The night view seen from the Saigon River gets more within reach. Ho Chi Minh City's water transport,the Saigon Waterbus,switches to a new schedule common to all days of the week from April 1, 2026, with service continuing from evening into night. Starting from Bach Dang Wharf in District 1, it's a means of transport usable for sightseeing, letting you enjoy the city's scenery while taking in the breeze crossing the water.
The fare is one ride at15,000 dong (about 90 yen),reasonable, and since it runs into the night hours, it's easy to combine with a riverside stroll before or after dinner.
What is the Saigon Waterbus
The Saigon Waterbus is a public water bus running along the Saigon River. Starting from Bach Dang Wharf (District 1), it connects several stops such as Thu Thiem and Binh An, giving access to spots dotted along the river. Even riding the entire route takes just under an hour, and its appeal is being able to take in the city's scenery from the water.
The new April 2026 timetable and night service
From April 1, 2026, it switched to a new timetable applied to all days of the week. Service runs from morning untilthe night hours (roughly the 10 p.m. range),with departures set from evening into night as well. Popular stretches like Bach Dang, Thu Thiem, and Binh An have more departures, and weekends bustle with locals. Since exact departure and arrival times vary, the surest thing is to check the day's schedule on the official website or the signs at the stops.
Fares and a usage guide
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Fare | 15,000 dong per ride (about 90 yen) |
| Starting point | Bach Dang Wharf (District 1) |
| Main stops | Bach Dang, Thu Thiem, Binh An, and others |
| Time for the full route | About just under an hour |
| Service hours | Morning to night (roughly until the 10 p.m. range) *The new schedule is from April 1, 2026 |
*The fare is per ride, the same regardless of one-way, round-trip, or the section boarded. Tickets can be bought at the ticket windows at the stops or online.
How to enjoy the riverside at night
After sunset, the Saigon River shows a different face from the day, with lit-up high-rises and bridges reflected on the water's surface. It's easy to build a flow of moving by waterbus while catching the river breeze, then heading off for a night walk or a meal where you get off. Note that, separate from the waterbus, cruise boats operating from evening into night also depart from around Bach Dang, letting you choose options like a dinner cruise. Use each according to your purpose.
Summary
The Saigon Waterbus is a sightseeing-friendly water transport that runs into the night for a reasonable 15,000 dong. Based on the new April 2026 schedule, try incorporating it as a way to travel while enjoying the riverside night view around dinnertime. Check the official information on the day for departure and arrival times.
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