The leaf-shaped pedestrian bridge over the Saigon River, planned to open for the 2027 Lunar New Year, could change central Ho Chi Minh City and create opportunities for water-tourism companies. It will connect Bach Dang waterfront with Thu Thiem and could bring more people to the river.
Businesses wait for opportunities
Nguyen Kim Toan of Thuong Nhat said the bridge could make river services more attractive. More space for walking, sightseeing and access to the river could help companies reach visitors.
“The bridge could connect activities on land with river services. If it links to the pier system, it could attract passengers to sightseeing boats, floating restaurants and other riverside activities,” Toan said.
LuxGroup chairman Pham Ha said the opportunity lies in combining services into a convenient itinerary. Visitors could cross the bridge, explore Thu Thiem, eat beside the river and return to the city center by boat. Piers, walking routes, public transport, schedules and ticket sales would need to work together.
The company expects cruises, including Amiral Cruises boats, to benefit. Ha expects passengers to increase by about 20% by the end of the year and 30% next year. This is a business forecast, not a verified growth figure.
Long-term performance will depend on navigation. The bridge has 10 meters of clearance, which must be assessed with tides, vessel heights and other bridges. “If a boat passes this bridge but is blocked at the next structure, companies will struggle to organize a continuous itinerary. Development needs route planning and coordinated investment in piers,” Ha said.
A 2023–2025 report says Ho Chi Minh City has about 150 water-tourism companies with more than 300 vessels. Passengers rose from about 500,000 in 2023 to an estimated 600,000 in 2025. Direct revenue is about VND300 billion a year, against roughly VND260 trillion in total tourism revenue in 2025. The city plans to promote the sector in 2026–2030.
More restaurant boats put pressure on piers
Companies are investing in vessels and expanding services, but more supply requires greater pier capacity in the city center.
An Son Lam of the Ho Chi Minh City Water Tourism Association said three more vessels are expected by year-end. Some investors have built boats but are reviewing plans because central piers have limited capacity.
As the fleet grows, pressure on piers and mooring areas grows. Lam said large restaurant boats once ran from Nha Rong Wharf to Thu Thiem Bridge, but some can no longer go farther into the city because of low bridge clearances.
The association has asked agencies to consider infrastructure when approving new vessels. Fleet growth should match pier capacity and route conditions.
Sources: Dân Trí
