Exploring Ben Thanh Princess Dining Cruise in Ho Chi Minh

If you’re looking to combine the charm of Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline with a relaxing cruise experience, the Ben Thanh Princess Dining Cruise offers an appealing option. With a solid 5-star rating from travelers, this two-hour journey promises a scenic ride along the Saigon River, a well-curated meal, and live music. It’s a wonderful choice for couples, families, or groups wanting a memorable night out on the water.

What makes this cruise stand out? First, the luxury boat itself — a sleek vessel that feels special without being overly fancy. Second, the diverse menu, which includes local and international options, and even vegetarian or vegan choices if requested. One thing to keep in mind: the cruise starts in the evening, so timing is key if you want to avoid missing the embarkation. This experience suits those seeking a relaxing, scenic, and culturally flavorful evening—especially if you enjoy good food and lively entertainment.

Key Points

• Beautiful river views of Ho Chi Minh’s skyline at night
• Delicious three-course meals with vegetarian/vegan options available
• Live music or magic show enhances the atmosphere
• Affordable price for a two-hour scenic cruise and dinner
• Limited group size ensures a more intimate experience
• Timing is crucial: arrive before 19:25 to avoid missing the cruise

Contents

• Key Points
• What to Expect from the Ben Thanh Princess Dining Cruise
• Boarding and Timing
• The Boat and Atmosphere
• The Dinner Experience
• Sights and Landmarks
• Authenticity and Entertainment
• Considerations
• The Itinerary in Detail
• What Travelers Are Saying
• Value and Cost
• Who Should Consider This Tour?
• Final Thoughts
• FAQ
• Our Top Picks in Ho Chi Minh City
• More Dining Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City
• More Boat Tours & Cruises in Ho Chi Minh City
• More Tour Reviews in Ho Chi Minh City
• Not for you? Here's more things to do in Ho Chi Minh City we have recnetly reviewed

What to Expect from the Ben Thanh Princess Dining Cruise

This cruise offers a chance to see Ho Chi Minh City’s lights and landmarks from the water, transforming an ordinary evening into something special. As we understand from reviews and the tour description, the cruise lasts roughly two hours, giving you plenty of time to relax, eat, and take in the sights.

Boarding and Timing

You’re expected to arrive at the meeting point—5 Nguyen Tt Thanh, Phường 13, Quận 4—by 7:00 pm. The boat departs at 7:25 pm, so arriving early is recommended to avoid rushing or missing your spot. Remember, late arrivals aren’t refundable, so plan your transportation accordingly.

The Boat and Atmosphere

The vessel itself is described as luxury and well-maintained, with a comfortable deck perfect for sightseeing and dining. Most reviews highlight seamless boarding, which means you won’t spend ages waiting in line or fussing over logistics. During the cruise, you’ll be treated to live band music or a magic show—both adding a lively or romantic vibe, depending on your preference.

The Dinner Experience

The highlight for many is the three-course meal. The menu can be somewhat flexible depending on availability, but generally, you’ll get a mix of local and international dishes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you request them in advance, which makes this a good choice for special dietary needs.

Reviewers have raved about the delicious food and tapas, often mentioning that the quality exceeds expectations for the price. One guest called it “worth it,” thanks to the combination of good value, tasty fare, and a beautiful setting. Please note, alcohol and soft drinks are not included, so you might want to bring your own or purchase drinks separately on board.

Sights and Landmarks

As the boat glides down the Saigon River, you’ll get stunning views of iconic structures like Thu Thiem Bridge and the Vietcombank Tower. The vantage point from the water offers a unique perspective that you can’t get from land, especially at night when the city lights shimmer. Many reviewers mention the beautiful nightscape, making it perfect for photos or simply soaking in the ambiance.

Authenticity and Entertainment

The live band or magic show creates a lively backdrop, transforming a dinner into a memorable experience. The music tends to be enjoyable and well-suited for the setting—think smooth tunes or light entertainment. If you’re traveling with kids, the relaxed vibe and live performance can be quite engaging for all ages.

