Scenic Bangkok Unicorn Dinner Cruise on Chao Phraya River

Taking a dinner cruise along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River offers a unique way to see the city’s most iconic sights illuminated at night. The Unicorn Dinner Cruise, operated by Oh-Hoo, promises a 2-hour voyage filled with delicious food, live music, and sweeping views of landmarks like Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and beyond. While it’s a popular choice for travelers wanting an atmospheric evening, it’s important to weigh the experience’s highlights against some practical considerations.

What we love most about this cruise is its combination of good value and the chance to relax while enjoying Bangkok’s skyline from the water. The seafood buffet is notably generous, with a wide variety of international dishes, and the live band adds a lively touch that complements the scenic backdrop. However, a potential drawback is that the tour is quite crowded, with a capacity of 400 guests, which might impact the intimacy of the experience.

This cruise is perfect for families, couples, solo travelers, or groups eager to see Bangkok from a different vantage point without the hassle of organizing their own boat trip. It’s an accessible, relaxed way to combine dining and sightseeing, especially if you’re keen on a structured tour that doesn’t require much planning.

Key Points

• Beautiful night views of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks from the river
• Delicious international seafood buffet with a variety of options
• Live music creates a lively, festive atmosphere
• Accessible for most travelers, including families and solo visitors
• Two-hour cruise allows plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and meal
• Crowd capacity of 400, so expect a lively, social environment

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Boarding Process

The tour begins at ICONSIAM Pier, one of Bangkok’s premier shopping and entertainment complexes. You’ll be greeted warmly and guided to the boat, where efficient boarding makes for a smooth start. Reviewers have noted that boarding is well-organized and hassle-free, which is a relief after potentially busy days exploring Bangkok. The boat departs at 7:00 pm, giving you just enough time to settle in before the city lights flicker to life.

The Itinerary and Landmarks

The cruise’s route is designed to showcase a curated selection of Bangkok’s most photogenic sights. First, you’ll pass the River City Bangkok (RCB), a cultural hub famed for art, antiques, and lively exhibitions. While RCB itself is a stop on land, the view of this area from the river offers an intriguing glimpse of Bangkok’s thriving arts scene.

Next, the boat approaches the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), with its towering spires covered in intricate porcelain mosaics — a true visual treat especially at sunset or night when lit up. You’ll have the chance to admire its stunning architecture from a unique perspective, although the cruise focuses more on the river views than a detailed visit.

The Grand Palace appears in the distance, offering a magnificent sight of gold roofs and ornate details. As the boat gently glides past, you get a sense of the grandeur that once served as the royal residence. The sights are particularly striking with the city’s lights reflecting on the water.

Other landmarks include the Rama VIII Bridge, with its impressive cable-stayed construction and beautiful views of the river and skyline, especially at sunset. The Asiatique Riverfront, known for its lively night market and floating ferris wheel, is also visible, giving you a sense of Bangkok’s bustling riverfront life.

While the tour doesn’t stop at each site for a detailed visit, the slow sailing pace allows you to soak in the scenery and snap plenty of photos. Reviewers like Sujitra praised the beautiful views and organized boarding, making the experience feel smooth and well-paced.

The Food and Entertainment

The highlight for many travelers is the international seafood buffet. It features a wide array of dishes, including river prawns, Chilean mussels, salmon sashimi, and various salads and hot dishes. The buffet is served on the boat, with ample space for all guests, and reviewers consistently mention the delicious variety and generous portions.

Some standout dishes include the sashimi station, which offers fresh salmon and sushi, and the seafood on ice, featuring Chile clams and river prawns, adding a fresh, oceanic touch. The hot offerings encompass stir-fried vegetables, chicken, fish, and Thai curries, providing a good balance of flavors and options for different tastes.

Live music adds to the atmosphere, with duos singing popular tunes that, according to reviewers, set a relaxing yet lively tone. The musical accompaniment complements the scenic views and enhances the overall vibe of the cruise. Plus, a free mini birthday cake is included, making it a nice touch for celebrating special occasions.

Practical Details and Considerations

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, which strikes a good balance between sightseeing and dining without feeling rushed. The price of $36.91 per person is quite reasonable considering the gourmet buffet, entertainment, and the unique experience of viewing Bangkok from its river.

It’s worth noting that most travelers book 16 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The tour is suitable for most ages; children aged 0-3 are free, and children aged 4-10 may receive a reduced rate. The tour does not include drinks beyond water, coffee, and tea, so if you want alcoholic beverages, you’ll need to purchase them separately.

One point to consider is that, due to the capacity and the nature of the cruise, it can get quite crowded, especially during peak seasons or holidays. This might detract from a feeling of intimacy but also fosters a lively, social environment.

Weather and Cancellation Policies

Since the cruise is weather-dependent, poor weather could mean cancellation or rescheduling. The provider offers full refunds if canceled due to weather or minimum traveler requirements aren’t met. Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are fully refundable, giving some peace of mind.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

This experience is best suited for those wanting a relaxed, scenic dining experience with a focus on the view and good food. It’s great for families looking for an easy evening out, couples wanting a romantic backdrop, or solo travelers seeking a social atmosphere.

While the buffet and live music are enjoyable, if you’re after a more immersive sightseeing experience or detailed land visits, you might find this cruise somewhat limited. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing or to enjoy a special night without the hassle of navigating Bangkok’s busy streets or transport.

Final Thoughts

The Scenic Bangkok Unicorn Dinner Cruise offers a good mix of beautiful views, tasty food, and entertainment, all at an attractive price point. The two-hour journey provides enough time to take in Bangkok’s illuminated landmarks while indulging in a hearty seafood buffet and enjoying live music.

Its crowd capacity ensures a lively atmosphere, making it ideal for groups and social travelers. The organized boarding process and the scenic route make it a hassle-free way to experience the city from the river.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, memorable evening with stunning scenery and good food, this cruise is a solid choice. Just remember that the experience can get busy, and weather can influence the trip, so planning ahead and booking early is recommended.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
You’ll enjoy an international seafood buffet, water, coffee, tea, live music, and a free mini birthday cake. Beverages beyond water, coffee, and tea are not included.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll view iconic sites like Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, River City Bangkok, Rama VIII Bridge, and Asiatique the Riverfront from the river.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, providing ample time to relax and enjoy the scenery while dining.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 0-3 are free when accompanied by an adult. Children aged 4-10 can book at a reduced rate. It’s suitable for families, with most guests being families or couples.

Can I book this in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 16 days ahead. Early booking ensures availability, especially during peak seasons.

What is the price?
The tour costs about $36.91 per person, offering good value considering the buffet, entertainment, and scenic experience.

Is there a dress code?
The tour doesn’t specify a strict dress code, but smart casual is appropriate for a more polished experience.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellations are fully refundable if made more than 24 hours in advance.

In summary, this dinner cruise balances scenic beauty, delicious food, and lively entertainment at an accessible price. It’s a wonderful way to see Bangkok’s lights from the river, especially if you value a relaxed atmosphere and engaging views. Perfect for those seeking an enjoyable evening that combines the best of Bangkok’s iconic sights with a memorable dining experience.