Ben Thanh Princess Luxurious Dining Cruise in Ho Chi Minh City

As Ho Chi Minh City’s lights come on, the Ben Thanh Princess offers a different view of the city: from the Saigon River, with dinner on board and music or a magic show alongside the passing waterfront. It’s a two-hour evening outing, not a sightseeing cruise with a string of stops, so the appeal is the combination of river views, food, and a relaxed night out.

I like the choice of set menus and course sizes, which lets you match the meal to your appetite and budget, and I like that the evening can feel special without requiring a full night of planning. The main caveat is that food quality and entertainment can be uneven, and the pier’s location makes getting a ride after the cruise worth planning ahead.

At a glance

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• Two hours on the Saigon River: The focus is dinner and city views, not stops or guided sightseeing.
• Three, four, or five courses: Standard and special set menus are available, along with a children’s menu and some Western menu options.
• Entertainment is part of the evening: Expect live band music or a magic show, though the program may vary.
• Prices depend on the package: Listed options range from about $32.85 for a children’s meal to $77.15 for a five-course meal with shared transfers.
• The meeting point needs attention: The listed location is Saigon Port, 05 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4. Check your voucher and map before setting out.
• Not suitable for every diet or mobility need: The operator cannot accommodate allergies, gluten intolerance, or vegetarian diets, and the cruise is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.

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Boarding at Saigon Port

The cruise meets at Saigon Port, at 05 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street in District 4. The location is also listed as Cang hành khách Tàu bien, so if you see both names while checking directions, use the specific address and map on your voucher to confirm you are heading to the right pier.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time. The listed meet-up time is 19:15, and latecomers may be turned away without a refund. Some cruise departures in the port area happen close together, so arriving early is more than a formality. It gives you time to find the right boat and board without rushing.

A private car or local taxi is listed as the best way to get there. The pier is not especially convenient for a casual walk from central District 1, and the return trip deserves equal thought. Several boats may dock around the same time, making it harder to find a taxi or Grab just as everyone is heading out. Arrange a pickup in advance if you want a smoother end to the night.

Two hours of river views, not a sightseeing circuit

Once aboard, the main event is a meal while the boat travels along the Saigon River. The city’s lights, river traffic, and illuminated waterfront give you a fresh angle on Ho Chi Minh City, but don’t expect a detailed narrated tour or a series of shore excursions. The route is presented as a dinner cruise, and no specific stops or guided commentary are listed.

That distinction matters when you compare it with a sightseeing bus or a daytime river trip. Here, you are paying for an evening atmosphere: the view changes as the boat moves, but dinner and the onboard program take up much of your attention. If you want to study landmarks or take photos throughout the trip, a sundeck seat may suit you better than a table indoors.

Weather can affect the experience. Rain has disrupted performances, though the cruise has continued in poor conditions on some evenings. If the weather turns, the views and entertainment may not match the ideal picture, so I would treat the river scenery as a welcome part of the meal rather than the sole reason to book.

Choosing a menu that fits your appetite

The packages offer three-, four-, and five-course meals. Prices listed for meet-at-location options begin at $37.85 for a three-course standard menu, $52.15 for four courses, and $72.59 for a five-course special menu. A three-course Western set is also available. Shared round-trip transfers from hotels in central District 1 raise the price: listed options start at $42.75 for three courses and reach $77.15 for five.

The advertised starting price is $36.09, but package prices vary, and the actual options include different meals, seats, and transport. Check the exact package before booking rather than treating the headline price as the cost of every experience. There is also a children’s menu package listed at $32.85, while children aged five and under can join free if they use a toddler high chair or do not take a separate seat.

The food is the most variable part of the evening. The meal is described as Indochinese-contemporary, with East-meets-West choices, and past set menus have included seafood, beef, salad, soup, and Western dishes. The menu changes with the season and ingredient availability, so specific dishes should not be treated as guaranteed. Some diners have enjoyed the food, including tender grilled beef striploin, while others have found portions small, dishes cold, or the cooking disappointing.

For value, I would choose the course count based on how much dinner matters to you. A three-course option can work if the views and entertainment are the main draw, but it may not feel like a full meal to a hungry diner. Four courses offer a middle ground. The five-course package costs considerably more, so choose it for the longer meal and special menu rather than assuming that more courses guarantee a major jump in quality.

