The Planet Cruise, Bangkok

The Planet Cruise Bangkok: Dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya during Vijit Chao Phraya 2025

During the final weekend of Vijit Chao Phraya 2025, we wanted to experience the fireworks differently. In 2024 we watched from the riverbank, but this year we were looking for comfort. Where do you see the fireworks most easily and beautifully? Not on a crowded quay, but seated with food, drinks, and a view. That’s how we ended up on The Planet Cruise Bangkok, a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. With light installations along the banks and fireworks ahead, this felt like the most relaxed option.

Where in Bangkok do you board?

Like many dinner cruises, The Planet Cruise Bangkok departs from Asiatique The Riverfront, Pier 1. Check-in is at the counters around Warehouse 7–8. Asiatique is easy to reach by taxi, Grab, or Bolt, though traffic can be busy in the evening toward Charoen Krung Road. Our advice: arrive a bit early, take a walk around Asiatique, grab a drink, and pick up your boarding pass at an easy pace.

Design

The ship is large and functional, with three levels including an open rooftop deck. The layout is clear: separate buffet areas, plenty of seating, and enough space to step outside. Don’t expect a romantic setting like Manohra or Baan Khanitha, nor modern luxury like Saffron or Okura. This is a large-scale dinner cruise built for capacity, flow, and views. A good choice if you’re on a tighter budget but still want a Chao Phraya dinner cruise.

Atmosphere & Crowd

The atmosphere is lively, sometimes a bit busy, and clearly international. Families, couples, and groups of friends mix together. We estimate several hundred guests on board, with a maximum capacity of around 500 people. Thanks to the double buffet setup, the crowd spreads reasonably well, although there is some jostling when the buffet opens. Fortunately, the experienced staff quickly brings order. Think of it as a fun night out—not fine dining.

Service & hospitality

Despite the size, everything runs surprisingly smoothly. Boarding is well organized, tables are assigned, and the buffet is continuously replenished. Service is efficient and friendly, without frills—exactly what you’d expect from a cruise of this scale.

Buffet

The cuisine is international with a clear Asian base (mainly Thai and Japanese), complemented by Western classics and comfort food. The focus is on choice and speed rather than refinement. Personally, we’re not big fans of this type of buffet dinner—the pace is quite fast—but we did enjoy the atmosphere, a drink, and the views while cruising.

What was on the buffet:

• Rosé-sliced meat
• Salad bar
• Various curries
• Sushi and sashimi
• Stir-fry selections
• Fish dishes and large prawns
• French fries and onion rings
• Spaghetti carbonara

Desserts are plentiful, with several small sweet bites so you can sample a bit of everything. Tip: be sure to try kanom krok, one of our favorite Thai desserts.

Drinks

We received a welcome drink upon arrival. Water, coffee, and tea are included. Other drinks—such as cocktails, soft drinks, wine, and beer—are available for purchase. A simple selection, but perfectly adequate for an evening on the water.

Entertainment & experience

There is live music on board, with a saxophonist accompanying the evening. The screens show a clear Merry Christmas theme, fitting for the season. Tables are placed on multiple sides of the ship, making it easy to stand up, enjoy the view, or take photos.

Why book The Planet Cruise?

• Affordable dinner cruise in Bangkok
• Ideal for discovering Bangkok by night
• Large ship with a rooftop deck
• Extensive buffet with plenty of choice
• Live music and entertainment
• Departure from Asiatique, easy to combine with an evening out

Tips

• Arrive on time: boarding closes strictly
• Walk past the buffet first and wait until the initial rush subsides
• For photos, head regularly to the open deck on the top level
• Expect scale and lively energy, not an intimate setting
• Great for families and groups of friends; less suitable for a romantic dinner
• Discover Asiatique while before you are boarding The Planet Cruise in Bangkok

In conclusion

The Planet Cruise Bangkok is not a luxury fine-dining experience, but it is a practical and stress-free way to enjoy Bangkok by night. Especially during Vijit Chao Phraya 2025, we found it a smart choice—watching fireworks without the hassle of crowded riverbanks. The fireworks were shorter and less elaborate this year, likely due to national mourning following the passing of Queen Sirikit.

General information – The Planet Cruise Bangkok

• Name: The Planet Cruise Bangkok
• Departure: Asiatique The Riverfront, Pier 1
• Time: approx. 20:00–22:00
• Duration: ± 2 hours
• Price indication: from approx. THB 1,200 per person
• Best period: November–December, especially during Vijit Chao Phraya
• Bookings: via Royal Cruise Bangkok or via Klook of Get Your Guide

More to see and do along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok