Slow travel on Ho Chi Minh City river emerges as high-end draw

On these itineraries, Ho Chi Minh City serves as just one stop on an eight-day voyage.

Slow travel is a practice that can deepen visitors’ connection to their destination.

Tourism experts note that even a full day, roughly 24 hours, is insufficient for visitors to fully grasp the city’s layered history and dynamic culture.

Stretching some 80 kilometers through the city, the Saigon River carries more than just water as it bears over three centuries of history tied to the formation of the city.

However, despite its cultural and historical depth, the river remains underutilized as a tourism resource.

Pham Ha, CEO of LuxGroup, said that river-based tourism is an integral part of the urban experience in global cities such as Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Bangkok.

He believed that the Saigon River could similarly become a ‘cultural stage,’ where visitors engage with southern Vietnam’s history, cuisine, arts, and everyday life.

Le Truong Hien Hoa, deputy director of the municipal Department of Tourism, emphasized that the river’s distinctive character, combined with the vibrant nightlife along its banks, offers a compelling draw for visitors.

Infrastructure improvements are reinforcing this vision.

New marina developments and expanded river transport networks are making waterways more accessible.

Long-distance routes connecting the city to coastal destinations such as Vung Tau are already operational, while the central area has seen a surge in investment in sightseeing boats and floating restaurants, diversifying the visitor experience.

The push toward more professional, integrated river tourism products is expected to help the city better capture affluent travelers seeking immersive and connected journeys.

New product targets premium travelers

River cruises featuring fine dining, live music, and panoramic views of the city’s illuminated skyline have long been familiar offerings.

However, a new product is raising the bar.

At the Vietnam International Travel Mart 2026, which opened in Hanoi on Friday, a company unveiled Amiral Cruises, a Saigon River experience designed around green tourism principles and ESG standards.

With a capacity of 99 passengers, the cruise combines cultural experience, cuisine, and entertainment into a single journey.

Departing from Bach Dang Wharf in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, passengers can explore multiple routes along the river.

One standout itinerary connects the city to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels by water, offering a distinctive perspective on a landmark typically visited by road.

Built around the philosophy of slow travel, the new product is expected to draw visitors who are willing to spend more time and money to understand local culture.

Ha from LuxGroup said that a highlight of the journey is the ‘River Show,’ an immersive performance blending music, lighting, and live art to narrate the cultural story of southern Vietnam’s riverine life.

Bui Thanh Tu, marketing director at BestPrice, noted that international travelers drawn to slow travel are often willing to pay a premium for meaningful experiences.

Currently, one of the most popular offerings is an eight-day cruise departing from the Saigon port, traveling through Ben Tre and Can Tho, before heading upstream along the Mekong River to Siem Reap.

Favored by middle-aged international tourists, these packages typically range from US$2,000 to $3,000 per person.

The Vietnam International Travel Mart 2026 runs until Monday.