Lifestyle

Captivating Cruises: Entertaining Visitors Aboard Open-Deck Vessels

During the recent Lunar New Year celebrations, which ran from January 29 to February 2, three captivating shows were presented each day to meet the high demand of visitors. These performances proved to be a resounding success, attracting almost 200 spectators per show, with a diverse audience that included foreign visitors.

Administrator

8 May, 2025

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A unique cultural experience: ‘Tuong’ classical drama performances on open-deck boats along the Saigon River, attracting thousands of visitors, including foreigners. (Photo courtesy of Saigon Water Bus)

Ho Chi Minh City – A fascinating blend of traditional Vietnamese theatre and a scenic river cruise, the ‘Tuong’ classical drama performances on open-deck boats have captivated thousands of spectators during their journey on the Saigon River.

Setting sail at 5 pm from Bach Dang Wharf in District 1, the boats cruise along the iconic Saigon River, offering a unique perspective of the city’s landmarks, including Nha Rong Habour, Bitexco Tower, Thu Thiem 2 Bridge, and the Landmark 81 building.

During the recent Tet holiday from January 29 to February 2, three shows were presented daily to meet the high demand. Each performance captivated nearly 200 audience members, among whom were international visitors.

The 12-minute showcase featured talented artists who presented a distinctive style of ‘Tuong’, an art form that evolved from folk to royal status in the 12th century. The performances are now a regular feature every Saturday, with five shows on offer.

Nguyen Kim Toan, director of Thuong Nhat Co Ltd, which manages the Saigon Water Bus and Saigon WaterGo, shared their vision to extend the performances beyond the weekends. “We are working to offer our shows every day,” he said.

Thuong Nhat introduced the Saigon Art Cruise, a special program presenting Vietnamese theatre and music on these open-deck boats, offering a cultural experience for visitors eager to immerse themselves in local traditions.

“Saigon Art Cruise shows are tailored for travelers seeking to explore local culture and lifestyle during their journeys,” Toan explained. “We will soon introduce other traditional Vietnamese art forms, such as ‘Cai Luong’ from the south and ‘Cheo’ from the north, to provide a diverse and enriching program.”

‘Tuong’ is characterized by symbolic music, singing, and dancing, with themes revolving around monarchist loyalty and patriotism. ‘Cai Luong’, which originated 100 years ago, was performed by small troupes in various southern provinces, while ‘Cheo’, with its roots in the 12th century, blends folk songs, pantomime, and dance with stories from legends, history, and daily life.

Tickets for this captivating river cruise and art performance range from 179,000 to 499,000 VND (approximately $7 to $14), depending on the selected services.