It's no secret that Bangkok shimmers in gold at dust. Unwinding on a Chao Phraya River sunset cruise is the best way to soak up cityscapes as the sun dips below the horizon. Savor delicious meals, enjoy live music, and capture memories. Ready to set sail? Read on for your guide to unforgettable Chao Phraya sunset cruises.
Experience the magic of Bangkok as the sun dips below the horizon, lighting the sky up with vibrant hues of orange, red, and purple, casting a warm glow over Bangkok's skyline.
Enjoy the full majesty of the Chao Phraya River in just 90 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules or those wanting a concise yet fulfilling experience.
Sunset cruises boast elegant interiors and spacious open-air decks, creating a perfect setting for a romantic evening. Enjoy the gentle breeze as you share a special moment with your loved one, surrounded by rich scenery.
Depending on your choice of sunset cruise, you can indulge in an array of buffet food with limited or unlimited servings of beer.
Don't miss seeing Bangkok's best architectural gems bathed in golden sunrays. Cruise by the Grand Palace, home to Thailand's revered Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun, and spot the porcelain spires of the Temple of Dawn.
Snap Instagram-worthy photos of the golden-hued sunset and the city skyline. Commemorate your Bangkok adventure with frame-worthy pictures.
Take your sunset cruise to the next level with live music and traditional Thai dance & cabaret performances on board.
| Cruise name | Boarding point | Timings | Food & Beverages | Entertainment | Boat type | Booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chao Phraya Princess Cruise Sunset | Asiatique |  5pm to 6:30pm | International & seafood with unlimited beer | Live music | 2-story | From ฿850 |
White Orchid River Cruise with Live Cabaret & Unlimited Beer | Asiatique & ICONSIAM | 5pm to 6:45pm | International, Thai with unlimited beer | Live music & cabaret | 3-story | From ฿699 |
Royal Princess Cruise with Unlimited Beer & Live Music | Asiatique | 4:45pm to 6:45pm | International & seafood with unlimited beer | Live music | 2-story | From ฿790 |
Meridian Cruise | ICONSIAM | 5pm to 6:45pm (Mon to Fri), 4:45pm to 6:30pm (Sat to Sun) | International & seafood | Live music | 2-story | From ฿650 |
1.5-Hour Sunset Cruise with Buffet, Optional Live Cabaret & Unlimited Beer | Asiatique & ICONSIAM | 5pm to 6:45pm (Mon to Fri), 4:45pm to 6:30pm (Sat to Sun) | International & seafood with unlimited beer | Live music & cabaret | 2-story | From ฿650 |
Closest stop: Wat Rat Singkhon 2
From Mo Chit 2 Bus Stop, take bus number 29 outbound to the MBK Center stop. Change to the outbound bus number 15, then get off at the Wat Rat Singkhon stop across from it. Asiatique Pier is about a 5-minute walk away. The trip costs about 20 THB and takes about 90 minutes.
Closest stop: Si Lom Station
From Mo Chit Station, take the MRT Blue Line to Si Lom Station. At Saphan Taksin Station, transfer to the BTS Skytrain Silom Line and get off. To get to Asiatique Pier from Sathorn Pier, take a Chao Phraya Express Boat. With the boat fare not included, the entire trip takes about 39 minutes and costs about 45 THB.
Closest stop: Si Lom Station
From Mo Chit Station, take the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line to Siam Station. At Saphan Taksin Station, transfer to the BTS Skytrain Silom Line and get off. From Sathorn Pier, take a Chao Phraya Express Boat to Asiatique Pier. This option, which excludes the boat fare, takes approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes and costs approximately 42 THB.
Closest stop: Krung Thon Buri
Take bus number 515 from Mo Chit 2 Bus Stop (air-conditioned) or 515 (non-air-conditioned) and get off at Krung Thon Buri Station stop, which is next to ICONSIAM. Depending on the type of bus, this direct route costs between 20 and 30 THB and takes about an hour.
Closest stop: Krung Thon Buri
From Mo Chit Station, take the MRT Blue Line to Bang Sue Station. Change to the Purple Line of the MRT and get off at Krung Thon Buri Station. An air-conditioned walkway connects ICONSIAM directly to the station. This option costs 42 THB and takes about 45 minutes.
Closest stop: Krung Thon Buri
From Mo Chit Station, ride the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line to Siam Station. At Krung Thon Buri Station, transfer to the BTS Skytrain Silom Line and get off the train. There is an air-conditioned walkway that connects ICONSIAM directly to the station. This trip costs 42 THB and takes about one hour and four minutes.
Closest stop: Memorial Bridge
Get off at the Memorial Bridge stop by taking bus number 514, which departs from Mo Chit 2 Bus Stop. Take a ten-minute stroll down Charoen Krung Road to arrive at River City Pier. This option costs 20 THB and takes about an hour.
Closest stop: Saphan Taksin Station
From Mo Chit Station, take the MRT Blue Line to Si Lom Station. At Saphan Taksin Station, transfer to the BTS Skytrain Silom Line and get off. To get to Si Phraya Pier, which is next to River City Pier, take an orange-flagged Chao Phraya Express Boat from Sathorn Pier. The trip takes roughly 49 minutes in total and costs about 45 THB (not including the boat fare).
