Scenic Bangkok Unicorn Dinner Cruise on Chao Phraya River

Scenic Bangkok Unicorn Dinner Cruise on Chao Phraya River

If you’re seeking a relaxing way to enjoy Bangkok’s cityscape, the Scenic Bangkok Unicorn Dinner Cruise offers a peaceful two-hour voyage along the famous Chao Phraya River. This cruise combines delicious food, beautiful sights, and live entertainment, making it a popular choice for those wanting to see the highlights without the hustle of a land tour.

What we love about this cruise is its stunning river views, especially as the city lights up at night. The international seafood buffet provides plenty of variety, from river prawns to fresh salmon sashimi. Plus, the live band really sets a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. One potential consideration is that the duration is just two hours, which might feel a bit brief if you’re looking for a longer experience. Still, it’s perfect for a laid-back dinner with a view. This tour suits couples, families, or solo travelers who want a scenic, tasty, and easy evening out without the fuss.

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Good To Know

• Scenic setting with views of Bangkok’s iconic landmarks illuminated at night
• Diverse seafood buffet including live sashimi station and international dishes
• Relaxed atmosphere with live music enhancing the experience
• Convenient meeting point at ICONSIAM Pier, close to public transportation
• Family-friendly with children aged 0-10 enjoying the experience at a discounted rate
• Limited duration of around 2 hours, making it suitable for those with a tight schedule

An In-Depth Look at the Bangkok Unicorn Dinner Cruise

Starting Point and Setting

The cruise departs from ICONSIAM Pier, easily accessible if you’re already exploring the upscale ICONSIAM shopping complex. The meeting process is straightforward, and the boat’s modern, colorful Unicorn design is eye-catching. Once aboard, you’ll notice the boat’s comfortable seating arranged to maximize river views, with a lively yet cozy ambiance set by the live music duo.

The timing at 7:00 pm means you’ll catch the city as it transitions from sunset to night, providing a perfect backdrop for photos. The boardings are well-organized based on reviews, and the crew is friendly, making the start smooth and hassle-free.

The Itinerary in Detail

Unlike land-based tours, this dinner cruise offers a relaxed itinerary focused on sailing rather than visiting multiple stops. However, it includes several notable landmarks visible from the river, providing a sense of Bangkok’s grandeur. Here’s what you can expect from each highlight:

• River City Bangkok (RCB): This artsy hub is a vibrant spot showcasing contemporary galleries, antiques, and art exhibitions. It’s a great first impression, as the cruise passes by this lively cultural center with views of rare artifacts and art pieces, especially appealing for art lovers.

• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): One of the most photographed landmarks, its towering porcelain-adorned spires glow beautifully at sunset or night. Reviewers mention the “stunning porcelain mosaics” and the chance to climb the central prang for panoramic river views, making it a highlight of the cruise.

• Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace: Although the boat doesn’t stop here, passing by these glittering sites from the water gives a sense of their scale and intricate beauty. With the light reflections on the water, this scene is particularly striking.

• Wat Pho: Known for its Reclining Buddha, this temple is an iconic sight, especially when lit up at night, creating a peaceful and awe-inspiring backdrop.

• Modern Landmarks: The Rama VIII Bridge and Taksin Bridge offer a contrast to the historic temples with their impressive modern architecture, especially captivating with city lights shimmering on the river’s surface.

• Asiatique the Riverfront: This lively night market is a visual treat from the boat, with its vibrant lights and Ferris wheel visible. It’s a good reminder of Bangkok’s nightlife and shopping options.

• Riverside Views: The cruise’s route includes crossing iconic bridges, offering sweeping vistas of the city skyline, which reviewers say are particularly “beautiful at night” or during sunset.

Culinary Experience

The international seafood buffet is a major draw. For around $36.91, you get an abundant spread that includes river prawns, Chilean mussels, and salmon sashimi. The buffet is set up with a salad bar, hot dishes, and seafood on ice, giving you flexibility to customize your meal.

Reviewers mention the variety of dishes, from Thai spicy salads like papaya salad to seafood and main courses like stir-fried vegetables, fried noodles, and green curry. The dessert selection includes tropical fruits, cakes, and fried bananas—pacing the meal nicely on the water.

