An international cruise ship docks at Nhà Rồng - Khánh Hội Port in HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — HCM City plans to build three more international passenger cruise terminals to develop waterway transport and boost tourism.

Bùi Hoà An, deputy director of the municipal Department of Transport, said the three international passenger cruise terminals have been included in the city’s general planning adjustment project by 2040, with a vision to 2060, set to be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval soon.

The terminals will be built in coastal urban areas in outlying Cần Giờ District and will be able to cater to ships of up to 100,000 GT (gross tonnage). A terminal in Mũi Đèn Đỏ can serve ships of up to 60,000 GT, and one in Bến Nghé Port is designed for ships of up to 30,000 GT.

They will be equipped with modern facilities and services, including dedicated docking areas, luxurious reception zones, dining, shopping, and entertainment services to enhance tourist experiences.

After two months, the Thăng Long high-speed boat, capable of carrying 1,017 passengers on the HCM City - Côn Đảo route, will be suspended on July 29 due to inefficient operations.

With its 23km-long coastline and a dense network of rivers and canals, the city holds significant potential for developing eco-tourism and urban waterway tourism.

The 80km-long Sài Gòn River is the largest of its kind in the city, capable of accommodating large sea and tourist vessels and connecting the city with other localities in the southern region and neighbouring Cambodia.

In recent years, international passenger ships coming to the city have had to dock at cargo ports like Nhà Rồng - Khánh Hội and Hiệp Phước ports, which do not meet maritime safety and security requirements.

The lack of dedicated docking facilities has hampered many cruise lines from bringing tourists to the city, thus affecting tourism revenue and related services such as restaurants, hotels and retail.

According to the city’s Department of Tourism, cruise tourists spend an average of US$100 per day, a significant source of revenue that remains untapped. — VNS