Over the past time, river tourism in Ho Chi Minh City has recorded clear growth with many products being put into operation and upgraded investment. Services such as river buses, restaurant boats have received the attention of people and tourists, contributing to diversifying experiences when visiting the city.
Ms. Phuong Anh (Da Nang tourist) shared: "Sitting on the train to admire the city at night is very interesting, the air is fresh. I am ready to continue experiencing longer routes".
Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Nguyen Son Lam - Director of Dong Duong Sailing Co., Ltd. said that river tourism in Ho Chi Minh City has positive growth signals. However, for sustainable development and to retain tourists, the key factor is still wharf infrastructure.
Currently, the lack of specialized inland waterway ports makes businesses bear high costs in the process of exploitation, thereby increasing product costs and affecting long-term competitiveness.
When infrastructure is improved, operating units will boldly expand their scale and improve service quality.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Khanh - Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association said that after the merger, Ho Chi Minh City has a lot of potential and resources to develop river tourism. Currently, the tourism industry and businesses are gradually forming linked products, creating motivation for this type to develop.
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao - Head of Tourism Resource Development Planning Department, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, businesses in the area have started exploiting yacht, boat, and river restaurant services... attracting a large number of tourists. The city also promotes the operation of river bus routes, upgrading inland waterway wharves to meet the needs of visitors.
Ho Chi Minh City identifies waterway tourism as one of its strategic products. In the coming time, the city will plan riverside corridors and canal systems; supplement land funds to exploit bridges and wharves; diversify products along both banks; form standard ports and strengthen links with the Mekong Delta and Southeast regions.
According to Ms. Thao, if planning and connection work is implemented effectively, Ho Chi Minh City can launch river tourism products from the city to the Mekong Delta and Southeast regions with a route of about 3-4 days.
