High-speed HCMC-Long Thanh boat link can ‘transform’ local lifestyle, boost tourism: RMIT experts

Integrating high-speed boats into HCMC’s transportation framework will have impacts extending beyond convenience, significantly boosting the local economy, particularly the tourism and retail sectors, say experts with RMIT Vietnam.

The Long Thanh airport, located around 40 kilometres east of HCMC, is currently under construction in Dong Nai province. Its first phase is expected to be completed in 2026.

The RMIT experts have welcomed a draft report prepared by by the HCMC Department of Transport that proposes three potential waterway connections between HCMC and Long Thanh airport including high-speed boats from Bach Dang Wharf (District 1) to Swan Bay Marina (Nhon Trach, Dong Nai).

The other two connections cover ground transport from Swan Bay Marina to the airport with a new cross-river passenger wharf from Phuoc Khanh in HCMC’s Nha Be District to Nhon Trach in Dong Nai province; and enhancing the existing Cat Lai ferry service (HCMC).

The department has invited stakeholder feedback for the proposal.

The report notes that HCMC has over 900 kilometres of waterways and its road networks are 50% compatible with water transportation.

The Saigon River and its adjoining canal system links numerous provinces and cities, but both traffic and waterway tourism in the area has not been developed to potential, it adds.

Dr Majo George, senior lecturer with the Logistics and Supply Chain Management program in The Business School, RMIT Vietnam, applauded the initiative.

“Introducing high-speed boats as part of a water metro system and extending water transport for cargo will transform the city's transport dynamics and economic landscape”, he said.

The potential economic benefits of this innovative transportation method are considerable. HCMC can lower business logistics expenses and alleviate transport congestion by shifting a significant portion of commuter and container transportation from roads to waterways. This shift also reduces the likelihood of passengers missing their flights due to traffic jams, enhancing the efficiency of the airport and the city’s overall transportation network.

Beyond passenger transportation, this initiative will also benefit ship freight. Using waterways for both passenger and cargo transport will maximise economic benefits and enhance the overall efficiency of the city's transportation network, said George.

He cited a World Bank report as saying efficient logistics was key to Vietnam’s competitiveness in the global market.

However, this initiative will have to contend with several major challenges including high infrastructure costs and operational risks due to weather conditions, he cautioned.

Implementing high-speed boat services requires meticulous planning and significant investments in infrastructure, including docking facilities and navigational safety measures.

George said securing funding for such an ambitious project will require a multifaceted approach that leverages various investment sources. Potential funding avenues include foreign direct investment (FDI), which can bring substantial capital and international expertise; the build-transfer-operate (BTO) model and public-private partnerships (PPP), he said.

Another option was to seek assistance from foreign governments and international agencies like the World Bank or the Asian Development Bank that can provide financial aid and technical support through grants, loans and consultancy services.

Dr Nuno Ribeiro, senior lecturer with RMIT Vietnam’s Tourism and Hospitality Management program and vice-chairman of the Vietnam EuroCham Tourism and Hospitality Sector Committee, said a waterway connection between HCMC and the Long Thanh airport presented major advantages from a tourist development perspective.

Similar initiatives have been implemented successfully in other destinations situated near waterways such as Bangkok (Thailand) and Siam Reap (Cambodia), Hong Kong, Kobe/Kansai (Japan), and Lofoten (Norway), he said.

“Given the growth projections for tourism in the coming years for Vietnam, I applaud this initiative. High-speed boats will provide an efficient alternative to the city's congested roads for incoming airport passengers and will allow quick transit to several destinations in the city, such as District 1, 4 or 2. Enhanced accessibility to key tourist attractions will offer visitors more convenience, boosting tourism satisfaction levels.”

Fast, comfortable, and reliable transportation was indispensable for the success of Vietnam’s tourism sector. Research has shown that interconnectedness between transport and tourism was one of the more important relationships in the tourism system, Ribeiro said.

“High-speed boats emit fewer pollutants per passenger mile compared to buses and taxis, helping to reduce the city's carbon footprint, and addressing sustainable tourism development concerns. The scenic routes along HCMC's iconic river and affluent areas offer recreational value, transforming commutes into picturesque voyages. This will contribute positively to the city’s destination image and increase its revisitation rate,” he added.

The technological aspects of this initiative should be carefully considered, said associate professor Dinh Ngoc Minh, deputy dean, research and innovation in the School of Science, Engineering & Technology, RMIT Vietnam.

“Implementing a high-speed water transport system between HCMC and Long Thanh airport requires integrating advanced technologies to ensure efficiency, convenience and connectivity. Utilising smart card technology like Hong Kong’s Octopus card can significantly enhance user experience and streamline operations,” he said.

Very smart option

Minh enumerated many advantages of smart card technology, including seamless connectivity, enhanced security and effective data collection and management.

“Smart cards enable effortless travel across various transport modes including buses, trains and boats, eliminating the need for multiple tickets and simplifying the passenger experience. They offer robust security features, including biometric authentication, to protect user data and reduce fraud risk.

“They also collect valuable data on travel patterns and passenger preferences, which can be used to optimise routes, improve services, and boost operational efficiency,” he said.

Elaborating further on the advantage of smart cards, Minh said they could be used for retail payments, access to public facilities and tourism attractions, and other services. Such versatility has increased their utility and encouraged widespread adoption. Several cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, and London have successfully implemented innovative card systems, demonstrating their effectiveness and benefits, Minh added.

For HCMC, adopting a smart card system would require collaboration between transport authorities, banks, and retailers. The system should be user-friendly, secure, and compatible with existing infrastructure.

Integrating advanced smart card technology into HCMC’s water metro and other transport services can significantly enhance user experience, improve operational efficiency, and promote sustainable development, he said.

Ribeiro said the waterway initiative could “transform the way residents and visitors navigate the city." “With careful planning and execution, HCMC can set a new benchmark for urban transportation in Vietnam and beyond, embarking on a transformative journey towards a smarter, more sustainable future.”