A dinner cruise makes Saigon feel slower. I like the way the Saigon River turns the city lights into something you can actually watch, not just pass by. Two other things I’m especially into: the 3-course set dinner and the live entertainment (live band or a magic show) that keeps the night moving.

You’ll get a proper view from the deck as you glide past landmarks like Thu Thiem Bridge and the Vietcombank Tower. The biggest drawback to plan around is timing: you need to be on the cruise before 19:25, and if you board too early, you may end up finishing dinner before the ship has even left the wharf.

Key things I’d book this for

• Thu Thiem Bridge and Vietcombank Tower views from the water
• Live band or magic show during the ride
• 3-course set dinner with vegetarian available if requested
• Mobile ticket and a predictable ~2-hour experience window
• Max group size around 200 so it feels lively, not chaotic

Why a Ben Thanh Princess dinner cruise works in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has a lot going on after dark, but a river cruise adds something simple: you get moving scenery without the hassle of hopping between neighborhoods. This one is built around a straight, easy idea. You board, you eat, you listen, and you watch the city slide by from the water.

For my money, the value comes from stacking experiences. You’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re also paying for a meal (set menu, 3 courses), plus live entertainment while you cruise. It’s a strong “one-ticket night” plan when you want an evening that feels special but still stays low-effort.

There’s also a practical charm to dining on the river in Vietnam. The air tends to feel different than it does on the streets, and the pace is calmer. Even if your day has been full, the cruise gives you a clear rhythm: arrive, settle in, cruise, eat, enjoy.

Boarding at 19:25: the timing detail that matters most

This cruise runs on a tight schedule. Welcome starts at 18:00, embarkation is 19:25, and you’ll be back around 21:30. The message is clear: be on the cruise before 19:25, or you risk losing your spot. Late arrivals or a no-show aren’t refundable, so don’t treat that time like a suggestion.

One thing I’d take seriously from people who’ve done it before: don’t rush to the wharf far too early. If you get there and board quickly, dinner service may be ready before the ship has departed. In other words, you could wind up eating while the boat is still tied up—then waiting for the cruise part after you’re already full.

So here’s the sweet spot mindset: arrive with enough buffer to find the meeting point and get settled, but not so early that you’re waiting around hungry with nothing to do except watch others depart.

The river route: skyline views from the deck (Thu Thiem Bridge included)

The best part of a dinner cruise is the scenery you get without effort. From the water, Ho Chi Minh City looks different: flatter, wider, and more “graphic” at night, because the buildings and bridges show up as lines of light instead of background noise.

On this ride, you’ll want to spend time on the deck. Keep an eye out for Thu Thiem Bridge and the Vietcombank Tower, plus other landmarks visible along the route. The deck is where the night clicks for most people: you get moving city lights, and you’re not stuck facing the back wall of a restaurant.

Also, because this is a night cruise, you’ll likely appreciate good positioning. If you can choose where you sit (the details can vary by seating setup), pick a spot that still lets you glance out easily between courses. You don’t want to miss the best “pass-by” moments because you were stuck reading menus.

Dinner on board: set menu 3 courses, with flexibility for food needs

This cruise includes a set 3-course dinner. The menu can change a little based on availability, so think of it as a planned dinner framework rather than a guaranteed exact list of dishes. For most people, that’s fine—this is dinner service on a schedule, not a restaurant where you can pick every ingredient.

What’s especially helpful is that vegetarian and kid’s menus are available, and vegan/vegetarian requests can be accommodated if you let them know after booking. If you have strict dietary needs, treat this as your checklist item. Don’t assume it’s automatically noted. Send the request as instructed so the kitchen has time to prepare.

One more practical thought: since it’s a set menu, you may not control every choice. If you’re a picky eater, read the situation as: you’re here for the experience and the scenery, with dinner included, not for a customizable fine-dining menu.

Drinks are the one area you should plan for. Wine/beer and soft drinks aren’t included, so if you want them, that’s an extra cost on top of the $59 price. The upside is that the cruise price already covers the core meal and entertainment.

