A river dinner beats eating on land. This Ben Thanh Princess cruise turns Ho Chi Minh City lights into an easy, low-effort evening, with a 2-hour ride across the Saigon River and views of the skyline at night (Ben Thanh Princess and Saigon River skyline). You can also choose to eat during the cruise, while a live band (or a magic show) keeps the mood going.

I especially love the way service makes the night feel calm. My and Dien were friendly and attentive, and dinner was handled with timing that felt smooth, not rushed, with food that came across as high quality. Then there is the entertainment, the live music adds a real sense of occasion without turning the cruise into a loud party (live band).

One thing to plan for: drinks are not included. If you want cocktails, beer, soda, or bottled water, you will need to budget extra on top of the $58 price.

Key things I’d watch for before you go

• 2-hour evening cruise timing: It starts at 7:00 pm, so you get the night lights phase without staying out too late.
• Scenic Saigon River views: The skyline looks best after dark, and you also get the river’s own night cues, including green and red beacons.
• Dinner is optional during the ride: You can enjoy a spread of local and international food while you cruise.
• Live entertainment included: You get either a live band music setup or a magic show, depending on what’s running.
• Family-friendly add-ons: There’s an optional kids menu featuring Donal Duck and Pluto, plus vegan or vegetarian if requested.
• Group size stays reasonable: The cruise has a maximum of 100 travelers, which helps keep the vibe comfortable.

Finding the Ben Thanh Princess at Nguyen Tat Thanh

Your evening begins at 5 Đ. Nguyễn Tất Thành, Phường 13, Quận 4, Ho Chi Minh City. The start time is 7:00 pm, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you are not dealing with a complex end transfer.

Because this is a river cruise, I suggest arriving a little early so you can get settled without stress. Also, if you plan to request vegan or vegetarian food, do it at booking time so the team has what they need.

This is a straightforward plan for people who want an “easy night out.” You show up, board, enjoy the ride and food, and you are back where you started after about 2 hours.

The Saigon River skyline at night, with a slower pace

Once you’re on board, the main event is the scenic ride across the Saigon River. This is one of those experiences where the value is not in visiting ten places, it is in enjoying a different viewpoint of Ho Chi Minh City, from the water, with the skyline lit up at night.

The cruise description highlights the feel of the city at night, with lights reflecting across the river and the urban skyline glowing with energy. You’ll also notice the river’s navigation lights, including green and red beacons, which adds a subtle, almost cinematic rhythm to the trip. The route is not about hidden coves or remote landscapes. It is about watching Saigon’s night personality from a comfortable seat.

What makes this kind of viewing work is timing. Starting at 7:00 pm usually means you catch the transition from day to night, then settle into the fully lit skyline for the core of the ride. If you are short on time in Ho Chi Minh City, this is a smart use of an evening slot.

The cruise itself is described as tranquil and relaxing. That matters because you can actually talk, eat, and enjoy the lights, without feeling like you’re constantly moving.

Dinner and entertainment: how the 2-hour timing actually feels

The Ben Thanh Princess is built around an “evening flow,” meaning you have time to eat and time to enjoy the onboard atmosphere. The experience includes 2-hour cruise time plus live entertainment: either a live band music session or a magic show, depending on what is scheduled.

Here’s the part I think you’ll appreciate most if you like effortless plans. Dinner happens during the ride, so you don’t have to squeeze in a restaurant stop afterward. Instead, the meal becomes part of the experience. The food offering is described as a spread of local and international fares, which is useful if you are traveling with friends who have different tastes.

In the best scenario, the entertainment and dinner support each other. The live music should give you something to listen to while you eat, and the views give you something to look at when you want a break from conversation. My impression from the service experience was that the meal timing felt well-managed, which is exactly what you hope for on a cruise, where the vessel is moving and everyone wants their food at the right moment.

Also, don’t underestimate the comfort factor. Being on the water helps you slow down. This is not the kind of night where you need to be rushing through streets, hunting for transport, or rethinking where to go next.

Quick practical tip

If you choose the dinner option, go in with a casual mindset. This is not fine-dining plating theater. It is a relaxed dinner set inside a scenic night cruise, with live music adding atmosphere.

