Romantic Sunset The Planet Cruise with Bangkok Night Views

Bangkok’s skyline glows as the sun sets, and what better way to take it all in than aboard a luxury cruise? The Romantic Sunset The Planet Cruise with Bangkok Night Views promises a blend of sightseeing, fine dining, and entertainment all wrapped into an hour and a half journey along the Chao Phraya River. While it’s not a full-day adventure, it aims to give visitors a taste of Bangkok’s illuminated landmarks with a side of tasty seafood and relaxing music.

What We Love Most? It’s the combination of spacious seating, open deck views, and a generous seafood buffet that really stands out. The boat’s open design lets you soak in the sunset and city lights without the usual crowd, making it a great option for a romantic date, a family outing, or a relaxed group experience. Plus, the live music—featuring duos and Thai classical performances—adds a lively yet elegant touch.

A key consideration? Some reviews highlight issues with entry—namely, a complaint about being denied access despite booking. This is an important reminder to double-check your reservation and arrive prepared. Also, the experience involves a large group (up to 700 travelers), so it’s not the most intimate setting, but that’s typical for cruises at this price point.

Ultimately, this cruise suits those seeking a scenic, relaxing, and reasonably priced way to see Bangkok’s nightscape while enjoying good food and entertainment. It’s particularly appealing for travelers looking for a budget-friendly evening activity that combines sightseeing with glitzy city views.

Key Points

• Stunning City Views: Enjoy panoramic sights of Bangkok’s illuminated landmarks like Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and Rama VIII Bridge.
• Good Value for Money: Priced at just over $33, the cruise includes a seafood buffet, drinks, live entertainment, and scenic cruising.
• All-You-Can-Eat Seafood: The buffet features fresh salmon sashimi, river prawns, mussels, and a variety of international dishes, plus Thai desserts.
• Large Group Atmosphere: With a maximum of 700 travelers, expect a lively, bustling environment—ideal for social types but less so for intimate experiences.
• Potential Entry Issues: Some reviews report being denied entry despite booking, so verifying your reservation beforehand is advised.
• Cultural and Scenic Stops: Highlights include iconic landmarks like Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and the Rama VIII Bridge, with some stops offering impressive sunset views.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Setting the Scene: Starting at Asiatique The Riverfront

The journey begins at Asiatique, a bustling riverside spot packed with shops, restaurants, and a giant Ferris wheel. It’s a lively place, perfect for soaking up early evening energy. The meeting time is 5:15 pm, giving you plenty of time to explore the market or grab a quick snack before boarding.

The Boat and Seating: Spacious, Stylish, Open Deck

Upon boarding The Planet Cruise, we found the seating to be very comfortable and spacious. The open deck design is excellent for catching the sunset and city lights. It’s clear that the boat is built for both comfort and style, with enough room for everyone to enjoy the panoramic views without feeling crowded.

The Landmarks: An Evening Panoramic Tour

As the boat slips through the river, the sights come into view: Wat Arun’s spires shimmer in the fading sunlight, and the Grand Palace illuminates with golden lights. The Rama VIII Bridge stands out with its sleek, asymmetrical design, especially striking during sunset. Reviewers mention that even with high tides, some landmarks might be missed, so timing and weather could impact what you see.

Food and Drinks: Seafood Feast with International Flair

The buffet is a major highlight. For about $33, you get an all-you-can-eat spread of fresh seafood and international dishes. We loved the salmon sashimi, river prawns, and New Zealand mussels, all served fresh and flavorful. The buffet also includes Thai favorites like Pineapple Fried Rice, Pad Thai, and a variety of soups, such as Tom Yum Kung and Mushroom Cream Soup.

Desserts are Thai-themed, and there’s a free mini birthday cake, adding a personal touch. The drinks include a welcome drink, water, hot coffee, and hot tea—extra beverages are available at an additional cost.

