Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately known as Saigon, is a city of dazzling contrasts. Dynamic and modern yet steeped in history, it’s a place where French colonial architecture stands beside glittering skyscrapers, and vibrant street food stalls fill the air with tantalizing aromas.
Now, the city is charting exciting new waters—literally. Plans for overnight cruises and floating markets promise to add even more magic to Saigon’s bustling tourism scene. Here’s a look at these developments and the iconic sights you shouldn’t miss.
Saigon’s River Tourism Renaissance
Floating Markets on the Saigon River
Imagine gliding along the river under neon lights while vendors on boats sell fruits, handicrafts, and local delicacies. That’s exactly what Saigon plans to offer with its upcoming floating markets, recreated near Tan Thuan Bridge every Saturday and Sunday.
These floating markets aim to revive the spirit of traditional river commerce and offer visitors a unique way to experience local culture right in the city center.
Overnight River Cruises
To elevate river tourism, the city is developing overnight cruises on the Saigon River, featuring luxurious ships with 100–200 cabins. These floating hotels will combine relaxation with sightseeing, offering routes that visit historic landmarks, temples, pagodas, and craft villages along scenic canals.
Smaller wooden boats carrying 10–50 passengers will connect tourists to narrow waterways and hidden gems off the main river routes.
New Waterway Routes
Saigon is expanding its water tourism network, with planned routes including:
- Bach Dang Wharf → District 7 (via Saigon River, Te Canal, Ong Lon Canal, and Dia Canal)
- Bach Dang Wharf → Can Gio
- Saigon → Tien Giang, Ben Tre and back
These routes will blend scenic cruises with cultural stops and lively attractions, such as the Cresent Mall, Crescent Lake, Starlight Bridge, and the Artinus 3D Art Museum. Plans also include connecting trams from Phu My Hung and Cu Lao Xanh (Nha Be), as well as kayaking and canoeing experiences from Saigon Rowing Station.
Iconic Attractions in Saigon
While river cruises will offer new experiences, Saigon’s classic landmarks remain unmissable. Here’s what to add to your itinerary:
Giac Lam Pagoda
- Address: 565 Lac Long Quan Street, Tan Binh District
- One of the oldest temples in southern Vietnam, built over 300 years ago.
- Famous for 7,454 decorative plates along its walls and traditional architecture.
- Designated a national historical-cultural relic in 1988.
Ba Thien Hau Temple
- A significant spiritual and cultural hub for the Cantonese-Vietnamese community.
- One of the oldest Chinese temples in the city, dedicated to Thien Hau, the sea goddess.
- Besides religious significance, it’s a symbol of community gathering and mutual support among Chinese descendants.
War Remnants Museum
- A profound museum documenting the Vietnam War through photographs, artifacts, and historical accounts.
- Offers a moving perspective on the nation’s turbulent 20th-century history.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Built between 1877 and 1880 by French colonists.
- Distinctive red-brick façade imported from France.
- Tall bell towers and stained-glass windows create a striking presence.
- Capacity: about 1,200 people.
- The cathedral’s solid foundation is engineered to support loads ten times its structure’s weight—a marvel of colonial architecture.
Saigon Central Post Office
- Constructed from 1886 to 1891, designed by architect Gustave Eiffel.
- Features elegant arched windows, vaulted ceilings, and intricate ironwork reminiscent of European train stations.
- A beautiful example of French colonial architecture that’s still operational today.
Independence Palace
- Also known as Reunification Palace.
- A national historic monument and former presidential residence during the Vietnam War.
- Visitors can tour its grand meeting rooms, war command bunker, and iconic rooftop helipad.
Taste of Saigon
A trip to Saigon is incomplete without indulging in its street food and local specialties. From sizzling bánh xèo pancakes to fresh spring rolls and the city’s famous “sidewalk coffee culture,” every corner reveals culinary treasures.
A City That Keeps Evolving
With its plans for river cruises, floating markets, and new waterway tourism, Saigon is embracing the future while honoring its past. Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie, or simply seeking new adventures, Vietnam’s southern metropolis offers endless experiences.
So, are you ready to explore Saigon — from its vibrant streets to the gentle ripples of the Saigon River?
