Bustling Ho Chi Minh City shines brightest from its waterways. Three essential boat experiences stand out: speedboat rides to the Cu Chi Tunnels (faster and less crowded than bus tours), day trips through the Mekong Delta’s floating markets, and dinner cruises along the Saigon River. My favorite is the early morning speedboat tour – you’ll beat the heat and crowds while getting a local’s view of riverside life. Private tours work well for families and small groups, offering flexibility and better value than larger tours. I love how the evening dinner cruises combine traditional music with fresh Vietnamese cooking – it’s touristy but done right. Check out our tested and recommended tours below.
Key Points
- Mekong Delta tours offer immersive experiences with boat cruises, farm visits, and cultural activities showcasing the region’s natural beauty and local lifestyles.
- Saigon River dinner cruises provide scenic views of the city’s skyline and landmarks, along with buffet meals and live entertainment.
- Private and customized tours cater to cruise passengers, offering flexibility to visit top attractions like the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace.
- Scenic river cruises, such as the Bassac Mekong Delta Cruise, allow travelers to explore floating markets and tranquil waterways.
- Unique experiences like the Dragon Floating Temple Sightseeing Tour and New Year’s Eve Fireworks Tour offer distinctive perspectives of Ho Chi Minh City.
Premier Cu Chi Tunnels Tour in Ben Dinh by Speed Boat
The premier Cu Chi Tunnels tour by speedboat provides travelers with a unique and convenient way to explore this historic site. The tour departs from Ho Chi Minh City, whisking participants to the Cu Chi Tunnels via a 43-mile speedboat journey.
Along the way, guests enjoy a light breakfast featuring seasonal fruits and pastries. Once at the tunnels, they’ll watch a documentary, explore the jungle, and even venture into the tunnels themselves.
An optional shooting range activity and visits to local industries add to the experience. A traditional Vietnamese lunch with seven courses caps off the day.
With 99% of travelers recommending the tour and a 4.9 rating, this is an immersive and well-reviewed way to discover the Cu Chi Tunnels.
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From Ho Chi Minh: Mekong Delta Day Tour With Boat Ride
Departing from Ho Chi Minh City, this day tour provides travelers a chance to enjoy the picturesque Mekong Delta region.
Over 8.5 hours, the tour takes guests to Vinh Trang Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple, for a guided visit.
Then, a boat cruise through floating villages and fish farms offers a unique perspective of local life.
In Ben Tre Province, participants can explore a honey farm, taste honey tea, and experience traditional Vietnamese singing.
A local cuisine lunch and optional cycling round out the experience.
With flexible hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and free cancellation, this comprehensive tour is an excellent way to discover the Mekong Delta’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
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Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion From Cruise Port
This private shore excursion provides cruise passengers with a comprehensive introduction to the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City.
Offering a flexible, customizable itinerary, the tour takes visitors to iconic sites like the War Remnants Museum, Chinatown, and Reunification Palace. Guests can expect an authentic Vietnamese lunch and the chance to explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market.
Highly rated guides lead the way, ensuring a comfortable, engaging, and informative experience tailored to the group’s interests. With pickup and drop-off at the cruise port, this tour is ideal for those with limited time.
Travelers consistently praise the flexibility, delicious cuisine, and knowledgeable guides who make this an exceptional way to discover the best of Ho Chi Minh City.
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From Ho Chi Minh: Mekong Delta Day Tour With Rowing Boat
Travelers seeking to explore the lush Mekong Delta region can embark on a comprehensive day tour from Ho Chi Minh City.
The Mekong Delta Day Tour with Rowing Boat offers a compelling itinerary, starting at $30.77 per person. Over 9 hours, the tour takes participants to Vinh Trang Pagoda, My Tho, and Ben Tre Province, with activities like a rowing boat ride, honey farm visit, and coconut candy workshop.
Included are transportation, meals, and entrance fees. Unique experiences include interacting with pythons and enjoying traditional Vietnamese music.
The tour accommodates up to 11 participants and offers free hotel pickup in select districts, making it an accessible and immersive way to discover the Mekong Delta’s natural and cultural wonders.
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Speed Boat Tour to The Deck for Sunset Cocktail
For a tranquil respite from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can embark on a speed boat tour to The Deck, where they can savor sunset cocktails while admiring the illuminated cityscape.
The cruise includes insurance, a hostess escort, and complimentary water and towels. Guests will be picked up and dropped off at the Saigon Waterbus Station, and they’ll pass by bridges and observe river life along the way.
