I’ve always loved seeing Bangkok from the river, and this time, I decided to join the Vijit Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise — something I’d been wanting to try for a while. The cruise happened to coincide with the passing of Queen Sirikit, so the usual fireworks show was respectfully paused. Still, the night turned out to be special in its own way — calmer, more reflective, but still full of life.
We boarded from the pier at Terminal 21 Rama 3, a convenient starting point with plenty of restaurants and a lively atmosphere before departure. As the cruise began, I was genuinely thrilled when we approached the Krung Thon Bridge, one of the lowest bridges along the route. Everyone got excited, phones out, heads lowered a little as we passed under — it was such a fun, unexpected moment that had the whole deck cheering and laughing.
Dinner was served buffet-style, and while the queue was a little long, it moved steadily, and there was more than enough food for everyone on board. The spread was impressive — from fresh seafood and local Thai dishes to pasta with meatballs, plus a wide range of assorted cakes, desserts, and fruits to end the meal on a sweet note. I may or may not have gone back for seconds.
There was also a traditional Thai dance performance during the evening, adding a touch of local culture and elegance to the cruise. The dancers, dressed in beautiful costumes, moved gracefully to traditional music, and it was one of those moments that made you pause to truly appreciate Thailand’s charm.
At one point, as we passed by the Grand Palace, everyone on board stood up for a minute of silence to pay respect to the late Queen Sirikit. It was a quiet and emotional moment, one that made the evening feel even more meaningful.
Halfway through, the sky decided to join the fun — it started raining. But honestly, that didn’t stop us. We simply moved downstairs into the indoor cabin, and it felt like an entirely different experience. The glass windows fogged up slightly, raindrops traced lines down the side, and soft live music played in the background as we cruised past landmarks like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace glowing in the distance. It was warm, cozy, and a little romantic — the kind of scene you can’t plan, but end up remembering most.
Even without the fireworks, the evening turned out to be one of those quietly beautiful nights. Sometimes, the simplest moments — the sound of rain, good food, and a river view — are what make a trip unforgettable.
If you’re ever in Bangkok, I’d say the Vijit Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise is still worth doing. Go with no expectations, and just enjoy the ride.
dixonthum 