Thailand’s tourism industry is witnessing a revival, with operators enhancing their services to attract the global inflow of tourists. A sought-after experience for many first-time visitors in Bangkok is a scenic cruise along the Chao Phraya River, the country’s main thoroughfare.

 

Chao Phraya Princess, among the largest river cruise operators, has weathered several crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic. To survive in the competitive market, cruise operators continually innovate to offer unique experiences and superior services, stated Chatree Wangpanitkul, director of Tristar Floating Restaurant Co, the operator of Chao Phraya Princess cruises. This year, the company aims to regain 80% of its 2019 clientele, a target in line with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s forecast.

 

Tristar Floating Restaurant was established in 1990, evolving from a floating eatery to a dinner cruise service. Over the past three decades, Chao Phraya Princess and other pioneers have popularised dinner cruise packages, essential for Bangkok tourists.

The cruise operator boasts eight vessels, with a collective capacity for 150 to 450 passengers, managed by a team of over 300 staff. However, the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 brought tourism to a standstill, with the company closing for a year due to restrictions and border closures.

To survive the pandemic, Tristar had to downsize some of its staff, relying on part-time workers when operations resumed. Initially, domestic customers formed the bulk of its business during the border reopening.

 

The company attributes its survival to quality service, attentive customer care, and strategic partnerships with reliable travel agents, leading to repeat clientele. Chao Phraya Princess closely monitors customer feedback, focusing on minute details, such as food and staff service to uphold its long-term reputation.

 

Backpackers increase

 

Post-pandemic, the company noted a surge in independent tourists, particularly those seeking unique activities and valuable experiences. Independent bookings for Chao Phraya Princess have increased from 20 to 30% pre-pandemic to 60% currently.

 

To cater to the growing individual market, the company has diversified its offerings beyond dinner cruises. For instance, the latest project is a collaboration with online travel agent Klook and Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand vendor Jeh O, offering the famous Mama tom yum noodle.

 

However, the competition among cruise services has intensified, with increasing market operators and escalating operational costs such as food and energy supply, thus reducing profit margins.

 

To secure consistent bookings, the company prioritises attentive services, training its staff to actively engage with customers. Maintaining experienced staff, creating an appealing atmosphere, and adhering to safety protocols are the cornerstones of its cruise services.

 

The company has shifted its sales and marketing services towards online channels, targeting direct bookings and online travel agents. Chao Phraya Princess operates five to eight boat trips daily, depending on customer demand, reported Bangkok Post.

 

The company urges the government to continue promoting Thailand as a global tourism hub, offering a plethora of unique activities and developing new tourism attractions.

 

by Alex Morgan

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-23

 

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12 minutes ago, webfact said:

However, the competition among cruise services has intensified, with increasing market operators and escalating operational costs such as food and energy supply, thus reducing profit margins.

Yup, way too many cruise ships on the river....

I hope they supply masks and have Fog Smog Horns.

I'm not sure that backpackers are a great target demographic for luxury cruises on the Chao Phraya.  Not that they aren't a formidable chunk of foreign exchange.  But if I were going after their money, I'd focus on getting them around the city by boat.  I love that mode of transport around Bangkok, but it's not nearly as well advertised as it could be.  And I never seem to pay the same amount on each jaunt, depending on what color flag and what style boat.  And it's not as if they give me a choice when I'm buying a ticket on the pier.

 

Edit:  Unless, of course, they could paint one of their boats green and do a dedicated weed cruise...  Though I don't know if safety regs would allowing firing up onboard.

 

Once a year a certain running/drinking group in Bangkok has a river cruise. We used to stand semi-inebriated at the back of our boat and yell "You paid too much" as we passed the dinner cruise boats.

Huge rip-off - we did it once many years ago and we never will again. Besides the tourist trap thing, they allowed passengers from the cheaper lower decks to come up on the top deck. I had to shoo away people who came up and starting sitting on the boat rail blocking our paid-for views to the river.  Plus there was an Elvis show at the front and our view was totally blocked. When I asked the Thai 'guard' why she was not stopping people coming up on to the top deck, she just smiled. 

1 hour ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Huge rip-off - we did it once many years ago and we never will again. Besides the tourist trap thing, they allowed passengers from the cheaper lower decks to come up on the top deck. I had to shoo away people who came up and starting sitting on the boat rail blocking our paid-for views to the river.  Plus there was an Elvis show at the front and our view was totally blocked. When I asked the Thai 'guard' why she was not stopping people coming up on to the top deck, she just smiled. 

