Opulence Buffett Dinner Cruise & Cultural Show

Thinking about adding a unique highlight to your Bangkok trip? The Opulence Dinner Cruise promises a blend of luxurious dining, live entertainment, and scenic river views—all from the comfort of a stylish boat floating along the Chao Phraya River. This experience is designed to impress with a gourmet buffet, cultural performances, and a chance to admire illuminated landmarks at night.

What we love about this cruise? It offers a refined atmosphere, with elegant decor and attentive service that make you feel special. Plus, the opportunity to see Bangkok’s famous riverside sights from the water is truly captivating. However, a word of caution: weather can impact the experience—rain can block views and cause some chaos during boarding or buffet lines.

This tour suits couples seeking a romantic evening, families wanting a scenic outing, or groups looking for a lively yet sophisticated night out. If you’re aiming for a memorable, picturesque dinner in Bangkok, the Opulence Cruise could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Stunning nighttime views of Bangkok’s landmarks from the river.
• Gourmet buffet with a mix of Thai and international dishes.
• Live music and cultural performances add entertainment value.
• Elegantly designed vessel with multiple seating options, including rooftop views.
• Weather can influence the experience, especially the visibility of landmarks.
• Good value for money considering the scenery, food, and entertainment included.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Opulence Dinner Cruise is a carefully curated experience that combines luxury, scenic beauty, and culture. Starting at the bustling ICONSIAM, the boat departs at 8:00 pm, offering a chance to unwind after a day of sightseeing or shopping. The cruise lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes, providing ample time to relax, indulge, and take in the sights.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The cruise’s route includes several notable stops, with the main highlight being the river’s illuminated landmarks. Among these are the River City Bangkok, a hub of arts and antiques, and the iconic Wat Arun—a striking temple famous for its porcelain-encrusted spires. You’ll also pass by Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, which are only visible from the river, especially stunning when lit at night.

A notable stop along the river is the Rama VIII Bridge, a suspending bridge connecting two parts of Bangkok. While some reviews mention that high or low tides can affect whether certain landmarks are visible—sometimes the cruise can’t pass under bridges or reach specific sights—most guests still find the views memorable.

The Boat and Its Atmosphere

The vessel itself is beautiful and elegant, with upscale decor and a modern vibe. Many reviews describe it as new and very clean, creating a comfortable setting for dining and entertainment. Guests can choose to sit inside in air-conditioned comfort or head up to the rooftop for breathtaking panoramic views—a favorite among many.

The multiple buffet stations are set up to reduce waiting time, but some guests do mention that lines can be chaotic, especially during peak times. If you’re vegetarian, you’ll be glad to hear that the onboard food was praised for being excellent and accommodating. The buffet includes Thai and international options, with a particular highlight being their sushi.

Food & Drinks: What’s on Offer?

The included meal features a Thai and international dinner buffet, served with free-flowing water, coffee, and tea, and a welcome drink upon boarding. Reviewers appreciated the variety and quality of the food, with many describing the sushi as great and noting the decent seafood options.

You should note that additional beverages can be purchased on board and added to the bill, offering a chance to enjoy cocktails, soft drinks, or other drinks during the cruise. Gratuities are not included, so tipping the crew is at your discretion.

Entertainment & Atmosphere

Live music sets a relaxing tone, ranging from soft dinner melodies to lively tunes that get people dancing at the end of the night. Many reviews highlight the pulsating entertainment, with some travelers commenting that the band was excellent—making the night more lively and interactive. The cultural performances add a touch of authenticity, enhancing the overall ambiance.

Guests often mention the beautiful setup of the ship, especially the rooftop area, which provides the best vantage point for views of the illuminated temples, bridges, and city skyline. The lighting and scenery, combined with music and good company, make for an enchanting cruise.

The Highlights: What Makes It Special

• Scenic nighttime views of Bangkok’s iconic landmarks like Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and the river’s twinkling bridges.
• The luxurious feel of the vessel, with stylish decor and a clean, well-maintained environment.
• The variety of food options, especially the sushi, which has been singled out for praise.
• The lively yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for date nights, celebrations, or a special outing.
• The ability to enjoy the views from multiple vantage points, especially the rooftop.

Potential Drawbacks to Keep in Mind

While the experience is overall impressive, some reviews highlight areas where things could be improved. The boarding process can be chaotic, with some guests describing it as disorganized. Arriving on time is crucial—the cruise won’t wait for latecomers, and no refunds are issued for delays.

Weather is another factor to consider. Several guests noted that rain can spoil the view or cause the cruise to cut short certain landmarks or sections. If a clear night is essential for you, check the weather forecast before booking.

The buffet lines can also get busy, leading to long queues. Guests have suggested that more organization could help, but it’s a common challenge during busy hours.

Finally, a few reviewers experienced stomach issues days after the cruise, though it’s worth noting that such incidents are hard to verify and could be unrelated to the cruise itself.

Pricing & Value

At $62.62 per person, this cruise offers a competitive price point given the included gourmet buffet, live entertainment, and scenic views. To many, the experience provides great value, especially when considering the ambiance and the opportunity to see Bangkok’s riverside attractions lit up at night.

If you’re looking to splurge on a special night or want a romantic, upscale experience, this cruise fits the bill. The multiple buffet stations reduce waiting times, and the upgraded vessel with rooftop views makes it a more luxurious alternative than many other river cruises.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This cruise is best suited for couples seeking a romantic dinner, groups celebrating special occasions, or travelers who want a relaxing yet visually stunning overview of Bangkok at night. It’s also good for families, provided kids are comfortable in a lively environment.

However, if you’re highly sensitive to weather or prefer a more organized, less chaotic boarding process, you might want to plan accordingly or consider other options.

The Sum Up

The Opulence Buffet Dinner Cruise offers a fantastic way to combine luxury, scenic views, and cultural entertainment on the Chao Phraya River. The quality of the food, especially the sushi and international dishes, alongside the breathtaking nighttime scenery, make it a memorable evening. Sure, some logistical hiccups like boarding chaos and buffet lines exist, but these are minor in the face of such a charming experience.

This cruise is most fitting for those who want to enjoy Bangkok from a different perspective, especially if they value good food, live music, and a touch of elegance. Whether celebrating a special night or just indulging in a scenic dinner, you’ll likely walk away with plenty of beautiful photos and lasting memories.

FAQs

Is the dinner cruise suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, many reviews mention that the food options are good for vegetarians, with some even praising the vegetarian dishes as excellent.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers a Thai and international buffet, welcome drink, coffee and tea, and free flow of water. Additional beverages can be bought onboard.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy the scenery, food, and entertainment.

Can I sit upstairs on the rooftop?
Yes, many guests prefer the rooftop for its panoramic views, especially when the landmarks are lit up at night.

What if it rains?
Rain can affect the visibility of landmarks and overall experience. Some landmarks might not be visible if the weather isn’t clear, and some guests have had to sit below deck during rain.

Are there options for special occasions?
While not explicitly stated, many reviews describe the cruise as perfect for romantic nights or celebrations, thanks to its elegant setting and scenic backdrop.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
The provided information doesn’t specify accessibility features, so it’s best to contact the provider directly for details.

What’s the dress code?
While not specified, the overall elegant ambiance suggests smart casual or dressy attire is appropriate.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The cruise departs from ICONSIAM, located at 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

This detailed review aims to help you decide whether the Opulence Buffet Dinner Cruise matches your expectations for a scenic, luxurious, and memorable evening in Bangkok. It’s an experience that combines the city’s best-lit landmarks with gourmet dining and lively entertainment—worth considering if you’re after an elegant night afloat.