Reviewers have appreciated the good value for money. For $59 per person, you get a scenic cruise, a meal, and entertainment, making it a solid deal compared to other river dining options or city tours.

Considerations

While the experience is generally seamless, it’s worth noting that wine, beer, or soft drinks are not included. You might want to bring your own or plan to buy on board if available. Also, since weather can affect the experience, it’s safest to go during clear evenings—if the weather turns poor, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at the meeting point at 7:00 pm, with guests boarding quickly and efficiently. The cruise departs at 7:25 pm, giving you a chance to settle in and get comfortable. As the boat moves downstream, you’ll start noticing Ho Chi Minh’s illuminated landmarks, which might look quite different from street level—an ideal way to see the city from a new angle.

The dining begins shortly after departure, with staff serving the three-course meal. Based on reviews, the food quality is notable, with some guests praising the “delicious food and tapas.” Vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested ahead of time, so no one has to miss out. The meal is not rushed, allowing you to savor the flavors while enjoying the sights.

During the latter part of the cruise, the live entertainment takes center stage. Whether it’s a band or a magic show, it adds a sense of fun and festivity. Many guests mention that the combination of food, music, and river views creates an atmosphere of celebration.

The cruise concludes around 9:30 pm, and you disembark back at the starting point. The timing makes this ideal for an early dinner or a prelude to a night out in Ho Chi Minh.

What Travelers Are Saying

One reviewer summarized their experience as “great on a warm night,” highlighting seamless boarding, enjoyable meal, and lively entertainment. They advised arriving early because “you’ll have finished dinner before you’ve departed the wharf”—a tip worth noting for first-timers.

Another reviewer emphasized the value for money: “Worth it,” citing the good food and friendly atmosphere. Many mention the beautiful night views and the atmosphere created by live music, making it a romantic and relaxing evening.

Value and Cost

At $59 per person, this cruise represents excellent value considering the scenic views, dinner, and entertainment included. Some might compare it to land-based city tours, but the water perspective offers a unique experience. Keep in mind you may want to budget extra for drinks or souvenirs.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise suits couples looking for a romantic evening, families with children, or groups of friends wanting a relaxed outing. If you appreciate good food, live entertainment, and scenic views, it’s a solid choice. However, those seeking a more active or adventure-focused experience might prefer other tours. It’s also ideal if you want a flexible, no-hassle activity that combines sightseeing with a leisurely dinner.

Final Thoughts

The Ben Thanh Princess Dining Cruise offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, good food, and entertainment—perfect for travelers wanting to see Ho Chi Minh from a different angle. The two-hour cruise delivers a relaxed taste of the city’s nightscape, paired with tasty dishes and lively music.

The experience is particularly practical and affordable, especially considering the quality of the meal and the overall ambiance. Its well-organized logistics and friendly vibe make it a reliable choice for an enjoyable evening.

If you’re craving a memorable night that combines sightseeing, good food, and entertainment, this cruise is worth considering. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate a good value and a touch of elegance on the water.

FAQ

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, the cruise can be suitable for children, especially if they enjoy live music and scenic views. Be aware of the timing and ensure children will be comfortable during the two-hour journey.

Do I need to book in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy periods. Arriving early on the day is also advised, as latecomers are not refunded.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available if you request them after booking. It’s best to inform the operator ahead of time to ensure your meal preferences are prepared.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the two-hour cruise, insurance, live entertainment, and a set three-course meal. Drinks such as wine or beer are not included.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera for photos, and consider purchasing drinks on board or bringing your own if allowed. Dress comfortably, but remember it can get cooler on the water in the evening.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Check the weather forecast beforehand.

This experience strikes a fine balance between relaxation, sightseeing, and culinary enjoyment. For those wanting a romantic, scenic, and tasty evening, the Ben Thanh Princess Dining Cruise in Ho Chi Minh is a stand-out choice that won’t disappoint.