Apsara Luxury Cruise: Fine Dining & Night Views on the River
Description
The newly refurbished Apsara Dinner Cruise is an elegant dining experience on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, offering guests a luxurious Thai dinner aboard a beautifully restored traditional rice barge.. The Apsara Dinner Cruise is known for its authentic Thai cuisine, with a carefully crafted multi-course menu that highlights traditional flavors and local ingredients. With its serene ambiance and exceptional service, the cruise provides an unforgettable way to experience Bangkok’s vibrant night scenery and rich culinary heritage. Appetizer Mini Puff Crab Curry Zesty Siam Bite Minced Pork, Crispy Bean Curd Skin, Spicy Avocado Dip Soup Aromatic Ayutthaya River Prawn Tom Yum Main Course Pan-fried Snow Fish, Roasted Young Chili Sauce, Dill Slow Cooked Beef Short Ribs (G), Secret Apsara Curry Paste, Dessert Lychee and Green Mango Thai Sherbet, Young Ginger, Crispy Shallot Homemade Organic Kaffir Lime Jello Blue Water Chestnut in Chilled Coconut Milk, Crushed Ice *Sample Menu*
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Apsara Cruise departs from here. Check In: 18.15pm - 18.30pm Cruise: 18.45 - 21.45pm
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a majestic complex of buildings that served as the royal residence of the Kings of Siam (now Thailand) from 1782 until 1925. Situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, it’s renowned for its intricate Thai architecture, lavish decorations, and detailed spires. The palace grounds house the sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), which is one of Thailand’s most revered religious sites. The Grand Palace remains an important cultural and historical symbol and is a must-visit attraction for its breathtaking beauty and significance.
The Temple of Dawn, known locally as Wat Arun, is a stunning riverside temple located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. Renowned for its tall, intricately decorated spires, Wat Arun is covered in colorful porcelain tiles and seashells that shimmer beautifully in sunlight. The temple, dedicated to Aruna, the Hindu god of dawn, is especially striking at sunrise and sunset. Its central prang, or tower, rises 70 meters high, offering breathtaking views of the river and Bangkok’s skyline. Wat Arun is one of Thailand’s most iconic landmarks, admired for both its architecture and spiritual significance.
The Rama VIII Bridge is a striking cable-stayed bridge spanning the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. Opened in 2002, it features a single, 160-meter-tall pylon that supports its cables, giving the bridge an elegant, asymmetrical design. Named after King Rama VIII, the bridge combines architectural beauty with functionality, serving as both a transportation route and a city landmark. Illuminated at night, it offers scenic views and stands as a symbol of Bangkok’s modern infrastructure and design.
The Royal Barges of Bangkok are intricately crafted, traditional boats used for ceremonial purposes along the Chao Phraya River. These gilded and ornately decorated barges, housed in the Royal Barge Museum, showcase Thai artistry and heritage with carvings of mythical creatures and symbols of Thai royalty. The Royal Barge Procession, an event dating back hundreds of years, sees these barges glide down the river in a grand spectacle to honor significant occasions. Each barge is paddled by a crew in traditional attire, making this procession a unique cultural and historical display in Thailand.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Any special dietary requirements must be advised well in advance of boarding
- The Dinner Cruise is wheelchair accessible, however, there is a small number of steps to board the boat and to move to the dining area in which a wheelchair will have to be lifted by those traveling with the wheelchair bound person. Boat crew cannot be expected to lift person in wheelchair.
- Dress Code: Casual cocktail attire (slacks, a skirt, or a dress). No shorts or open-toe shoes are allowed.
- Please note that this is a food only menu. Beverages can be purchased on board and added to the master bill as per consumption.
- If there is a low or high tide, the cruise may not pass certain landmarks. This is beyond our control and for the safety of the guests and no refunds will be given.
Reviews(20)
wonderful cruise, lovely experience, very good food, I recommend. very nice staff, music.amazing views, great atmosphere
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the 'wonderful' atmosphere and the amazing views from the Apsara. It is fantastic to know that our team, the cuisine, and the music all came together to create such a memorable experience for you. We take great pride in providing a serene and luxurious setting for our guests to enjoy the beauty of the Chao Phraya River, and we are so glad you recommend the journey. We look forward to welcoming you back on board for another beautiful evening soon! Best regards, Nick (IAsia Thailand Online)
The whole experience from start to finish was truly memorable. There were wow moments throughout — from the exceptional food and beautiful river scenery to the incredible crew, who managed everything flawlessly and with genuine warmth.
