Dining Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City

Are you seeking for a very unique and distinctive experience in Ho Chi Minh city? A dining experience around the Saigon River can be charming and a memorable experience for your time spent in this lovely city.

Introduction about this activitiy

In the evening, when the lights shine and reflect on the water, the Saigon River provides breathtaking views of the urban landscape. Dining on the river offers a combination of delicious cuisine, stunning views, and a unique ambiance

What can be experiences for a fine dining

1. River Cruises

Taking a river boat is the best option to eat along the Saigon River. It bring out a unique experience in Ho Chi Minh with typical everyday-like dinner, a romantic atmosphere. You will see Sai Gon in a different perpectives, sparkling in a cozy night. Besides that, you may enjoy incredibly luxury service, a romantic setting with outstanding food.

Many cruise lines have dinner cruises, where you can dine from a buffet or fixed menu. Live music and traditional performances enhance the atmosphere.

Operation: The cruise normally starts at 7:15 PM, however, it changes due to the cruise that you choose

Price: Every cruise has its menu set and the expense for a experience for a dining night along the river is as your order

Some cruise available on the port:

• Saigon Princess cruise – Most Luxurious 

Price: From USD $46/adult

Address: 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh street, Ward 12

Saigon Princess cruise is a luxurious 5-star boat with the French Colonial design. It has an attractive bright white look, smooth, gentle, and delicate shape.

• Bonsai Cruise – Traditional boat 

Price: From USD $38 /adult & $24 /children

Address: 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh street, Ward 12

Bonsai cruise is a beautiful dragon boat with three levels with unique local materials and craftsmanship. Dinners on the cruise are buffet dinners with special dishes combining both traditional Chinese and word-class Western styles. Besides tasty food, you will have the chance to enjoy the cultural show in art and music.

• Indochina Junk (Le Perle de L’Orient) 

Price: 300.000 VND to 700.000 VND

Address: 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh street, Ward 12

From 2009, the Indochina Junk (La Perle de L’Orient) is a magnificent wooden yacht on the Saigon River. The cruise has 3 decks and can carry up to 200 guests

• Artisan Cruise 

Price: From USD $33 /adult

Address: 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh street, Ward 12

• Saigon River Boat – Private dinner 

Price: From USD $40 to $50

Address: 8A/11D1, Thai Van Lung Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

3. Riverside Restaurants

Along the banks of River, there are numerous restaurants and bars that offer both indoor and outdoor seating options. These establishments provide a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy a meal while overlooking the river. Whether you prefer traditional Vietnamese cuisine or international dishes, you can find a wide range of dining options to suit your preferences.

While dining at a riverside restaurant, you may also have the opportunity to admire some of Saigon’s iconic landmarks. Depending on the location, you might enjoy views of architectural marvels like the Bitexco Financial Tower, Saigon Opera House, or the Thu Thiem Bridge. The skyline during the evening adds a touch of enchantment to your dining experience.

Some famous restaurants on the Sai Gon riverside:

• The Deck Saigon

Location: 38 Nguyen U Di Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, HCMC

Opening hour: The Deck Saigon: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM/ The Deck Bar: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Price: 250.000 – 2.000.000 VND ($11 – $88)

Many people visit this restaurant in part for the meal and in part to take in the breathtaking air. The Deck mostly provides European cuisine, with its signature is seafood. The grilled seafood plate is The Deck’s best-selling item. With over 12 years of experience, the cooks wouldn’t let you down and might even surprise you with the caliber of their food.

• Blu Bar & Grill Riverside

Location: 53 Vo Truong Toan Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City

Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Price: 150 000 – 300 000 VND ($6.5 – $13)

From beef to seafood, Blu Bar & Grill delivers a variety of Western cuisine. The restaurant’s food is excellent, especially the Italian offerings. At least one pizza or plate of pasta are must-try here. The bar also offers a large selection of beverages, such as premium spirits, beers, mocktails, and cocktails.

• Bistro Song Vie

Location: 197/2 Nguyen Van Huong Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Price: 250,000 – 2,000,000 VND ($11 – $88)

The restaurant’s staff is highly professional, providing best quality ever regardless of peak or low seasons. It is also comfortable and cozy for an ideal date here. Their menu offer cuisines from Western to Asian dishes. Occasionally, the restaurant will hold a live music event.

3. Rooftop Restaurants and Bars

Besides. a lot of hotels and skyscrapers have rooftop restaurants and bars with panoramic views of the Saigon River. These locations provide an excellent atmosphere for dining, especially around dusk and in the evening. As you sip your dinner, gaze out over the river and the bustling city below and take in the gorgeous scenery. The vibrant atmosphere with stunning views, creates an ideal setting for conversations and gathering.

Some famous rooftop restaurants and bar for recommendation below:

• M Bar

Location: on top of the classic and luxurious Hotel Majestic Saigon

Opening Hour: 4:00 PM everyday

The M rooftop bar is a historic location, much like the hotel, although it renovations in 2018 and now features a fresh atmosphere and new decorations. An ideal location for a rooftop dinner or simply some evening cocktails. The spacious rooftop terrace includes bar stools and dining tables all around the edge, making it the ideal place to take in the panoramic views.

• Shri Restaurant and Lounge

Location: Centec Tower, 72 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, 6, 3, Hồ Chí Minh

Opening Hour: 4:00 PM everyday

The multi-concept restaurant up here has a dining area, a whiskey library, a lounge, a glasshouse,…

• The rooftop BBQ

Location: Mplaza, 39 Le Duan St, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Opening Hour: 4:00 PM everyday

Fantastic restaurant Rooftop BBQ is famous for the industrious Saigonese lifestyle. This American-style barbecue restaurant is an excellent option for large families or groups of friends with great food and beer.

The restaurant’s delicious imported drinks and artisanal beers take the cake and are one of the main reasons. The Rooftop BBQ is so loved amongst office workers and young crowds alike.

In general, a dining experience on the Saigon River offers a combination of delicious cuisine, mesmerizing views, and a unique atmosphere. Whether you choose a river cruise, a floating restaurant, or a riverside or rooftop establishment, it is sure to be a memorable experience. Furthermor, you can appreciate the beauty of Ho Chi Minh City from a different perspective, perfect choice for both family and couple romantic dates.