Over recent years, the affluent and better-off in Ho Chi Minh City have taken on a new, exorbitant indulgence of owning jet skis, recreational boats and yachts, which may cost a whopping US$4 million apiece.

It takes a few hundred million dong to dozens of billions of dong to own such sumptuous boats (VND1 million = $46).

Thanh, who lives in District 2, often takes his family on a waterway cruise on his newly bought recreational boat on Sundays.

Each outing, which costs VND3-5 million ($137- 229), including petrol and parking fees, offers his family priceless experiences.

The wharf near Thu Thiem Bridge in Binh Thanh District is teeming with commotion on weekends.

Sang, one of the enthusiasts, was refilling his recreational boat with petrol and getting ready for his family’s trip on the Saigon River one recent day.

His favorite destinations are Thanh Da Peninsula and the Binh Quoi relaxation area in Binh Thanh.

Meanwhile, Van and her husband were expectantly waiting to have their brand-new U.S.-imported recreational boat launched at a wharf near Phu My Bridge in District 7. 

Van revealed she was hooked on the vessel during a voyage with her friends along the Saigon River.

She then talked her husband, who runs a garment business, into making the purchase.

Owning jet skis is also a trendy fad among local youths.

Hao, 25, divulged that his jet ski club currently draws over 200 standing members and is expanding fast.

On weekends, the members maneuver their watercrafts to such scenic spots as Vung Tau, some 100 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City.

Yachts a new buoyant hobby

Though owning yachts remains exclusive to the affluent, the trend has also picked up steam among less wealthy buffs.

More people are not hesitant about spending from several billion dong (VND1 billion = $45,808) to some million dollars to satisfy their exorbitant indulgence.

One of the most over-the-top yachts in Ho Chi Minh City now is a $4-million Azimut 70, which is owned by a wealthy local man.

The sailboat boasts luxury décor just like a five-star hotel.

Other well-heeled people have also bought yachts worth between a few billion to dozens of billions of dong from the U.S. and Italy.

Hai, 40, who resides in District 7, said he recently purchased a gorgeous yacht for VND3 billion ($137,426).

His waterway ‘toy’ collection also includes an speedboat and a brand new jet ski.

Hai said that the fad of owning luxury cars is waning in appeal.

In addition, lavish cars usually attract the public eye, while yachts often go unnoticed.

Local companies have purchased such vessels as well, on board which they treat their key clients and partners to a taste of extravagance.

S., a local banker, owns a $1-million Meridian 408, while T., director of a large company based in the city, bought two similar yachts at the same time.

Y., another Vietnamese entrepreneur, also joined the fleet with a $2 million Princess 58.

Vibrant market

The local market for recreational boats, jet skis and yachts pulsates with activity.

On a recent day, two young friends named Tan and Hai decided to buy a pair of jet skis for VND340 million ($15,575) apiece.

A former member of a high-capacity motorbike club based in District 2, Tan has switched to jet skis for a change.

Huy, 38, was completing paperwork for his $100,000 yacht at a company on Nguyen Van Quy Street in District 7.

The shiny sailboat boasts two living rooms, two bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom, and lovely furnishings and décor.

According to An, the director of a local boating service company, an increasing number of city residents have paid for deluxe vessels.

There were times when his imported supplies failed to meet demand, and his clients have to place orders well in advance.

An added that people spend around VND3-5 million ($137-229) a month having their prized watercrafts docked and tended to at wharfs along the Saigon River.

Those who cannot afford such exorbitant buys can still relish their waterway voyages by renting the watercrafts from individuals and local travel firms.

The boats can be leased from numerous shops along the Saigon River by hour, day or voyage.

According to Toan, the owner of a speedboat rental shop near Thu Thiem Bridge, a seven-seat boat is leased for VND4 million ($183) per hour.

He receives clients on a daily basis.

Voyagers can also buy tickets for around VND1.3 million ($60) for a two-hour ride along the Saigon River.

Discounts are offered for longer trips to scenic spots located in the outlying districts of Can Gio and Cu Chi, and other surrounding provinces.