SAIGON RIVER: SEE THE CITY’S SKYSCRAPERS COME TO LIFE WITH BRILLIANT LIGHTS BY TAKING A RIVER CRUISE

The Saigon River, also known as “Song Sai Gon” had a significant impact on the history, culture, and tourism of Ho Chi Minh City. There are many chances to explore it.

Saigon River

See the city’s skyline come to life with brilliant lights by taking a leisurely river cruise. In addition, you can admire the magnificent architectural designs of well-known structures like the Saigon Opera House and the Bitexco Financial Tower. Savor delicious food at a floating restaurant where you can take in the serene atmosphere of the river and taste real Vietnamese cuisine. The Saigon River has plenty to offer everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just searching for something different.

1. Overview of Saigon River

The Saigon River, a tributary of the Dong Nai River, originates at Rach Cham in Loc Ninh District, Binh Phuoc Province, at an elevation of 150 meters. It traverses the boundary between Binh Phuoc and Tay Ninh provinces, flows through Dau Tieng Lake, and continues through Binh Duong Province before reaching Ho Chi Minh City. Serving as a natural border between Binh Duong Province and Ho Chi Minh City, the river converges with the Dong Nai River at Den Do Cape in Nha Be District, forming the Nha Be River. It then splits into two branches, Long Tau and Song Rap, before emptying into the sea in Can Gio District.

In its upper reaches, the Saigon River flows from south to north, while in its central and lower sections, it moves in a northwest-southeast direction. The river spans approximately 256 kilometers, with around 80 kilometers running through Ho Chi Minh City. It has an average flow of about 54 cubic meters per second. Within Ho Chi Minh City, the river varies in width from 225 to 370 meters and reaches depths of up to 20 meters, with a basin covering more than 5,000 square kilometers.

Due to its considerable depth, the Saigon River has long been suitable for accommodating large ships. Historically, it was a major transportation route for moving goods from southern Vietnam to the East Sea during the French colonial era.

A view of the Saigon River and Ho Chi Minh City

2. History of Saigon River

In the 17th century, when the Nguyen Dynasty established Gia Dinh Province (the former name of Ho Chi Minh City), the only access to this small region was by boat on the river, then known as Ben Ngu (now the Saigon River). The Nguyen court promoted trade in this area, turning Gia Dinh into one of the country’s primary ports due to its network of intersecting rivers and canals leading to the East Sea.

During that period, the main route to Gia Dinh from other regions was through the Can Gio waters into the Nha Be River. Ships would then turn right into the Ben Ngu River (now Saigon River) to reach Gia Dinh Province.

A Saigon River wharf in 1896

Saigon’s golden era spanned from the 18th century to the early 20th century when it became a premier commercial port in East Asia under French colonial rule. The Ben Ngu River (now Saigon River) hosted hundreds of ships from countries such as China, Malaysia, and even Europe. During this time, Nha Rong Port was constructed and became a crucial link in the trade route connecting Europe and Asia.

The term “Pearl of the Far East” was coined for Saigon during this era, reflecting the river’s vital role in shaping the city into the economic and cultural capital of French Indochina, competing with Singapore, a major British colony.

Today, the Saigon River continues to be a central part of the city’s identity, embodying its dynamic spirit and offering endless opportunities for exploration.

3. The highlights activities, experiences, and sightseeing in the Saigon River

A boat cruise on the Saigon River provides you with a unique view of the city and offers the opportunity to explore suburban areas or venture out to the Mekong Delta region.

3.1. Take a Boat Trip from the Saigon River to the Mekong Delta

Visitors can go on a river cruise from Saigon to the Mekong Delta, exploring the neighboring provinces of this lush region. This journey offers a chance to experience the warmth of the local people, serene landscapes, and delightful cuisine, creating lasting memories. Depending on your schedule, the trip can last from one day to several days, leaving you with memorable impressions of places like My Tho, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, and Can Tho.

For convenient travel between these destinations, taking a taxi is a recommended choice. Opting for XANH SM Taxi provides an eco-friendly transportation option, while Grab Car is another good choice. Pricing information is available on your app for transparency.

You can go on a tour to the Mekong Delta from the Saigon River

In addition to the Mekong Delta cruise, Saigon features numerous other attractions, including the Cu Chi Tunnels, Independence Palace, Landmark 81 building, Ben Thanh Market, and Thanh Da Peninsula.

3.2. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum at Nha Rong Port

A visit to the Saigon River would be incomplete without exploring the Ho Chi Minh Museum at Nha Rong Port, where you can delve into Vietnamese history.

This port is historically significant as it marks the departure point of a young Van Ba (later President Ho Chi Minh) who embarked on the ship Amirus Latouche Tréville from Saigon. His journey took him to various countries in search of ways to liberate the Vietnamese people from colonial rule. After traveling through France and other nations, he returned to Vietnam 30 years later to lead the fight for independence and overcome foreign invaders.