Closest stop: Saphan Taksin Station
Mo Chit Station to Siam Station can be reached by the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line. Transfer to the BTS Skytrain Silom Line and get off at Saphan Taksin Station. Take an orange-flagged Chao Phraya Express Boat from Sathorn Pier to Si Phraya Pier, which is adjacent to River City Pier. This option costs 42 THB (excluding the boat fare) and takes approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes.
Closest stop: Khlong Toei Market
From Mo Chit 2 Bus Stop, take bus number 205 outbound, and get off at the Khlong Toei Market stop. Take Rama III Road towards the river and walk for approximately ten minutes until you arrive at the pier. This option costs 20 THB and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Closest stop: Khlong Toei Station
To get to Bang Sue Station, take the MRT Blue Line from Mo Chit Station. Change to the Purple Line of the MRT and get off at Khlong Toei Station. Proceed to Rama 3 Pier by taxi or ride-sharing service, which will take 5 to 10 minutes. With an MRT fare of 42 THB and a taxi fare that varies based on distance, this option takes about 50 minutes.
Closest stop: Saphan Taksin Station
Rama 3 Pier cannot be reached via a direct Skytrain route. From Mo Chit Station, you can travel to Siam Station via the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line. Once on the BTS Skytrain Silom Line, change to the Saphan Taksin Station platform to get off. From there, travel to Rama 3 Pier for a bit longer (about half an hour) by taxi or ride-sharing service. This option takes approximately one hour and twenty minutes, and the cost of the taxi depends on the distance traveled. The Skytrain fare is 42 THB.
Sunset cruises last for around 1.5 to 2 hours, with timings generally ranging from late afternoon (around 4pm) to early evening (around 6:30pm).
Best time of year:
Dry season (November to February): Enjoy minimal rainfall, ensuring smooth sailing and unobstructed views. It's also considered the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and potentially higher prices.
Shoulder season (March to May and September to October): Get favorable weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak season. You might encounter occasional showers, but they usually pass quickly.
Best time of the week:
Weekdays (Monday to Thursday): You can expect fewer crowds than on weekends, allowing for a potentially more relaxed and intimate experience.
Weekends (Friday to Sunday): Although they are busier, weekends can have a livelier vibe, particularly if you like the exuberance of large crowds.
This stunning landmark on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River is famous for its giant prang (Khmer-style spire) decorated with colorful porcelain tiles. The temple's name translates to "Temple of Dawn" as its location perfectly aligns with the rising sun.
Once the official residence of the Siamese royal family, the Grand Palace is a complex of buildings adorned with intricate details and spires. While the residence function has moved elsewhere, the Grand Palace remains a symbol of Thailand's royalty and a must-see landmark.
This temple houses a massive 15-meter-long reclining Buddha statue covered in gold leaf. Wat Pho is also known for its traditional Thai massage school, one of the oldest in Thailand.
This suspension bridge with a distinctive single-pylon design is a prominent feature of the Bangkok skyline, especially illuminated at night during your sunset cruise.
Most cruises typically offer scenic views of the river and Bangkok skyline, a delicious meal (often a buffet), live music entertainment, and sometimes even traditional Thai dance performances. Some cruises might also include welcome drinks, unlimited beverages, and access to onboard amenities like bars and lounges.
Prices can vary depending on factors like the duration of the cruise, the included meal options, and the level of luxury offered. Generally, expect a range of ฿650 to ฿1,400+ per person.
Different preferences are catered to by a variety of cruise types. While some offer a more opulent experience with a gourmet meal and premium drinks, others offer a straightforward scenic cruise with basic refreshments.
The best cruise for you depends on your individual preferences and budget. Consider factors like the desired duration, meal options, entertainment preferences, and any special occasions you might be celebrating.
Departures generally occur in the late afternoon, ranging from around 4pm to 5pm, to ensure you experience the best sunset views.
Cruise durations typically range from 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing you to enjoy the scenic journey, savor your meal, and take in the sights before returning to shore.
While there's no strict dress code, smart casual attire is recommended. Opt for comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking on the deck and navigating stairs. Avoid overly revealing clothes or beachwear.
A camera or phone for capturing memories, sunscreen if needed, a light jacket for the potential evening breeze, and cash for any additional purchases.
Most cruises include a meal (often a buffet) and basic refreshments, or unlimited/limited alcohol (depending on your choice) in the ticket price.
While not all cruises offer vegetarian or vegan options, many cater to dietary restrictions. Check your cruise itinerary and menu beforehand to confirm the availability of suitable meals on your chosen cruise.
Yes, most cruises offer some form of entertainment, often including live music performances featuring traditional Thai instruments or contemporary melodies. Some cruises might also showcase traditional Thai dance performances, adding a touch of cultural immersion to your experience.
From the Bangkok skyline bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun to landmarks like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho, each illuminated by the warm glow — there’s plenty to see on your sunset cruise. Don’t miss the vibrant life along the riverbanks, from bustling markets to traditional longtail boats.
Cancellation policies may differ according to the cruise provider. While some cruises may provide a 24-hour cancellation option, others may allow for rescheduling. However, some cruises may not permit either of these options. Therefore, it is essential to review the specific terms and conditions of your preferred cruise before booking, to gain a clear understanding of the cancellation process and any associated charges.
