Ho Chi Minh City’s river bus fleet gets new open-air sightseeing boat

The PIKA boat was officially launched on Thursday, adding a new sightseeing option along the Saigon River.

Its open design allows passengers to enjoy unobstructed views of the riverbanks throughout the journey.

Departing from Bach Dang Wharf, the boat passes Nha Rong Wharf, Khanh Hoi Port, Ba Son Bridge and Thu Thiem urban area before returning to the departure point. The trip takes about 45 minutes.

Passengers can see landmarks associated with old Saigon, including Nha Rong Wharf, Ba Son Port and Khanh Hoi Port, alongside modern high-rise buildings and other developments that line both sides of the river.

The open-air design is particularly suited to sightseeing after sunset. As the city lights up, the illuminated buildings along the river, Ba Son Bridge and the central area are reflected on the water, offering a different perspective of Ho Chi Minh City.

Nguyen Kim Toan, director of Thuong Nhat Co. Ltd., which operates the Saigon Waterbus system, said the new service is intended to diversify ways of experiencing the Saigon River while complementing the city’s existing waterborne public transport service.

The boat can carry up to 56 passengers and operates from 3:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Each passenger is served a drink during the cruise.

Sililaththongsin Thongpeng, deputy secretary of the Vientiane Capital Party Committee and chairman of the Vientiane Capital Administration, and his delegation toured the city aboard the boat on Thursday.

After the cruise, the Lao official said he was impressed by the Saigon River, the preserved ecosystem along the river, and the infrastructure and urban developments on both banks.

He said Vientiane would study Ho Chi Minh City’s experience in developing the riverfront to support economic, social and tourism development, with the aim of developing at a level comparable with other major cities in the ASEAN region.

The PIKA cruise from Bach Dang Wharf offers residents and visitors another way to explore Ho Chi Minh City, taking in both historic landmarks and its modern urban landscape from the Saigon River.