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A Chao Phraya River Cruise is a breathtaking way to witness the rich heritage and futuristic skyline of Bangkok. Winding its way through the centre of Thailand’s capital, the Chao Phraya River is aptly nicknamed the “River of Kings” and is flanked by beautiful temples, high-end hotels, and vibrant markets. A river cruise along the Chao Phraya offers a different view of the city, depending on whether you take the classic long-tail boat, a luxury evening dinner cruise, or a touristy sightseeing cruise.
Location
The cruise traverses the very heart of Bangkok, presenting incredible sights of the city’s symbolic landmarks. The cruise generally commences at such popular piers as River City Bangkok, Asiatique, or IconSiam, which offer several boarding points for added convenience. The cruise address varies with the choice of pier but most are downtown and easily accessed using public means such as BTS Skytrain and taxis. From the cruise when it passes Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and other cultural sites, passengers can experience an interesting mix of history, technology, and liveliness of the city lights.
How To Reach
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By BTS Skytrain: Ride the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station (S6) and stroll to Sathorn Pier, where some of the cruises perform.
By Boat: Public-specific boats and tour boats along the Chao Phraya River ply at various terminals, and catching a cruise will become handy.
By Taxi: A taxi or trip-sharing enterprise can take you at once to the closest pier of your chosen Chao Phraya River Cruise.
Things To Do
1. Take A Scenic Dinner Cruise
Photo: :Photogoddle / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Taking a dinner cruise on the cruise is one of the best ways to experience the river. While the boat sails across the river, you can savor a scrumptious Thai buffet as you see Bangkok’s night-lit landmarks such as Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and Rama VIII Bridge. The live soft music and classical Thai performances in some cruises add an extra touch of sophistication to the experience. To experience a romantic or relaxing night out, reserving a dinner cruise is a requirement.
2. Travel To Iconic River Landmarks
Photo: BerryJ / Wikimedia Commons
The tour goes through most of Bangkok’s most important historical and cultural sites. Stop at places you must see such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. The hop-on-hop-off river cruises give you time to visit these sites at your own leisure before boarding the boat again. Each site has a different story to tell about Bangkok’s rich history, so this cruise is an excellent way to discover the city’s heritage.
3. Take Breathtaking Sunset Photos
Photo: Tahir Osman / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For the photography enthusiast, the cruise presents some of the city’s most glorious sunset scenery. As sunset, the water on the river basks in golden and orange lights, providing an enchanting vista. Be it a luxurious dinner cruise or an ordinary boat tour, this is the best time to take photographs of the stunning skyline of Bangkok. The juxtaposition of classical Thai structures with contemporary high-rises at the time of sunset is a work of art in itself.
Places To Visit Near Chao Phraya River Cruise
1. The Grand Palace
Photo: Jonashtand / Wikimedia Commons
One of Bangkok’s most iconic symbols, The Grand Palace is only a walk alongside from the cruise terminal. This stunning complex, built in 1782, served as the palace of Thai kings and queens for hundreds of years. Tourists can locate the breathtaking Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), which has a consecrated jade Buddha statue inside. The top-notch golden rooftops, intricately carved pillars, and wealth beyond make this one of the most visited locations in Bangkok for any traveller
Entry Fees: 500 THB / ₹1300
Distance From The Cruise: 1 km
Best Time To Visit: Early morning
2. Asiatique The Riverfront
Photo: Prachanart Viriyaraks / Wikimedia Commons
For consumers who need to enjoy Bangkok’s nightlife and purchasing scenes, Asiatique The Riverfront is a first-rate area to visit. This outside mall capabilities a nighttime marketplace, eating places, and entertainment situated via the river, with services ranging from handicrafts to steeply-priced boutiques. A visit to the Asiatique Sky Ferris Wheel, stay indicates, and a number of eating places with first-rate river views are also enjoyed by way of the site visitors.
Entry Fees: N/A
Distance From The Cruise: 5 km
Best Time To Visit: Night
3. Wat Arun (Temple Of Dawn)
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Situated on the west financial institution of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun, otherwise called the Temple of Dawn, is one of the United States of America’s most beautiful and sacred temples. Its enforcing spires, which can be adorned with glimmering porcelain and ceramic tiles, form a charming spectacle, especially at dawn and sunset. Tourists can ascend the relevant prang (tower) for panoramic views over the river and Bangkok skyline.
Entry Fees: 100 THB / ₹253
Distance From The Cruise: 2 km
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or nighttime
Where To Stay
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For a relaxing and hassle-free stay close to the cruise, various good options can be found. The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok provides a luxurious riverside experience along with high-quality amenities. The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers boasts stunning river views, a stone’s throw from the cruise terminal departure points. Alternatively, Riva Arun Bangkok offers stylish comfort with a classic Thai ambience at a more affordable price. Whichever your choice, accommodation near the river offers an unforgettable experience of Bangkok’s picturesque waterways.
Where To Eat
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A dining experience for the cruise is just as great as the scenery you get to witness, a fusion of Thai and international foods. If you fancy a more sophisticated dining experience, the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise provides you with a buffet of Thai and international food as you enjoy viewing the lit-up skyline. Riverside Bangkok Restaurant is a good option for a real Thai taste, featuring fresh seafood and classic delicacies. For an informal atmosphere, The Never Ending Summer offers new twists on timeless Thai favourites with a stunning riverside setting.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Michael Coghlan / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit the cruise is between November and February when the weather is cool and dry. The weather is nice, with low humidity and little rainfall, making it easy to cruise comfortably. Cruises in the evening are especially magical, with the city skyline and temples lighting up wonderfully along the river. To experience it minus the crowds, take a morning or late-night cruise.
Tips For Travellers
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / pxhere / Image For Representation Only
- Book your tickets early to get the most comfortable seats, particularly for dinner cruises.
- Check the time of the cruise since different cruises run at different times.
- Come early to beat the last-minute rush and reserve a good position for sightseeing.
- Bring a light sweater, as the wind across the river can cool in the evening.
- Be prepared with your camera to take great shots of Bangkok landmarks, such as Wat Arun and the Grand Palace.
The Chao Phraya River Cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that presents Bangkok’s fascinating history and cosmopolitan cityscape in all its glory on the water. With a daytime cruise or a romantic evening dinner cruise, the trip presents stunning views of famous landmarks. The serene movement of the river, coupled with the lighted skyline in the evening, provides a surreal ambience. Plan a trip with TripXL and have a comfortable cruise down Bangkok’s most renowned river.
Cover Photo: Kylle Pangan / Unsplash
