A new high-speed boat service between downtown HCM City and Củ Chi District through Bình Dương Province was launched on July 10. — VNS Photo Nguyễn Diệp

HCM CITY — A new high-speed boat service between HCM City and outlying Củ Chi District through Bình Dương Province was launched on Friday.

Trần Song Hải, CEO of Greenlines DP Technology Co Ltd, the HCM City-based boat operator, said the service was expected to boost waterway tourism besides contributing to the city’s goals to develop waterway transport.

The first trip is scheduled for July 17.

The boats will leave Bạch Đằng Wharf in District 1, pick up passengers at Bình Hòa Wharf in Bình Thạnh District and Tiamo Wharf in Thủ Dầu Một City in Bình Dương, and go on to Củ Chi.

The 78km route will take around two hours one way.

Three high-speed boats with capacities of 172, 150 and 96 passengers will be deployed.

They will have air-conditioning, television sets, toilets, free Wi-Fi, electrical points for charging mobile phones, and water and snacks.

They will leave Bạch Đằng at 7:30am and 8:30am daily and Củ Chi at 2pm and 3pm.

A one-way ticket will cost VNĐ220,000 (US$9.5) for a full trip, VNĐ120,000 ($5.2) between HCM City and Bình Dương and VNĐ150,000 ($6.5) from Bình Dương to Củ Chi.

The company will also launch three yachts with capacities of 14 - 30 passengers to meet the demands of luxury tourism.

It has unveiled a promotion for a Củ Chi Tunnel Luxury Tour with a full package costing VNĐ880,000 ($38).

The package includes a return ticket by high-speed boats, entrance to the Củ Chi Tunnels, lunch, and a tour guide.

Củ Chi, one of HCM City’s most famous attractions, has an immense network of connected underground tunnels.

Bình Dương is home to attractive places like Dầu Tiếng Lake, the largest man-made reservoir in Việt Nam, traditional craft villages and spiritual destinations.

Earlier the Quốc Chánh Company Limited announced plans to launch a new ferry service between HCM City’s Cần Giờ District and Vũng Tàu City in September. — VNS

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