Ben Thanh Princess turns a simple river ride into an easy, good-night-out plan. For me, the biggest draw was the 2-hour scenic cruise with a live band keeping the mood light, plus the chance to eat as the city lights come on. The main thing to watch is that this experience needs good weather, so plan for possible date changes.

I also like the thoughtful details aimed at different groups: a kids menu is available (Donald Duck and Pluto options), and vegan/vegetarian choices can be prepared if you request them. The food gets real praise for quality and timing, including meals being served “perfectly” during the cruise. If you’re hoping for drinks included, you’ll need to budget for those since drinks are not included.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Live music or Magic show during the cruise, so the time passes fast
• 2-hour Saigon River ride with city-skyline lights in the evening
• Dinner option onboard, with local and international dishes
• Kids menu available (Donald Duck, Pluto, optional)
• Vegan/vegetarian available if you request it ahead
• Small-to-medium crowd with a max of 100 travelers

Ben Thanh Princess on the Saigon River: A Simple 2-Hour Plan

This is the kind of tour that works when you want a break from scooters and street traffic, but you still want Ho Chi Minh City in view. The Ben Thanh Princess dining cruise is priced at $58 per person and runs for about 2 hours, which is a sweet spot for a relaxing evening without losing half your night.

For value, what matters most is what you get for that $58: the cruise itself, the live entertainment, and the meal option during the ride. Insurance from the operator is included, and there’s even flexibility for families with a kids menu and for eaters with vegan/vegetarian requests.

Meeting Point at Quận 4: Start on Time, Don’t Overthink It

You meet at 5 Đ. Nguyễn Tất Thành, Phường 13, Quận 4, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam. The start time is 7:00 pm, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Because the cruise is only about 2 hours, you’ll feel the schedule quickly if you’re late. My advice is to arrive early with a relaxed mindset—this is an easygoing outing, not a sprint.

What the 7:00 pm Cruise Feels Like: Night Lights Over the Water

Once you’re onboard, the whole experience is about a slower perspective. You’ll enjoy a scenic ride across the Saigon River, with the city skyline lit up after dark.

The vibe described for this cruise focuses on the glow and energy of Saigon—green and red beacons, bright urban lights, and a view that feels calmer than the streets. That combination is why a river cruise can be more fun than it sounds on paper: you’re seeing the same city, just from a different angle.

If you want the best outcome from the viewing side, keep it practical: move around a bit once you’re settled. During a short cruise, angles can matter, so don’t assume one spot is perfect the entire time.

Dining Onboard: How the Dinner Works During the Ride

If you choose the meal option, you’ll eat during the cruise. The setup is framed as a spread of local and international dishes, served as the city lights roll by.

This is one of the most praised parts of the experience. In the reviews, the food is repeatedly described as high quality, and the dinner service timing gets called out specifically—served in a way that didn’t feel rushed or awkward. That matters because on a cruise, poor timing can ruin the night. Here, the meal seems built for the flow of the ride.

A helpful detail for families: there’s a kids menu available with Donald Duck and Pluto options (listed as optional). If you’ve traveled with kids before, you know this can make the difference between a stressful dinner and a relaxed one.

For dietary needs, vegan/vegetarian options are available if you requested them. So if this matters to you, don’t wait until the last minute—make the request during booking when you have the chance.

Live Band vs Magic Show: Entertainment That Keeps You Engaged

You don’t just sit and watch lights for two hours. You’ll be serenaded by live entertainment throughout the journey, with a live band music or a Magic show included.

In the reviews, the live music is a standout. People mention how entertaining it was and how it added to the atmosphere, not just as background noise. That’s exactly what you want on a dining cruise: sound that makes the evening feel special, without demanding your attention every second.

There’s also real value in having a second option for entertainment (live band vs magic show). If you’re booking with friends who have different tastes—one group wants music, another might enjoy a show format—you’re covered.

The People Factor: Service That Actually Feels Friendly

Good cruises rise or fall on staff energy. One review highlights Dien as friendly and attentive, and another name mentioned is My, also described positively in the same spirit of helpful care.

You’ll probably notice this most around meal service and general coordination during the cruise. When service is smooth, you can just focus on the views and the food instead of waiting, hunting down staff, or worrying about whether the meal is coming.

Who This Cruise Works Best For (And Who Might Skip It)

This is a great fit if you want an easy, romantic-feeling evening without complex planning. The river view plus live entertainment makes it natural for couples and dates, and it also works well for groups of friends who want something different than a typical dinner.

Families can do well too, because the kids menu options are clearly part of the offering. If you’re traveling with someone who needs vegan/vegetarian preparation, this cruise can work, as long as you requested it.

Who might think twice? If you’re traveling during a period where weather could be unpredictable, remember the experience requires good weather. You can still go—just don’t book it as the only plan for the night unless you’re okay with changes.

Price and Value for $58: What You’re Really Paying For

Let’s talk about the $58 price with a clear eye. You’re paying for a bundle: a 2-hour cruise, scenic river time, included live entertainment, and a dinner option (if you choose that). You’re also getting insurance included by the operator.

The one line item you should not assume is covered is drinks. Drinks are not included, so if you’re a big drinker, the final bill can climb. Still, even with extra spending on drinks, this type of experience often feels fair because it’s time-boxed and fully structured.

Also, the max group size is up to 100 travelers. That’s not tiny, but it’s not a chaotic mega-tour either. For your comfort, you’ll want to show up ready to enjoy the flow rather than expecting a private charter.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Night on the Water

You’ll get the best experience when you treat this like a short evening out, not a side quest. Because it’s about the skyline and ambiance, give yourself time to settle, then stay flexible if you want different viewing angles.

If you’re booking for kids or a specific diet, make it part of your planning. The cruise offers a kids menu (Donald Duck and Pluto options) and vegan/vegetarian choices, but those are tied to request and availability—so handle it at booking.

Finally, plan your expectations around the included entertainment. You’re covered with live band or a Magic show, but it’s not described as multiple performances. Think of it as one enjoyable thread through the cruise, not a full theater program.

Quick FAQ for This Dining Cruise

How long is the Ben Thanh Princess cruise?

It’s approximately 2 hours.

What time does it start?

The start time is 7:00 pm.

Where is the meeting point in Ho Chi Minh City?

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

Is dinner included, and what kind of food is served?

A meal option is available during the ride, described as a spread of local and international dishes. The cruise also offers a kids menu (Donald Duck and Pluto options).

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

Do they offer vegan/vegetarian options?

Yes—vegan/vegetarian is available if you requested it.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

Should You Book This Cruise?

I’d book this if you want a straightforward evening plan with good views, included entertainment, and dinner on a clock. The strongest reasons are the practical ones: the cruise is only 2 hours, service and food quality get strong positive notes, and the live music (or magic show) turns the ride into something you’ll remember, not just something you pass through.

Skip it only if your schedule can’t handle weather-based changes—or if you’d rather spend money on a longer, more flexible experience where drinks and extras are more predictable. If your goal is a relaxed night with Saigon glowing outside the window, Ben Thanh Princess is a very solid choice.

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