Embarking on a Chao Phraya sunset river cruise with my eldest daughter, Alycia, was one of the highlights of our Bangkok escapade—a journey filled with exploration, culinary delights, entertainment, and breathtaking views that left an indelible mark on our hearts.
Our river cruise adventure began on our third day in Bangkok, following a morning of mall hopping that took us on a whirlwind tour of the city's vibrant shopping scene. From the innovative design of Terminal 21 mall, resembling an airport complete with a shopping guide resembling a passport, to the modern allure of the new EmSphere mall, we immersed ourselves in the diverse tapestry of Bangkok's retail landscape.
As the afternoon sun began to wane, we made our way to Asiatique the Riverfront, a riverside oasis that beckoned with its promise of unique shopping and dining experiences. At 4pm, we had to check in for our Chao Phraya river cruise at the cruise ship counter. The cruise would start at 5.15 pm. We spent over two hours at Asiatique and were sweating buckets as this shopping center with an outdoor concept is not air-conditioned and the weather was very hot in Bangkok throughout our four days there. We had to seek refuge in an air-conditioned restaurant (ordered some food too) and window shop in shops that were air-conditioned.
As we boarded the vessel and settled into our seats on the upper deck, we were greeted by a sumptuous continental buffet dinner that catered to every palate. From fresh seafood to Korean, Chinese, and Western cuisine, the spread was as diverse as it was delectable. Despite my initial concerns about motion sickness, the calm and tranquil waters of the Chao Phraya River provided a soothing backdrop for our evening of indulgence. I didn’t eat a lot as I was worried about having motion sickness. I had forgotten to put the motion sickness pill into my handbag when we left the hotel in the morning! Thank God, all was well and I did not feel queasy or dizzy at all as the river cruise was very calm and relaxing.
As the cruise set sail, we were treated to live entertainment and mesmerizing views of Bangkok's ancient and modern treasures illuminated against the night sky. From majestic temples to towering skyscrapers, each sight was a testament to the city's rich history and vibrant energy.
One of the highlights of the evening was a lively performance by trans-women entertainers, whose charisma, beauty, and talent added an extra layer of excitement to our cruise experience. Capturing memories against the backdrop of Bangkok's glittering skyline, we couldn't help but marvel at the beauty and diversity of this enchanting city. Another highlight of the cruise was the breathtaking sunset views.
After bidding farewell to our floating sanctuary, we continued our adventure with a visit to Icon Siam, a river-side shopping mall, where we indulged in window shopping amidst a vibrant display of Thai street food and the festive atmosphere of the Songkran water fest. We wanted to try so many Thai dishes but were quite full from our earlier dinner at Asiatique and on board the ship. But we ended up trying grilled stuffed squid, a refreshing avocado smoothie, and coconut water.
As Alycia and I reflected on our day filled with exploration and discovery, we felt a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the memories created and experiences shared. From the bustling streets and shopping malls of Bangkok to the tranquil waters of the Chao Phraya River, every moment was a testament to the beauty and diversity of this enchanting city.
Enjoy the photos!
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| Shops at Asiatique the Riverfront Destination. We had to check in at a counter here. |
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| Asiatique the Riverfront Destination |
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| We sought refuge from the scorching hot sun at an air-conditioned Thai restaurant. We ordered mango-sticky rice and pan-fried Aussie steak. We indulged in mango-sticky rice every day throughout our stay in Bangkok. |
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| Waiting to board the ship. It was SO hot! |
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| Everyone was so excited |
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| On the upper deck of the ship |
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| Wefie with Alycia. |
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| Inside the cruise ship |
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| Me, a few shades darker after all the walking under the hot sun! |
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| The Korean dishes were pretty good. |
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| Generous servings of prawns and oysters but we dare not eat them for fear of getting food poisoning as we had a flight to catch the next day. Alycia has a very sensitive tummy. |
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| Desserts counter. |
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| So much food. I love the braised salmon. |
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| Beautiful view of an ancient Thai shrine. |
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| Icon Siam is on the right. We took Grab to this mall after our cruise ended. |
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| Love the sunset colors. |
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| Lovely colors of sunset. Love the atmosphere on the ship 💗 |
Read about our Day 1 in Bangkok and how we had a huge culture shock when we were caught right smack in the middle of the Songkran water fights!
