The Saigon River in Vietnam holds a significant place in the growth and evolution of Ho Chi Minh City in Southeast Asia. The river is essential for Ho Chi Minh City because it provides the city's main water source. Additionally, it's where Saigon Port is located. In 2006, the port handled a lot of cargo – more than 35 million metric tons.

You can explore the river and engage in various activities along its banks, which offer an enjoyable experience and provide a deeper understanding of Vietnam. Immerse yourself in beautiful scenic views, interact with locals, savor authentic cuisine, and delve into the rich history to enhance your overall encounter with the essence of Vietnam.

To ease your trip to the Saigon River in Vietnam, we have created a guide that includes a list of activities and transportation options.

Many exciting activities you can do in Saigon River. For some activities, you need to buy the tickets on the spot. Meanwhile, you can buy the Saigon WaterGo and Saigon Water Bus tickets via Traveloka. Here are some interesting and fun activities you can do in Saigon River:

Hop aboard the double-decker boat cruising along the Saigon River from 5 to 9 pm, offering fantastic views of the city during the sunset and evening hours. Experience a two-story boat with an open upper deck providing a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city. Sail past iconic landmarks such as Nha Rong Wharf, Bitexco building, Landmark 81, Thu Thiem 2 bridge, and other riverside buildings. Treat yourself to a drink from the onboard bar as you enjoy the sights. The journey is made comfortable with padded seats and clear aisles, ensuring an uninterrupted and pleasant experience.

Experience a scenic journey along the Saigon River with the Saigon Waterbus to experience the beauty of Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy the stunning view during sunset, with skyscrapers along the riverside shining brightly. Sit comfortably on the open deck, taking in the panoramic cityscape. This waterbus conveniently connects District 1 to various parts of the city, including Thanh Da Peninsula and Thao Dien in Thu Duc City. To secure a seat and redeem your ticket promptly, make sure to arrive 10–20 minutes before your chosen departure time. For a more enjoyable experience, you can book your Waterbus tickets here, which are exclusively available on Traveloka.

Try paddleboarding down the Saigon River! It's a fun water sport for all ages, and many young people are getting into it. You can do this in places like Phu My Hung, District 7, and Binh Quoi, Binh Thanh District. Enjoy your leisure walk in Phu My Hung, while in Binh Quoi, you get a spectacular view of Landmark 81. Check the tide forecast every week, and the best times are usually before 9 am and after 4 pm.

Saigon is a city that never sleeps, especially at night. If you're looking for a place with good food in a romantic atmosphere, try a dinner cruise on the Saigon River. Many cruises serve delicious dishes from Vietnam and other countries. You can also enjoy traditional music and dance on the cruise while seeing the city at night. You can take a package from a Ho Chi Minh City private tour to have a dinner buffet on the cruise. The package usually includes transportation from a specified meeting spot and a dinner buffet. The beverages are not included in this package, so you should prepare extra money for it. Or you can simply choose a restaurant by the river for a nice dinner.

Don't forget to visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum at Nha Rong Port during your Saigon River tour to see a glimpse of Vietnamese history. Van Ba (later President Ho Chi Minh) started his journey on this port operating a ship called Amiral Latouche Tréville from Saigon to other countries. He stopped in France and many other places, returning to Vietnam 30 years later to lead the revolution for independence. The museum has many images and objects related to his revolutionary career. It's open from 7.30 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Experience a memorable and beautiful cruise along the Saigon River aboard a double-decker boat operating hourly from 5 to 9 pm, offering amazing views during the golden sunset and into the sparkling evening. The boat has two floors, and the top one lets you see the whole city in every direction. You'll pass by famous places like Nha Rong Wharf, Bitexco Building, Landmark 81, and Thu Thiem 2 Bridge along the river. Grab a drink from the onboard bar, sit on comfy seats, and enjoy the ride with a clear view all around. It's a relaxed and fun journey!

You can book The Saigon River Sightseeing ticket provided by Saigon WaterGo in Traveloka. The ticket price may vary depending on the seat position and the timing. The price here could be changed at any time, so it is advisable to check Traveloka’s Saigon River Sightseeing ticket page frequently.

The Saigon River is located in the southern part of Vietnam that rises near Phum Daung in southeastern Cambodia. It travels approximately 230 km in a south and southeast direction before joining the Nhà Bè River. Ultimately, the Nhà Bè River flows into the South China Sea around 20 km northeast of the Mekong Delta.

Getting to the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City depends on your starting point. Here are some general directions from key areas in the city:

The airport is about 6 kilometers from the city center. Then, you can take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or a shuttle bus to reach the Saigon River.

If you're in District 1, which is the central business and entertainment district, you can take taxis and ride-sharing services that are readily available. Or you can consider walking, especially if you are near the riverside.

District 2 is located across the river from District 1. You can cross the Saigon River via a bridge or tunnel using a taxi, motorbike, or private vehicle.

Saigon Water Bus: Public boats operate on the Saigon River, connecting District 1 and District 2. Check the schedule for the nearest water bus station. Regular buses also run through various parts of the city and may pass by areas close to the river.

Apps like Grab or Gojek are popular in Ho Chi Minh City. You can easily request a ride to take you to a specific location along the Saigon River.

If you are in the central areas like District 1, consider walking or renting a bicycle to explore the riverbanks.

Take a ferry from District 1 to Thu Thiem, which is located on the opposite side of the river. This provides a unique and scenic way to cross the Saigon River.

Consider the current traffic conditions, and remember that Ho Chi Minh City can be busy with motorbike traffic. Choose the mode of transportation that suits your preferences and location within the city. Additionally, consider checking for any local transportation updates or changes in routes.

Get ready for an amazing journey along the Saigon River! Booking your flights, activities, and a comfy place to stay is super easy with Traveloka – the travel friend you can trust. Especially when you want to enjoy the Saigon River sightseeing by boat. Just use their easy website or app to plan your trip hassle-free. They've got great deals and make sure your journey is smooth and fun. Don't miss out on the adventure – let Traveloka help you make your Saigon River dream trip come true!