Saigon water bus: Admire the city from a new lens

Contents

1. Is the Saigon water bus worth trying?

The answer is completely yes! The Saigon water bus is the first public water transportation system in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam. It helps reduce traffic congestion on the roads and provides a fascinating ride on the Saigon River for locals and tourists alike.

The Saigon River water bus offers a unique way to discover the city (Source: Collected)

Riding the Saigon River water bus feels like being on a luxurious cruise ship. Passengers can enjoy the beauty of Saigon from a unique perspective while feeling the fresh air on the tranquil river.

The Saigon water bus route spans approximately 11 kilometers, accommodating 66 passengers per ride. There is a small kiosk on board that offers snacks for passengers. At each station, the boat stops briefly to pick up or drop off passengers and allows them to take photos. The staff on board are friendly and attentive.

2. About the Saigon water bus stations

Looking at the Saigon water bus map, we can see its 6 stations: Bach Dang, Thu Thiem, Binh An, Thanh Da, Hiep Binh Chanh, and Linh Dong. Each station is conveniently located near many attractions, making it easy for tourists to explore the city. Let’s take a closer look to plan your trip effectively!

2.1. Bach Dang Station

• Address: 10B Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1 (now part of Sai Gon Ward)
• Nearby attractions: Bach Dang Wharf (100m away), Ho Chi Minh City Opera House (600m away), Nguyen Hue Street (500m away), Ben Thanh Market (1.5km away), Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (1.2km away), Ho Chi Minh City Book Street (1.2km away), Independence Palace (1.8km away), Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts (1.8km away), and Nha Rong Wharf (2km away).
• Directions: From the center of District 1, follow Nguyen Hue Street -> Mac Thi Buoi Street -> Phan Van Dat Street -> Cong Truong Me Linh Street -> Ton Duc Thang Street.

Ben Thanh Market – a prominent attraction near the Saigon water bus (Source: Collected)

2.2. Thu Thiem Station

• Address: Nguyen Thien Thanh Street, Thu Duc City (now part of Sai Gon Ward)

• Nearby attractions: Saigon Riverside Park (100m away), An Khanh Temple (350m away), Thu Thiem Church (650m away), Thu Thiem Tunnel (750m away), and Sala Thiso Mall (1.7km away).
• Directions: From the center of Thu Duc City, follow Mai Chi Tho Street -> Luong Dinh Cua Street -> To Huu Street -> Street N12 -> Nguyen Thien Thanh Street.

2.3. Binh An Station

• Address: Street 21, Thu Duc City (now part of An Khanh Ward)
• Nearby attractions: Minh Dang Quang Temple (2.5km away), Hue Nghiem Pagoda (2.5km away), Vinhomes Central Park (3km away), and Landmark 81 (3km away).
• Directions: From the center of Thu Duc City, follow Quoc Huong Street -> Hanoi Highway -> Cau Den Street -> Street 19 -> Street 21.

Admire Landmark 81 from a water bus in Saigon (Source: Collected)

2.4. Thanh Da Station

• Address: Thanh Da Street, Binh Thanh District (now part of Binh Quoi Ward)

• Nearby attractions: Binh Quoi Tourist Village (1-4km away), Van Thanh Tourist Village (4km away), and local restaurants such as Thanh Da Duck Porridge (500m away).
• Directions: From the center of Binh Thanh District, follow Nguyen Xi Street -> Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Street -> Ho Ngoc Can Street -> Street 3 -> Thanh Da Street.

2.5. Hiep Binh Chanh Station

• Address: Street 10, Thu Duc City (now part of Hiep Binh Ward)
• Nearby attractions: Giga Mall (1.8km away) and local restaurants like Thanh Dieu Jumping Shrimp Pancake (opposite the station).
• Directions: From the center of Thu Duc City, follow Ly Te Xuyen Street -> Linh Dong Street -> Pham Van Dong Street -> Street 25 -> Street 13 -> Street 10.

Ride the water bus in Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic journey (Source: Collected)

2.6. Linh Dong Station

• Address: Street 36, Thu Duc City (now part of Thu Duc Ward)
• Nearby attractions: Vincom Thu Duc Shopping Center (3.3km away) and Nam Thien Nhat Tru Pagoda (3.5km away).
• Directions: From the center of Thu Duc City, follow Ly Te Xuyen Street -> Linh Dong Street -> Kha Van Can Street -> Street 36.

Discover 20 places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for your itinerary!

Best-selling products

[Grand Park] Tropical Island Water Park Entrance Ticket

1 USD

[Grand Park] Tropical Island Water Park Entrance Ticket

1 USD

[Grand Park] Tropical Island Water Park Entrance Ticket

8 USD

[Grand Park] Tropical Island Water Park Entrance Ticket

1 USD

-9%

[Grand Park] Water Park + Dream Garden Outdoor Games Combo

11 USD12 USD

[Grand Park] Tropical Island Water Park Entrance Ticket

1 USD

[Grand Park] Tropical Island Water Park Entrance Ticket

1 USD

[Grand Park] Tropical Island Water Park Entrance Ticket

1 USD

3. Things you need to know

To have a smooth Saigon water bus journey, tourists should be aware of the popular routes, ticket prices, and booking methods.

3.1. Popular routes

Bach Dang – Linh Dong

This Saigon water bus route has 4 round trips, stopping at all the stations. The schedule remains the same on weekends and holidays.

Below is the schedule of this route:

The schedule for the Bach Dang – Linh Dong route (Source: Collected)

Bach Dang – Thu Thiem – Binh An

This Saigon water bus route runs daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM for the main trip and from 7:40 AM to 10:30 PM for the return trip. On weekends and holidays, additional trips are available.

Below is the schedule of this route:

The schedule for the Bach Dang – Thu Thiem – Binh An route (Source: Collected)

3.2. Ticket prices

A one-way ticket for the water bus Saigon costs only 15,000 VND. A round-trip ticket costs 30,000 VND. Tickets can be purchased directly at Saigon water bus stations, via the website www.saigonwaterbus.com, or the Saigon water bus mobile app.

3.3. Booking guide

Passengers can book tickets online easily by following these steps:

• Step 1: Visit the website https://saigonwaterbus.com/dat-ve-truc-tuyen or download the mobile app on iOS or Android.
• Step 2: Check the schedule.
• Step 3: Select the stations of departure and arrival, pick a travel date, and search for tickets.
• Step 4: Choose your seat and specify the number of tickets.
• Step 5: Enter contact information, select a payment method, and complete payment.

Notes:

• Each Saigon water bus ticket purchase is for a one-way trip. Passengers need to book a return ticket separately.
• Tickets are non-refundable and non-cancellable.
• Arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before departure for check-in procedures.

Enjoy the sunset over the Saigon River on the Saigon water bus (Source: Collected)

Explore: 21 bucket-list things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

4. More tips for experiencing the Saigon water bus

Here are some useful tips for a smooth Saigon water bus journey:

• Travel on weekdays to avoid the crowds. If you are traveling on weekends, book tickets online early to secure your preferred seat.
• Avoid traveling at noon or early afternoon to avoid the midday heat. The best time to ride the Ho Chi Minh City water bus is around 5:00 PM to enjoy the sunset over the Saigon River.
• Bring snacks and drinks for the trip.
• If you are short on time, choose shorter segments of the route.
• Bring a sun hat, a light jacket, and sunscreen.
• Children can ride the Saigon water bus for free if they can share the seat with their parents.

More on: Ho Chi Minh City travel tips: 7 things to keep in mind

*Note: The information in this article is for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.

The Saigon water bus is more than just a mode of transport; it is a unique way to explore the city’s beauty from the river. With comfortable seating, scenic views, and relaxing atmosphere, it offers a refreshing escape from the bustling streets. Whether you are a local or a tourist, the water bus in Saigon promises a memorable experience.

After experiencing the Saigon water bus, visitors can continue their adventure and unwind at Grand Park in Thu Duc City (now part of Long Binh Ward). This exciting entertainment complex offers a wide range of attractions, including the Tropical Island water park with thrilling slides, the Dream Garden amusement park with adrenaline-pumping games, and the tranquil Lake Beach perfect for relaxation.

Book Grand Park ticket now