The Opulence Dinner Cruise from Iconsiam Bangkok

Bangkok’s shimmering skyline, illuminated temples, and historic landmarks come alive from the deck of The Opulence Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise. While this experience promises unforgettable views and a luxurious dining experience, it’s worth exploring the details to see if it’s the right fit for your trip.

What we love about this cruise is the chance to enjoy a beautiful panoramic perspective of Bangkok’s iconic sights, the delicious international seafood buffet, and the relaxing live music that keeps the atmosphere lively without overpowering the scenery. The two-hour cruise provides a manageable window to soak in the lights and atmosphere of the city after sunset.

A notable consideration is the lack of strict crowd control, which some guests found frustrating—particularly around the buffet, where a review mentioned “people are just crowding the food,” and the staff’s organization could be improved. Plus, the menu’s quality seems mixed, with some guests describing the food as bland or not particularly fresh.

This cruise suits travelers seeking a romantic, scenic experience, a family outing, or a special celebration in Bangkok. It’s ideal for those who want to combine luxurious dining with sightseeing, but perhaps less so for food connoisseurs or those craving a more curated or intimate experience.

Good To Know

• Stunning river views of Bangkok’s landmarks illuminated at night
• International seafood buffet with a variety of dishes and desserts
• Live music performances to enhance the atmosphere
• Flexible options for families, couples, and solo travelers
• Potential crowding issues at the buffet, which may affect dining comfort
• Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes duration, with usual evening timings

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Meeting Point and Arrival

The cruise departs from ICONSIAM, a modern shopping and entertainment complex located at 299 Charoen Nakhon Road. This central location is convenient, especially if you’re already exploring the riverfront or nearby markets. The check-in process is straightforward, with tickets redeemable directly at ICONSIAM, and is near public transportation, making it easy to reach.

The tour begins promptly at 8:00 pm, meaning you’ll want to arrive a little earlier to settle in and find your seat—though seat assignments are generally made upon arrival, so early arrival can improve your chances of getting a preferred spot, such as on the top deck.

The Cruise Itinerary and Sightseeing Highlights

Once onboard, the vessel drifts smoothly along the Chao Phraya River, offering 360° views of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks. As the sun dips below the horizon, the city lights start to sparkle. You’ll pass by Wat Arun, the stunning temple known for its intricate porcelain decorations, which glow beautifully at night. The majestic Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are also visible, their illuminated spires adding to the magical skyline.

The Rama VIII Bridge stands out as a modern architectural marvel, providing a contrast to the historic temples. The cruise’s route and viewing points may shift slightly depending on tide conditions—either low or high tide can influence how close you get to certain sights, and some landmarks might be less visible on certain evenings.

Dining: International Seafood Buffet

The buffet is a major part of the experience. Onboard, you’ll find a variety of dishes, including appetizers like Nicoise Salad, Hawaiian Salad, and Thai-style Glass Noodle Salad. The mains encompass popular options such as beef stew, green curry with chicken, stir-fried seafood, steamed seabass, and various pasta dishes like lasagna and stir-fried spaghetti with chili paste.

The dessert selection features seasonal fruits, Thai desserts, cakes, and Thai coconut ice-cream—an indulgent way to end the meal. A complimentary welcome drink, plus unlimited tea, coffee, and drinking water, are included, with soft drinks, fruit juices, and alcohol available for purchase.

However, some guests have expressed disappointment regarding the buffet. One reviewer noted, “There was no order in line to the buffet. People are just crowding the food, and staff are not organizing the flow of traffic.” This could detract from the overall dining experience, especially during peak times when lines become chaotic.

Live Music and Atmosphere

The onboard musical performances add a lively but relaxed vibe. The live music generally features acoustic acts that complement the scenic views without overwhelming conversation or the peaceful river ambiance. This entertainment helps create a celebratory environment, ideal for couples and groups celebrating special occasions.

Crowds, Seating, and Overall Comfort

The cruise can accommodate up to 700 guests—meaning it’s often quite busy. Seating is mostly assigned upon arrival, but specific requests aren’t always guaranteed. If you’re keen on sitting on the top deck to maximize views, early arrival is advised.

While some guests appreciated the spaciousness of the boat and the ability to move around and enjoy different perspectives, others noted that crowding at the buffet could be uncomfortable. One reviewer remarked, “The food was not so great, it was bland and seemed like it’s not fresh,” which might be a reflection of the buffet’s quality rather than the overall experience.

Duration and Timing

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, from 8:00 pm to around 10:15 pm. The disembarkation might be later depending on river traffic or weather conditions. If you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer a shorter experience, this duration is manageable, but be aware that the timing may shift slightly.

Pricing and Value

Costing around $61.23 per person, the cruise offers a fair value considering the views, buffet, and entertainment. For those seeking a luxury experience with scenic dining, it’s a reasonable price point. However, if you’re after a gourmet meal or highly organized service, you might find the buffet’s quality and crowd management less satisfying.

Who Should Consider This Cruise?

This experience is well-suited to couples looking for a romantic night, families wanting a scenic dinner, or travellers celebrating a special occasion. The casual yet elegant atmosphere makes it a flexible choice for many. However, budget-conscious travelers or those seeking gourmet dining might prefer other options.

If your priority is stunning views and a relaxed ambiance, this cruise delivers. But if you’re highly particular about food quality or crowd control, it’s worth considering other cruises or dining options along the river.

Final Thoughts

The Opulence Dinner Cruise offers a charming way to see Bangkok by night, combining beautiful vistas, a lively atmosphere, and a generous seafood buffet. While the buffet quality and crowd management could be improved, the experience’s highlights—breathtaking views of Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, and the relaxed vibe—make it a worthwhile option for many travelers.

The experience balances value and spectacle pretty well, especially if you’re after a memorable, scenic dinner in a vibrant city setting. Keep in mind the potential for crowding and varying buffet quality, and arrive early to secure the best seat on the top deck.

To sum it up, this cruise is best for those wanting to enjoy Bangkok’s nightscape in style without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for a special night out, family fun, or a romantic escape, offering a lively yet relaxed way to see some of Thailand’s most iconic sights from the river.

FAQs

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

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the cruise itself, an international and Thai buffet, a welcome drink, unlimited water, tea, and coffee, plus live music performances.

Are drinks other than water included?
No, soft drinks, fruit juices, and alcohol are available for purchase onboard.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, starting at 8:00 pm and ending around 10:15 pm, though times may vary slightly.

Can I request specific seating?
Seating is generally assigned upon arrival, and while efforts are made to accommodate preferences like the top deck, specific requests cannot always be guaranteed.

Is there a dress code?
While not explicitly stated, smart casual is recommended, especially for an evening cruise with a luxurious vibe.

Overall, The Opulence Dinner Cruise from Iconsiam offers a scenic, relaxed way to take in Bangkok’s skyline and enjoy a tasty buffet. Just be prepared for some crowds and variable buffet quality, and you’ll have a memorable night on the river.