Sai Gon River tour shows the best of HCM City

Seven new river tours created by Binh Quoi Tourist Village in collaboration with Saigontourist Travel Service Company offer a wide range of options for passengers to explore the city on the Sai Gon River.

Sunset cruise on the Sai Gon River

Lovely: Sunset cruise on Sai Gan River. Photo courtesy of Saigontourist

A sunset cruise on the Sai Gon River with fresh gentle breezes secluded paddy fields and panoramic views of ponds and lakes at the tranquil Binh Quoi Tourist Village is an ideal short escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and a chance to enjoy southern cuisine.

Tickets are VND750,000 (US$33) per adult and VND560,000 ($25) for children 3-10 years old.

Cu Chi guerrilla warfare tunnels

Tight fit: A tour guide shows tourists the hidden entrances at Cu Chi tunnels. Photo courtesy of Saigontourist

There is no better place to explore the historic story of Vietnam than the Cu Chi tunnels, where you can have a hands-on experience in guerrilla warfare. Visitors will have a chance to take a step back into the past and explore the 250-kilometre-long tunnel system that includes traps, secret entrances, bunkers and living places of guerrillas.

The tour price is VND1.9 million ($83) per adult and VND1.4 million ($62) for children 3-10 years old.

Cu Chi tunnels and Binh Duong Province

Fish lovers rejoice: Visitors at Hai Thanh Koi Garden in Cu Chi District. Photo courtesy of Saigontourist

This journey explores the two most crowded cities in the south: HCM City and Thu Dau Mot. One hour away from Sai Gon, Thu Dau Mot City is distinguished by its beautiful green hills. The Lady Hau Temple, Phu Cuong church and old Vietnamese houses are some highlights that should not be missed.

On the other side of the Sai Gon River, visitors will have a chance to explore the 250-kilometre-long tunnel system in Cu Chi District that includes traps, secret entrances, bunkers and the living places of guerrillas.

The price is VND2 million ($92) per adult and VND1.5 million ($69) for children aged 3-10.

Binh Duong Discovery

Very nice: Visitors worship at Lady Hau Temple, a well-known tourist attraction in Binh Duong Province. Photo courtesy of Saigontourist

This tour gives travellers a chance to visit Binh Duong Province with its old charm. A walk to explore Thu Dau Mot Market, Tran Van Ho ancient house and the Thien Hau Pagoda are interesting, while tourists can learn about the highly valued Koi fish at the Hai Thanh Koi Garden.

The tour price is VND1.6 million ($73) per adult and VND1.2 million ($55) for children 3-10 years old.

Long Phuoc Garden House Area

Green: A local garden house at Long Phuoc Ward in HCM City’s District 9. Photo courtesy of Saigontourist

On arrival at Long Phuoc Ward in HCM City’s District 9, tourists visit a local garden house where they can explore pastoral life and enjoy seasonal fruit. The tour then goes to the Buu Long Pagoda and the Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional long-dress) Museum.

The tour price is VND1.5 million ($67) per adult and VND1.1 million ($50) for children 3-10 years old.

Vam Sat Mangrove Forest

Welcome, foreigners: Tourists visit Vam Sat eco-tourism site. Photo Courtesy of Saigontourist

Joining the tour, visitors can observe the Vam Sat eco-tourism site, which the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) has been acknowledged as one of the world’s most sustainable ecological sites.

Dam Doi (Bat Lagoon) with its picturesque landscape is also included in the itinerary.

The 26-metre high Tang Bong Tower in the heart of Vam Sat tourist site offers a panoramic view of the Can Gio mangrove forest.

The tour price is VND2.100 million ($94) per adult and VND1.6 million ($71) for children 3-10 years old.

Can Thanh Town – Can Gio Biosphere Reserve

Riparian: Tourists take a river tour to visit Can Gio Mangrove Forest. Photo courtesy of Saigontourist

For nature and wildlife lovers, the Can Gio mangrove forest is rich in fauna and flora. The forest is a biosphere reserve recognised by UNESCO in 2000. Today, the forest is home to thousands of monkeys, bats, crocodiles and many rare species.

The tour boat stops at Hoa Hiep Port in Can Gio District’s Can Thanh Town. From there, tourists can take a bus tour around town to visit an oyster farming village, Dong Hoa fishing port and Can Thanh Market to gain hands-on experience in the daily activities of local residents.

The tour price is VND2 million ($90) per adult and VND1.5 million ($67) for children 3-10 years old.