If you are searching for a relaxing way to explore Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon Waterbus might be just what you need. Not only public transport in Ho Chi Minh City, this water also offers peaceful sightseeing experience along the Saigon River.
Whether you’re planning a day trip in Saigon or searching for alternative things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, this guide will help you enjoy the Saigon Waterbus route with ease.
Get to know the Saigon Waterbus
The Saigon Waterbus is a public transport service in Ho Chi Minh City that travels by river instead of road. It offers a calm and scenic boat ride along the Saigon River, connecting the city center in District 1 with outer districts like Binh Thanh and Thu Duc. The waterbus currently runs on an 11-kilometer route with six official stops.
Unlike other forms of public transportation in Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon Waterbus gives you a chance to explore the city at a slower pace. You can sit near the window, watch the skyline pass by, and enjoy the fresh breeze from the river. It’s quiet, clean, and surprisingly affordable.
Many locals use the waterbus as a way to avoid road traffic, while travelers love it for its relaxed atmosphere and open views. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly boat ride in Ho Chi Minh City that feels peaceful and local, this is one of the best options.
In the next section, we’ll walk you through the full Saigon Waterbus route, including its station map and what to expect at each stop.
Saigon Waterbus route, schedule and ticket info (2025 Update)
If you’re planning to explore Ho Chi Minh by boat, knowing the route, schedule, and how to get tickets makes your experience smoother.
Saigon waterbus route and station map
The Saigon water bus route stretches about 11 kilometers along the Saigon River, connecting District 1 to Thu Duc City. It’s a slow and scenic ride that brings both Saigon sightseeing and peaceful river moments.
These are the current six official stops:
- Bach Dang Station (District 1)
- Thu Thiem Station (Thu Duc City)
- Binh An Station (Thu Duc City)
- Thanh Da Station (Binh Thanh District)
- Hiep Binh Chanh Station (Thu Duc City)
- Linh Dong Station (Thu Duc City)
Each station gives you access to different city parts. Saigon Waterbus opens a new way to experience unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Best stops for first-time travelers
If you’re new to the Saigon Waterbus, the route might feel long at first glance. But you don’t need to ride the full 11 kilometers to enjoy it. A short trip between just two or three stations is enough to give you a beautiful river view and a fresh look at life in Ho Chi Minh City.
Here are the best waterbus stops for first-time visitors:
| Station | Why stop here |
|---|---|
| Bach Dang (District 1) | The central pier, easy to reach by foot. Close to landmarks like Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Ben Thanh Market, and the Saigon Opera House. |
| Thu Thiem (Thu Duc City) | A quick 10-minute ride from Bach Dang. Known for modern parks, wide river views, and quiet walking paths. |
| Binh An (Thu Duc City) | A peaceful stop near Thao Dien, a favorite among expats. Great cafés and riverside brunch spots nearby. |
| Thanh Da (Binh Thanh) | A more local and nostalgic stop. Expect riverside restaurants, kite flying kids, and slower city rhythms. |
These stations are perfect if you’re looking for an easy boat ride in Ho Chi Minh City without getting too far from the center. Start with Bach Dang, pick a direction, and hop off when something catches your eye.
How long is the Saigon waterbus ride?
A full ride from Bach Dang Pier to Linh Dong Station takes about 35 to 45 minutes, depending on boarding time and river traffic. If you choose a shorter ride, such as Bach Dang to Thu Thiem, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
Saigon waterbus schedule
The Saigon Waterbus runs daily, making it easy to fit into your travel schedule in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Operating hours: From 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM depending on the station
- Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes depending on the water bus station and timing.
Boats tend to run more often between popular stops like Bach Dang Pier, Thu Thiem, and Binh An, especially on weekends when more locals are out for a riverside escape.
You can check the most updated timetable on the Saigon Waterbus app, at the piers, or on the official website.
Waterbus ticket price and where to buy
A ride on the Saigon Waterbus is one of the most affordable ways to enjoy a Saigon river cruise.
- Price: 15,000 VND per ride (around $0.6)
- Children under 1m: Free
You can buy tickets in three ways:
- At the ticket booth at each Saigon waterbus station.
- On the Saigon Waterbus mobile app (iOS/Android)
- Via the official website saigonwaterbus.com
It’s best to arrive 10–15 minutes early. Staff are helpful, and each pier has clear signs and a shaded waiting area. If you plan to enjoy a Saigon sightseeing cruise during sunset or on weekends, book ahead for better seats.
Note: All tickets are non-refundable, so double-check the time and destination before payment.
