Bangkok Planate Dinner Cruise Experience

Bangkok Plateate Dinner Cruise Experience: A Practical Review

Taking a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River sounds like a perfect way to unwind after a day exploring Bangkok’s bustling streets. While some travelers might hope for an enchanting evening of illuminated temples and riverside landmarks, this particular cruise offers a different vibe—more relaxed and entertainment-focused, but not without its quirks.

What stands out are the scenic views of Bangkok’s lit-up skyline, the well-organized buffet dinner, and the live musical performances that add to the romantic atmosphere. However, a notable downside, as some reviewers have highlighted, is that the actual route may not always follow the planned itinerary, which can be disappointing if you’re expecting nighttime temple views.

This experience might appeal most to couples seeking a laid-back evening, families who enjoy live entertainment, or friends looking for a simple, scenic cruise. But if you’re eager for an authentic, temple-focused night tour, you may want to explore other options.

Good To Know

• Scenic river views provide a beautiful backdrop for your evening.
• Buffet dinner and seafood are included, with a focus on international flavors.
• Live music and Thai dance performances add entertainment to the cruise.
• Route changes have been reported, affecting the sightseeing experience.
• Price point offers a moderate cost for a two-hour experience.
• Some reviews mention the food quality and the inability to see landmarks as advertised.

The Reality of the Bangkok Plateate Dinner Cruise

When considering a cruise like this, it’s important to set expectations. For many, the allure lies in the chance to relax on the water, enjoy a meal, and soak in the city’s illuminated riverside scenery. This cruise, departing from Asiatique The Riverfront, is marketed as a romantic and leisurely experience. Yet, the actual details and reviews reveal a story that’s somewhat mixed.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The cruise departs at 8:00 pm from Asiatique Pier 1, giving you a chance to settle into your spot before the ship sets sail at 8:20 pm. The initial offering is a welcome fruit cocktail, served while gliding past landmarks like Icon Siam, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and the Rama VIII Bridge.

Here’s where expectations and reality diverge. The advertised route promises views of iconic temples and royal landmarks lit up at night, but according to a recent review, the route was altered due to high water levels, meaning no nighttime temple views. A traveler noted, “We have not been able to make the scheduled tour and have not seen a single temple or monument at night.”

This can be a letdown for those hoping for classic Bangkok nightscapes. Instead, the cruise mainly offers a scenic ride with city lights and riverside buildings, which is still pleasant but less impressive than anticipated.

Dining Experience

The buffet is described as elegant and international, with seafood options and a variety of appetizers, mains, and desserts. The cruise provides hot coffee, tea, and drinking water to complement your meal. However, a review points out that the food quality is quite loose and poor, calling it “very loose and poor quality”. The inclusion of a free mini birthday cake adds a sweet touch if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

• What you will likely get: a standard buffet with a mix of Thai and international dishes, served in a casual setting. If you’re expecting gourmet fare, this might fall short, but it’s reasonable for the price.

Live Entertainment

The cruise is equipped with live music duo performances and Thai classical dancing, adding a touch of culture and entertainment. For many, this enhances the evening, creating a relaxed, festive atmosphere. An attendee shared that staff were friendly, and the boat itself was nice, which contributed positively to the overall vibe.

The Disappointments

A major drawback is the route change, which impacts the sightseeing component. The review from AGUSTI_P sums it up: “It doesn’t correspond to what he sells!” They found the food to be of low quality and expressed regret at missing out on the expected landmark views.

Plus, since the cruise lasts just two hours, some may feel it’s a brief, somewhat superficial experience, especially if they were hoping for more in-depth sightseeing or culture.

Practical Aspects to Consider

Price and Value

At $53.82 per person, this cruise falls into a moderate price range. The inclusion of buffet dining, live performances, and a welcome drink offers decent value, but the quality of food and the route change can diminish the perceived worth for some travelers. It’s vital to weigh whether you’re paying primarily for the scenic cruise, dinner, or the entertainment.

Timing and Group Size

With a start time at 8:00 pm and a maximum capacity of about 300 travelers, the experience tends to be lively but not overly crowded. The group size can influence the level of intimacy, especially if you’re hoping for a romantic or quiet evening.

Accessibility and Logistics

The departure point, Asiatique The Riverfront, is well-connected via public transportation, making it convenient to reach. The ticket is a mobile ticket, which simplifies entry, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, including families and couples.

Criticisms and Considerations

• The route change due to water levels is outside the operator’s control but impacts the sightseeing value.
• Food quality may not meet all expectations, especially for those seeking gourmet standards.
• The short duration limits time for sightseeing or relaxing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a laid-back evening with some good music, cultural performances, and a buffet dinner, this cruise could fit the bill. Families with children who enjoy live shows or couples looking for a simple night out might find it a reasonable choice.

However, if your main goal is to see Bangkok’s temples and landmarks illuminated at night, or you’re seeking a gourmet dining experience on the water, you might want to explore other options. This cruise is more about entertainment and casual dining than sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

The Bangkok Plateate Dinner Cruise offers a relaxing water-based experience with some scenic views, lively performances, and a buffet dinner. Yet, it’s not without its flaws—particularly a route that doesn’t always deliver the iconic nighttime temple views, and food that some reviewers consider mediocre.

For travelers on a budget or those happy with a casual night on the river, it provides decent entertainment. But if you’re dreaming of a more immersive cultural or sightseeing adventure, it’s worth considering other tours or experiences that focus more on Bangkok’s illuminated temples and monuments.

This is a good option for a light, entertainment-filled evening, but manage expectations around route and food quality.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for families?
Yes, it is suitable for most travelers, including families, especially since it offers live music and performances. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a family-friendly option.

What landmarks will I see if the route goes as planned?
Typically, the cruise passes Icon Siam, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Pra Kaew, and Rama VIII Bridge. However, route changes due to high water levels may prevent viewing some landmarks.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours from departure to return.

What is included in the price?
The ticket includes a welcome fruit cocktail, hot coffee, tea, drinking water, buffet dinner with seafood, live music, Thai classical dance performances, and a mini birthday cake if applicable.

Is the food high quality?
Based on reviews, the food quality is considered to be quite loose and of poor quality by some travelers, so don’t expect gourmet dining.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Will I see the city’s landmarks at night?
It depends on water levels. Due to recent high water levels, some travelers have not seen the landmarks as originally planned.

How do I get to the departure point?
Asiatique The Riverfront is accessible via public transportation, making it convenient to reach the pier for the cruise.

In summary, this cruise can be a relaxing, entertainment-focused evening on the water, but don’t expect all the promised sightseeing or gourmet food. It’s best suited for those who value a casual, fun atmosphere over a high-end cultural experience.