Saigon River

Saigon River which includes a garden

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Gain a fresh perspective of the city skyline with a boat ride. Venture along the twisting waterways to small villages and an immense set of wartime tunnels.

See the iconic houses on stilts on the banks of the Saigon River and enjoy views of some of the city’s most famous buildings from a boat cruise. Explore the villages and canals of the Mekong Delta where migratory birds live among the thick mangroves.

The immense Saigon River flows 140 miles (230 kilometers) from southeast Cambodia all the way to the southern tip of Vietnam. Note how the scenery changes dramatically when it reaches the outskirts of Vietnam’s largest city, with skyscrapers replacing the mangroves and wooden huts.

The best way to see the Saigon River around the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City is on a speedboat tour. These expeditions usually last several hours and include the help of a knowledgeable guide to give you the opportunity to learn about the importance of the river to the city. Get close to one of the busiest container ports in the world and enhance your vacation photos with spectacular sunset shots over the skyscrapers. 

If you have more time, take a day trip upriver to the Mekong Delta. Here you will see traditional villages with wooden houses built on stilts. Fishermen glide across the water on colorful boats and use cormorants to help them fish. Children play in the murky water in front of their homes. On your way you will pass through the lush mangroves of the protected Can Gio Reserve. Saltwater crocodiles once lived here, but are now restricted to a protected area nearby.

Keep traveling upriver to visit the Củ Chi Tunnels north of the Mekong Delta. Approximately 155 miles (250 kilometers) of underground passageways were built during the Vietnam War and were used primarily to supply food and cover for injured Viet Cong soldiers. Learn about life as a guerrilla fighter on the banks of the Saigon River as you explore the areas open to the public.

Organize a boat tour along the Saigon River at Ho Chi Minh City Central Pier or at many hotels in the city. The excursion to Củ Chi Tunnels frequently includes a cycle ride inland.

Plan a trip to see Saigon River

Bluesky MarQ Luxury Vaccation
Ruby Saigon Hotel - Ben Thanh
Alagon Saigon Hotel & Spa
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Saigon River

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Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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" "5 - Excellent 27.705627705627705%
4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 50.21645021645022%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 18.614718614718615%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 3.0303030303030303%
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" "1 - Terrible 0.4329004329004329%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 13, 2019

went on a day long upper Meekong Delta trip- saw coconut candy being made, experienced local folksingers, had an exceptional meal of elephants' ear fish, rice, noodles, rolls.

3/5 - Okay

Michael_Murphy
Apr 27, 2019

The Eastin is a great hotel

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 24, 2019

Buy a ticket and take the boat taxi.

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Best Lodging Options Near Saigon River

Bay Hotel Ho Chi Minh
Bay Hotel Ho Chi Minh
4 out of 5
7 Ngo Van Nam Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Bay Hotel Ho Chi Minh
Lotte Hotel Saigon
Lotte Hotel Saigon
5 out of 5
2A-4A Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Lotte Hotel Saigon
Caravelle Saigon
Caravelle Saigon
5 out of 5
19 - 23 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Caravelle Saigon
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
4 out of 5
59 - 61 Pasteur Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
The Noble Swan Saigon
The Noble Swan Saigon
3 out of 5
229 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The Noble Swan Saigon
Hotel Nikko Saigon
Hotel Nikko Saigon
5 out of 5
235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotel Nikko Saigon
Liberty Central Saigon Riverside
Liberty Central Saigon Riverside
4 out of 5
17 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Liberty Central Saigon Riverside
Orchids Saigon Hotel
Orchids Saigon Hotel
4 out of 5
192 Pasteur Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Orchids Saigon Hotel
La Vela Saigon Hotel
La Vela Saigon Hotel
4.5 out of 5
280 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
La Vela Saigon Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.