How to get to the Saigon Waterbus stations
Finding your way to the Saigon Waterbus station is easier than it sounds. Whether you’re staying in the city center or exploring the outer districts, there are several ways to reach the nearest stop. Most stations are located along major riverside roads and are clearly marked with yellow signs.
By foot
If you are in District 1, you can easily walk to Bach Dang Station, the main starting point of the route. It’s located near Nguyen Hue Walking Street, just a short stroll from famous landmarks like the Saigon Opera House and Ben Thanh Market. The riverside path is flat, open, and well-shaded.
By taxi or ride-hailing apps
Apps like Grab or Xanh SM are the most convenient if you’re coming from other parts of Ho Chi Minh City. Just enter the name of the station (for example, Bach Dang Waterbus Station or Binh An Pier) and the driver will take you straight there. Most drivers are familiar with the route, especially for central stops.
By bicycle
If you enjoy slow and mindful travel, cycling to the waterbus is a refreshing way to explore Ho Chi Minh City before you even step on the boat. The area around Bach Dang Pier is more bike-friendly than most might expect, especially early in the morning when traffic is light and the air is cool.
You can follow riverside streets like Nguyen Huu Canh or Ham Nghi, where shady trees and skyline views make the ride feel more scenic than stressful. If you’re cycling in the city for the first time, check out our local cycling tips and bike route guide to stay safe and enjoy the ride.
Things to do near Saigon waterbus stops
Each stop along the Saigon Waterbus route opens up a new slice of the city. Some are close to famous landmarks, others lead to quiet corners where locals live and relax by the river. Here’s what to explore near each station.
Bach Dang Waterbus Station
Bach Dang Station is the most central stop on the Saigon Waterbus route. It sits along Ton Duc Thang Street and is one of the easiest places to begin your journey on the river.
Things to do near Bach Dang Wharf
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street (About 500m away)
- Ho Chi Minh Opera House (About 600m away)
- Notre Dame Cathedral (About 1.2km away)
- Ben Thanh Market (About 1.5km away)
- Independence Palace (About 1.8km away)
Come a little early and you’ll find locals enjoying riverside views at Bach Dang Wharf Park. Some walk along the riverside path, others sip coffee while watching the boats come and go.
If you’re looking for more than just sightseeing, you can also explore the area with Jackfruit’s Tour de Saigon. This bike ride is led by locals who know the city by heart. You’ll pass through both iconic spots and lesser-known alleys, with time to stop, chat, and experience Saigon at a slower pace.
You can also check out more things to do in District 1 if you’re planning to stay longer around the area.
Thu Thiem Waterbus Station
Thu Thiem Ferry Terminal offers a look into one of the fastest-changing areas of Ho Chi Minh City. Once a quiet stretch of land across the river, Thu Thiem is now home to modern urban projects and green public spaces. It’s a refreshing mix of old and new.
Things to do near Thu Thiem Wharf
- Saigon River Park (About 300m away)
- An Khanh Communal House (About 350m away)
- Thu Thiem Church (About 650m away)
- Thiso Mall Sala (About 1.7km away)
Binh An Waterbus Station
Binh An Pier sits right by the edge of Thao Dien, a neighborhood known for leafy villas, riverside brunch spots, and a calm, friendly vibe. It’s one of the best stops for anyone curious about the expat life and quiet corners of the city.
Wander a little deeper into Thao Dien and you’ll find brunch spots, street food, and local corners that don’t show up on guidebooks.
Things to do near Binh An Pier
- Katinat Café Binh An Wharf (Right at the pier)
- Hanazami Izakaya (Right at the pier)
- Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien (About 1.8km away)
- Landmark 81 (About 3km away)
- Minh Dang Quang Monastery (About 2.5km away)
- Kim Thao Balut Stall (About 1.5km away)
If you love city sightseeing in Saigon with a quieter twist, this stop is a sweet mix of local life and expat calm. And if you want to go deeper, check out our local guide to Thao Dien for even more hidden corners.
Thanh Da Waterbus Station
Thanh Da Station is one of the most unique stops on the Saigon Waterbus route. It brings you to an area that feels calm, local, and almost frozen in time. Once planned to become a modern urban island, Thanh Da has remained a peaceful riverside neighborhood with small streets, aging apartment blocks, and traditional food stalls that have served the same dishes for decades.
Things to do near Thanh Da Wharf
- Thanh Da Apartment Complex (Right near the station)
- Mars Venus Restaurant (Right near the station)
- Trang Bang Hoang Ty Specialty Store (About 1km away)
- Phong Cua Restaurant (About 1.3km away)
- Van Thanh Tourist Area (About 4km away)
Here, things move slower. Locals fish, kids fly kites, and restaurants serve dishes that have stayed the same for decades. It’s a stop that feels like stepping into the past, without ever leaving the city.