Live band music or magic show: how they keep the night fun

Your evening isn’t just “eat and wait.” Entertainment runs during the cruise, with live band music or a magic show included. That matters more than it sounds, because dinner cruises can turn awkward if there’s no energy on board. Here, you’ve got something happening while you’re eating and moving through the city at night.

A live band also fits the vibe of a river evening. The sound fills the space without needing you to do much. And if it’s a magic show night, that’s a built-in way to keep kids engaged (and to loosen up adults who are usually too cool to clap—until they’re not).

Either way, plan to stay settled. Don’t treat this like a “grab photos and disappear.” The entertainment is part of the evening’s rhythm.

Price and what you really get for $59

At $59 per person, this isn’t a budget beer-cruise. It’s positioned as a dinner experience with included meal and entertainment. The value depends on your priorities.

Here’s what you’re paying for in plain terms:

• about 2 hours on the river with city-light views
• a set 3-course dinner
• live entertainment (band or magic show)
• operator-provided insurance
• mobile ticket convenience
• support for vegetarian options if requested

What’s not included:

• wine/beer or soft drinks

If you’re the type who would normally spend money on dinner out plus a paid activity for the night, this package can feel like a bargain. You’re combining multiple “evening costs” into one scheduled plan. If you only want a quick scenic ride and you’re okay bringing your own food, it may feel pricier than you want—but that’s not what this cruise is selling.

Also consider the group size: the maximum is listed as 200 travelers. That usually means it’s lively, with a real atmosphere, but still organized enough to manage boarding, dinner service, and entertainment.

Who should book this cruise (and who might not love it)

This cruise is a good match if you want:

• a romantic evening with city views and live music
• an easy plan for friends or family that doesn’t require reservations for multiple places
• included dinner, so you’re not scrambling to find food after dark
• a night activity that doesn’t depend on navigating traffic or switching neighborhoods

It might feel less perfect if:

• you hate set menus or you need very exact meal choices every time
• you’re hoping for a flexible, spontaneous itinerary
• you’re likely to arrive late or miss timing instructions—this one is strict about being on board before 19:25

And if you’re traveling with kids, the presence of a kid’s menu can be a big help, especially paired with onboard entertainment.

Weather reality: the cruise needs decent conditions

Like most river activities, this one depends on weather. If the cruise is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the practical way to think about it: your plans are strong, but keep an eye on the forecast.

Quick planning tips so the night goes smoothly

• Be at the meeting point with enough buffer for boarding, but don’t show up hours early. Getting on too soon can shift your dinner earlier than you want.
• If you’re vegan/vegetarian, make sure your request gets sent after booking, as instructed.
• If you drink alcohol or soft drinks, expect extra cost since they’re not included.
• Build in a calm mindset. This is a 2-hour, scheduled evening, not a long floating tour that keeps you out late.

Meeting point is 5 Đ. Nguyễn Tất Thành, Phường 13, Quận 4, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam, and the cruise returns back there at the end.

Should you book the Ben Thanh Princess dining cruise?

I think you should book it if you want a low-effort night plan in Ho Chi Minh City where the price covers the hard parts: dinner, entertainment, and a real sightseeing component from the water. At $59, the combination works best when you’d otherwise spend money on dinner out plus something else to do at night.

Skip it if you’re allergic to set-menu style meals, you need full control over drinks and timing, or you’re likely to arrive after the cutoff. This cruise runs on its own clock.

If you like skyline views, a live performance, and a dinner that’s handled for you, Ben Thanh Princess is a smart way to make one evening feel special without turning your day into a logistics puzzle.

FAQ

How long is the Ben Thanh Princess dining cruise?

The cruise lasts about 2 hours.

What time do I need to be on the cruise?

Welcome starts at 18:00, embarkation is at 19:25, and you should be on the cruise before 19:25 to avoid missing the departure.

Is dinner included, and what kind of meal is it?

Yes. The price includes a set 3-course dinner.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Vegetarian and kid’s menus are available. Vegan/vegetarian requests can be accommodated if you let the operator know after booking.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

Wine/beer and soft drinks are not included.

What happens if the cruise is canceled due to poor weather?

If the cruise is canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my booking?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.