About this tour
When Mia from our team boarded the Unicorn for an evening on the Chao Phraya, she found herself on a proper dinner cruise—two hours of floating past Bangkok's lit-up temples and palaces with a seafood buffet and live music. The boat departs from ICONSIAM Pier and sails past Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and other landmarks that glow nicely once the sun drops. It's pitched at couples, families, and group travellers after a relaxed night on the water rather than a rushed tick-box tour. The vibe is slow-paced, designed so you can actually eat, chat, and clock the sights without sprinting between photo spots.
Highlights
- Live band duos performing throughout the evening—proper backdrop, not canned music.
- International seafood buffet with river prawns, fresh salmon sashimi station, and variety.
- Free-flow beer and soft drinks included—no nickel-and-diming on beverages during dinner.
- Illuminated temples and Grand Palace visible from the deck—architectural highlights lit for night viewing.
- Slow-sailing pace allows genuine time to relax, eat, and absorb the river scene.
- Children aged 0–3 travel free; discounted rates for ages 4–10.
- Salad, soup, mains, seafood on ice, and dessert spread—buffet avoids being token.
- Welcome drink and hot beverages included as standard.
What to expect
The evening starts at ICONSIAM Pier with a warm greeting and welcome drink. You board and settle in at your table whilst the boat begins a gentle two-hour float down the Chao Phraya. The buffet is set up immediately—salads, soups, a sashimi demonstration station, curries, stir-fries, grilled seafood, and desserts. Mia found the spread generous and the river prawns and fresh salmon worth the trip alone. A live band plays soft background music rather than blasting, so conversation remains possible.
As the boat moves, you'll glide past Wat Arun's glowing spires and the Grand Palace lit against the night sky. The landmarks come into view naturally as you eat; there's no scramble or artificial timing. The pacing is deliberately unhurried—this is dinner with a view, not sightseeing with snacks. The two-hour window feels about right: enough time to eat properly, enjoy a drink, listen to the band, and take in the scenery without the boat feeling static or overstaying.
What travellers say
- Unforced river views—temples and palace illuminated, visible without cramming.
- Buffet and drinks genuinely included—seafood quality matches the price point.
- Two-hour duration suits relaxed dining without feeling drawn-out.
- Live entertainment keeps energy gentle, not intrusive or cheesy.
- Children's pricing and free passage for under-3s make family outings accessible.
- Slow pace allows genuine conversation and viewing rather than rushing.
- Up to 400 passengers onboard—crowded feel, not an intimate escape.
- Tide levels can block views of key landmarks without warning.
- Special event dates attract premium pricing not reflected in base rate.
- Gratuity expected separately; other spirits not included in drinks offering.
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Free-flow beer and soft drinks mean you're not nursing one drink all night. The buffet is legitimately broad and includes seafood that doesn't feel like a token gesture—the river prawns and sashimi are the real draw. It works well for couples after a romantic dinner, families with kids (under-3s travel free), and groups wanting a communal vibe without the frenzy of a land-based restaurant. Slow sailing means you can actually relax and eat.
The boat holds up to 400 guests, so it's not intimate—you'll be sharing the experience with a crowd. Tides can affect which landmarks the boat reaches, so Wat Arun or the Grand Palace visibility isn't guaranteed depending on water levels. The two-hour total includes departure and return, so actual cruising time is slightly less. Not suitable if you have spinal issues, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns. Gratuity isn't included—tip expectations may apply. Other alcoholic beverages beyond the free beer aren't part of the deal.
Bring light layers; river breezes cool down after dark. The buffet is self-serve, so pace yourself. Public transport is accessible nearby. Peak times will be weekends and holidays—book ahead if travelling during festive seasons. This price excludes special event pricing (Valentine's, Loy Krathong, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve).
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.