The Saigon River has nourished Ho Chi Minh City (or Sai Gon) for over three centuries. While the city has become one of the most dynamic in the region, the river, like a giant mirror, has reflected all the city’s ups and downs throughout its history. The river truly holds the soul of the city in a sense that few visitors would want to miss the opportunity to explore.
Introduction to the Saigon River
When mentioning the Saigon River, many people use the phrase “boats on the docks, ships below” to describe the bustling scene of trade at Indochina’s most famous port 100 years ago. The Saigon River has a total length of approximately 256km, with about 80km flowing within Ho Chi Minh City.
Beyond its international trade hub, the Saigon River is also home to the Ba Son shipyard, a renowned shipbuilding and repair brand in Vietnam for many years. Through the ups and downs of history and various stages of national development, the Saigon River retains its unique beauty, a blend of poetic charm and the grandeur of Ho Chi Minh City’s largest river.
Today, the Saigon River is also known as a favorite check-in spot for tourists when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Besides its picturesque riverside scenery surrounded by glittering skyscrapers, the Saigon River today is heavily invested in tourism development, with many Saigon River cruises and dinner tours organized and enthusiastically received by tourists.
Unmissable Experiences when Travelling on the Saigon River
Presently, the Saigon River wraps around the city, except that it is a silk scarf, nurturing its residents. The river serves as a big breathing machine for the city as it sends breezes from the East Sea to relieve city stress and provides beautiful views. In fact, visitors can participate in many outdoor recreational opportunities along the river. Here are some unmissable experiences for Indian tourists when visiting the Saigon River, collected by Vietnamtour.in experts:
Experience Saigon Waterbus
The Saigon River Bus service, operating since 2017, is one of the most popular activities for tourists when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. The river bus runs from Bach Dang Wharf to 5 other wharves in different districts of the city: Binh An, Thanh Da, Hiep Binh Chanh, and Linh Dong.
A Saigon River Bus tour is a great opportunity to leisurely explore the city and admire its landmarks. Each trip has 66 seats with a life vest. There is an open section for passengers to enjoy the scenery along the way. Depending on the sunlight, you can be inspired to take fantastic photographs of the trendy interior at the Saigon Waterbus. As well as that, you can take photos of the spectacular river during sunset.
Also, if you take a night trip on the Saigon River Bus, not only will you be able to see the bright lights of the city lights, feel the fresh river breeze and relax after a long day of touring or working, but on every stop, the Waterbus will also allow you to take souvenir photos with hassle-free staff who are always so friendly and helpful.
-
Opening Hours: The Saigon River bus operates daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Monday to Friday) and from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays).
-
Ticket Price: 15,000 VND (51 INR)/person/one-way trip and 30,000 VND (102 INR)/person/round-trip ticket. The fare for the Saigon River’s Waterbus service is the same for all piers in the city. Tickets for the Saigon Waterbus are offered free of charge to seniors aged 70 and above, individuals with disabilities, military veterans, and infants under the age of 1.
Enjoy a Luxury and Romantic Dinner on a Cruise Ship
For a luxury and romantic experience on the Saigon River, dining on board a cruise ship is a must-try. The cost for dinner cruises starts from 400,000 VND (1368 INR) and goes up to 850,000 VND (2907 INR), depending on which type of ship and menu you choose.
Dinner is served between 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM. The atmosphere is very romantic with stars shining above, a gentle breeze blowing across the river, and relaxing music being played. Popular cruise companies sụch as Saigon Princess, Ben Thanh Princess, and Indochina Queen offer many different dining choices, from Asian to European cuisine, including vegetarian dishes for every kind of palate.
Artistic performances, including music, magic shows, and variety acts, will provide entertainment throughout the trip. The ship will take you back to Bach Dang Port, from where you can stroll along Nguyen Hue pedestrian street or enjoy a drink at a nearby bar.
SUP Paddle on the Saigon River
For those who love exercise and want to immerse themselves in nature, SUP paddling on the Saigon River is a fun option. The price for this Saigon River tour ranges from 260,000 to 650,000 VND (889 to 2223 INR). The experience lasts approximately 2-3 hours, usually taking place in the early morning or afternoon.