Entertainment: Live Music and Cultural Shows

Live performances are woven into the cruise, with duos and traditional Thai Khon dance shows. The music sets a relaxed but festive atmosphere, perfect for kicking back and enjoying the scenery.

The Stops: Cultural and Photo Opportunities

While primarily a cruise, the itinerary includes viewing opportunities at River City Bangkok, an arts and antiques hub, and iconic landmarks like Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, and the Grand Palace. The Rama VIII Bridge is also highlighted, especially at sunset.

Some reviews reveal that guests appreciated the chance to view the city from different angles and get photos of Bangkok’s skyline. However, a few travelers noted that the cruise’s passing of landmarks could be affected by tide levels, which might limit visibility or access to certain views.

The Experience: Pros and Cons Based on Reviews

Pros:
– The views of Bangkok’s skyline are impressive, especially at sunset.
– The seafood buffet offers good value, with fresh, tasty dishes included.
– The live music adds a lively, elegant vibe.
– The open deck design makes for great photo opportunities and a relaxed atmosphere.

Cons:
– Some guests reported difficulties with entry, which can be frustrating after arriving on time.
– The large group size means you won’t find much privacy or intimacy.
– Tides can influence the route and views, so expect some variability.
– The experience is quite commercial, so those seeking exclusivity might be disappointed.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for travelers wanting a scenic, relaxed evening with good food and entertainment at a reasonable price. It suits families, couples, and groups looking for a lively, social atmosphere to enjoy Bangkok’s iconic sights from the river. It’s also perfect for first-time visitors who want a quick yet comprehensive view of some major landmarks illuminated at night.

However, those seeking an intimate or highly personalized experience should consider other options. The potential for entry issues means you should confirm your booking beforehand. Its large-group format might feel bustling, but if you’re after a casual, fun way to see Bangkok’s skyline, this cruise hits the mark.

Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

For around $33, this cruise packs in a surprising amount of value. You get spectacular sunset views, a hearty seafood buffet, live traditional and modern music, and access to some of Bangkok’s most famous sights—all in a relaxed setting. It’s a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing or to start an evening out in the city.

While not perfect—mainly due to some entry concerns and the large crowd—the combination of good food, lively entertainment, and stunning vistas makes this a solid choice for many travelers. It offers a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation that’s hard to beat at this price point.

If you’re looking for a fun, scenic, and affordable way to enjoy Bangkok’s night views from the river, this cruise deserves a spot on your itinerary.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 4-10 can participate at a special rate, and those under 3 go free. The buffet includes kid-friendly options, and the lively atmosphere can be entertaining for families.

What does the seafood buffet include?
The buffet features fresh salmon sashimi, river prawns, New Zealand mussels, and a variety of international dishes like Pad Thai, spaghetti, pineapple fried rice, and Thai desserts.

Can I expect to see all the landmarks?
Most major landmarks are visible, including Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and Rama VIII Bridge. However, visibility can be affected by tide levels, and some landmarks might not be passable during low or high tides.

What time does the cruise start and end?
Boarding begins at 5:15 pm, with the cruise lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, ending back at the starting point.

Is the experience crowded?
Yes, with up to 700 travelers on board, expect a lively, bustling environment. It’s not the most intimate setting but perfect for social groups or those wanting a vibrant atmosphere.

What language is the entertainment in?
Live music and shows are generally in English and Thai, offering a mix that adds cultural flavor.

Are drinks included?
The cruise includes a welcome drink, water, hot coffee, and tea. Additional beverages are available for purchase.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is fine. Since the cruise is outdoors, bring layers for the evening breeze or cooler weather.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before are non-refundable, so plan accordingly.

Overall, this river cruise provides a lively, scenic, and reasonably priced way to see some of Bangkok’s most iconic sights illuminated at night. While it’s not without its flaws, the combination of panoramic views, tasty seafood, and live entertainment makes it a memorable addition to your Bangkok adventure.