Saigon River Dinner Cruise: Buffet & Set Menu with Pickup

Summary

Saigon nights glow on the river with music, food and city lights

You’ll glide past Saigon’s glowing skyline on a river dinner cruise with buffet or set menu options (just pick ahead). Enjoy live music, private tables, and pickup from your hotel in District 1 or 3. Watch city lights shimmer on the water as you share stories with your guide — it’s more than just dinner; it’s Saigon unfolding around you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the city lights flickered across the water — not just a reflection but almost like Saigon was winking at us. Our guide, Minh, greeted us right at our hotel in District 1 (which honestly made things so much easier), and we wove through the evening traffic to Bach Dang Wharf. There’s this moment when you step onto the boat and the hum of scooters fades behind you — suddenly it’s quiet except for soft music and the low splash of water against the hull.

I’d picked the buffet for dinner (couldn’t decide what I wanted), but there were set menus too. Minh had reminded us to choose ahead — apparently, they can’t change it once you’re onboard. The staff moved around quietly, carrying dishes that smelled like lemongrass and grilled fish. I tried to say “cảm ơn” to one of them; she smiled politely but I probably got it wrong. The air was warm but not sticky, and every so often a breeze would carry hints of river mud and something floral from upstream.

There was live music — sometimes traditional, sometimes a bit poppy — and at one point a couple danced near their table like no one was watching. I caught myself just staring out at the skyline, chopsticks in hand, forgetting about my phone for once. Minh pointed out some buildings along the banks, sharing little stories about old Saigon versus now. It felt like we were floating through two cities at once — past and present side by side.

We docked back at Bach Dang Wharf after maybe an hour or two (I lost track), and Minh offered to drop us off anywhere in District 1 or 3. Some people stayed out for drinks; I just walked slowly back through the city, still hearing echoes of that music over water. I didn’t expect such a quiet kind of magic from a dinner cruise on the Saigon River — but yeah, it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Saigon River Dinner Cruise

• Confirm pick-up location 24 hours prior
• Choose dinner menu before tour
• Get picked up from city center
• Travel to city pier
• Board the dinner cruise boat
• Enjoy 60-120 minute river cruise
• Dine with live music onboard
• Admire Saigon city lights at night
• Return to pick-up or city center

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Saigon River dinner cruise?

Yes, pickup is included from most hotels in Districts 1 and 3.

How long does the Saigon River dinner cruise last?

The cruise lasts between 60 to 120 minutes along the Sai Gon River.

Can I choose between buffet or set menu for dinner?

Yes, you can select buffet or set menu options when booking; changes aren’t possible onboard.

Are vegetarian or special diet meals available?

Yes, vegetarian and other dietary needs can be accommodated if requested in advance.

Is there live music on board during the cruise?

Yes, live traditional or modern music is usually performed during dinner service.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Bach Dang Wharf (60 Ton That Dam Street) in District 1.

Are drinks included on the Saigon River dinner cruise?

No, drinks are available for purchase separately onboard.

Can special occasions like birthdays be arranged?

Yes, decorations or cakes can be arranged for an extra charge if requested in advance.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Districts 1 or 3 by car or minibus, your pre-selected buffet or set menu dinner served at a private table during a 60-120 minute cruise along the Sai Gon River, live music performances depending on availability, all taxes and fees covered, plus guidance from a Vietnamese English-speaking local guide before returning to your drop-off point in central Ho Chi Minh City.