Dear Sjaessex, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are absolutely delighted that your evening on the Apsara was filled with 'wow moments' from start to finish. It is a pleasure to hear that the exceptional cuisine and the iconic scenery of the Chao Phraya River lived up to your expectations. Most importantly, we will certainly share your kind words with our crew—they take great pride in delivering that signature Banyan Tree warmth and ensuring every detail is handled flawlessly. Thank you for choosing us for such a memorable experience. We hope to welcome you back on board for another special evening in the future! Best regards, Nick (IAsia Thailand Online)
I would highly recommend this dinner cruise. It is beautiful, and it was flawless in every way. The greeting and wristlets, the entertainment, the food and the service were all top notch! It was the highlight of our two days in Bangkok.
Dear Carl, Thank you so much for your wonderful recommendation! We are thrilled to hear that the Apsara Luxury Dinner Cruise was the highlight of your stay in Bangkok. We take great pride in the 'flawless' details—from the traditional greeting and jasmine wristlets to the exquisite Thai cuisine and attentive service. It is our goal to provide a peaceful, top-notch escape on the River of Kings, and knowing we succeeded in every way is the best feedback we could hope for. We will certainly share your kind words with the Banyan Tree crew. We hope to welcome you back on board the next time you visit the 'City of Angels!' Warm regards, Nick (IAsia Thailand Online)
Celebrated our wedding anniversary with an Apsara Dinner cruise. From their greeting at the Pier to the special little extras, including an anniversary dessert the service was friendly, the food was delicious, the environment elegant and the views delightful..
Hi Catherine, Happy Anniversary! We are absolutely delighted that you chose to celebrate such a special milestone with us on the Apsara Luxury Dinner Cruise. It is wonderful to hear that our team made you feel welcome from the moment you arrived at the pier. We take great pride in those "little extras"—like the anniversary dessert—as we believe every celebration should be as unique and elegant as the setting itself. I will be sure to share your kind words about the food and service with the Banyan Tree team. Thank you for choosing IAsia Thailand for your anniversary celebration. We hope to welcome you back for many more milestones in the future! Warm regards, Nick (IAsia Thailand Online)
Overall, my experience was good. This was my second dinner cruise with your company. Services is always exceptional. However, on this occasion, the food was not as memorable as before.
Dear John, Thank you for choosing IAsia Thailand for your second dinner cruise with us! It is a pleasure to welcome back a returning guest, and we are delighted to hear that our service continues to meet your high expectations. However, we appreciate your candid feedback regarding the menu on this occasion. As the Apsara is renowned for its "Thai Haute Cuisine," we aim for every meal to be a memorable highlight of the evening. We regularly update our seasonal menus to showcase the best of Thai flavors, and we will share your comments with the culinary team at Banyan Tree to ensure we are maintaining the exceptional standards you experienced on your first visit. We value your loyalty and look forward to the opportunity to wow you once again with both our service and our cuisine on your next trip to Bangkok! Warm regards, Nick (IAsia Thailand Online)
This was a truly magical experience! Service was excellent. Helpful staff assisted with boarding and escorted us to our table. The food was elegant, a haute cuisine Thai menu. Each item was described by our waiter and accompanied by soothing Thai music, performed live on the Khim by a lovely Thai hostess in traditional garb. Beautiful views of the illuminated temples, bridges, and royal palace rolled by as we dined.
Dear Paul, Thank you for such a poetic and detailed review of your evening on the Apsara Luxury Dinner Cruise. We are delighted that you found the experience truly magical. At IAsia Thailand, we believe the Apsara is one of the most elegant ways to experience the Chao Phraya River, especially for those who appreciate the fine details—from the traditional live Khim music to the expert descriptions of our Thai haute cuisine menu. It is wonderful to hear that our staff made you feel well-cared for from the moment you boarded. We will certainly share your kind words with the team and our hostess; they take great pride in sharing Thailand’s rich culture and flavors with our guests. We hope the memories of those illuminated views of the Grand Palace and the temples stay with you for a long time. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable evening! Warm regards, Nick (IAsia Thailand Online)
My fiancée planned for a proposal here and we had the best time of our lives thanks to the helpful staffs. Shoutout to Poppy who has been attentive to us. Definitely recommend if you want to celebrate any special occasion here.
