Saigon River

Booking a riverboat for exploring Thanh Da Peninsula happens to be one of the most exciting activities on the Saigon River for a first time visitor. Getting to see the dense Mangrove Forest of Can Gio is in high demand while the boats travel further to the Cu Chi tunnels that are hidden from public view. However, visitors aspiring for more can also make use of the cruise boats to reach Vung Tau and explore the Mekong Delta in all its glory.

Saigon River Tour Costs
An all day cruise costs VND 1,136,579 while a more extensive touring of the Delta is priced at VND 2,597,896. Exploring the Gio Bio reserve via a luxury boat is an opportunity the few tourists miss as it comes at an affordable rate of VND 2,607,890. Sunset cruises at VND 8,048,838 are much in demand with honeymooners cherishing the moments of togetherness while watching the sun go down in the Saigon River. However, families and local groups usually prefer going for a  BBQ picnic to Nha Trang Island in exchange for VND 2,273,159.

The entire city presents a different picture over Saigon River at night. The hustle bustle of Ho Chi Minh city fades to give rise to a calm and peaceful atmosphere with only the lights and the red lanterns piercing the darkness. A walk by the Saigon River at night is definitely an experience of a nighttime and perfect for enjoying the solitude and for the romantic couples, eager to learn more about their partners. However, there are numerous night time cruises available for visitors who do not want to take the long road back home on foot. One can enjoy an hour on the Saigon River at night by paying as little as VND 4639100. Dining at the river restaurants or watching live entertainment aboard the floating hotels makes the night come alive for the tourists to see the best side of Vietnam after sundown.

Saigon River flows past the busy Ho Chi Minh City and can be reached by taking Bus No. 152 from the Tan Son Nhat Airport by paying VND 5,000 for the ticket and an additional VND 5,000 for luggage. Bus No. 190 or 49 also travels to the city center but charges VND 20,000 per passenger. Metered taxis charge around VND 120,000 for taking their charges to District 1 and up to the banks of the river in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Saigon River played an important role in the expansion and development of the 17th century village, Gia Dinh village which later became known as Saigon. It was the only route of passage for the travelers and traders in the ancient times. The village grew in importance after becoming one of the leading ports in the region a century later. Exports and imports from faraway lands such as Malaysia, China, and even Portugal  reaped the benefits of the trade by loading their respective ships and boats high with the Vietnamese agricultural products as well as raw silk. However, it was the French Colonists who took the initiative of constructing a port on the river, causing the tiny city to develop rapidly and flourish under the French rule. The primacy of the Saigon River remains unchanged today with more than 70 million Vietnamese population being dependent on the river for their livelihood. The tourists are unable to bypass the river as well as it remains the only route for accessing the Mekong Delta, Cu Chi tunnels as well as the numerous concealed canals connected to the river.

Apart from the dinner cruises and floating restaurants, there are a number of eateries serving hot, piping meals as well as snacks and beverages along the Saigon riverfront. The quaint lanes nearby also house multiple restaurants that offer Continental, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines to the tourists. The best places to eat while enjoying a stroll along the river or before taking a tour includes the M. Bar that offers top quality cocktails and Western fare. Customers may find it a bit pricey but the spectacular view of the Saigon River in the forefront makes every VND worth it. The Majestic Restaurant serves food on its roof and the visitors recommend the Asian dishes of this restaurant wholeheartedly. One can certainly experience the Vietnamese coffee culture by stopping at Phuc Long Coffee & Tea Cafe for a cup of coffee and assorted snacks.

1. Binh Quoi Tourist Village

The Binh Quoi Tourist Village set up in the Thanh Da Peninsula was an effort made by the Vietnamese Government to encourage ore tourism in the nation. Spread across two different sections, this tourist village offers a view into the rich heritage and past of traditional Vietnam. The visitors can get to enjoy a respite from the crowded city amidst lush greenery and serene environment where almost everything has been recreated to represent the bygone era. Playing sports, picnicking and wandering about in the park are enjoyable activities here while many of the tourists remain enthralled by the spectacular cultural events put up by local artists. However, the "Southern reclaiming cuisine" served traditionally on leaf places within the bamboo huts is something to look forward to during weekends.

2. Thu Thiem Tunnel

Thu Thiem Tunnel is an underwater tunnel also known as the Saigon river tunnel. It is a part of the East-West Highway Project of Vietnam and constructed exclusively to solve the transportation issues encountered by the Vietnamese people. It is an important landmark that connects the District 1 & District 2 of Ho Chi Minh City. However, it is also one of the most popular sightseeing areas with the tourists being taken through the tunnel to access the other side of the Saigon River.

3. Binh Trieu Bridge

This is a long road bridge of about 20 KM that crosses the Saigon River at Ho Chi Minh City to Thu Dau Mot on the otherwise. The bridge sees heavy traffic with transport vehicles of all shapes and sizes crossing it regularly. However, the tourists visiting Vietnam make use of this bridge to cross the river in order to visit the 400 year old ancient Ba Pagoda.

• It is best to book cruises and tours well in advance in order to avoid being disappointment
• Traveling to parks and other public places alone during the night is not recommended
• Carrying small change in coins is necessary for catching the ferry services
• Mosquito repellant is a necessity

Saigon River flows through the heart of the modern Ho Chi Minh City and serves as the main source of water for the 3,500,000 strong inhabitants of the city. It has a number of interesting locales along its banks that regale the tourists. Boat cruises along the river is a popular activity and the best way to discover the appeal of the river.

Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City make sure to contact the local tour operators for booking cruises on the Saigon River. Almost all of them offer charters for both single individuals and families with the bigger cruise boats being reserved for large groups of tourists who aspire to see the best of the city from within a modern, refurbished boat.

1. Bonsai Cruise - Dinner Cruise on the Saigon River

Timings: 6:00 PM - 9:15 PM,
Cost:
Adult: VND 1,090,376.50,
Child (6-12 years): VND 556,788

The ancient city of Saigon comes to the forefront once the guests step aboard the Bonsai Cruise boat. The food is exemplary in taste with the wonderful cuisine of Vietnam showcased with style. From fresh seafood to grilled delicacies and exciting cocktails, this cruise is a gourmand's delight. A brainchild of several dedicated professionals, the Bonsai Cruise offers the best that Vietnam has to offer. Visitors are required to make reservations in advance for experiencing the offbeat dining experience at the heart of the Saigon River.

2. La Perle de l'Orient Dinner Cruise

Timings: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM,
Cost: VND 881,581 onwards

La Perle de l'Orient is a floating restaurant and dinner cruise on Saigon River, with the venue being a wooden boat capable of holding around 200 guests. The twinkling lights of Ho Chi Minh City can be observed from its deck with the management offering folk music recitals and dance performances on board. The menu is exhaustive with 7 courses being served to the guests who are picked from their hotel and taken to the Bach Dang harbor for boarding the ship. They are enthralled by the dinner and entertained by the live performances for duration of 4 hours when the ship returns to the harbor and the guests are dropped off to their hotels.

3. Elisa Floating Restaurant

Timings: 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM,
Cost: VND 2,000,000 for each set of menu

Elise Floating Restaurant is a floating restaurant replete with sails on the Saigon River. It can be found anchored at the Saigon Port in Ho Chi Minh City. It is indeed huge with the capacity of accommodating over 1000 guests at a time. With an impressive decor and elegance that makes it the best floating restaurant across Asia, this is a coveted area of dining for the international tourists who aspire to get a fling of home while in Vietnam. The diners are thrilled to find Asian, Vietnamese and European dishes on its menu. It has been recognized as the top restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City for three consecutive years.