The museum houses numerous photographs and artifacts related to his revolutionary activities and is located in one of the first buildings constructed by the French in 1862, following their takeover of Saigon. The building, designed in a European style with traditional Vietnamese decorative elements, such as two dragons, reflects the fusion of architectural influences. This distinctive design is the reason behind the port’s name, Nha Rong Port.

Nha Rong Port – A place that preserves the great history of President Ho Chi Minh

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday.

Prices: from 20.000 to 65.000 VND/person (0.8 to 2.6 USD)

3.3. Enjoy a Dinner Cruise or Dine by the Riverside

Indulging in a luxurious dinner aboard a high-end yacht or at a riverside restaurant along the Saigon River promises to be a memorable experience. The evening becomes even more special when dining on one of the opulent boats available at Tourist Marina No. 1, near Saigon Port. Guests can select from ten different vessels, with prices ranging from 300,000 to 1,200,000 VND (12 to 48 USD) for Asian and European set menus.

The dinner cruise embarks from the port and meanders along the Saigon River, offering views of landmarks such as Nha Rong Port and Ben Nghe Port, and passing under the Saigon Bridge, where the Landmark 81 building gleams brightly. Throughout the voyage, guests are entertained by artistic performances, including live music and magic shows.

 After the cruise, the boat returns to Bach Dang Port, where visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street or savor a coffee at a nearby café.

3.4. Go on a River Cruise – A Must-Experience Activity

A luxurious cruise on a high-end vessel along the Saigon River is an essential experience for tourists in this vibrant city. During the cruise, you can unwind and enjoy the refreshing breeze while taking in views of skyscrapers, parks, verdant gardens, charming old houses, floating villages, and even floating markets along the river. Various cruise options are available throughout the day, with the Saigon Sunset Tour being a standout highlight.

As the sun sets, the sky transforms into hues of purple and pink, creating a breathtaking and unforgettable scene for visitors

3.5. Ride the Water Bus Along the Saigon River

Since its inception in 2017, the Saigon Water Bus service has become a favorite activity for tourists. The water buses operate daily from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, running between Bach Dang Port and five other ports across various city districts, including Binh An, Thanh Da, Binh Chanh, and Linh Dong. Each boat is equipped with 66 seats, and life jackets are stored under each seat. There is also an open area where passengers can enjoy the views along the journey.

To avoid weekend crowds, visitors are advised to use the water bus on weekdays. The best times to travel are in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler, with the opportunity to catch a picturesque sunset over the river.

The main departure point is Bach Dang Port located at No.2, Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1.

Water Bus night service: From 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Daily. The trip from Bach Dang Port to Linh Dong Port takes approximately 40 minutes, though a round trip can last up to 4 hours.

3.6. Try Paddleboarding on the Saigon River

Paddleboarding, or Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), offers both a fun water sport and a relaxing way to enjoy the Saigon River. It is suitable for all ages, it combines exercise with leisure, allowing you to stand on a board and paddle along the river. One of the highlights of paddleboarding is the chance to view Ho Chi Minh City from the heart of the Saigon River.

Paddleboarding has become increasingly popular among young people, with key spots in Phu My Hung, District 7, and Binh Quoi, Binh Thanh District, attracting many interests. In Phu My Hung, you can enjoy views of the lush greenery lining the riverbanks, while Binh Quoi offers a striking view of the Landmark 81 building.

Weekly tide forecasts are available to help plan your paddleboarding experience. Generally, the best time to enjoy paddleboarding on the Saigon River is between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM daily.

Experience paddleboarding on Saigon River

Prices: 450.000 to 550.000 VND (18 to 22 USD). First-time players will receive instructions on how to control the board and will be provided with all the necessary equipment.

4. Tips when visiting Saigon River

Ticket Prices:

-Saigon Water Bus: Tickets typically range from 15,000 to 50,000 VND, depending on the route and duration. Prices are often displayed at the ticket counter or on the Water Bus website.

-Boat Cruises: Prices for boat cruises can vary widely based on the type of cruise and amenities. Expect to pay between 300,000 and 1,200,000 VND for a standard cruise, with luxury options costing more.

-Private Boat Rentals: The cost for renting a private boat can vary significantly based on size, duration, and service level. It’s advisable to check with local operators for specific pricing.

Best time to go: Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times for river tours to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. The sunset cruise is particularly recommended for its scenic beauty.

Dress Comfortably: Wear light, comfortable clothing and sunscreen, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors.

Bring Essentials: Don’t forget to carry essentials like water, a hat, and a camera to capture the beautiful views and experiences along the river.