Good heavens above, allowing the peasants from steerage to come up top and spoil the ambiance... whatever next.

5 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Good heavens above, allowing the peasants from steerage to come up top and spoil the ambiance... whatever next.

I hear you  BUT they paid much less than we did.  Bit like aying for a box at the footy ans a bunch of randoms walking in and eating the food and blocking the view of the match. 

2 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

I hear you  BUT they paid much less than we did.  Bit like aying for a box at the footy ans a bunch of randoms walking in and eating the food and blocking the view of the match. 

 

Now it seems that there is a 1 price for all.  Personally, I like it for special days like Valentines or for a nice night out.  I just wish it was easier to get to and that meter taxis were available 

years ago, a few of us went on the buffet cruise ....     just one word to describe it ..... crap   !!

 

never again .

 

Thais couldn't run a BBQ    !!     ....  they are monkeys

12 hours ago, webfact said:

 

Thailand’s tourism industry is witnessing a revival, with operators enhancing their services to attract the global inflow of tourists. A sought-after experience for many first-time visitors in Bangkok is a scenic cruise along the Chao Phraya River, the country’s main thoroughfare.

 

Chao Phraya Princess, among the largest river cruise operators, has weathered several crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic. To survive in the competitive market, cruise operators continually innovate to offer unique experiences and superior services, stated Chatree Wangpanitkul, director of Tristar Floating Restaurant Co, the operator of Chao Phraya Princess cruises. This year, the company aims to regain 80% of its 2019 clientele, a target in line with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s forecast.

 

Tristar Floating Restaurant was established in 1990, evolving from a floating eatery to a dinner cruise service. Over the past three decades, Chao Phraya Princess and other pioneers have popularised dinner cruise packages, essential for Bangkok tourists.

The cruise operator boasts eight vessels, with a collective capacity for 150 to 450 passengers, managed by a team of over 300 staff. However, the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 brought tourism to a standstill, with the company closing for a year due to restrictions and border closures.

To survive the pandemic, Tristar had to downsize some of its staff, relying on part-time workers when operations resumed. Initially, domestic customers formed the bulk of its business during the border reopening.

 

The company attributes its survival to quality service, attentive customer care, and strategic partnerships with reliable travel agents, leading to repeat clientele. Chao Phraya Princess closely monitors customer feedback, focusing on minute details, such as food and staff service to uphold its long-term reputation.

 

Backpackers increase

 

Post-pandemic, the company noted a surge in independent tourists, particularly those seeking unique activities and valuable experiences. Independent bookings for Chao Phraya Princess have increased from 20 to 30% pre-pandemic to 60% currently.

 

To cater to the growing individual market, the company has diversified its offerings beyond dinner cruises. For instance, the latest project is a collaboration with online travel agent Klook and Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand vendor Jeh O, offering the famous Mama tom yum noodle.

 

However, the competition among cruise services has intensified, with increasing market operators and escalating operational costs such as food and energy supply, thus reducing profit margins.

 

To secure consistent bookings, the company prioritises attentive services, training its staff to actively engage with customers. Maintaining experienced staff, creating an appealing atmosphere, and adhering to safety protocols are the cornerstones of its cruise services.

 

The company has shifted its sales and marketing services towards online channels, targeting direct bookings and online travel agents. Chao Phraya Princess operates five to eight boat trips daily, depending on customer demand, reported Bangkok Post.

 

The company urges the government to continue promoting Thailand as a global tourism hub, offering a plethora of unique activities and developing new tourism attractions.

 

by Alex Morgan

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-23

 

- Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe
 

clowns ... 

10 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

I hear you  BUT they paid much less than we did.  Bit like aying for a box at the footy ans a bunch of randoms walking in and eating the food and blocking the view of the match. 

I get your point...

21 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

 

Now it seems that there is a 1 price for all.  Personally, I like it for special days like Valentines or for a nice night out.  I just wish it was easier to get to and that meter taxis were available 

That is a much better arrangement - everyone pays the same and therefore going to the top deck is available for everyone if they want to do that.  The boat we had was 3 levels - each level was a different price.  And I must say that until the freeloaders started coming upstairs it was very nice - good food and great views.

Yes mate - it took over a hour to get there and we were only a few Ks away - total chaos.