With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, this experience offers a relaxing atmosphere away from the crowded streets. The tour is priced from £79.94 per person and comes highly recommended, with a 4.9 overall rating from 44 reviews.
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Ho Chi Minh City: Saigon River Luxury Cruise
Tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City can embark on a luxurious cruise along the Saigon River, taking in the city’s captivating skyline and historical landmarks.
Priced from $12.50 per person, the 1-hour cruise departs from the Saigon Waterbus Station and showcases iconic sites like the Tran Hung Dao Statue, Hotel Majestic, and Bitexco Financial Tower.
Onboard, guests can enjoy drinks and snacks while listening to a live guide‘s insights.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 from over 100 reviews, the cruise offers a relaxing and informative way to experience Ho Chi Minh City’s waterfront.
Advance reservations are recommended, as this popular tour is likely to sell out.
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1 Day Private Cai Rang Floating Market and My Tho Boat Tour
This private day tour offers visitors a chance to explore the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market and the serene waterways of My Tho.
Lasting 10-12 hours, it includes private transportation, breakfast, lunch, and an English-speaking guide. Priced from $125 per person, the tour is recommended by 98% of travelers and has a 5.0 overall rating.
While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour starts at 5 AM and offers a convenient pickup near public transportation. This experience provides an immersive glimpse into the rich culture and natural beauty of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region.
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Exotic Boat Trip on The Mythical River and Double-decker Bus
An exotic boat trip awaits visitors to Ho Chi Minh City, offering a unique experience on the mythical Binh Tri River.
The 6-hour “Ho Chi Minh City: Sunset River Cruise with Dinner” activity includes pickup in a double-decker bus, followed by a cruise with dinner, live violin music, and a magic show.
Guests can drop paper lanterns into the river for good luck and enjoy a glass of wine or apple juice as the city lights up at night.
With English-speaking guides, vegetarian options, and accessibility for wheelchair users, this cruise provides an unforgettable sunset experience on the river.
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Full Day Experience Mekong Delta By Bike, Boat and Kayak.
Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City can enjoy the alluring waterways of the Mekong Delta through a full-day experience that combines cycling, kayaking, and boat cruising.
This highly recommended tour earns a Badge of Excellence with 285 positive reviews and a 99% traveler recommendation. The experience includes equipment like bikes, kayaks, and life vests, as well as a knowledgeable local guide, meals, and transportation.
Guests can explore the Cai Be floating market, paddle through jungle canals, and cycle past scenic farms. The tour is suitable for most travelers, except those with certain medical conditions.
Prices start from $109 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Full Day Experience Mekong Delta By Bike, Boat and Kayak. Review
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Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta Day Tour With Boat Ride
Nestled within the vibrant heart of Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can embark on a captivating Mekong Delta day tour that offers an enchanting glimpse into the region’s aquatic wonders.
This 10-hour excursion takes participants on a leisurely boat ride along the Tien River, where they’ll visit four mythical islets and explore a honey bee farm, python farm, and coconut candy workshop.
Other highlights include a horse-drawn carriage ride, a rowing boat ride through mangrove palms, and a traditional folk music performance.
With an expert English-speaking guide, lunch, and round-trip hotel transfers, this tour provides an immersive experience of the Mekong Delta’s natural and cultural treasures.
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Saigon River Tour for New Year’s Eve Fireworks 2025 by Speed Boat
As the clock nears midnight on New Year’s Eve 2025, travelers can embark on an exhilarating speed boat tour along the Saigon River to witness the captivating fireworks display over the vibrant cityscape of Ho Chi Minh City.
The 4.9/5 rated tour, operated by Saigon River Tour, offers a maximum of 26 participants a duration starting at 10:30 PM. For $120 per person, the non-refundable tour includes alcoholic beverages, snacks, bottled water, and gratuities.
The meeting and end point is at Ga tàu thuỷ Bạch Đằng, and confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Most travelers can participate, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
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Evening Delights: Saigon Dinner on Cruise With Hotel Pickup
Travelers can indulge in the Evening Delights: Saigon Dinner on Cruise with Hotel Pickup, a captivating 4-hour experience that whisks them along the Saigon River.
Priced from $54.37 per person, this small-group tour includes hotel pickup, a buffet dinner, and scenic views of Saigon’s skyline and sunset.
The itinerary features live music, Flamenco dancing, and a traditional dance show, as well as photo stops at historical landmarks.
Travelers can enjoy the convenience of air-conditioned transportation and a flexible cancellation policy.
Whether seeking a romantic evening or a culture, this dinner cruise offers a delightful way to experience Saigon’s waterways.
