I’ve always seen travel videos about people dining on a river cruise in Thailand, and I thought to myself—I want to try that too. So, when me and my sister planned our trip to Bangkok, I immediately checked if it was possible. Sure enough, I found the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise Dinner Buffet on KLOOK website.

For only ₱1,278 per person, it already included a buffet dinner, live music, and a two-hour cruise along the famous Chao Phraya River. With over 400k+ bookings on Klook, I didn’t hesitate to secure our tickets. We chose the ICONSIAM Pier 2, Cruising Time: 19:30–21:30, which I think is the perfect schedule—you get to see the golden sunset and also experience Bangkok’s night lights as the sun sets.

This was our first day in Bangkok, and what better way to welcome ourselves than with a river cruise dinner? Great idea right? 😂

How to Go to ICONSIAM Pier 2

From our hostel, we booked a Grab ride at around 4:00 PM. Bangkok traffic is really something else—I thought we’d arrive in 30 minutes, but it took us almost an hour! We finally arrived at ICONSIAM around 4:45 PM.

If you’re commuting, here are your options:

• 🚆 By BTS Skytrain + Free Shuttle Boat
  • Take the Silom Line and get off at Saphan Taksin Station (S6). From there, walk to Sathorn Pier and ride the free ICONSIAM shuttle boat that brings you directly to the mall.
  • ⏱ Travel Time: ~30–40 minutes from central Bangkok
  • 💰 Cost: 40–60 THB (₱65–₱100) for the train, shuttle boat is free
• 🚍 By Bus
  • Several public buses pass by ICONSIAM (like routes 84, 111, 149, 177). This is the cheapest option but not the most convenient if you’re not familiar with Bangkok’s routes.
  • ⏱ Travel Time: 1–1.5 hours (depending on traffic)
  • 💰 Cost: 10–20 THB (₱20–₱35)
• 🚖 By Taxi / Grab
  • Taxis and Grab are widely available. Just set ICONSIAM as your destination. Keep in mind that traffic in Bangkok can be very heavy, especially during rush hours.
  • ⏱ Travel Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on traffic)
  • 💰 Cost: 150–300 THB (₱250–₱500) depending on distance and traffic
• 🚤 By Chao Phraya Express Boat
  • Hop on the Orange Flag boat (15 THB / ₱25) or Blue Flag tourist boat (30–50 THB / ₱50–₱85) along the river, and get off at ICONSIAM Pier. This is a budget-friendly and scenic option.
  • ⏱ Travel Time: 20–40 minutes depending on where you board
  • 💰 Cost: 15–50 THB (₱25–₱85)

When you reach ICONSIAM, just head to Pier 2, where most dinner cruises depart. There are multiple cruise operators, so make sure you look for the exact one you booked. In our case, it was Chao Phraya Princess, which we found easily with the help of staff.

Book here –> Thailand Unlimited Data E-Sim

Where to Book

I highly recommend booking online in advance because slots fill up quickly. I booked ours through [Klook – affiliate link here], which was super convenient. You can choose from different piers and time slots, but for me, the ICONSIAM 7:30 PM schedule is the best option.

You’ll get an e-voucher after booking, which you can simply show at the pier. No hassle, no long negotiations at the dock.

What to Expect

• Assigned seating – Our table was already reserved near the stage, so no need to rush.
• Wide food selection – From Thai dishes to international cuisine, plus desserts and fruits. Drinks like beer are also available for purchase.
• Live entertainment – A mix of local and international songs to set the mood.
• Scenic views – You’ll see the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Rama VIII Bridge, and the city skyline lit up at night.

Even though it rained during our cruise, we were seated inside, so it didn’t affect the experience at all.

Our Experience

We lined up before boarding and felt the excitement build as the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise docked. The moment we stepped inside, I was impressed with how organized everything was. Our table near the stage gave us a great view of the live performers while still letting us enjoy the scenery outside.

The food? I tried almost everything—from local Thai dishes, international food, and even their beer. Everything was good! The music also added to the lively atmosphere, and everyone seemed to be having a great time. From sunset to nightfall, the view along the Chao Phraya River was breathtaking. The reflection of city lights on the water gave that magical vibe I’ve only seen in travel videos.

To top it off, one of our friends spotted Vi Cortez, a famous influencer from the Philippines, who was also on board with her friends. We even managed to snap a picture of her before we got off the cruise—such a fun surprise!

Conclusion

Our Chao Phraya Princess Cruise Dinner Buffet in Bangkok was one of the highlights of our trip. For the price, the food, the live music, and the stunning views of Bangkok at night, I’d say it’s definitely worth it.

This was a wonderful way to celebrate our first day in Thailand, and I’d love to do it again when I come back. If you’re visiting Bangkok, don’t miss this river cruise—it’s one of those experiences that will truly make your trip memorable.

👉 Book your Chao Phraya Princess Cruise here.

🏨 Where to Stay in Bangkok

We stayed at AMA Hostel Bangkok, located in Chinatown near Khlong Ong Ang Canal. The location was perfect – surrounded by street food, markets, and walking distance to popular spots. The hostel itself has a modern yet cozy vibe. It’s affordable, clean, and perfect for backpackers or budget travelers. I especially loved the common area where we could relax after a long day of exploring.

✨ Tours to Book in Advance (via Klook)

Booking ahead will save you time and guarantee slots for popular spots: