Saigon River – where the river lives the city

The Saigon river has been nurturing Saigon (or Ho Chi Minh City) for over 3 centuries. While the city has become one of the most dynamic cities in the region, the river, like a giant mirror, has reflected all the ups and downs of the city throughout history. The river indeed holds the soul of the city in some sense, which few visitors will miss a chance to explore.

Where does the river come from and where it goes

Saigon river is a tributary of Dong Nai river, which starts in Cham stream at the altitude of 150 metres in a district of Binh Phuoc province. The river then flows through the border of Binh Phuoc and Tay Ninh provinces, passing the infamous Dau Tieng lake, then runs through Binh Duong province and to Saigon. It acts as a natural border between Binh Duong province and Ho Chi Minh City. The river merges with Dong Nai river at Den Do cape in Nha Be district of Ho Chi Minh city to form Nha Be river, which then divides into two branches namely Long Tau and Soai Rap before pouring into the sea at Can Gio district. 

At the upstream, Saigon river runs from south to north while at the middle and end, it runs in the northwest - southeast direction. For the total length of 256 kilometres, 80 kilometres of which runs through Ho Chi Minh City. The average water flow is around 54 cubic metres per second. In Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon River has a width of 225 metres to 370 metres and a depth of up to 20 metres. With such a depth in such a large area, Saigon river can host the operations of ships of various sizes. Hence, it used to be the main route for transportation from Southern Vietnam to the East Sea in the French colonial period.

Back to the history

The history of many big cities all around the world has been associated with rivers like the Seine river in Paris, the Thames river in London, the Red river in Hanoi, Hudson river in NYC, Yarra river in Melbourne and so on.. Similarly, Ho Chi Minh City has the Saigon river zigzagging through its history. 

In the 17th century, when Gia Dinh province (the then name of Ho Chi Minh City) was established by the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), the only way to reach the small land was sailing on Ben Nghe river (the then name of Saigon River). The ruling dynasty then developed trading in the area, where Gia Dinh became one of the main ports in the country thanks to the system of interlaced rivers and canals near the East Sea. At that time, the main route to Gia Dinh from other areas was sailing through the Can Gio sea area to Nha Be river, where ships turned right into Ben Nghe river to head to Gia Dinh province.

Between the 18th century to the first half of the 20th century, when the city became the first trade port in the Far East under the French colonial era, Ben Nghe river received hundreds of ships from foreign countries like the neighbouring China, Malaysia, and farther from Europe. Nha Rong port was built at that time, which acted as a crucial stop in the trading routes linking Europe and Asia. Over time, Saigon river has taken a more important role in various angles of society. The present Saigon river bears the soul of an energetic city, which contains many things to explore.

Interesting activities for tourists on and along Saigon river

Today, Saigon river embraces the city like a silk scarf, pampering the people living in the metropolitan city. The river, like a big lung for the city, eases urban pressure with fresh air from the East Sea and romantic landscapes. Visitors, in fact, can enjoy numerous activities along the river though. 

Experience Water Bus along Saigon River

The Water Bus service, which has been operated since 2017, has been among the top activities preferred by visitors. The water bus runs between 8.30am and 6.00pm from Bach Dang wharf to five other docks in various districts of the city namely Binh An, Thanh Da, Hiep Binh Chanh, and Linh Dong.

Each bus contains 66 seats with a life vest under each seat. There is a part without a roof for tourists to see landscapes along the trip.

Visitors are advised to take the water bus trip during weekdays to avoid crowds on weekends. The ideal time for such a trip is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it is cooler. Visitors can see the sunset on the river late in the afternoon. 

There are water buses at night between 5.00pm and 9.00pm every day as well. It takes around 15 minutes for a bus trip from Bach Dang to Binh An Dock. Meanwhile, a round-trip may last up to 45 minutes.

Take a cruise tour 

A river cruise is highly recommended to visitors to this busy city. During the Saigon river boat tour, you may have a relaxing time immersing in cool gusts of wind in an immense space while looking at skyscrapers, parks, lush gardens, small and old houses in floating villages, and even floating markets along the river.

There are different short tours during the day, the highlight of which is the Ho Chi Minh Sunset Cruise Tour. At twilight, the scenery is amazingly dyed with purple and pink, which surely will be a memorable impression to tourists.

Enjoy a dinner cruise 

The cruise at sunset will be even greater if you have dinner on one of the most high-end boats along Saigon river. You can choose a boat among ten of its kind at Tourism Boat Dock No.1 near Saigon Port (District 4). The price ranges from VND350,000 to VND1,000,000 for either Asian and European menus.

The Saigon river dinner cruise will depart from the port along Saigon river, passing Nha Rong Port and Ben Nghe Port, and through Saigon Bridge. An art show of music and magic performances will entertain customers during the trip. The boat brings tourists back to Bach Dang Port, from where you can take a stroll along Nguyen Hue pedestrian zone or have a drink at a nearby bar.

Strolling along Bach Dang wharf park

Bach Dang wharf park has an area of ​​18,600 square metres, divided into 2 areas: the Thu Ngu flagpole area and the remaining area. Thu Ngu flagpole was first built in October 1865 at the intersection of Ben Nghe canal and Saigon river, opposite Nha Rong wharf. The flagpole used to be a technical part that functions as a signal for ships entering and leaving Nha Rong port and is also a signal for ships travelling on the Saigon river to know where they need to stop to avoid getting lost in Can Gio or all the way down to Vung Tau. 

The park's layout shows inspiration from the lotus flower, with a soft lotus petal-shaped grass background and grey stone walkways. The park, with some major cafes along, is a popular hangout place for local families, as well as a romantic rendezvous for couples. 

Book your stay right next to the historic river

Among our hotel chains in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, there are 2 well known hotels that are right next to Saigon river with their own charisma that you can choose to fit your taste. 

The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel - A Michelin Key hotel in the city’s downtown

Walking through the doors of The Myst Dong Khoi, you enter a timeless space. One where ylang ylang scented air cools your skin and genuine smiles make you feel at home. Where hushed modern spaces and singular design harbour relics of Saigon’s storied past, stained - glass details, wrought iron roses and cherished local artefacts. At The Myst Dong Khoi, you feel the heartbeat of this charismatic city – the scents, the scenes, the sounds and the tastes. 

Address: 6-8 Ho Huan Nghiep street, Ben Nghe ward, District 1.

Location: 1-minute walk to Saigon river wharf park

Silverland Jolie Hotel - TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice award winner for years

Tucked away on a quiet lane off the bustling streets of downtown Saigon, a night at Silverland Jolie Hotel is a little like coming home. Come to a place where staff greet you by name, plush leather armchairs invite you to sit a while, and subtle nods to Saigon’s rich history fascinate and delight. With unique room architecture, Silverland Jolie Hotel offers a beautiful, no blocked view of the Saigon River directly from the rooftop, and diverse services including swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant, rooftop bar...

Address: 4D Thi Sach street, Ben Nghe ward, District 1.

Location: 1-minute walk to Saigon river wharf park