Food options: kids menu, vegan requests, and what to expect

Food needs are where this cruise earns extra points for real-life travel. The cruise includes a kids menu option, with items listed as Donal Duck and Pluto (optional). That gives families an easier decision than trying to match picky eaters to an adult menu after boarding.

There is also a vegan or vegetarian option available if you request it in advance. This matters because many tourist-oriented cruises can be vague about plant-based choices unless you plan ahead. If you are traveling with someone who eats vegan or avoids meat and dairy, make the request during booking so the team can prepare.

The adult meal is described as a spread of local and international fares. That mix is practical. It gives you a chance to try local flavors without forcing everyone to commit to a full-on specialty menu you might not be ready for.

One more nuance: drinks are not included. That doesn’t stop you from enjoying the evening, but it does mean you may want to decide in advance if you are planning to add drinks. If you want alcohol or soft drinks, budget for it so the final bill does not surprise you.

Why this cruise works for couples, families, and small groups

This is the kind of activity that fits multiple travel styles at once.

Couples and dates: The setting is made for atmosphere, with night lights, a calm river viewpoint, and live music. It is romantic in a practical way, because you are not scrambling for a perfect restaurant table. You get scenery plus entertainment.

Families: The cruise is only about 2 hours, which is long enough to feel special but short enough to reduce the risk of bedtime chaos. The presence of a kids menu option helps, and the group size cap of 100 travelers keeps it from feeling like a school-cafeteria situation.

Friend groups: It is a good “meet in one place and do one thing together” plan. Everyone gets the same base experience, the skyline viewing, the music, and the dinner option if you choose it.

If you are someone who wants nonstop sightseeing stops, street-level walking, and big tourist photo moments at multiple landmarks, this might feel too simple. But if you want a calm evening with a different angle on the city, it hits the mark.

Price and value: what $58 buys you, and what it doesn’t

At $58 per person, this cruise is priced like an evening experience that includes more than just the boat ride. What you get for the money, based on the included items, is:

• A 2-hour cruise
• Insurance provided by the operator
• Live band music or a magic show
• Kids menu option (Donal Duck and Pluto, optional)
• Vegan or vegetarian availability if requested
• A dinner option during the ride, with a spread of local and international fares

What you do not get: drinks and any personal expenses not mentioned.

So the value question is really about how much you want dinner and entertainment bundled together. If you were going to pay for a dinner plus live music or an attraction ticket anyway, this can look like good packaging. If you mainly care about views and you skip the meal, then it is more of a scenic cruise value, and you might compare it to other river-view options.

My take: the price feels fair when you factor in that it is not only transport, it is also a full evening with onboard entertainment. The drinks gap is the main thing that can shift the final cost, so just plan for it.

Weather and how to plan your Saigon evening

This experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Because it is a river cruise, weather can affect comfort and operations. If you’re choosing between multiple nights in Ho Chi Minh City, try to keep your schedule flexible enough to accept a reschedule if needed. That way you don’t feel stuck on one single plan.

Should you book the Ben Thanh Princess dining cruise?

Yes, if you want an easy night out that combines Saigon River skyline views, dinner as an option, and live entertainment without spending your evening hopping between places. I think it is especially worth it for families with kids who need a kids menu option, and for couples who want romance without complicated planning.

Maybe skip it if you are traveling with a tight budget and you know you will want drinks, since drinks are not included. Also skip it if you need a big sightseeing itinerary with multiple stops, because this experience is designed to be one cohesive evening on the water.

If your goal is a calm, comfortable way to see Ho Chi Minh City after dark, this cruise is a solid booking.

FAQ

Where does the Ben Thanh Princess cruise start?

The meeting point is 5 Đ. Nguyễn Tất Thành, Phường 13, Quận 4, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam. The cruise ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the cruise depart?

The start time is 7:00 pm.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $58.00 per person.

What’s included in the price?

Inclusions are insurance provided by the operator, a 2-hour cruise, live band music or a magic show, and a kids menu dinner option (Donal Duck and Pluto). Vegan/vegetarian is available if requested.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

What if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.