Saigon Water Bus offers a different way to see Ho Chi Minh City as the route follows the Saigon River past Bach Dang, Ba Son, Binh An, and Thao Dien. It works both as public transport and as an easy experience to combine with the Metro in the same day.
Which stops does the Saigon Water Bus serve?
According to the operator, the system currently has these main stops: Bach Dang, Thu Thiem, Ba Son, Binh An, Thao Dien, Thanh Da, Hiep Binh Chanh, and Linh Dong. The current schedule has been in effect since April 1, 2026, running every day of the week, with extra trips added on weekends and holidays. Each stop offers a fairly different experience, so if you don't need to ride the full route, you can pick a shorter leg that fits your day.
Ticket prices and operating hours
Read the full fare and operating-hours details
Tickets currently cost 15,000 VND per ride per person, covering one boarding and one drop-off, with a round trip costing about 30,000 VND per person. Tickets can be bought directly at the stop or booked online. When booking online, keep in mind that Water Bus tickets are one-way — if you want to return to your starting point, you'll need to book a separate return trip. The operator recommends arriving at least 15 minutes before departure.
Under the current schedule, boats run roughly 7 AM to 9 PM Monday through Friday, and roughly 7 AM to 11 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Exact times vary by stop and trip, so check the schedule before heading out. For anyone who wants to watch the city shift from afternoon into evening, around 4:30 to 6:30 PM is generally worth considering, though it's worth checking the weather beforehand.
Bach Dang Wharf, the most convenient starting point
If you're staying in the city center, Bach Dang Wharf is the easiest place to start, located at 10B Ton Duc Thang, right next to Bach Dang Wharf Park. From here, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the Municipal Theatre, and the Dong Khoi area are all a fairly convenient walk away. That's also why the Water Bus fits so naturally into a day exploring the center, following the Ben Thanh, Nguyen Hue, Bach Dang route before boarding — instead of ending the day at the riverfront, you can continue across the river by boat.
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Each leg from Bach Dang offers a different experience
Read detailed suggestions for choosing a leg
The Bach Dang to Thu Thiem or Ba Son legs suit anyone who just wants a quick taste of the Water Bus while still getting a fresh view of the familiar city center. Binh An is a good pick for photography lovers, couples, or anyone who wants a clear view of the Landmark 81 skyline. Thao Dien is probably the most interesting leg for anyone who already knows Ho Chi Minh City, offering a completely different pace from District 1 with cafes, international restaurants, and an expat community. Thanh Da and Linh Dong suit travelers with half a day to spare who want a less central kind of experience. For most guests staying 2 to 5 days, you don't need to ride the whole route for a good experience — the Bach Dang to Binh An or Thao Dien legs are usually the easiest to work into a schedule.
Water Bus, Metro, or river cruise?
Read the full comparison
How is the Saigon Water Bus different from a river cruise?
The key thing to remember is that the Water Bus is fundamentally public transport, not a premium river cruise. Don't expect table service, private space, a cocktail service, a personal guide, or fine dining on board. The appeal is in its simplicity: buy a ticket, board, ride, take in the city, then get off in a different neighborhood. For anyone living in or frequently visiting Ho Chi Minh City, that simplicity is exactly what makes the Water Bus feel like a real part of getting around rather than a separate tourist activity.
Water Bus or Metro?
The two options serve different purposes. Choose the Metro if you want to move quickly, need a reliable schedule, or are traveling between the center and Thao Dien during peak hours. Choose the Water Bus if you have time to spare, want to take in the city, are out for leisure rather than a meeting, want to experience the Saigon River, and aren't in a rush. A fitting approach for frequent visitors to Ho Chi Minh City is to take the Water Bus one way and return by Metro, so you're not repeating the same route twice.
When should you ride, and how should you book?
Read the full timing and booking tips
Mornings suit anyone who wants smaller crowds, cooler weather, or has brunch or coffee plans in Thao Dien. Late afternoon is more visually rewarding, with softer light as the skyline shifts into evening — though if your trip falls in September or October, check the short-term forecast since Ho Chi Minh City is still in the rainy season then. Weekend and holiday evenings now run later than weekdays, but if your main goal is photographing the riverbanks, late afternoon is usually easier to work with while there's still daylight.
If you want a specific trip, book online in advance through the process of selecting your departure stop, arrival stop, date, trip, and seat, then paying or holding your spot and showing your code when boarding. Keep in mind that tickets are one-way, so double-check the date and time before purchasing, tickets come with change and refund restrictions under the operator's policy, and you should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Booking ahead is worth it if you're traveling on a weekend or near sunset.
How should frequent visitors experience the Water Bus?
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Where should you stay if you want to ride the Water Bus?
There's no need to pick accommodation just because it's near a Water Bus stop — prioritize the whole itinerary instead. If most of your time is in District 1, the city center is still the convenient choice, and Bach Dang is just one stop in the day. If most of your trip takes place in Thao Dien, staying in the east may make more sense, with the Water Bus becoming a way to head back to the center. If you're working in District 7, near the airport, or elsewhere, there's no need to change where you stay just to be near the Water Bus route.
You can also see Choosing a CityHouse by Area if your itinerary moves between downtown, the east, and other parts of the city.
