Ben Thanh Princess: Luxury Dinner Cruise on Saigon River

Saigon’s skyline takes on a different character from the river. On this private evening outing, you board the Ben Thanh Princess for dinner and a slow cruise past bright towers, including Landmark 81 and Bitexco Tower. The boat’s top deck offers a 360-degree view, while the main decks provide a place to dine.

I like two things in particular: you get dinner and city views in one easy evening, and the live band gives the cruise a bit more life than a simple ride on the water. An English-speaking guide and included pickup in central districts also make the start of the night easier.

One consideration: the price does not include drinks, and the cruise is a set, roughly three-hour outing. If you want to choose your own restaurant or spend longer at the waterfront, this is not the right fit.

At a glance

• The river is the main event: See Saigon’s lit-up skyline from the water, including Landmark 81 and Bitexco Tower.
• Dinner is included: The meal is described as traditional Vietnamese cuisine; personal drinks are extra.
• Expect entertainment: Live music is part of the evening, and some nights may also include a magician.
• It is a private activity: Only your group participates in the tour arrangement.
• Pickup is available: Hotel or port pickup is free in Districts 1, 3, and 4. Other districts may cost $7 to $10 per person.
• Plan for about three hours: The cruise portion is listed as about two hours, within an outing of roughly three hours.

Saigon’s skyline, seen from the water

The Saigon River cruise gives you a fresh angle on Ho Chi Minh City’s modern riverfront. From the boat, the towers and illuminated buildings become the focus, with the skyline reflected and broken up by the moving water. The route is described as passing sights such as Vinhomes Central Park, Vinhome Golden River, Landmark 81, and Bitexco Tower.

That view is the clearest reason to book. On foot, you can look up at the city’s buildings; from the river, you can take in a wider stretch of the waterfront at once. The cruise is especially suited to an evening when you want a relaxed overview of the city’s newer side without planning several stops.

The boat is described as having four floors, with two main decks used for dining and a top sundeck with a 360-degree view. That gives you a choice: settle at your table for dinner or head upstairs to look around. The vessel’s design is described as modern furniture with a classic European style, but the views, rather than the decor, are likely to hold your attention.

Boarding and settling in for dinner

The evening starts with a drive to the river and boarding the Saigon Princess, also referred to as Ben Thanh Princess or Ben Nghe Cruise in the tour details. The stated meeting point is Saigon Opera House, at 07 Công trường Lam Sơn in District 1, and the activity ends back at that meeting point. Pickup and drop-off are also offered at hotels and Saigon Port in Districts 1, 3, and 4.

Pickup can make this feel like a simpler night out, especially if you are staying in the central districts. Instead of sorting out transport to the pier yourself, you can arrange to be collected. A small extra charge of $7 to $10 per person may apply for pickup in other districts, so confirm the cost when booking.

The activity is private, meaning your tour group is the only group participating in the arranged experience. That does not mean the boat itself is necessarily reserved just for you; the information describes a private tour or activity, not a private charter. If having the whole vessel to yourself matters, ask the operator before booking.

The overall duration is about three hours, while the river cruise portion is described as two hours. That leaves time for transport and boarding within the evening plan. The cruise is intended to be taken at an unhurried pace, not as a quick sightseeing lap.

Vietnamese dinner, with drinks on your own tab

Dinner is included in the $79 per-person price and is described as traditional Vietnamese cuisine. That gives the night a practical advantage: you do not need to make a separate dinner reservation before or after the cruise. The meal is part of the experience, served while the boat travels along the river.

The available information does not provide a menu, portion sizes, or details about vegetarian, allergy-friendly, or other dietary options. If you have a specific food need, check with the operator before you pay rather than assuming the menu can be adjusted.

Personal drinks are not included. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and other beverages are listed as extra, so remember that the final cost may be higher than the advertised $79. Tips and personal expenses are also not included. For a couple or family budgeting an evening out, this is worth keeping in mind when comparing the cruise with a restaurant meal and separate river transport.

The meal is best understood as part of a combined dinner-and-sightseeing evening, rather than as a fine-dining booking with a published menu. The value comes from putting dinner, the river views, entertainment, and transport arrangements together. If food is your sole priority, ask for the current menu first.

Live music and a little extra entertainment

Music is a notable part of the atmosphere. The cruise includes a selection of relaxing music from past and present, and the live band has drawn particular praise. That can make the evening feel more like a special occasion than a quiet sightseeing ride.

A magician has also performed on board, adding a light, playful turn to the night. The available details do not guarantee that a magician will be present on every departure, so treat that as a possible bonus rather than a promised feature. The band and the city lights are the more dependable reasons to expect an evening with some atmosphere.

