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Chao Phraya Princess Cruises

Why choose the Chao Phraya Princess cruise?

Established river operator

Chao Phraya Princess is a long-running dinner cruise brand on the Chao Phraya River, offering structured 2-hour sailings with a consistent route past Bangkok’s major illuminated landmarks.

Flexible boarding locations

You can depart from Asiatique The Riverfront, ICONSIAM, or Terminal 21 Rama 3, making it easier to choose a pier that suits your hotel location or evening plans.

Multiple buffet formats

The cruise offers both international buffet and Indian buffet variants, giving you the choice between global dishes or a dedicated Indian spread depending on departure pier.

Live music & beverage inclusions

Each cruise includes live music throughout the evening, along with welcome drinks, coffee, and tea, while select variants also include unlimited beer.

Types of Chao Phraya Princess cruises

Cruise typeDeparture pierDurationDiningDrinks includedBest for

Sunset cruise

Asiatique The Riverfront

5:00pm–6:30pm (1.5 hrs)

International buffet with seafood

Unlimited beer, coffee & tea

Early evening views and lighter schedule

Dinner cruise – International buffet

Asiatique / ICONSIAM Pier 4

7:30pm–9:30pm (2 hrs)

International buffet

Welcome drink, coffee & tea

Classic Bangkok dinner cruise experience

Dinner cruise – Indian buffet

Terminal 21 Rama 3

7:30pm–9:30pm (2 hrs)

Indian buffet

Welcome drink, coffee & tea

Guests preferring Indian cuisine

Exclusive upper deck dinner

Asiatique / ICONSIAM Pier 4

7:30pm–9:30pm (2 hrs)

International buffet

Welcome drink, coffee & tea

Open-air seating with clearer landmark views

Boarding piers for Chao Phraya Princess cruises

Asiatique The Riverfront

Check-in takes place at Warehouse 7 before boarding. This is the most popular departure point and is ideal if you want to explore riverside shops and restaurants before your cruise.

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ICONSIAM (Pier 4)

Boarding is from Pier 4, with check-in at the Sooksiam zone on the G floor. Convenient for guests staying near the BTS line or those who prefer a modern mall setting before departure.

Check location

Terminal 21 Rama 3

Used primarily for the Indian buffet variant, this pier offers a slightly less crowded boarding experience away from the main tourist cluster.

Check location

Upper deck vs lower deck

Upper deck (open-air seating)

  • Ambience: Elevated outdoor seating with open skyline views and closer proximity to the live band.
  • Views: Clear panoramic stretches of the river, especially when passing Wat Arun and Rama VIII Bridge.
  • Comfort: Naturally ventilated but subject to Bangkok’s evening humidity.
  • Best for: Guests who want uninterrupted landmark photos and a more immersive river atmosphere.
  • Note: Weather conditions such as rain or strong wind may affect seating comfort.

Lower deck (air-conditioned seating)

  • Ambience: Indoor dining space with structured table layout and steady lighting.
  • Views: Side-window views depending on seating position and table assignment.
  • Comfort: Fully air-conditioned environment offering consistent cooling throughout the cruise.
  • Best for: Guests who prefer climate control and a quieter dining setting.
  • Note: Less exposure to outdoor elements during changing weather.

Sights covered on your Chao Phraya Princess cruise

Depending on your departure pier, the cruise sails upriver toward Rama VIII Bridge before looping back. Along the way, you’ll pass many of Bangkok’s historic riverside landmarks illuminated after dark.

Wat Arun

The Temple of Dawn stands dramatically lit along the riverbank, creating one of the most recognisable and photographed moments of the cruise.

The Grand Palace

Thailand’s former royal residence glows in gold at night, visible from the river as the cruise passes the historic old town stretch.

Wat Pho

Located near the Grand Palace, this riverside temple complex forms part of the classic heritage segment of the route.

Rama VIII Bridge

A modern cable-stayed bridge that lights up in colour during the evening and marks the turnaround point for most sailings.

Memorial Bridge

A historic steel bridge connecting older districts across the river, offering a contrasting architectural backdrop.

Taksin Bridge

One of the main crossing bridges over the Chao Phraya River, visible early in the cruise depending on departure pier.

Know before you go

  • Dinner cruises operate from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
  • Sunset cruise operates from 5:00pm to 6:30pm from Asiatique.
  • Boarding typically begins 30 to 45 minutes before departure.
  • Best time to go is on weekdays for a less crowded boarding experience.
  • Arrive early to allow time for ticket exchange and seating.
  • Smart casual attire is recommended.
  • Avoid flip-flops, sleeveless shirts, and beachwear.
  • Comfortable footwear is advised for boarding and deck access.
  • Boarding piers may involve slight slopes or small gaps between pier and boat.
  • Assistance may be required for wheelchair users.
  • Seating is available on both upper and lower decks.
  • Valid photo ID may be required for alcohol service
  • Alcohol availability is subject to age restrictions and local laws
  • Unlimited beer is available only on select variants
  • Outside food and beverages are not permitted
  • Upper deck seating is subject to availability
  • Some variants are applicable for non-Thai residents only
  • ICONSIAM access may be restricted for certain passport holders
  • Tickets can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund

How Chao Phraya Princess compares to other cruises

Dining experience

Chao Phraya Princess offers buffet flexibility with both international and Indian menus, making it one of the few operators catering specifically to Indian cuisine along the river. Budget cruises typically stick to a standard international buffet, while premium 5-star cruises focus on curated set menus or luxury-tier dining formats.

Boarding flexibility

Princess departs from three central piers — Asiatique The Riverfront, ICONSIAM, and Terminal 21 Rama 3 — giving you more location choice than most operators. Budget and luxury cruises often operate from a single fixed pier.

Entertainment style

Live music runs throughout the cruise, creating a relaxed dinner atmosphere without a loud party focus. Budget cruises may offer simpler live music setups, while premium cruises lean toward formal performances or curated entertainment programming.

Pricing position

Chao Phraya Princess sits in the mid-range category, offering broader pier choice and cuisine flexibility than entry-level cruises, without reaching the pricing tier of 5-star luxury dining cruises.

Cancellation flexibility

Most Princess variants allow cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, providing more booking flexibility compared to several operators that follow stricter non-refundable policies.

Frequently asked questions about Chao Phraya Princess cruises

The dinner cruise runs for approximately 2 hours from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, while the sunset cruise runs for about 1.5 hours from Asiatique.