A journey on the Sài Gòn River in bustling HCM City and nearby provinces is a great way for tourists to see the local scenery and sample the best sights. River tours in HCM City take tourists to the Củ Chi guerrilla warfare tunnels, the UNESCO-listed Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve, local markets, fruit gardens, temples and churches.

Seven new river tours created by Bình Quới Tourist Village in collaboration with Saigontourist Travel Service Company offer a wide range of options for passengers to explore the city on the Sài Gòn River.

Sunset cruise on the Sài Gòn River

Lovely: Sunset cruise on Sài Gòn River. Photo courtesy of Saigontourist

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

Tickets are VNĐ750,000 (US$33) per adult  and VNĐ560,000 ($25) for children 3-10 years old.

Củ Chi guerrilla warfare tunnels

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

There is no better place to explore the historic story of Việt Nam than the Củ 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 VNĐ1.9 million ($83) per adult and VNĐ1.4 million ($62) for children 3-10 years old.

Củ Chi tunnels and Bình Dương Province

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

This journey explores the two most crowded cities in the south: HCM City and Thủ Dầu Một. One hour away from Sài Gòn, Thủ Dầu Một City is distinguished by its beautiful green hills. The Lady Hậu Temple, Phú Cường church and old Vietnamese houses are some highlights that should not be missed.

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

The price is VNĐ2 million ($92) per adult and VNĐ1.5 million ($69) for children aged 3-10.

Bình Dương Discovery

Very nice: Visitors worship at Lady Hậu Temple, a well-known tourist attraction in Bình Dương Province. Photo courtesy of Saigontourist

This tour gives travellers a chance to visit Bình Dương Province with its old charm. A walk to explore Thủ Dầu Một market, Trần Văn Hổ ancient house and the Thiên Hậu Pagoda are interesting, while tourists can learn about the highly valued Koi fish at the Hải Thanh Koi Garden.

The tour price is VNĐ1.6 million ($73) per adult and VNĐ1.2 million ($55) for children 3-10 years old.

Long Phước Garden House Area

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

On arrival at Long Phước 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 Bửu Long Pagoda and the Áo Dài (Vietnamese traditional long-dress) Museum.

The tour price is VNĐ1.5 million ($67) per adult and VNĐ1.1 million ($50) for children 3-10 years old.

Vàm Sát Mangrove Forest

Welcome, foreigners: Tourists visit Vàm Sát eco-tourism site. Photo Courtesy of Saigontourist

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

Đầm Dơi (Bat Lagoon) with its picturesque landscape is also included in the itinerary.

The 26-metre high Tang Bồng Tower in the heart of Vàm Sát tourist site offers a panoramic view of the Cần Giờ mangrove forest.

The tour price is VNĐ2.100 million ($94) per adult and VNĐ1.6 million ($71) for children 3-10 years old.

Cần Thạnh Town – Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve

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

For nature and wildlife lovers, the Cần Giờ 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 Hòa Hiệp Port in Cần Giờ District’s Cần Thạnh Town. From there, tourists can take a bus tour around town to visit an oyster farming village, Đông Hòa fishing port and Cần Thạnh market to gain hands-on experience in the daily activities of local residents.

The tour price is VNĐ2 million ($90) per adult and VNĐ1.5 million ($67) for children 3-10 years old. VNS