The live music—a duo singing familiar tunes—creates a relaxed mood, with many guests noting how the music enhanced the ambiance. The welcome drink, hot coffee, and tea are included, and there’s even a free mini birthday cake, adding a special touch.

Service and Atmosphere

Guests consistently praise the friendly staff for their attentiveness and smooth service. The group size, with a maximum of 400 guests, provides a lively yet intimate environment, especially when most passengers are families or couples.

The music and lighting contribute to a warm, festive atmosphere, making it suitable for celebrations or romantic evenings. Several reviews mention that the cruise feels “organized” and “not overcrowded”, which adds to the comfort.

Duration and Practical Considerations

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, including boarding and cruising time. This makes it ideal for a quick yet memorable experience. The timing at 7 pm, coupled with the slow sailing, allows guests to relax and take in the sights without feeling rushed.

It’s worth noting that the cruise might not pass certain landmarks during low or high tides, which could affect the view slightly, but overall, the scenery remains impressive.

Price and Value

At ~$37 per person, this cruise offers good value for money, given the quality of food, live entertainment, and scenic views. Compared to land-based tours that often involve multiple stops or longer durations, this experience provides a comprehensive, relaxing snapshot of Bangkok’s riverside beauty.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a gentle, scenic evening without the hassle of navigating busy streets. It’s particularly appealing for those who appreciate good food, music, and stunning cityscape views. If you’re after a romantic dinner or a leisurely cultural experience, this cruise hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The Scenic Bangkok Unicorn Dinner Cruise offers a welcoming, enjoyable way to admire Bangkok’s skyline from the river while indulging in a hearty seafood buffet and listening to live music. Its primary strengths lie in the beautiful nighttime scenery, the diverse menu, and the comfortable, well-organized atmosphere.

While the cruise’s two-hour length might be brief for some, it’s perfect for those wanting a relaxed, scenic outing without committing to a full-day tour. The ease of access from ICONSIAM and the friendly crew make it a hassle-free experience, especially for first-time visitors.

This cruise provides a good balance of sightseeing, dining, and entertainment, making it a solid choice for a memorable evening along the Chao Phraya River. It’s especially recommended if you’re seeking a laid-back, scenic dinner that captures Bangkok’s vibrant night vibe without overwhelming your schedule.

FAQs

What is the meeting point for the cruise?
The cruise starts at ICONSIAM Pier, specifically at Pier 4PGH6+2PC in the Khlong San district, which is conveniently located near public transportation options.

How long does the cruise last?
The total experience is approximately 2 hours, including boarding, cruising, and returning to the starting point.

What is included in the price?
The price covers an international seafood buffet, welcome drink, drinking water, hot coffee, hot tea, live music, and a free mini birthday cake.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children aged 0-3 can join free of charge if accompanied by a paying adult. Children aged 4-10 pay a special rate.

What dishes are offered in the buffet?
Guests can enjoy salads, Thai spicy salads, soups like Tom Yum Goong, sashimi including salmon and crab sticks, hot dishes like stir-fried vegetables and chicken, seafood on ice, and desserts such as tropical fruits, cakes, and fried bananas.

Is this tour suitable for non-Thai speakers?
Yes, as the focus is on sightseeing, dining, and live music, language is not a barrier. The crew is friendly and professional.

Can I expect to see specific landmarks from the boat?
Absolutely. The cruise passes by landmarks like Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and modern bridges like Rama VIII and Taksin Bridge, offering spectacular views especially at night.

What should I wear?
Casual, smart-casual attire is appropriate. Given the evening setting, a light jacket might be nice if the weather is cool.

Will the cruise pass all landmarks regardless of tide?
Not necessarily. During very low or high tides, certain landmarks might not be visible or accessible, but the overall scenery remains impressive.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for refunds, and the experience depends on good weather conditions.

To sum it up, the Scenic Bangkok Unicorn Dinner Cruise is an inviting, picture-perfect way to experience Bangkok’s riverside charm. With its delightful food, beautiful views, and relaxed vibe, it’s a wonderful option for those wanting an easy, memorable evening in the Thai capital. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to unwind, this cruise offers good value and authentic moments along one of Asia’s most iconic waterways.