The top deck may be used as a dance floor or stage for music and fashion events at night. That description suggests the space can serve different purposes, but it does not confirm a specific show or dance program for your date. If you prefer conversation and a quiet meal, you may find the entertainment adds background energy. If you like a festive setting, it is part of the appeal.

What the service can add to the evening

The guide is English-speaking, and the personal touch can be useful in a tour built around a fixed departure and boarding time. Guides named Vivian, Khai, and Luc have been praised for friendly, attentive service and strong English. Luc has also been associated with hotel pickup and an informative drive to the pier.

Those names are examples, not a guarantee of who will lead your outing. The helpful takeaway is that the guide can do more than point you toward the boat: a smooth pickup, clear communication, and a straightforward boarding process can take the hassle out of a night when timing matters.

The crew’s service is another part of the experience to consider. The cruise format combines a meal, live entertainment, and moving views, so attentive service helps the evening feel easy rather than disjointed. Still, no tour can promise a particular host or performer on a particular night.

Is $79 a fair price?

At $79 per person, this is a mid-range evening activity rather than a bargain boat ride. Dinner is included, and the experience also brings together a river cruise, an English-speaking guide, and pickup and drop-off in selected central districts. If you would otherwise pay separately for dinner and transport, those inclusions can make the price reasonable.

The value depends on what you want from the night. You are paying for the combination and convenience, not simply for time on the water. The views, live music, and meal make it a good fit for a celebratory evening or for a first visit when you want to see the illuminated riverfront without organizing the details yourself.

Budget for drinks separately. Pickup outside Districts 1, 3, and 4 may also add $7 to $10 per person. The tour information gives no detailed menu or drink prices, so there is not enough to calculate an exact total beyond the base price and any applicable pickup charge.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would look at this cruise if you want a relaxed night with several pieces already arranged: dinner, an English-speaking guide, music, and a view of the city from the river. It suits couples, friends, and groups celebrating a birthday or another occasion. The boat is also described as a venue for group gatherings and events.

It works well if you want to see the modern waterfront without turning the evening into a long walking route. The cruise offers a different perspective on the city, and the top deck gives you a place to take in the river view beyond the dining area.

It may not suit you if you want a quiet meal, a highly specified menu, or a short, flexible trip. The entertainment is part of the setting, the duration is about three hours, and the menu details are not provided. If you have dietary requirements, want a particular guide, or need to know which cruise boat will operate on your date, ask before booking.

A few practical details before you go

Confirmation is provided at booking, and a mobile ticket is offered. The activity is described as suitable for most people, but the information does not give specific accessibility details, so check directly if you have mobility needs.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refundable, and changes inside that 24-hour window are not accepted. The cutoff follows local time.

There is also a holiday note for December 31, 2025, when the Saigon and Ben Thanh cruises were listed as fully booked. An alternative Ben Nghe Cruise was offered for an extra $25 per person for the regular menu or $35 for the premium option. That date has passed, but if you are booking for a holiday or other busy night, confirm the boat and any surcharge before paying.

Should you book the Ben Thanh Princess?

Book it if you want an easy, festive evening that pairs a traditional Vietnamese dinner with Saigon’s riverfront lights. The strongest reasons are the skyline views, included meal, and live music, with central pickup helping keep the night simple.

Skip it if your main goal is a quiet dinner, a particular menu, or an independent evening you can shape as you go. Before booking, confirm the boat, pickup cost, dietary options, and drink prices. At $79, it makes most sense when you value the full evening package, not just the cruise itself.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The outing is approximately three hours. The cruise portion is described as about two hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The stated meeting point is Saigon Opera House at 07 Công trường Lam Sơn in District 1. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are free at hotels and Saigon Port in Districts 1, 3, and 4. Pickup in other districts may cost an extra $7 to $10 per person.

Is dinner included in the price?

Yes. Dinner on the cruise is included in the $79 per-person price.

Are drinks included?

No. Personal drinks, including wine, beer, and soft drinks, are not included.

What kind of food is served?

The meal is described as traditional Vietnamese cuisine. A specific menu is not provided.

Is the tour private?

The activity is described as private, with only your group participating in the tour. The information does not say that the entire boat is reserved for your group.

Is there live entertainment?

Live music is part of the cruise experience. A magician has also performed on board, but the information does not confirm that a magician is available on every departure.

Is an English-speaking guide included?

Yes. An English-speaking tour guide is included. Guides named Vivian, Khai, and Luc have been associated with the experience, but a particular guide is not guaranteed.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.