SUP paddling not only helps improve health but also provides a relaxing feeling as you float leisurely on the water, watching the vibrant sunset reflected on the river. However, for safety, visitors should wear appropriate sportswear, a life jacket, and listen to instructions before starting the trip.
Enjoy a Scenic Cruise on the Saigon River from a Double-decker Boat
Typical of a double-decker boat tour, the first deck is reserved for dining and entertainment purposes, while the open-air, second deck is primarily for sightseeing. Throughout the ride, passengers can enjoy incredible views of well-known attractions such as the Bitexco Financial Tower and Landmark 81, as well as Vietnam’s First Commercial Port – Nha Rong – which provides passengers with plenty of opportunities to take amazing pictures.
Double-decker boat tour ticket prices along the Saigon River average anywhere between 150,000 to 250,000 VND (513 to 855 INR) per person. A typical double-decker boat ride takes about two to three hours to complete and gives people an incredible overview of the stunning beauty of Ho Chi Minh City from above.
Fascinating Nearby Saigon River Attractions
Spanning an area of up to 80km along the Saigon River, there are countless fascinating attractions that you shouldn’t miss, such as:
Starlight Bridge
Located in the urban area of Phu My Bay, the Star Light Bridge has a stunning night view with a dazzling number of LED lights, among other features of the bridge lit under a brilliant contrast of colours in the evening. The pedestrian walkway is illuminated with thousands of stars forming a glowing galaxy, giving an amazing and romantic view of the surrounding area.
The ends of the bridge are designed with imagery of both the moon and the sun, providing the perfect setting for photos. An excellent place for those wishing to unwind in a peaceful environment and take a romantic walk along the banks of the Saigon River at night.
Thu Thiem Bridge
The Thu Thiem Bridge, situated in the Saigon River portion of Ho Chi Minh City, connects District 1 and District 2. It is seen as a new landmark for Ho Chi Minh City, and it overlooks the entire Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon River area. The lights on buildings surrounding the bridge and along the Saigon River at night are an ideal opportunity to take photos in street photography style.
Binh Quoi Tourist Area
Binh Quoi Tourist Area is made up of three separate tourist villages located in the Binh Thanh District. Each of the three tourist villages is named Binh Quoi 1, Binh Quoi 2, and Binh Quoi 3. The tourist zone itself can be easily reached by crossing the Thanh Da Bridge and proceeding toward the area.
When you first arrive at the Binh Quoi Tourist Area, you will instantly notice the “countryside” charm of the Mekong Delta. There are lots of natural beauty elements within the area, along with many cultural elements associated with village life that cannot be found anywhere in congested metropolitan cities. Once at Binh Quoi 2, you can also see the serene and boundless flow of the Saigon River and feel the gentle breezes coming from it.
One of the most attractive features is that entrance to the Binh Quoi 1 tourist area is free. You just need to pay for the extra service, such as the buffet fee.
Bach Dang Wharf Park
Bach Dang Wharf Park has 18,600m2 of space in two different parts: the area around the flagpole of Thu Ngu and the non-flagpole part. The first Thu Ngu flagpole was built in October 1865, right at the point where Ben Nghe Canal meets the Saigon River across from Nha Rong Wharf. The flagpole acted as an engineering structure that indicated when boats could enter or leave Nha Rong Port and indicated the safe place for boats on the Saigon River to stop to avoid being lost in Can Gio or around Vung Tau.
The layout of the park is inspired by the lotus flower and has soft carpet-like lawns shaped like lotus petals, and grey-coloured stone paved paths. There are many large cafes along the entire length of Bach Dang Wharf Park, making it a popular place for family gatherings and a lovely place for couples to enjoy time together.
Thu Thiem Tunnel Park
The Thu Thiem Tunnel Park is a popular weekend destination for a lot of young people. The park’s embankment lies beside the Saigon River, where visitors can enjoy the refreshing breezes that blow from this body of water. Because of this, you’ll find a number of roadside stalls selling excellent street food, a great spot to meet up and enjoy conversation with your friends. Additionally, the magnificent and romantic sunsets experienced at the Thu Thiem Tunnel Park make it a fantastic location for capturing artistic photographs.
