Experiencing the double-decker river bus with a 360-degree view and passing by iconic structures such as Nha Rong Wharf, Bitexco Building, Landmark 81... along the two banks of the Saigon River, Mr. Ron (a British tourist) was delighted and satisfied with this 45-minute journey.
"With the river bus, I can see Ho Chi Minh City from a different angle, which is difficult to see when traveling by car or on foot. The beautiful scenery of the city constantly appears before my eyes" - Mr. Ron shared.
Waterway tourism in Ho Chi Minh City is increasingly invested in with many diverse and novel products such as double-decker river buses, restaurant ships, etc.
According to records, these products attract a large number of tourists, including international visitors.
Speaking with Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Nguyen Kim Toan - Director of Thuong Nhat Company - the owner of Saigon WaterBus and Saigon WaterGo, said that Ho Chi Minh City has the potential to develop waterway tourism with its existing advantages of rivers and landscapes.
Recently, Ba Son Bridge (Thu Duc City) was installed with an artistic lighting system, creating a highlight on the Saigon River, attracting tourists. It can be seen that the landscape in the city "gives wings" to waterway tourism.
"On the occasion of Lunar New Year 2025, the unit forecasts that river buses will welcome more than 4,000 passengers/day, an increase of 15-20% compared to the same period last year. The double-decker river bus type will reach 500 - 1,000 passengers/day" - Mr. Kim Toan said.
In January 2025, this unit launched a new tour with the experience of hat boi art on a double-decker river bus taking place every Saturday evening. This program has been well received by many locals, tourists, especially international visitors.
According to Ms. Tran Thi Bao Thu - Marketing and Communications Director of Vietluxtour Company, Ho Chi Minh City has a favorable location to develop waterway tourism. However, the products need to be diversified and have enough tourism services to attract tourists.
At the same time, products should be sold regularly to meet the needs of weekly and monthly tours organized by travel agencies, not just events and festivals that only take place occasionally.
Currently, Ho Chi Minh City operates nearly 60 short-range (less than 10km), medium-range (less than 60km), and long-range (over 60km) waterway tourism routes.
Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism stated that new waterway tourism products are chosen by many domestic and international tourists.
In 2025, the city's tourism industry will continue to promote the exploitation of local specialties, including waterway tourism. These are the factors that attract the experiences of city residents, domestic and foreign tourists.
