a quick drink at one of the riverside bars, or even do some shopping before boarding.
Boarding usually begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Once on board, you'll find your pre-assigned seat and settle in for the journey.
The cruise itself lasts approximately two hours.
As you sail, you'll pass by iconic landmarks like Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and the Rama VIII Bridge.
The buffet opens shortly after departure, offering plenty of time to eat, enjoy the live band, and take photos of the stunning views.
Getting There: Location Guide
The cruise departs from Asiatique The Riverfront. Getting there can be a bit tricky, especially during peak traffic times.
Here are the best ways to go:
1. BTS + Shuttle Boat: Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station (S6). From Exit 2, walk towards the river pier (Sathorn Pier) and take the free Asiatique shuttle boat. The shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes and takes about 10 minutes to reach Asiatique. This is generally the most reliable option during rush hour.
2. Taxi/Grab: Taking a taxi or Grab is an option, but be warned: Bangkok traffic in the evenings, especially around the Asiatique area, can be severe. It’s highly recommended to allow at least 30-60 minutes extra travel time if you choose this route. Make sure to tell the driver Asiatique The Riverfront or Asiatique Pier clearly.
Travel Tips & Suggested Packing List
1. Arrive Early for Traffic: I cannot stress this enough. Bangkok traffic is notorious. Aim to arrive at Asiatique at least an hour before your check-in time, especially if taking a taxi.
2. Choose Seating Wisely: If you want the best photos and atmosphere, choose the 3rd floor rooftop side seats. If you prefer to be slightly removed from the action or want a quieter experience, a 2nd floor window seat might be better.
3. Mind the Weather: If you're traveling during the rainy season (roughly May to October), be prepared for potential changes in the cruise route due to high water levels, or even heavy rain making the outdoor seats unusable. If rain is forecast, consider booking the indoor seating to be safe.
4. Recommended Attire: Wear comfortable shoes! You’ll be walking around Asiatique and navigating potentially crowded decks. A light jacket might be useful as the river breeze can get chilly.
Recommended Tour: Why Book Royal Princess?
When I looked at all the different cruise options available on the Chaophraya River, I kept coming back to the Royal Princess because of the reviews praising the designated seating and the stunning 3rd-floor view.
The designated seating system, managed by the vendor JJANTOUR, allows you to relax knowing exactly where you'll be seated.
This eliminates so much stress and lets you focus on enjoying the experience.
The 3rd floor rooftop is where all the action is—live music, great food, and the most spectacular views of the illuminated city.
This cruise provides a high-quality experience for a reasonable price, making it one of the best value options in Bangkok.
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Final Thoughts: My Verdict
The Royal Princess Cruise was easily one of the highlights of my Bangkok trip.
The feeling of gliding past Wat Arun at night, illuminated in gold, while enjoying a meal on the open-air deck, is truly magical.
While some reviews mentioned the buffet quality might not be five-star fine dining, I found the variety of food and atmosphere to be more than satisfactory for the price.
It's an experience that offers incredible value for money and creates memories you'll cherish long after you leave Bangkok.
If you’re deciding whether to do a river cruise, take my advice and book this one.
You won’t regret it!
Inside the Review: My Personal Experience
I was a little nervous about booking a cruise; I’d heard stories about overly crowded decks and subpar food.
But after reading reviews about the designated seating, I decided to take the plunge and chose the Royal Princess.
Let me tell you, arriving at Asiatique and seeing the huge line of people for other cruises made me so thankful I had booked the designated seating.
While there was still a queue to get on board, I didn't have to worry about running to claim a spot.
Once we were on the boat and settled into our pre-selected seats on the 3rd-floor rooftop, all my worries disappeared.
The views were breathtaking. Seriously, the photos don’t do justice to seeing Wat Arun and the other landmarks light up as you pass by.
The atmosphere was lively, with a live band playing both Thai and international songs.
The food buffet was good—plenty of options, from sushi to Thai green curry. Yes, there was a bit of a rush when the buffet first opened, but a second round was much calmer.
It really felt like a party on the river, especially towards the end when people started dancing.
The only negative? We had a small bit of rain, which forced some people from the 3rd floor down, but luckily it didn't last long, and the staff were quick to help.
Overall, this cruise exceeded my expectations, and I would absolutely do it again.
Tags: [Bangkok Cruise], [Chaophraya River Cruise], [Royal Princess Cruise], [Bangkok Dinner Cruise], [Bangkok Night View], [Asiatique], [Bangkok Travel Tips], [Wat Arun], [Bangkok Family Trip], [Designated Seating Cruise]