The newly introduced double-decker “water bus” in HCM City hopes to promote river tourism. VNS Photo Xuân Đăng

HCM CITY  — After the so-called water bus became popular in HCM City as a means to experience and explore the Saigon River, a new double-decker service was launched on Saturday (December 23) to promote river tourism.

"Saigon River Sightseeing" uses a boat with a lower deck with a tea and coffee counter and an uncovered deck with a 360-degree view. 

It offers 60-minute ride through sights such as Nhà Rồng Harbour, Bitexco tower, Thủ Thiêm 2 bridge, and Landmark 81 building.

Hồng Hạnh of Gò Vấp District said on normal boats one can only see the scenery through the windows, but the double-decker offers a completely different and more interesting experience.

View on the open-deck boat. VNS Photo Xuân Đăng

Nguyễn Kim Toản, director of Thường Nhật Co Ltd, which operates both services, said the new service also offers transportation.

There are nine trips every day from morning to evening. The ticket  costs VNĐ177,000-339,000 (US$7.30 to 13.98) depending on the services a passenger opts for.

The company next plans to launch night trips meant for tourists soon.

The city has great potential to develop waterway tourism with its inland waterway network of nearly 1,000 kilometers, 73 tourism and passenger ports enabling it to berth large vessels with cruise tourists. — VNS