Dinner on the Saigon River has a way of fixing your whole mood. This Ho Chi Minh City cruise pairs a 2-hour ride with a 3-course dinner and live entertainment, so your evening has structure without feeling rigid.

I like that the ship gives you great city views at night while you’re eating. I also like the mix of live band music (or a magic show) with the paced meal service. One thing to consider: the timing is strict, so if you show up after boarding, it’s not refundable.

Key Things I’d Watch for on This Cruise

• Night skyline from the water: You’ll see major sights lit up, not just street-level views.
• 3-course dinner included: Plan your appetite around a full set meal, not snacks.
• Live band or magic show: Entertainment is part of the ticket, and it keeps the atmosphere relaxed.
• Max group size of 200: Big enough to run smoothly, small enough that it doesn’t feel like a cattle car.
• Vegetarian/vegan by request: Tell them after booking if you need it, or you’ll be guessing.
• Arrival timing matters: If you come too early, you may sit hungry before the cruise actually departs.

A 2-Hour Saigon River Night With City Lights

This cruise is built for a simple goal: spend an evening on the water with Ho Chi Minh City glowing around you. You’re on the river for about 2 hours, and that’s long enough to enjoy the views without dragging your night into late-night fatigue.

The biggest value isn’t just the ride. It’s the combination of scenic cruising + dinner service + live entertainment, all at a steady rhythm. If you want a “do one thing” plan for your evening, this hits that sweet spot.

Getting There and Boarding at 19:25 (Plan Around This)

The meeting point is at 5 Đ. Nguyễn Tất Thành, Phường 13, Quận 4, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam. You’ll be welcomed starting 18:00, but the key time is 19:25 for embarkation/boarding.

Here’s the practical tip I’d follow: don’t arrive super early unless you enjoy waiting. One common frustration with cruises like this is finishing your dinner before you’ve even truly left the dock. Aim to be there with enough buffer to check in, then settle in for boarding when your time window hits.

Also note the rule that matters for your budget: later arrival or no-show isn’t refundable. So set your phone alarms, and if traffic is chaotic, build in extra travel time.

What’s Included in the Ticket (And What You’ll Pay Extra For)

At $59 per person, you’re paying for a package deal that normally costs more if you line it up yourself: time on the river, a multi-course meal, and onboard entertainment.

Included:

• 2-hour cruise
• Set menu 3-course dinner
• Live band music or a magic show
• Insurance by the operator
• Vegan/vegetarian options if you request them

Not included:

• Wine/beer
• Soft drinks

One small detail to keep expectations realistic: the menu can change a little due to availability. It’s not a “problem,” it just means you should treat the menu as a plan for the evening, not a fixed promise of exact dishes.

Dinner on a Boat: The 3-Course Setup (What That Means for You)

This is a set menu, served as three courses. That matters because it changes how you should pace your own evening.

If you like to eat light before dinner cruises, you’ll probably be happy here. If you normally wait until after a big day and then go all-in at dinner, you might want to skip a heavy meal right before you arrive—because the dinner is the main event.

They also offer vegetarian and kid’s menus. For vegan or vegetarian needs, you should let them know after booking. If you don’t, you risk getting the wrong option or having fewer choices than you expected.

The Cruise Route: Landmarks You Can Spot From Deck

The whole point of the cruise is seeing Ho Chi Minh City from a different angle. As you move along the river, you can watch the skyline unfold from the water instead of from a sidewalk.

You’ll have a chance to spot landmarks from the deck, including:

• Thu Thiem Bridge
• Vietcombank Tower
• Additional city sights along the route

What I like about this approach is that it makes “sightseeing” feel effortless. You don’t have to choose between multiple stops or fight with traffic. You just sit, eat, and let the city pass by in front of you.

If you’re traveling with someone who hates rushing, this kind of route is a win. It’s also a solid pick for couples because the river gives you that natural romantic vibe without turning it into something formal.

Entertainment Onboard: Live Band Music or Magic Show

Your ticket includes onboard entertainment, listed as live band music or a magic show. That difference likely comes down to scheduling, but either way you’re covered.

The smart way to think about this: live entertainment isn’t a separate activity you need to hunt for. It’s part of the cruise atmosphere while dinner is happening, so you can stay comfortable and focused on the experience.

If you prefer a quieter evening, the music style may still be noticeable, but it’s generally the kind of sound that keeps a lounge-like mood. If you’re easily bothered by noise, plan to choose your spot carefully once you’re onboard.

Night Views: When This Cruise Feels Most Worth It

A dinner cruise is at its best when the city looks clean and bright—so this is one of those times where timing and weather really matter.

The operator notes that this experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor and the cruise is canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s reassuring, because it means your money isn’t automatically “lost” to the weather.

For the night experience itself, your best odds are:

• A clear evening so the skyline looks sharp
• A mild temperature so you can enjoy deck views without freezing
• Enough time to settle in before the ship starts moving

Value Check: Is $59 a Good Deal?

For $59, you’re getting more than a simple boat ride. You’re buying three things together: time on the water, a set 3-course meal, and included entertainment.

If you were to recreate this independently—find a meal plan, arrange a comparable sightseeing activity, and pay for entertainment—you’d likely spend more and waste time coordinating. Here, the package structure is the value.

What keeps it honest is also what’s not included: drinks like wine/beer and soft drinks cost extra. So if you tend to add beverages, factor that into your total budget.

Who Should Book This (And Who Might Skip It)

This cruise is a great fit if you want:

• A low-effort evening plan in Ho Chi Minh City
• Dinner and sightseeing combined
• Night views without dealing with traffic or parking
• A setting that works for couples, friends, and families

It may be less ideal if:

• You hate strict timing and worry you’ll be late
• You’re expecting a buffet experience (this is a set menu)
• You want drinks included in the price

For families, kid’s menus are available. For vegetarians and vegans, request your option during booking so you’re not improvising.

Practical Tips to Make the Night Go Smoothly

A few small choices can make or break your comfort level on a dinner cruise.

First, handle your timing like a pro. Boarding is at 19:25, and the cruise runs until around 21:30. You can be there earlier because they start welcoming guests at 18:00, but don’t treat that as free time to stroll and then realize you’re stuck waiting for a meal moment.

Second, bring your patience for a set menu night. You’re not ordering à la carte. You’re getting a planned dinner flow. That’s great when you want a tidy evening, and less great if you’re picky about exact dishes.

Third, if you’re vegan/vegetarian, confirm your request after booking. They only mention vegan/vegetarian as available if requested, so don’t assume it’s automatic.

Should You Book the Ben Thanh Princess Dinner Cruise?

I’d book it if you want an easy, good-looking Ho Chi Minh City evening that combines river views, dinner, and onboard entertainment in one ticket. At $59, the math usually works in your favor because you’re not juggling separate plans.

Skip or rethink if you know you’ll arrive late, dislike set-menu dining, or want drinks to be included. Also pay attention to the weather requirement—this is one of those activities where a clear night makes the whole experience better.

If you match the vibe—relaxed, scenic, and food + lights in one go—this cruise is a very solid choice.