Best Time to Visit the Saigon River
The ideal time to visit the Saigon River is based on the weather in Ho Chi Minh City. Normally, the period from January to April is the dry season in Ho Chi Minh City, with cool weather and temperatures ranging from 25 to 32°C, not too humid, and gentle river breezes, which is considered the most comfortable time.
1-Day Suggested Itinerary Along the Saigon River
If you only have one day in Ho Chi Minh City, the best way is to divide your itinerary into two distinct halves: explore the city’s rhythm during the day, and spend the evening on the Saigon River, where the city slows down and becomes more tranquil as the sun sets.
-
Morning
On the first morning of your itinerary in Ho Chi Minh City, you can start your visit to District 1, where most of the tourist attractions are located. It will be a short walk to Bach Dang Wharf, where you can relax and enjoy being along the Saigon River early in the morning. After that, visit and explore the Landmark 81 Building with numerous entertainment options, such as SkyView, Vincom Ice Rink, Infinity pool, etc.
-
Afternoon
Around the time of late afternoon, go towards the river to admire the sunset. This is also the time of the day when the Saigon River is most picturesque, with the sunlight gleaming and casting reflections of the buildings on the surface of the water. A walk along the river, taking pictures of the towering skylines, is indeed time well spent.
-
Evening
As the sun sets over the horizon on the Saigon River, you can go for a river dinner cruise to relax after a long day of sightseeing and touring. You will get to enjoy a delicious and romantic meal aboard your boat in a calm atmosphere, watch the city come alive with the evening lights, and pass underneath some of the city’s most beautiful illuminated bridges. It is truly an experience that will be very different from what you would have during the day in Saigon.
The itinerary below is just a suggestion. If you want a more relaxed and convenient Ho Chi Minh trip with a customized journey including the Saigon River, joining a package tour from reputable agencies like Vietnamtour.in is a suitable option.
Worth Considering Hotel Along the Saigon River
Staying near the Saigon River will be convenient for travelers who love open air, easy evening walks, or conveniently taking part in riverside activities. Here are some hotels along the Saigon River that are favoured by a lot of Indian tourists during their trips with Vietnamtour.in for you to consider:
-
Villa Song Saigon – 4 stars
This hotel is located right on the riverfront in the area of Thao Dien and offers a quiet atmosphere, away from the city center. It’s ideal for guests who want a laid-back holiday and a romantic atmosphere.
-
Bay Hotel Saigon – 4 stars
Bay Hotel Saigon is situated near Ton Duc Thang Street. It is within walking distance of the riverside area. An excellent location for a one-day city tour.
-
Sheraton Saigon – 5 stars
This hotel is right on Dong Khoi – Ton Duc Thang street, and it only takes a few minutes to walk to the waterfront area. It’s a good hotel for people who like to stay in the heart of the city but also want to be close to the Saigon River.
-
Rex Hotel HCMC – 5 stars
Even though it is not directly located along the riverbank, it is situated very close to Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Bach Dang Wharf. Access to the Saigon River at night is quite convenient from here.
Things to Know before Visiting the Saigon River
To have an enjoyable experience on the Saigon River, please note the following:
-
To really experience the Saigon River, you should consider taking a walk along its shores instead of a quick photo stop. Taking a slow walk will allow you to experience the rhythm of life, especially during the late afternoon.
-
Watching the sunset over the Saigon River typically requires a clear sky. It might not be the best sight after heavy rainfall, but you can easily switch to an evening experience.
-
For those dining on the boat, it would be a good idea to plan their dinner earlier, arriving 20 to 30 minutes before the departure time. This way, they can have ample opportunity to select their comfortable places to sit.
-
When going with family or a large group, it might be a great idea to include a river walk towards the end of the day. This is because a river walk setting promotes relaxation of the whole group after visiting popular destinations.
-
There are many places to eat around the area of the Saigon River, including vegetarian restaurants that are good options for vegetarians and Indian visitors. For directions to nearby restaurants, you may ask at the reception in your hotel.
Conclusion
Above is some basic information about the Saigon River and the exciting experiences associated with this iconic river of Ho Chi Minh City. After reading this, are you eager to visit this river immediately? If so, quickly contact us to start your exciting Vietnam journey with Vietnamtour.in now!
Click to rate this post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]