Ho Chi Minh: Saigon River Luxury Boat Tour with Drinks

Summary

Saigon river cruise through city history with skyline views and local stories

You’ll board a comfortable boat for a one-hour Saigon River tour through Ho Chi Minh City’s center, catching glimpses of historic buildings and modern towers while sipping cold drinks. With a local guide sharing stories along district 1 and district 4, you’ll see both sides of this fast-changing city — all from a cool spot on the water.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the late afternoon light bounced off the glass of Bitexco Tower, all sharp lines against the soft brown of the Saigon River. We stepped onto this sleek little boat — not what I expected, honestly, more polished than most things I’d seen in District 1 — and our guide, Minh, handed me a cold drink before I could even get my bearings. The city noise faded as we pulled away from the dock. There was something about the breeze off the water that made everything feel lighter, like Saigon’s heat couldn’t quite reach us out here.

Minh started pointing out buildings — some brand new, others with these old French balconies that looked like they belonged in another century. He told us stories about Tran Hung Dao (I definitely didn’t pronounce it right; Minh just grinned and said “close enough”) and how District 4 used to be this wild island of smugglers and dockworkers. Sometimes he’d pause mid-story to wave at fishermen or call out to another captain passing by. The river itself smelled faintly of wet earth and engine oil, but not unpleasantly so — just honest, you know?

We drifted under bridges built by Eiffel’s company (yeah, that Eiffel), past temples clinging to the banks in Thu Thiem where incense smoke curled up into the haze. There was a moment when we rounded a bend and the skyline just opened up — all those skyscrapers stacked together like dominoes waiting to fall. I tried to take a photo but honestly it didn’t do it justice. That hour slipped by faster than I wanted; suddenly we were back at the dock with ice melting in our glasses and Minh telling us where to find his favorite bánh mì stand nearby. I still think about that view from the water sometimes — how different Saigon looks when you’re floating right through its heart.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Saigon River luxury boat tour

• Board luxury boat on Saigon River
• Cruise through central district 1 and 4
• View new high rise towers and old buildings
• Pass by 1 Dong Khoi Street hotel
• See Tran Hung Dao statue
• Pass Nguyen Hue boulevard walking street
• View historic flagpole from 1900
• Pass customs department building
• See State Bank of Vietnam building
• Cross old Gustave Eiffel bridge
• Pass Ben Nghe channel waterway
• View Thu Thiem Tunnel under river
• See Ho Chi Minh museum building
• Pass Saigon port in District 4
• View modern Thu Thiem district
• See Bitexco Financial Tower skyscraper
• Pass old temple on Saigon River bank
• View Vietcombank skyscraper
• Pass Southern Naval Command Office
• See Ba Son Shipyard bridge
• Pass old bridge to District 2
• Enjoy ice cold drinks onboard

Top questions

How long does the Saigon River luxury boat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately one hour along central Ho Chi Minh City.

Are drinks included on this Ho Chi Minh river cruise?

Your ticket includes an ice-cold drink served on board; snacks are available for purchase.

Which landmarks will I see during this Saigon River tour?

You’ll pass Bitexco Financial Tower, historic French-era buildings, bridges by Eiffel’s company, temples in Thu Thiem, and more along districts 1 and 4.

Is there an English-speaking guide on board?

Yes, an in-person English-speaking guide is included throughout your cruise.

Does this river tour include hotel pickup?

The tour includes pickup; public transportation options are also available nearby if you prefer.

Is this boat tour suitable for families or people with limited mobility?

The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Are restrooms available during the Saigon river cruise?

Yes, there is a restroom on board for your convenience during the trip.

What’s included

Your hour-long journey includes pickup service, an English-speaking local guide sharing stories as you cruise past Ho Chi Minh City’s landmarks on a luxury boat with captain, plus an ice-cold drink served onboard (with snacks available for purchase), sliding roof for sun or rain protection, and access to restroom facilities throughout your time on the river.