The ongoing Ho Chi Minh City River Festival, taking place from Friday to Sunday this week, features a boat parade every night with the participation of some 40 cruise ships, yachts, floating restaurants, canoes operated by tourism businesses on the Saigon River.

This waterway parade is expected to be one of the highlights of the three-day festival, hosted by the municipal Department of Tourism, in coordination with  the municipal Department of Culture and Sports as well as relevant agencies.

The boat parade starts from the Saigon Cruise Port in District 4 to the waters near the Landmark 81 building, the highest skyscraper in the country, with the participating ships decorated with colorful lights to attract festival-goers.

The boat parade will take place between 7:30 pm and 9:00 pm on Saturday and from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Sunday this week.

Illuminated boats stage a parade on the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, August 4, 2023. Photo: T.T.D / Tuoi Tre

Aside from watching the boat parade, festival-goers can access some 150 special deals offered by over 100 travel firms at the event.

They can also explore riverside cultural space, take part in a wide range of traditional folk games, and enjoy various traditional music and dance shows.

These activities are scheduled to take place at the Saigon Cruise Port, the Bach Dang Wharf Park, the Binh Dong Wharf, along the banks of Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal, and in various tourist sites.

Below are some photos of a boat parade held on Friday night:

Illuminated boats are on parade near the Ba Son Bridge, which spans over the Saigon River and links District 1 with Thu Duc City in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre

The boat parade is seen at the Vinhomes Central Park Tan Cang area. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre

Cruise ship guests enjoy the spectacular scenery of Ho Chi Minh City at night. Photo: T.T.D / Tuoi Tre

A sparkling riverside view of the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre

A drone light art performance at the festival. Photo: T.T.D / Tuoi Tre

A drone light art performance at the festival. Photo: T.T.D / Tuoi Tre

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