HCMC river tourism can provide an alternative experience: academics

Its network of rivers and waterways extend an “irresistible invitation for exploration” that Ho Chi Minh City is yet to tap fully, say academics with the RMIT University.

They say that the Saigon River can set the stage for an “enchanting river tourism experience” with a range of products including leisurely cruises, floating markets and waterside dining.

Dr Jackie Ong, RMIT senior program manager of the tourism and hospitality management program, said “this rich tapestry of experiences” could offer visitors and residents a tranquil break from urban clamour.

She said river tourism can meet the need for travellers for “authentic connections and immersive encounters,” by introducing them to the city's historical layers, cultural intricacies, architectural splendours and everyday life.

HCMC has identified this opportunity, but has yet to seize it fully, said Dr Daisy Kanagasapapathy, RMIT lecturer in tourism and hospitality management, adding that river tourism could significantly enhance the city’s attractiveness.

Challenges and solutions

Kanagasapapathy said greater awareness, water quality and sanitation and safety concerns were challenges facing the development of waterway tourism in HCMC.

While the Saigon Waterbus could be a promising addition to the city's transportation and tourism industries, it has struggled with issues that “obscure its full potential, hindering a seamless integration into the tourism landscape,” she said.

Local authorities and tourism operators should tackle these challenges in a coordinated manner. The aim must be to craft and communicate a narrative that underscores the allure of river experiences while empathetically addressing the community’s concerns, she added.

Kanagasapapathy pointed to the success of Thailand's river tourism, saying it has succeeded well in exploiting the allure of its floating markets and riverside temples. Strategic investment in modern infrastructure has ensured convenient access to river attractions, while well-maintained facilities and boats offer tourists comfort and overall satisfaction, she noted.

Community engagement has also played a pivotal role in the success of Thailand's river tourism with local communities becoming “integral to the narrative, reaping benefits that enrich their lives while nurturing the allure for visitors.”

Effective promotion and marketing have captured the attention of a global audience, attracting travellers searching for distinctive and unforgettable escapades, Kanagasapapathy said.

Lessons for HCMC river tourism

Furthermore, Thailand's success suggests various strategies for HCMC to fully tap its own river tourism potential, she added.

Firstly, the city should weave history, culture and nature into the fabric of river tourism, giving travellers a profoundly enriching experience.

Secondly, modern and accessible infrastructure should provide seamless interactions with the city's waterways while involving local communities in an authentic and sustainable manner.

Thirdly, the city should adopt a comprehensive global marketing strategy to highlight the allure of river tourism for domestic and international travellers.

Despite challenges and awareness gaps, the city has the potential to make river tourism a captivating attraction that provides a starkly contrasting experience to the its bustling streets, thereby enhancing the collective visitor experience, she said.