Starting from Bach Dang Wharf
Bach Dang Wharf sits at 10B Ton Duc Thang, right beside Bach Dang Wharf Park, the most convenient departure point if you're already in central District 1. Before boarding, it's easy to spend extra time strolling through Nguyen Hue Walking Street or the Dong Khoi area, both within a short walk of the wharf. A one-way ticket currently costs 15,000 VND per person; it's worth buying ahead or booking online if you want to lock in a specific departure time, since Water Bus tickets are one-way only.
What does the route from Bach Dang to Thao Dien pass along the way?
The Bach Dang–Thao Dien leg doesn't run straight through; it stops at a few intermediate piers, each with its own scenery. Right after leaving Bach Dang, the boat passes Thu Thiem, where the contrast between the old District 1 and the new urban area on the opposite bank becomes visible. Next comes Ba Son, the stretch marking the boundary between the historic center and modern riverside developments. Approaching Binh An, Landmark 81 starts coming into clear view in the distance, one of the more scenic stretches for photos, especially in the late afternoon as the light softens. After Binh An, the boat continues on to Thao Dien, the end of this particular leg.
Why is the Bach Dang–Thao Dien leg a favorite?
Compared with longer legs like Thanh Da or Linh Dong, the Bach Dang–Thao Dien stretch is short enough to fit easily into a single outing while still showing several layers of the city, from the historic center to the new Thu Thiem urban area and the modern skyline around Landmark 81. That's why this leg works as a different way to see the city, rather than simply a way to get from point A to point B. For more on the full route, fares, and other legs, see Saigon Water Bus: A Guide to Experiencing the City from the Saigon River.
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What to do once you reach Thao Dien
Thao Dien moves at a noticeably different pace from central District 1: slower, greener, with a high concentration of cafes and international restaurants that reflect the long-established expat community living here. After stepping off the boat, you could spend an afternoon walking the small riverside streets, sitting at a cafe, or having dinner at one of the area's many international restaurants. This is also where Thao Dien Metro station sits, so if you'd rather return to the center a different way, taking the Water Bus one way and the Metro back is an easy combination.
When's the best time to take this leg?
Mornings work well if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler air, especially when paired with brunch in Thao Dien. Late afternoon, roughly 4:30 to 6:30 PM, is the time of day many people choose, since the light is at its best and Landmark 81 along with the skyline begin lighting up as evening sets in. It's worth checking the weather beforehand, especially if your trip falls during Ho Chi Minh City's rainy season.
Where to stay in Thao Dien
For anyone planning to spend more time in the eastern part of the city after the Water Bus ride, staying right in Thao Dien is far more convenient than traveling back to the center every day. CityHouse MARK Atelier Thao Dien at 45 Nguyen Duy Hieu, An Khanh Ward leans into a quiet-luxury style, well suited to anyone who wants a private, elevated space in the area. If convenience for combining both the Water Bus and Metro matters more, CityHouse NEST Metro Thao Dien at 53A Vo Nguyen Giap, An Khanh Ward is an equally practical fit.
⌖ 45 Nguyen Duy Hieu, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
A quiet-luxury option for a more private, polished stay in the eastern part of the city.
⌖ 53A Vo Nguyen Giap, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
A practical base for combining the Water Bus and Metro when moving between Thao Dien and downtown.
A short ride, a different view of the city
The Water Bus leg from Bach Dang to Thao Dien is more than just a way to travel. It's a chance to see the city from an entirely different angle — slower and more deliberate than riding in a car. At about 20 minutes on the water, it's worth trying at least once, especially for anyone who already knows Ho Chi Minh City well and wants something new within a familiar journey.