One important limitation: the operator cannot accommodate vegetarian diets, food allergies, or gluten intolerance. That is a firm reason to look elsewhere if you need a special diet, even though some individual diners have described seeing different menu choices. Beverages are generally not included. The Klook-exclusive sundeck package includes a drink, but check its terms rather than assuming drinks come with every meal.

Music, magic, and special occasions

Live band music or a magic show is included, but the precise program can vary. Some evenings feature both music and a magician, while weather or scheduling can affect what happens. The entertainment is part of the cruise’s appeal, especially if you want more than dinner and a view, but I would not book solely for a particular act or performance.

Magic performers named in past accounts include Duy and Ting. Duy has been singled out for an engaging, funny performance, and Ting has also been praised. Those names are useful clues about the style of entertainment, not a promise that either performer will be on your sailing. The band’s quality and song selection can also vary, so think of the show as a bonus rather than a fixed concert program.

The crew’s service is often a bright spot. Staff members including Duy, Chi Hao, and Gia Huy have been praised for attentive, welcoming help, but the team serving your cruise may be different. Service reports are not uniformly glowing: delayed drinks and cold food have also been issues. If something is missing, tell your server early rather than waiting until the end of the meal.

The cruise is a natural fit for a birthday or anniversary. You can bring a birthday cake without a surcharge, and celebrations have sometimes included a table message, a song, or a cake from the crew. Those extra touches are not stated as guaranteed, so contact the operator in advance if you are counting on a particular arrangement. Outside drinks can incur a corkage fee, and other outside food is not allowed.

Seating, transfers, and the real cost

Your package determines more than the menu. Some options include a round-trip shared transfer from hotels in central District 1, while others require you to meet at the port. If you book a transfer, compare its convenience with the extra cost. If you meet at the pier yourself, budget for transport in both directions and consider arranging your return ride before boarding.

Seating also deserves a close look. The Klook-exclusive option pairs a sundeck seat with a drink, while other packages specify the meal but may not let you select a particular table. One diner found that moving to a railing seat required an additional charge. If an edge seat or open-air view matters to you, ask what your package actually guarantees before paying.

The overall value depends on what you want from the night. For a meal alone, the price may feel high beside local restaurants, particularly if you choose a more expensive course package and add drinks. For a river outing with dinner, music or magic, and a chance to mark a special occasion, the calculation is different. You are paying for the setting and the complete evening, not just the food.

The cruise earns strong praise for friendly service, memorable birthday touches, and the view from the river. It also has real weak points: food quality is inconsistent, the three-course meal may be light for some, and the crowded pier can make the ride home awkward. Keep those trade-offs in mind and the price is easier to judge fairly.

Who should book the Ben Thanh Princess?

I would consider this cruise for couples, families with older children, or anyone who wants a prepared evening rather than another restaurant reservation. It is especially appealing for a birthday or anniversary, when the river setting and onboard entertainment can make an ordinary dinner feel more like an occasion.

It is a less convincing choice if you have strict dietary needs, want a guaranteed high-end meal, dislike scheduled group outings, or need step-free access. The boat is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible, and there is no promise of a particular performer or seat. If your main goal is to see the city from the water, compare the meal and seating package carefully with other cruises before booking.

My practical choice would be a four-course package if dinner is important, or a three-course option if you mainly want the river atmosphere and entertainment. Add shared transport if convenience is worth the extra cost, and arrange your return ride before the boat docks.

FAQ

How long is the Ben Thanh Princess cruise?

The cruise lasts two hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The listed meeting point is Saigon Port, 05 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Ward 13, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City. The location is also named Cang hành khách Tàu bien. Check your voucher and map for directions.

What time should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled activity time. The listed meet-up time is 19:15. Latecomers may not be allowed to board and are not eligible for a refund.

What is included in the cruise?

The package includes a two-hour cruise, operator-provided insurance, live band music or a magic show, and a children’s menu. Meals and transfers depend on the package you choose.

Can the cruise accommodate vegetarian meals or food allergies?

No. The operator cannot accommodate allergies, gluten intolerance, or vegetarian diets.

Can I bring a birthday cake or drinks?

A birthday cake is accepted without a surcharge. Outside drinks may incur a corkage fee, and other outside food is not allowed.