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Mekong Delta River Cruise Adventure Tour From Ho Chi Minh
For those seeking a deeper immersion into Vietnam’s picturesque Mekong Delta region, the Mekong Delta River Cruise Adventure Tour from Ho Chi Minh City offers an engaging full-day excursion.
This small-group tour (maximum 12 people) takes travelers on a journey through the lush, jungle-shaded canals, fishing villages, and local fruit farms of the Mekong Delta.
Highlights include a boat cruise, visits to bee and fish farms, sampling tropical fruits, and observing coconut candy production. Guests also enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch featuring local specialties.
With a 4.6/5 star rating from over 1,100 reviews, this carbon-neutral tour is a recommended way to experience the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the Mekong Delta.
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Discover HCM Nightlife: Dinner on Cruise With Hotel Pickup
Discover Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant nightlife with a dinner cruise along the Saigon River.
This 3-4 hour tour, available with hotel pickup, allows you to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the city’s illuminated skyline. The small group size ensures an intimate experience.
Priced from $28 per person, this activity is highly rated at 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 2,500 reviews.
Upgrade to the VIP limousine bus tour and skip the lines to experience the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta in a luxurious 10-hour excursion.
Whether you choose the dinner cruise or the VIP tour, these options provide a unique way to explore Ho Chi Minh City’s culture and attractions.
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Authentic Mekong Delta to Ben Tre Tour by Speed Boat
With an early morning pickup from central Ho Chi Minh City, this full-day Mekong Delta tour by speedboat whisks travelers to the lush, waterways of Ben Tre.
The highlights include visiting a local market, enjoying honey tea and tropical fruit, and listening to traditional Vietnamese music.
Travelers will ride a rowboat through the canals and Saigon River, tour a coconut candy factory, and explore My Tho and its canals by sampan.
A bicycle ride on village roads and a 7-course regional lunch are also included.
The tour is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience with an English-speaking guide.
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Ho Chi Minh: Saigon River Cruise With Buffet Dinner
Amidst the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can enjoy a tranquil river cruise along the Saigon River.
The “Ho Chi Minh: Saigon River Cruise With Buffet Dinner” offers a 2-hour journey featuring a delectable buffet dinner. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 2,645 reviews, the small-group tour provides pickup and is priced from $34.19.
Guests can admire the city skyline and witness local life on the riverbanks. The cruise showcases the unique blend of colonial and modern architecture that defines Ho Chi Minh City.
This experience is a relaxing way to appreciate the city’s beauty and culture after a day of sightseeing.
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Saigon River Tour to Can Gio Mangrove Forest by Speed Boat
Travelers can embark on a thrilling Saigon River tour to the UNESCO-designated Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere, a diverse wetland teeming with rare wildlife.
The full-day excursion includes a speedboat ride and exploration of the region’s wetlands, mangroves, and salt marshes. Guided by an English-speaking expert, guests can search for king cobras, saltwater crocodiles, and spot-billed pelicans.
The tour includes a Vietnamese set lunch, water, and towels, with pickup and drop-off at the convenient Bach Dang pier. Priced from $150 per person, the tour accommodates up to 15 travelers.
Dietary requirements can be catered for, and the experience isn’t recommended for those with medical conditions or mobility issues.
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Saigon by Night on Cruise With Buffet Dinner
For those seeking a more leisurely way to experience Saigon’s nighttime splendor, the Saigon by Night on Cruise with Buffet Dinner offers a captivating alternative to the earlier speedboat excursion.
Priced from €46.55 per person, this 3-hour cruise along the Saigon River promises an evening of delightful dining and entertainment, with a live guide providing commentary in English.
Accommodating up to 10 participants, the cruise features a well-stocked buffet, live music, and Flamenco dances, all while guests admire Saigon’s vibrant city lights.
With free pickup, drop-off, and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this experience caters to travelers’ convenience.
Though some guests have noted issues with heat on the top deck, the overall reviews remain positive, making this a tempting option for a night on the river.
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Mekong Delta Boat Tour
The Mekong Delta Boat Tour offers visitors an immersive glimpse into the lush, riverine landscapes of southern Vietnam.
Departing from Ho Chi Minh City, the full-day tour cruises the Mekong Delta, stopping at a local pagoda and enjoying a traditional musical performance.
Travelers can also take a hand-rowed sampan ride through palm-fringed waterways and savor a local lunch in an orchard garden.
With an overall rating of 4.0/5 from over 50 reviews, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and diverse experiences, though some note limited time for certain activities.
