Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City

For people living in Ho Chi Minh City for a long time, Saigon River is considered as the historic witness of the city that went with the city through wars, witnessed the growth of the city from the past to the present, has brought benefits for the city and the citizens, beautifies the city to help to develop tourism.

Especially, it is from this river that Uncle Ho left for finding the new way to release the country in the ship named The Admiral Latouche-Tréville in 1911. Now, we will go to discover this river and help you get useful information for your next trip to Ho Chi Minh City.

I. Overview of Saigon River

To get more detailed knowledge about Saigon River, the important role of the river to the development of Ho Chi Minh City in particular and Southern Vietnam in common, we will start to learn general information about this river.

1. What River is Saigon on? 

The Saigon River originates in Hon Quan District, Binh Phuoc Province, and flows through Tay Ninh, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City before merging with the Dong Nai River in Nha Be District. From there, it splits into Long Tau and Soai Rap branches, eventually reaching the East Sea via Can Gio Gate.

2. How Long?

The Saigon River stretches 256 km, with 80 km running through Ho Chi Minh City. Historically, it served as a crucial transport route, connecting the city’s northern and southern ends before modern infrastructure.

3. How Deep?

In Ho Chi Minh City, the river reaches depths of 20 meters, with a width ranging from 225 to 370 meters. This depth allows for the operation of small ships, boats, and yachts. During French colonial rule, the river was a key route for transporting natural resources from Southern Vietnam to larger ships in the East Sea.

II. History of Saigon River

For centuries, the Saigon River has been central to the city’s growth.

1. Saigon River in the 17th Century

In the 17th century, Gia Định (modern-day Ho Chi Minh City) was accessible primarily by river. The Nguyen Dynasty capitalized on its strategic location, turning Gia Dinh into a major trade hub. Goods were transported via Can Gio Gate → Nha Be River → Saigon River to reach the city.

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2. Saigon River from the 18th to 20th Century

From the 18th century to the mid-20th century, the river’s importance surged as Saigon became a thriving port city. Under French colonial rule, it became the first trade port in the Far East, attracting ships from China, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Portugal. The French also constructed Nha Rong Port, strengthening Saigon’s role in global trade.

Even today, older generations recall Saigon’s former luxury and prosperity, earning it the title “The Pearl of the Far East.”

III. Highlights of Saigon River

View from above, Saigon River flows calmly with a lot of winding sections looking like a soft scarf. The main color of the river water is red because it is rich in alluvial; however, the color may change according to the color of the sky and the sun. On sunny days, the color is blue, you may even see clouds reflect themselves on the river. 

Although at present the road and transportation have also developed much, people may still use boats to travel between districts since Saigon River flows through almost districts in Ho Chi Minh City. Therefore, tourists absolutely may see the whole city by sailing a boat along the Saigon River.

Not only inside the city, but Saigon River also connect Ho Chi Minh City to other provinces and other attractive destinations such as Cu Chi tunnels, a well-known historical attraction in the suburb of the city. Or you may also sail along the river to reach Mekong Delta to discover provinces in the south pole of Vietnam.

IV. What to Do at Saigon River?

1. Take a tour on River

The most interesting thing tourists had better do when visiting Ho Chi Minh City is visiting the city by boat on the Saigon River. It will be a memorable memory for any tourists. The river encloses the city softly from the suburb to the urban. Staying on the boat, you may have time to see the city. The scenery on both banks changes from large fields to small old houses in fishing villages along the river to floating markets on the river and to the center of the city with skyscrapers, parks, riverside restaurants, entertainment centers. 

2. Ho Chi Minh Sunset Cruise Tour

The tours on the Saigon river are also divided into shorts tours at different times in days. The most popular tour maybe Ho Chi Minh Sunset Cruise Tour, which is well-liked by lots of visitors. You can check most our famous tours in Saigon river that offer the tourists a memorable journey!

3. Visit Ho Chi Minh Museum at Nha Rong Port

One of the reasons makes Saigon River becomes a sacred symbol to people living Ho Chi Minh City is that in 1911, from Nha Rong Port, Ho Chi Minh president at that time was still a young man, left for finding the new way to release the country in the ship named The Admiral Latouche-Tréville. Now, Nha Rong Port is still open but almost for tourist boats. Coming to Ho Chi Minh Museum, you may see and read about the life of the beloved leader of the Vietnamese through images, books, artifacts.

4. Go for a Dinner Cruise

Going for a dinner cruise is another amazing choice for tourists to have an interesting and romantic experience. There are a lot of cruises operating on Saigon River at night. From the deck, visitors may both enjoy delicious Vietnamese and other countryside cuisine and take a view of the city at night. The reflection of the lights on the water surface and traditional music dance performances make your night a romantic one.

5. Dine at a Riverside Restaurant

If you don’t have time to take a tour on the river or have dinner on a boat, dine at a riverside restaurant is a not bad idea. There are many riverside restaurants on both banks of Saigon River that you may find them easily once after a click. Some of them specialize in Vietnamese cuisine, the other do well at foreign cuisine, cocktails. You may have a pleasant experience when enjoying your meal and take a view of the river which is crowded with boats, barges, and cruises. 

6. A Boat Trip around the Thanh Da Peninsula

Thanh Da Peninsula is a small peninsula on Saigon River which is suitable for families to go picnicking at weekends. The air here is fresh and the atmosphere is so peaceful that you will forget you are in the most bustling and biggest city in Vietnam.

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V. Good-to-know Facts

• The main and most important river of Ho Chi Minh City, it is also regarded as the gate of the city.
• In the past, when the transport was not as convenient as now, Saigon River is the main route to connect Saigon with other regions.
• On the river, the first trade port in the Far East was built by the French Colonists.
• Thanks to Saigon River, the commerce in Ho Chi Minh City extremely developed and the city was considered to be the Pearl of the Far East.
• In 1911, Uncle Ho left for finding the new way to release the country in the ship named The Admiral Latouche-Tréville from Nha Rong Port on Saigon River.
• The natural border between Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong Province.
• From Saigon River, you can travel by boat to Mekong Delta, Vung Tau, and a lot of provinces in Southern Vietnam.