VietnamBoat.com is a guide to Vietnam boat services with an exceptional focus on country's water transport options. Here you can find the most important information on Halong Bay cruises, Vietnam island ferries, different types of river boats, and a variety of special boat tours that can be experienced in the country.
Vietnam destinations covered in this guide:
Halong Bay Cruises
Halong Bay is one of Vietnam's most popular and famous tourist attractions as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers who visit Halong Bay get a chance to see thousands of limestone islands in different shapes and sizes scattered in the spectacular bay.
Cruising in Halong Bay is the most popular way to experience this wonder of nature. To visit Halong Bay from Hanoi, travelers can take one of the Halong Bay 1-day cruises. The price of the tour normally includes a return trip from Hanoi and a number of activities at Halong Bay.
Taking 1-day Halong Bay tour from Hanoi might be enough when time is very limited, but for anyone who has plenty of time and are not on a tight budget we would recommend taking an overnight cruise in Halong Bay and fully admire its natural beauty. Choose one of the best Halong Bay cruises for the most luxurious cruise experience.
Saigon River Cruise
You can get on a cruise along the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City's bustling center and escape the city hustle and bustle with stunning views and serene moments on the water. While gliding through the heart of Saigon, you will be passing by iconic landmarks like the Tran Hung Dao Statue, Hotel Majestic, Dragon Wharf, Bitexco Financial Tower, and Mong Bridge.
To enhance your experience, embark on a scenic Saigon River Dinner Cruise and see the city's landmarks illuminated by the evening lights while enjoying a delicious buffet Vietnamese dinner.
Da Nang River Cruises
Han River is a large river in Da Nang flowing from the upstream to the sea with width of about 900-1200 m and length of about 7.2 km. On the left bank of the river a large market called Han Market is located. The crowded residential area on the left side of the river is also known as the Han neighborhood (the Korean City). The river is an attractive place for travelers who want to see Da Nang at night.
If you are staying at this coastal city, don't miss a chance to take Han River Cruise in the evening to admire the view of Da Nang City’s skyline and the famous bridges of the city.
Dragon Boats in Hue
Perfume River, or Huong River, is one of the most famous waterways in Vietnam that is considered as the symbol of Hue. The river is around 80 kilometers long and crosses the city. The best place to admire the view the Perfume River is from Thien Mu Pagoda or dragon boat. The journey on the river is usually the highlight for any city tour. For the best experience on the Perfume River you can charter a dragon boat to admire the scenery of the ancient capital and enjoy the folk songs that bring you back hundreds of years ago while watching the city sparkling with lights. Walkways along the river are also a great place to go for a scenic walk in the evening with family or friends.
Take a dragon boat river cruise on the famous Perfume River and see the city in the afternoon. Relax and enjoy fresh country air from the boat, discover many beautiful garden houses, old pagodas, and a romantic sunset view over the river.
Special Hoi An Boat Experiences
In the ancient town of Hoi An, you can experience exceptional rides on different types of traditional Vietnamese boats. Taking a basket boat at coconut forest and floating lanterns in the Hoai River are special experiences that are only available in Hoi An.
Basket Boat in the Coconut Forest
No trip to Hoi An is complete without visiting the water coconut forest. Now, this place is becoming an ecotourism area attracting both domestic and international tourists. Coconut forest is located in Cam Thanh, about 5 km from the ancient town. Here, you will see a seven-hectare forest filled entirely with water coconut trees. The best part of the visit is that you will be floating along the water on a very unique bamboo basket boat and participating in fun activities such as traditional net fishing, basket boat performance, and boat racing. You can book a basket boat ride ticket to discover the greener and less touristy side of Vietnam, hop on a basket boat, and admire the beauty of the nearby river.
Hoi An River Boat & Lantern Floating
Taking a boat and floating lanterns on the river is one of Hoi An’s most meaningful activities that are loved by many tourists. For about 100,000 VND, you can get on a boat which will be moving slowly on the Hoai River giving you a chance to float flower lanterns on the river and enjoy the view of the ancient town of Hoi An at night shimmering with lights.
Phu Quoc Ferries
The most economical way to get to Phu Quoc Island is a combination of the bus and ferry. When traveling by road combined with waterways, you can ride a motorbike or car or take a bus to Rach Gia or Ha Tien, cities in Kien Giang Province. From Ha Tien or Rach Gia, you can take a ferry to Phu Quoc Island.