During a Saigon River tour, visitors can drop into a host of charming tourist sites and stunning structures along the river, as well as savor various delicacies in Ho Chi Minh City.

Nha Rong (Dragon) Wharf – Ho Chi Minh Museum cluster

As a historical structure, Nha Rong (Dragon) Wharf lies on a prime location along the Saigon River in District 4.

At the wharf, Nguyen Ai Quoc (late State President Ho Chi Minh) left Vietnam for France to start his journey to save the country on June 5, 1911.

Apart from its structural beauty, Ho Chi Minh Museum brings visitors back to the past to learn more about the life of the honorable Vietnamese leader and his path to national liberation.

The museum houses nine exhibition rooms with numerous photos and exhibits associated with President Ho Chi Minh in each stage.

With fresh air and riverside location, Bach Dang Park becomes attractive to many tourists and dwellers. Photo: Minh Huyen / Tuoi Tre

Bach Dang Wharf Park

Located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, the Bach Dang wharf and park area is always buzzy and crowded with tourists who wait to buy a waterbus ticket for a river tour. The exploration trip starts from District 1.

District 1 is home to multiple iconic sites such as Reunification Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Ben Thanh Market, the century-old building of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Theater, and Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts.

Among busy shopping malls are Vincom Dong Khoi, Saigon Center, and Bitexco Tower, while along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street stand many coffee shops, fashion stores, art showrooms and restaurants.

The magnificent building of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City faces Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street and overlooks the Saigon River. Photo: Minh Huyen / Tuoi Tre

Ba Son Bridge in Thu Duc City

Linking District 1 and Thu Duc City, Ba Son Bridge was put into service in late April 2022. The bridge not only facilitates transport and traffic, but also becomes a symbol for the city.

Visitors can take photos with the bridge on a lane for pedestrians.

The eye-catching Ba Son Bridge in Thu Duc City. Photo: Minh Khang / Tuoi Tre

Must-see pagodas in District 3

Visitors should not miss three beautiful pagodas in District 3, including Vinh Nghiem, Phap Hoa and Chantarangsay, which overlook Nhieu Loc Canal.

On Buddhist celebration days, the three are lit up by colored lanterns, attracting throngs of residents and pilgrims.

Constructed in 1964, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda sees countless big Buddhist events taking place. With its solemnity and tranquility amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is not only dwellers’ fulcrum of spiritual life, but also a tourist destination for domestic and international travelers.

Chantarangsay is the Khmer ethnic group's first pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. Lying on the bank of the Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe canal, the pagoda sparkles with its yellow color tone.

The pagoda, built in 1946, is highlighted by many small towers with sophisticated architecture.

In addition to maintaining cultural values, the pagoda acts as a convergent venue of the Khmer ethnic community in Ho Chi Minh City.

Lying near Nhieu Loc Canal, Phap Hoa Pagoda is known as the best place to float lanterns during Buddhist fests.

The pagoda was constructed in 1928, and has been repaired and renovated many times to become elegant.

Chantarangsay Pagoda sparkles with its yellow color tone. Photo: Minh Huyen / Tuoi Tre

A corner of Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. Photo: Minh Huyen / Tuoi Tre

Vinh Khanh Food Street

As one of busy streets in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vinh Khanh Food Street delights visitors with a wide range of dishes of seafood, hotpot, grilled meat and fast food.

Various dishes on Vinh Khanh Food Street delight visitors. Photo: Minh Huyen / Tuoi Tre

Fatima Binh Trieu Church in Thu Duc City

Sprawling along a bank of the dreamy river, Fatima Binh Trieu Church in Thu Duc City enthralls many tourists with its Gothic architecture, and splendid beauty.

The elegant Fatima Binh Trieu church lies along the Saigon River. Photo: Vo Linh / Tuoi Tre

Binh Quoi Tourist Village

One of families’ sought-after destinations on weekends is Binh Quoi Tourist Village in Binh Thanh District.

The riverside tourist area contents guests with warm sunlight, a carpet of green grass and cool winds.

They often visit the place to throw a birthday, or baby’s full-month celebration party, and hold outdoor activities such as boat racing, camping, and fishing to enjoy peaceful atmosphere.

Binh Quoi Tourist Village boasts its peaceful atmosphere. Photo: Minh Huyen / Tuoi Tre

A carpet of green grass on Thanh Da Peninsula. Photo: Minh Huyen / Tuoi Tre

Quang San Art Museum

Over 1,000 artworks on display at Quang San Art Museum in Thu Duc City make the museum worth a visit. The museum has constantly launched art exhibitions with various topics to honor artists and create awe-inspiring spaces to see art.

After enjoying plenty of works in the scenic museum, visitors can come by some street eateries and coffee shops to savor American, French, Indian, South Korean, Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese dishes.

Visitors take a look at artworks on display in Quang San Art Museum, which is located along the Saigon River. Photo: Quangsanartmuseum

Phu Chau Temple

Nestled in the Vam Thuat River in Go Vap District, the 300-year-old Phu Chau Temple is shrouded by mysterious stories 

It is said that all wishes made at the pilgrimage site will come true, so tourists from near and far have traveled to the place to pray for miracles.

The roof of Phu Chau Temple is covered with turquoise-glazed ying-yang tiles, while the architecture inside the temple features exquisite ceramic mosaic art.

Phu Chau Temple lies in the middle of the Vam Thuat River. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

Visitors crowd Phu Chau Temple to pray for health and luck. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

Binh Dong Wharf

Binh Dong Wharf in District 8, one of the bustling areas in the city, is packed with boats laden with flowers and fruits in each morning. The wharf is full of commotion, showing lively trading activities. 

The space of Binh Dong Wharf reflects part of the river-based life in the southern region, engrossing domestic and international travelers.

Binh Dong Wharf is packed with flower-laden boats on Tet, or Lunar New Year holidays. Photo: Vo Linh / Tuoi Tre

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