Travelers seeking to explore the natural beauty and culture of the Mekong Delta will find this tour a compelling option.
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Ho Chi Minh: Saigon River Dinner Cruise With Hotel Transfer
Set out on a captivating Saigon River dinner cruise that whisks travelers away from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
Priced from $49.24 per person, this 3.5-hour experience offers a scenic journey along the river, showcasing the city’s landmarks.
Savor a buffet dinner featuring Vietnamese and international cuisine while enjoying live music entertainment.
The cruise includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as complimentary drinks and tips.
With an overall rating of 4/5 from 14 reviews, this tour is praised for its comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guide, and memorable experience.
Whether seeking a romantic setting or a taste of local traditions, this Saigon River dinner cruise delivers an enchanting evening.
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Dragon Floating Temple Sightseeing Tour by Speed Boat
Travelers can escape the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the tranquil rural landscapes on the Dragon Floating Temple Sightseeing Tour by Speed Boat.
The tour offers morning or afternoon departures, allowing guests to explore Saigon’s waterways and visit Thanh Da Island and Binh Quoi Village, which resemble the Mekong Delta.
Along the way, they’ll cruise past the Saigon Bridge and New Saigon Port, and visit the Phu Chau Floating Temple to learn about local religious beliefs.
The tour includes insurance, life jackets, an English-speaking guide, and refreshments.
While not wheelchair accessible, it’s a family-friendly experience with positive reviews praising the engaging guides.
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From Ho Chi Minh: Dinner on Cruise Saigon River
One popular way to experience the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City is by embarking on a dinner cruise along the picturesque Saigon River.
This 4-hour activity offers a limited group size of 11 participants who’ll enjoy a sumptuous Vietnamese and international buffet or set menu.
The cruise provides breathtaking views of the city’s skyscrapers, historical landmarks, and twinkling lights.
Priced from SEK 537 per person, the package includes an English-speaking guide, transfer car, entry tickets, transportation, and tips.
Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Read our full review: From Ho Chi Minh: Dinner on Cruise Saigon River Review
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Bassac Mekong Delta Cruise 2Days – 1Night
Exploring the enchanting Mekong Delta is easily achieved with the Bassac Mekong Delta Cruise 2 Days – 1 Night tour. Rated 4.7 out of 5 with 93% traveler recommendation, this group tour aboard an 80-foot wooden rice barge offers a unique opportunity to experience the floating markets and scenic waterways.
Highlights include visiting the Cai Be Floating Market and sharing the journey with fellow travelers. The tour includes round-trip transfers, meals, a guide, and entrance fees, though drinks aren’t specified.
Pickup is available from District 1 hotels or a designated meeting point, with the tour starting at 7:30 AM. Wheelchair users can’t access the tour, and it’s not suitable for those with serious medical conditions.
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Saigon: Dinner Cruise With Vietnamese Cuisine and Live Music
Amid the bustling cityscape, the Saigon Dinner Cruise with Vietnamese Cuisine and Live Music offers a captivating respite. Priced from €48.49 per person, this 3-hour excursion accommodates up to 11 guests for an intimate experience.
Beginning with a hotel pickup at 6:45 PM, guests embark on a romantic river cruise at 7:00 PM, savoring a delectable Vietnamese buffet while enjoying live music.
As the elegant vessel glides along the Saigon River, passengers can revel in the city’s dazzling skyline and evening lights.
The cruise concludes around 9:00 PM, with a return transfer to the hotel.
Combining sumptuous cuisine, mesmerizing scenery, and live entertainment, this dinner cruise provides a truly memorable experience.
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Saigon River Dinner Cruise: Buffet, Set Menu, Fine Dining (3hrs)
Offering a captivating respite from the bustling cityscape, the Saigon River Dinner Cruise provides guests with a memorable 3-hour experience.
With a Badge of Excellence based on 303 reviews, the cruise features scenic views of Ho Chi Minh City at night, including the iconic Bitexco Tower, accompanied by a Vietnamese buffet-style dinner and traditional local music.
Inclusions cover hotel transfers, cruise tickets, an English-speaking guide, and meal options ranging from buffet to set menus.
While the food quality has received mixed reviews, guests praise the stunning views, excellent service, and enjoyable entertainment, making this a recommended choice for an evening on the Saigon River.
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Recap
Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide range of cruises and boat tours, from exploring the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels by speedboat to enjoying a relaxing dinner cruise along the Saigon River. These tours provide opportunities to discover the city’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture, making them a must-do activity for visitors to the area.