River tourism in Ho Chi Minh City: water bus and dinner cruise

(Source: vtv.vn)

The Saigon River is a historic waterway that rises at Rach Cham, in the former province of Binh Phuoc. It flows through three provinces: Binh Phuoc (now Dong Nai), Tay Ninh and Ho Chi Minh City. It also forms the natural border between Vietnam and Cambodia. Cruises on the Saigon River are a unique attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. From the river, visitors can admire many historic and modern sights, such as Nha Rong wharf, Ben Nghe port, Phu My bridge, the red lighthouse, the Binh Khanh ferry terminal and more. Many excursions are available using different means of transport: buses, cruise boats, dugout canoes or sightseeing boats, allowing visitors to enjoy the charm and liveliness of the river.

(Source: Lê Toàn)

4 must-do experiences on the Saigon River

– A water bus trip on the Saigon River: an unforgettable experience

Guide price: Saigon River water bus tickets cost just 15,000 VND per journey. Book online or buy directly at the pier.

Features: The water buses run on two routes (day and night), from 8.30 am to 10 pm, from various piers. Departures every 30 minutes to one hour. The boats have 66 seats, air conditioning, toilets and electronic information panels.

Highlights: Discover many points of interest along the Saigon River, such as the Bach Dang and Binh An wharves, the Thanh Da peninsula, the Binh Quoi tourist area, the Giga Mall shopping centre and the Landmark 81 tower. You can also enjoy a night cruise on the Saigon River to admire the city lights, or take part in the many activities and visit the restaurants around the piers.

– Dinner and sightseeing in Saigon aboard a cruise boat

Guide price: A dinner cruise in Saigon costs from 260,000 to 860,000 VND depending on the type of boat, the menu and the time. You can book your tickets online or by phone.

Features: Many cruises are available in Saigon, ranging from 3-star to 5-star cruises, including buffet cruises, set-menu cruises, moored cruises and sailing cruises. Dinner usually lasts 2 to 3 hours, starting at 6.30 pm or 7.30 pm. Boarding usually takes place at Bach Dang wharf or the port of Saigon.

Highlights: A cruise is a unique and romantic travel experience, giving you the opportunity to admire the magnificent illuminated city of Saigon from the river. You can enjoy a varied cuisine, listen to live music and capture these moments with your loved ones. Recommended reputable cruise companies:

• Saigon Princess Cruise: 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh street, Ho Chi Minh City

• Indochina Queen Cruise: Indochina Sailing Office, 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh street, Ho Chi Minh City

• Hon Ngoc Vien Dong Cruise: 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh street, Ho Chi Minh City

• Elisa Saigon Cruise: 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh street, Ho Chi Minh City

– A cruise on the Saigon River to Can Gio

Guide price: Tickets for a cruise on the Saigon River cost from 170,000 to 240,000 VND per journey.

Features: The cruise on the Saigon River to Can Gio is an attractive, convenient and fast form of river tourism. The boat trip takes about an hour. The high-speed boat is fully equipped: air conditioning, television, cameras, Wi-Fi, fire alarm and life jackets. In addition to its 96 spacious seats, the boat also has a VIP lounge for 10 people and a minibar.

Highlight: Admire the magnificent scenery of the Saigon River, the Soai Rap estuary and the East Sea. Enjoy leisure activities such as photography, swimming, boating, fishing, and visits to the mangrove forest, Monkey Island and the Sac forest museum…

– Discover the Saigon River aboard a double-decker boat.

Guide price: A day trip on a double-decker boat in Saigon costs from 150,000 to 250,000 VND per person. The price includes lunch or dinner on board, drinks and taxes. Book your tickets online or through reputable travel agencies.

Features: This double-decker boat with its modern, luxurious design can accommodate 40 to 100 passengers. The upper deck, air-conditioned and equipped with a sound system, lighting and staff service, offers a dining and entertainment area. The second deck is a panoramic area with seating, an awning and a bar. The boat is equipped with a complete safety and rescue system.

Highlights: Admire the beauty of Saigon from the river and discover the harmony between tradition and modernity, between calm and bustle. Capture these moments with souvenir photos in front of magnificent scenery such as the Thu Thiem tunnel, Nha Rong wharf, the Mong bridge, Phu My bridge…

A cruise on the Saigon River is an attractive and original travel option. Enjoy the river, admire the panoramic view of the city, visit historic and cultural sites and savour delicious cuisine on board. For an even fuller trip, don’t miss the colourful and thrilling experiences of Grand Park, the city’s new entertainment hub:

• Have fun at the Tropical Island water park with its more than 20 world-famous attractions, take on Tsunami Bay and go kayaking right in the heart of the city.

• Dive into the Garden of Dreams with thrilling rides such as the Spring Swing Carousel, the Extraordinary Adventure, the Super-Speed Spinning Disc and the Hammer Game.

• Enjoy the virtual experience. Fifteen illuminated trees offer a magical setting for an unforgettable stop.

• Shop to your heart’s content and savour a varied cuisine.

Important information:

• Book your tickets at least one day in advance to guarantee your place and choose your seat.

• Arrive at the pier at least 15 minutes early for boarding formalities.

• Keep an eye on the weather; bring a jacket or an umbrella if necessary.

• Follow the safety instructions on board; climbing and running are prohibited.

• Check the boat timetables and book your Saigon River cruise tickets before you set off.

• Bring your identity documents and your e-ticket when boarding.

(Article source: https://vinwonders.com/vi/wonderpedia/news/du-lich-song-sai-gon/)