Saigon River Dinner Cruise: Luxury Dining & Ho Chi Minh City Nightlife Views | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

(map)

A Saigon River dinner cruise is one of the most romantic and relaxing ways to experience the Ho Chin Minh City’s skyline, and vibrant energy. As the sun sets and the lights of District 1 begin to shimmer, boarding a dinner cruise on the Saigon River offers travelers the perfect mix of sightseeing, fine dining, and live entertainment.
Whether you are on a honeymoon, celebrating a special occasion, or just want to unwind after a day of sightseeing, a Saigon River cruise at night offers a unique perspective of the city that is both enchanting and unforgettable.

Why Choose a Saigon River Dinner Cruise?

The Saigon River flows through the heart of the city, offering striking views of both modern skyscrapers and historic French colonial architecture. Cruising along its waters at night allows you to escape the bustling streets and experience a more serene side of Ho Chi Minh City nightlife.

Highlights of a Typical Dinner Cruise:

• Boarding on a traditional wooden boat or luxury yacht

• Multi-course Vietnamese or international dinner

• Live music, dance performances, or traditional cultural shows

• Panoramic views of District 1, Landmark 81, Bitexco Tower, and illuminated bridges

• Intimate, candle-lit dining setting with gentle river breezes

Types of Saigon River Dinner Cruises

There are several options available, catering to different budgets and tastes:

1. Traditional Dragon Boats

These elegant wooden vessels are inspired by ancient Vietnamese riverboats. They typically feature:

• Buffet-style Vietnamese cuisine

• Live traditional music

• Airy decks and open-air seating

• A cozy, authentic atmosphere

Popular options: Indochina Queen, Bonsai Legacy, Saigon Princess

2. Luxury Yacht Cruises

Perfect for a romantic evening or upscale experience:

• Fine dining with à la carte menus

• Fusion cuisine (Vietnamese–Western)

• Full bar with cocktails and wine

• Air-conditioned dining rooms and rooftop decks

• High-end service and privacy

Popular operators: Saigon Sensation, Le Perle d’Orient, Elisa Floating Restaurant

Typical Itinerary for a Dinner Cruise

• 6:00–6:30 PM: Pick up from your hotel

• 6:30–7:00 PM: Arrival and check-in at the pier (usually near Bach Dang Wharf or Nha Rong Port)

• 7:15 PM: Departure and welcome drink on board

• 7:30–9:00 PM: Dinner service with live music or cultural performance

• 8:00 PM onward: Cruise past key landmarks including the Bitexco Financial Tower, Saigon Bridge, Thu Thiem New Urban Area, and Nha Rong Wharf

• 9:15 PM: Return to dock

Viator and GetYourGuide have multiple Saigon River Dinner Cruises for you to enjoy.

We particularly loved this Saigon River Dinner Cruise.
This cruise offers a unique experience with three distinct classes, each on its own exclusive deck. We chose the luxury option on the top deck, which truly enhanced our evening. This premium choice includes a private table, a delicious three-course dinner, and lively music and dancing.
If you book using the provided link, your tour guide will reach out to you to present the menu options, which you must select ahead of time. Once on board, you can order a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Payments for drinks are settled before the cruise ends, and you can pay with either cash (VND) or credit card.
The food was good, though if you have a hearty appetite, you might consider bringing a few extra snacks.
Overall, the cruise was absolutely fantastic! The music was wonderful, and seeing Ho Chi Minh City and its bridges beautifully illuminated was a highlight. Many buildings and bridges even featured animated lights, creating a truly spectacular view. It was an absolutely fantastic experience.

Here are some photos from our fantastic Dinner Cruise:

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

Where do you want to go now?

Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

Other popular Purple Travel Guides you may be interested in:

Like this Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel Guide? Pin these for later: