The Saigon River Boutique Cruise offers a charming one-hour journey through the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. For just $12.50, guests can experience breathtaking views of landmarks along the historic river, guided by an English-speaking expert. With onboard amenities and a comfortable atmosphere, this cruise promises a memorable exploration of the vibrant city. Those seeking to discover Ho Chi Minh City’s rich culture and sights beyond the river should consider extending their adventure.
Good To Know
- The Saigon River Boutique Cruise offers a 1-hour tour along the Saigon River, starting at $12.50 per person with a "reserve now, pay later" option.
- The cruise highlights key landmarks like the Tran Hung Dao Statue, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Plaza, and the Bitexco Financial Tower, among others.
- The boat is equipped with a sliding roof for weather protection, and the tour includes a live English-speaking guide providing informative commentary.
- Customers have rated the overall experience 4.5 out of 5, praising the excellent views and value for money.
- Advance booking is recommended, and the cruise is not suitable for children under 7 or wheelchair users.
Cruise Overview and Pricing
The Saigon River Boutique Cruise is an activity that offers a 1-hour tour along the Saigon River, priced from $12.50 per person.
This cruise is likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to reserve in advance. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Travelers can also choose the "reserve now, pay later" option.
The cruise departs from the Saigon Waterbus Station near the Hotel Majestic Saigon, providing scenic views of the city’s landmarks along the river.
Onboard, guests can purchase drinks and snacks from the bar.
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Itinerary and Landmarks
Starting from the Saigon Waterbus Station near the Hotel Majestic Saigon, the cruise takes passengers along the Saigon River, passing notable landmarks like the Tran Hung Dao Statue, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Plaza, and the Thu Ngu Flagpole.
The tour also provides views of the State Bank of Vietnam – HCMC Office, Mong Bridge, Dragon Wharf – Ho Chi Minh Museum, Bitexco Financial Tower, Cầu Ba Son, and Landmark 81 skyview.
The itinerary is subject to change, and the cruise returns to the Saigon Waterbus Station.
Onboard Experience
While on board, guests can expect a live tour guide who provides commentary in English, offering insights into the scenic views of Saigon’s skyline and historic buildings.
Onboard, a bar serves drinks and snacks for purchase. The boat is equipped with a sliding roof, providing protection from sun and rain.
Restrooms are also available for passengers. The overall onboard experience aims to be comfortable and informative, allowing guests to fully enjoy the sights and atmosphere of the Saigon River.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
According to the available data, the Ho Chi Minh City Cruise has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 273 reviews.
Customers praise the cruise’s friendly and helpful guide, rating them 4.7 out of 5. The transportation experience also received high marks, with a 4.6 rating.
Reviewers highlight the cruise’s excellent value for money, with one calling it "awesome value". Another reviewer appreciated the "nice one-hour boat ride with excellent views of the city".
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
The cruise meeting point is at the entrance of the Saigon Waterbus Station, where a guide holding a Saigon Boat Company sign will be present to assist guests. The cruise is not suitable for children under 7 years old or wheelchair users. Smoking, intoxication, and party groups are not allowed on board. Guests can enjoy the following during the cruise:
| Feature | Details |
| — | — |
| Tour Guide | Live tour guide in English |
| Onboard Amenities | Drinks and snacks available for purchase from onboard bar |
| Weather Protection | Boat equipped with sliding roof for sun/rain protection |
| Restroom | Restroom on board |
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How to Book Your Cruise
To book the Saigon River Boutique Cruise, customers can easily reserve their spot online through the Saigon Boat Company’s website.
The booking process is straightforward – customers select their preferred date and time, input their party size, and complete the payment. For added convenience, there’s a "Reserve Now, Pay Later" option available.
Customers can also call the company’s hotline to make a reservation. Regardless of the booking method, participants receive an electronic ticket that they’ll need to present at the meeting point.
Booking in advance is recommended, as the cruises are popular and tend to sell out quickly.
What to Expect on the Saigon River Cruise
Once customers have booked their Saigon River Boutique Cruise, they can expect an engaging and scenic one-hour journey along the Saigon River.
Aboard the boat, a live English-speaking guide provides commentary on the city’s key landmarks, including the Tran Hung Dao Statue, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Plaza, and Bitexco Financial Tower.
Passengers can purchase drinks and snacks from the onboard bar and enjoy the views from the boat’s sliding roof.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from past travelers, the cruise offers excellent value for money and a unique perspective of Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic skyline.
Exploring Ho Chi Minh City Beyond the Cruise
While the Saigon River Boutique Cruise offers a captivating introduction to Ho Chi Minh City’s landmarks, there’s much more to explore beyond the riverbanks.
In the bustling city center, visitors can visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral and the grand Central Post Office. The War Remnants Museum provides a sobering look at Vietnam’s history, while the vibrant Bến Thành Market is a hub for local cuisine and handicrafts.
Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City can explore the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the grand Central Post Office, and the vibrant Bến Thành Market.
For panoramic city views, the Bitexco Financial Tower’s Skydeck is a must-visit.
Beyond the city, day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta offer deeper insights into Vietnam’s culture and natural wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?
No, you cannot bring your own food and drinks on the cruise. The boat has an onboard bar where you can purchase drinks and snacks during the trip.
What Happens if the Cruise Is Cancelled Due to Weather?
If the cruise is cancelled due to weather, you’ll receive a full refund. The company has a flexible cancellation policy, so you won’t lose your money if conditions make the cruise unsafe or impossible.
Is There an Audio Guide Available in Other Languages?
The cruise doesn’t offer an audio guide in other languages, but the live tour guide provides commentary in English. Guests seeking multilingual information should check if translation services are available at the time of booking.
Can I Get off the Boat at Any of the Landmarks Along the Way?
Passengers can’t get off the boat at any landmarks along the way. The cruise is a continuous 1-hour tour, and the boat doesn’t stop at any points of interest. Disembarking is only allowed at the starting/ending point.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement to Book the Cruise?
There’s no minimum group size requirement to book the cruise. It operates on a per-person basis, so you can book the cruise for yourself or a small group.
The Sum Up
The Saigon River Boutique Cruise offers a captivating one-hour journey that allows visitors to experience Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant waterfront at an affordable price. With its picturesque views, knowledgeable guides, and comfortable amenities, the cruise provides a delightful way to explore the city’s landmarks and gain a deeper appreciation for its rich history and culture. Whether seeking a leisurely sightseeing experience or a unique perspective of the city, the Saigon River Boutique Cruise is a must-do activity for those visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
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