The Municipal Department of Tourism is dedicated to enhancing the city’s riverine urban brand by continuously introducing a wide range of river-based tourism products and services.
The director of the department, Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, announced that the River Fest will be established as an annual tourism event in Ho Chi Minh City.
“The festival has been selected as one of the city’s unique tourism offerings and will be expanded in future editions,” she stated.
According to Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, the Marketing Director at Vietravel, it is imperative to further promote river tourism products.
In recent years, both domestic and international visitors have increasingly chosen to explore the vibrant heart of the city and partake in the captivating Saigon River tour.
River tours are a popular choice for families seeking to explore their local surroundings. These tours offer a convenient and enjoyable option for short inner-city excursions, allowing families to learn more about the area where they live.
The city should strive to promote river tourism and its various offerings among both local and international travelers, due to the increasing popularity and demand in this sector. It is crucial to effectively market and showcase the city’s diverse tourism products.
According to Nguyen Minh Man, head of communications and marketing at TST Tourist Company, rivers and canals possess immense potential as captivating attractions for tourism ventures.
“We offer a range of 10 captivating tours in Ho Chi Minh City, including a memorable sunset-watching yacht tour on the renowned Saigon River. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive one- or two-day Thu Duc City exploration tour where our knowledgeable guides enlighten visitors on the rich history of the Saigon River,” he enthusiastically shared.
The Ho Chi Minh River Fest is an organized event aimed at leveraging the cultural and historical significance of the river and canals to promote tourism.
According to the speaker, rivers and canals offer valuable resources for the creation of compelling and distinctive tourism offerings.
It is highly recommended that multiple departments, agencies, and firms collaborate to enhance the development of wharves and marinas, providing comprehensive services to establish a distinguished tourism brand for Ho Chi Minh City’s Saigon River. This initiative is proposed by Man.
Tourists can experience a river tour in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre |
Ho Chi Minh City’s first river festival took place between August 4 and 6, 2023. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre |
The outdoor art show, titled “Saigon – River Tells Stories,” marked the conclusion of Ho Chi Minh City’s inaugural river festival on Sunday evening.
The event was a standout performance during the festival, showcasing the talent and expertise of more than 700 artists, artisans, directors, experts, consultants, and staff members. The use of advanced 3D and mapping technologies further enhanced the show’s production value.
The festival took place at the Saigon Cruise Port, the Bach Dang Wharf Park, and the Binh Dong Wharf, situated along the picturesque banks of Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal. Additionally, various tourist sites throughout the city also hosted events. The festival’s objective was to promote the city’s captivating landscapes, hospitable people, vibrant culture, delightful cuisine, and diverse tourism offerings to both local and international visitors.
From January to July, Ho Chi Minh City received a significant influx of over 2.3 million international tourists. The majority of these visitors came from South Korea, China, and the United States.
Hoa mentioned that the city hosts 10 major tourism events each year in order to cater to both residents and tourists alike.
Several notable events have grown in popularity over the years, including the International Travel Expo, the Ao Dai Fest celebrating the traditional Vietnamese costume, and the Ho Chi Minh Tourism Fair. These events have experienced significant growth and expansion.
Artists perform at the ‘Saigon – River Tells Stories’ art show. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre |
The fest featured various art performances and interesting activities along the Saigon River. Photo: T.T.D. /Tuoi Tre |