For more local tips around this area, see our full guide to Thanh Da Island.
If you want to see more than just the surface, take a deeper ride with Jackfruit’s Escape to the Hidden Island. On this bike ride, you’ll pass lotus ponds, old market corners, and lush gardens that feel far removed from the noise of the city. It’s a local journey through what we like to call the last Mekong countryside of Saigon.
Hiep Binh Chanh Waterbus Station
Hiep Binh Chanh Station is one of the quietest and most relaxing stops on the Saigon Waterbus route. Located deep inside Thu Duc City, this station is surrounded by calm streets, local homes, and a peaceful section of the Saigon River. It is a place where few tourists stop, but locals value it for its gentle pace and fresh air.
Things to do near Hiep Binh Chanh Waterbus station
- Tuy Tam Vegetarian Buffet (About 300m away)
- Thanh Dieu Jumping Shrimp Pancake Shop (Opposite the station)
- Schiller River Club (About 400m away)
- Riverside Restaurant (About 300m away)
- Giga Mall Thu Duc City (About 1.8km away)
Linh Dong Waterbus Station
Linh Dong Station is the final stop on the Saigon Waterbus route. It is located at the northern edge of the city’s riverside area, where traffic slows and open spaces begin to appear. This station is perfect for travelers who want to end their journey with quiet views, fresh air, and a feeling of space that can be hard to find in the city center.
Things to do near Linh Dong Wharf
- Lien Thanh Fish Sauce Shop (About 40m away)
- Katinat Café Linh Dong Wharf (About 100m away)
- Vincom Thu Duc (About 3.3km away)
- Thu Duc One Pillar Pagoda (Nam Thien Nhat Tru) (About 3.5km away)
If you’re heading back toward the center, this is also a nice place to end your ride with a calm view of the river before catching the sunset from the boat.
Tips to maximize your waterbus experience
Whether you’re hopping on for a short ride or exploring the full route, these tips will help you enjoy the most of your Saigon sightseeing journey by water.
Take the waterbus during golden hour
The best time is around 5 to 6:30 PM. The light softens, the skyline starts to glow, and the Saigon River becomes calm and golden. It’s one of the most peaceful things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Best seats for Saigon sightseeing
For the best views, sit on the left side when going from Bach Dang Pier to Linh Dong, and the right side on the return. If you want the full skyline view, row 12 at the back is perfect.
Pair it with a foodie tour
If your waterbus trip ends around sunset, keep the evening going with Jackfruit’s Saigon Foodie Night Ride. It’s a cycling tour that leads you through alleys, sizzling grills, and lively street food corners. A slow cruise plus a food crawl? That’s a combo worth tasting.
Don’t rush back
The beauty of the Saigon Waterbus is in how it slows the pace. Hop off at a stop, enjoy a relaxing riverside cafe, or stroll around nearby attractions.
Saigon Waterbus vs. Saigon Watergo
If you’ve been looking at boat rides in Saigon, you might come across both the Saigon Waterbus and Saigon WaterGo. They both cruise along the Saigon River, but the experiences are quite different.
- Saigon Waterbus is part of public transport in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s more budget-friendly. You hop on, hop off, and discover local life along the way. Tickets cost just 15,000 VND (around $0.60) and boats run from 8:30 AM to 10 PM.
- Saigon WaterGo is more like a Saigon sightseeing cruise. It’s a 45-minute round trip with no stops, running from 4 PM to 11 PM. The ride includes live acoustic music or traditional Vietnamese performances, making it a great pick for couples or travelers looking for Saigon nightlife by the river. Prices start at 179,000 VND (around $7), depending on the seat you choose.
Explore more than Saigon Waterbus in Ho Chi Minh City with Jackfruit Adventure
After a calm ride along the Saigon river, you might find yourself wanting to go just a little further. The Saigon Waterbus gives you time to slow down, to breathe, to notice things you might otherwise miss. But the city doesn’t end at the pier.
If you’re curious to keep wandering, we’ve shared some of our favorite stories from this city. You can start with hidden alleyways in Ho Chi Minh, or dive into the layered culture of Chinatown where stories run deep behind every tea shop and temple gate.
And when you’re ready to see the city from a new angle, hop on two wheels with Jackfruit. Our cycling tours in Ho Chi Minh City are not just about getting from one place to another. They’re made for connection. You’ll ride with someone who knows the city not from a map, but from memory. Someone who has stories to tell between the stops.
We go where cars cannot. We notice what you’d miss on a screen. And by the end, it might feel less like a tour and more like riding with a friend.