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience on the Apsara Luxury Dinner Cruise! 💍✨ We’re truly honored that you chose us for such a special occasion and delighted to hear that everything went perfectly. Your kind words for Poppy and our team mean a lot, and we’ll be sure to pass along your appreciation. We’re thrilled to have been part of such a memorable moment and look forward to welcoming you back to celebrate more milestones in the future. Thanks, Nick (IAsia Thailand Online)
Incredible! Book it! The staff was wonderful, the food absolutely delicious and the views - beautiful! We looked at a number of river cruises before deciding on this one and I’m so glad we did! Each dish was presented well and thoroughly explained! We enjoyed our dinner cruise so much and we would book it again!
Hi Ralph, Thank you so much for your amazing review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable evening on the Apsara Luxury Dinner Cruise. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed the warm service, beautifully presented dishes, and the stunning river views. We’re especially happy to hear that choosing us out of so many options turned out to be the perfect decision. We would be delighted to welcome you back on board again soon for another unforgettable experience! Thanks, Nick (IAsia Thailand Online)
The Apsara Dinner Cruise was the perfect blend of luxury, great service, and authentic Thai cuisine. The atmosphere was calm and intimate, with stunning views of Bangkok’s landmarks lit up at night. The food was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. A must-do for in Bangkok!
Dear Wendy, Thank you so much for your wonderful review of the Apsara Luxury Dinner Cruise. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the blend of luxury, service, and authentic Thai cuisine. Creating a calm, intimate atmosphere with breathtaking river views is exactly what we aim for, and we’re so pleased it made your evening memorable. Your kind words truly mean a lot to our team. We hope to welcome you back aboard on your next visit to Bangkok! Warm regards, Nick (IAsia Thailand Online)
If you’re looking for something special to do in Bangkok – something beyond temples, traffic, and tuk tuks – let me gently nudge you toward the Apsara Luxury Dinner Cruise. Because honestly, this was one of the absolute highlights of our Thailand trip, and we’re already planning when we can do it again. We booked the Saffron cruise as a surprise for my wife’s 30th birthday, unfortunately it had sold out for our date, but they upgraded us to the Apsara cruise instead. Let me tell you, it ended up being the most magical, romantic evening imaginable. Think soft lighting, twinkling city views, and a slow glide along the Chao Phraya River – it felt like floating through a dream with a cocktail in hand. Food & Service Let’s talk food. The set menu was a beautifully curated Thai journey – each dish bursting with flavour and elegance. From delicate starters to rich, aromatic mains, everything was outstanding. It wasn't just dinner; it was a gastronomic experience. And the cocktails? Perfectly balanced, ice cold, and crafted with care. I could've had three (okay, maybe I did have three...). The waitstaff were incredible – attentive, kind, and somehow always there just before we needed anything. The service was seamless yet never intrusive. A real masterclass in hospitality. Staff, Smiles &… Lighting Tricks? What really took it to the next level was the staff's attention to detail. We asked if someone could take a photo of us on the deck, and not only did they gladly oblige, they brought out table lamps to light us perfectly under the night sky! Who does that? The photos turned out amazing – and so did our smiles. Intimate & Romantic The intimate setting made the night feel exclusive and private – like our own little world on the water. There was live music softly playing in the background, creating a vibe that was elegant, not overpowering. Between the music, the lights of the city, and the warm breeze, it honestly felt like we were in a movie. Bangkok by Night Sailing past some of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks – lit up in all their glory – was breathtaking. Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Rama VIII Bridge… you name it, we saw it from the best seat in town, cocktail in hand and hearts full. Final Thoughts In a city buzzing with energy, the Apsara Dinner Cruise is a moment of calm, class, and unforgettable charm. It was worth every baht and then some. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just want a night to remember – this is it. We’ll be repeating this experience next time we’re in Bangkok – and recommending it to everyone we know. Thank you, Apsara team – for making our evening (and our photos!) absolutely perfect.
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your heartfelt and beautifully written review. We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your experience aboard the Apsara Luxury Dinner Cruise became such a cherished highlight of your trip to Thailand—and an unforgettable way to celebrate your wife’s 30th birthday. While we’re sorry the Saffron Cruise was fully booked, we’re thrilled that your upgrade to the Apsara Cruise exceeded expectations and helped create such a magical evening. From the food and cocktails to the attentive service and romantic ambiance, it’s truly rewarding to know that every element came together to deliver a memorable experience for you both. We especially loved hearing how our team went the extra mile with the lighting for your photo—it's small details like that which we believe turn a lovely moment into something truly special. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to our staff; they’ll be so pleased to know they helped make your night exceptional. Thank you again for choosing to spend your special occasion with us, and for your generous recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you back aboard on your next visit to Bangkok! Warm regards, Nick (IAsia Thailand Online)
