Experiencing Ho Chi Minh City from the sparkling waters of the Saigon River is an experience not to be missed for any visitor to this bustling metropolis.
Two options are available to you: Saigon Water Bus, an affordable and practical solution at 30,000 VND for a round trip, and the Saigon Water Go, a more premium experience with three ticket classes, priced up to VND 339,000.
But beyond the price difference, what is really the experience offered by these two modes of river transport? This is what we will explore in this article, to help you choose the best option to discover the splendor of Ho Chi Minh City from the peaceful waves of the Saigon River.
1. Saigon Waterbus
Since its launch as a means of public river transport at the end of 2017, the Saigon Waterbus has quickly established itself as a go-to option for residents and tourists wanting to explore and admire Ho Chi Minh City from the river.
Starting fromu Bach Dang quay (located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City), river buses transport passengers to Thu Duc town by stopping at Binh An, Thanh Da, Hiep Binh Chanh and Linh Dong wharves, on a total route of approximately 10.8 kilometers.
Each day, four one-way trips are scheduled, with as many returns, and particularly on weekends and public holidays, additional journeys are added to meet the tourist influx.
Most travelers prefer river buses for their relaxation aspect and tourist potential rather than for their simple transportation function.
My experience with Saigon Waterbus
I personally indulged in the sunset journey, leaving at 5:30 p.m. from Bach Dang quay to arrive at Binh An quay at 5:45 p.m. Tickets for this time are often sold out, so I made sure to purchase mine online a day in advance to guarantee a seat near the port side window, offering an ideal view of the sunset of the sun.
Passengers are requested to arrive at the station 10 to 15 minutes before departure time so that they can board and settle in at their ease. Through the boat’s windows, the landscapes of both banks of the Saigon River pass before our eyes, from the iconic buildings of Ho Chi Minh City such as Bitexco and Landmark 81 to the busy rush hour streets, passing by the Thu Thiem and Ba Son bridges…
There journey time is approximately 15 minutes, during which passengers are free to move around the compartment and behind the ship to change perspective and capture memories in photos.
With a low fare of only 30,000 VND, I was able to enjoy a pleasant cruise on the Saigon River. This economical formula allows me to repeat the experience as many times as I wish to get some fresh air at the end of the day, relax or discover new horizons in the town of Thu Duc.
The disadvantages from Saigon Waterbus
Leaving at golden hour to watch the sunset seems to be the preferred choice, as the train compartment is crowded. Although the ship is equipped with a high-capacity air conditioning system, unfortunately it is broken, leaving the atmosphere to become hot and stuffy. However, as soon as the river bus starts moving, a feeling of comfort gradually sets in thanks to the refreshing afternoon breeze blowing through the windows.
Unfortunately, the ceiling is low and the space is tight, providing few opportunities for visitors to stand and admire the scenery or take photos. The magnificent views are often found in the open compartment at the rear of the ship, where crowds gather to capture the moment, which can intimidate some and make them reluctant to speak out.
After making a stopover to embark and disembark passengers, it continues its journey following its route. At Binh An Station, visitors can enjoy the scenery, enjoy coffee or snacks before purchasing their tickets and waiting for the next ship departure.
However, this area is mainly bustling with street stalls mainly selling fried fish balls, lemon tea and various snacks. Although there are a few high-profile boutiques, space is limited and seating is rare. Personally, I preferred to stand, watch the sunset and capture a few photos before buying my return ticket to Bach Dang Pier.
As an economical means of public transport, the Saigon Waterbus attracts large numbers of passengers, which often leads to overcrowding and limits flexibility and privacy on board river buses.
Saigon WaterGo
An upgraded version of the Saigon Waterbus, the Saigon WaterGo offers a unique nighttime sightseeing experience aboard a double-decker river bus. For about an hour, visitors are invited to peacefully savor the scenery on both banks of the Saigon River at dusk. Tours are available daily from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with each trip lasting approximately 60 minutes.
Saigon WaterGo offers three ticket categories: cabin seat, where passengers can sit on the lower deck for VND179,000; the riverside seat, located at the rear of the ship, for 239,000 VND; and the Sky seat, on the upper deck, for 339,000 VND.
My experience with Saigon WaterGo
Opting for a more immersive experience, I chose the Sky seat. It provides a 360-degree panoramic view, unobstructed by the surrounding roof or door frame. Passengers in this class enjoy a complimentary drink and have the opportunity to attend a themed live musical performance, adding an extra dimension to this unforgettable experience.
For the other two ticket categories available, passengers can still enjoy live music, even if drinks are not included. Inside the train compartment, the atmosphere is more friendly, with tables and chairs arranged opposite each other, providing an ideal setting for exchanges between couples and groups of friends.
The disadvantages from Saigon WaterGo
Saigon WaterGo ticket prices are rather high and the journey time is short, which limits my frequent participation in this activity. However, every time friends from elsewhere visit Ho Chi Minh City, I opt for this tour to show them the shimmering splendor of the city from the river.
The double-decker river bus offers a limited number of departures. During busy periods, especially to admire the sunset at the end of the day, tickets sell out quickly. It is therefore essential to reserve your tickets in advance via the reservation system to guarantee a place in the desired location.
