Celebrating New Year’s in Bangkok: Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise
Last updated on 19 May 2020: Photos of Nurul have been removed as she was not wearing the hijab in 2018. Thank you for your understanding :)
“Seven years ago, we first met at Escape Theme Park on the pirate ship but she didn’t remember of my existence — although I sat right next to her. So this year, we celebrated our new year.... on a freaking cruise ship. She’d better remember.” — Fazwan
An In-Depth Review of Bangkok's Chao Phraya Princess Cruise
Fazwan and I decided to splurge a little and celebrated our first New Year’s Eve together by having dinner on a cruise. We didn’t really take that many photos but one of the reasons I'm writing this post is to address the questions I received from friends about our New Year's celebration and the conflicting reviews I found on Klook. Before delving into the details of the cruise, let's start with the booking process.
How to book tickets for the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise?
We chose to book through Klook and it was a really straightforward experience. Within minutes of completing our booking, we received the confirmation along with the e-voucher. There are multiple options available for you to choose from and we particularly opted for the International Seafood Buffet. Prices do cost slightly higher for Non-Thai Residents and on special dates like New Year’s Eve.
Do keep in mind that payment must be made upon booking, and no reservations or refunds are allowed after confirmation. You can click here to make a booking or if you are new to Klook, click here to receive a $5 discount voucher for your first booking.
Boarding the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise
To save time and avoid bargaining with tuk-tuk drivers, we opted for an Uber to reach River City, where the cruise departed from. It cost us approximately THB150 for a one-way trip from the hotel and we arrived around 6:30pm. We had a few hours before the boarding time so we went to get some coffee at a nearby cafe.
Upon arrival to the pier, we headed to the information counter where the staff visually verified our booking voucher, checked our names against their list, and provided us with physical tickets, a flower brooch, and a cruise sticker. These items served as identification and included essential details such as our cruise number and table numbers.
Once the gates to Pier 1 opened, the crowd surged toward the ships. Amid the chaos, we made our way through the other two ships, finally reaching ours. Although the boarding experience felt noisy and disorganized, it had a peculiar charm.
Luckily, being at the front of the queue, we managed to navigate through and secure our seats. However, I must admit that this part of the experience might be overwhelming for those expecting a more organized process or attending the dinner with elderly or young companions.
The Experience On Board
Alhamdulillah, we were assigned the best seats on the upper deck without any special requests. These seats were located at the front of the ship away from the open bar and buffet line, which was really pleasant because that meant that it was further away from the crowd and intoxicated passengers.
There was an International Buffet spread, but special requests can be made for those with specific dietary restrictions, such as halal or vegetarian. The food was honestly quite standard, but the real appeal lay in the opportunity to dine by the river.
The ship was moving rather slowly and it was really nice to be able to view the historical landmarks along the Chao Phraya river. The experience was far from quiet, with performances from the live band and cheers echoing in the background, but it was undeniably unique to enjoy dinner on a moving ship.
The dance floor opened for those eager to show off their moves but we chose to savour the food, the view, and each other's company from our seats.After an hour of cruising, the ship anchored itself in the middle of the river while we wait for the beautiful fireworks display. This was definitely my favourite memory of the whole experience.
Disembarking From The Cruise
After experiencing the hectic boarding process, we decided to remain in our seats while everybody rushed to disembark so as to avoid the crowd. We were the last few couples to get off the ship and took some photos before heading home. As this is a popular tourist destination, many tuk-tuk and taxi drivers tend to overcharge unsuspecting visitors, so we decided to wait for an Uber for a safe and comfortable ride back home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Was it easy to book and redeem?
Absolutely! The booking process through Klook was hassle-free, and we received our confirmation and e-voucher promptly. Click here to make a booking or if you are new to Klook, click here to receive a $5 discount voucher for your first booking.
2. Did you request for good seats?
No, we didn't make any specific seat requests. However, we were fortunate to be assigned the best seats on the upper deck with an uninterrupted view.
3. Can they accommodate large groups?
Yes! The cruise can cater to big groups, and some even book the entire ship. For group bookings, it's advisable to contact a tour agent specialised in arranging such events rather than booking individually through Klook. It might cost cheaper as well, since there are special rates for agents and corporate bookings.
4. Did eating on the ship make you seasick?
Not at all. The ship sailed smoothly along the river, and as it was not subject to turbulent waters, we didn't experience any seasickness.
5. Is the buffet halal?
While the main international buffet is not halal, you can request halal options which consists of Indian cuisines. However, do take note that alcohol is served on-board. Please dine at your own disrcretion.
6. How much did it cost?
For New Year's Eve, the dinner was priced at SGD132 per person. On regular days, the price is SGD39 per person.
7. Would you book this again?
Yes, we would consider booking the cruise again, but perhaps on a regular day instead, so that we can enjoy the view in broad daylight for a change.
I hope this detailed review has provided sufficient insights to help you make an informed decision. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to me in the comments or via message.
This was definitely a unique experience for us and we were glad that we decided to have our New Year's Eve celebration aboard the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise. From our pleasant seats and delightful food to the exceptional service provided by the staff, it was definitely a memorable moment for us as a couple. The only complaint that I have is the mass boarding process which could be a potential stampede if there was an emergency. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a unique way to celebrate the New Year in Bangkok, this cruise is worth considering.
Until next time, happy travels and cheers to unforgettable adventures!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is based on our personal experience and reflects our opinions and observations. Please note that details, prices, and availability may have changed since the time of posting. We recommend verifying all information with the relevant sources or tour operators before making any bookings or plans. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the details mentioned. Readers are advised to use their discretion and make informed decisions based on their own research and circumstances.
