Bach Dang Wharf At Night: Riverside Views And A Family Trip To Nha Rong Wharf During The Year-End Season

For families looking for a relaxed sightseeing itinerary in Saigon, with comfortable surroundings and enough space for young children to move around, the city’s central riverfront is an excellent option.

This guide suggests a family-friendly riverside itinerary, starting at Nguyen Hue Walking Street, continuing along Bach Dang Wharf as the city lights come on, and including a visit to Nha Rong Wharf, a historic landmark that is easily accessible from the city center.

What makes Bach Dang Wharf special?

Bach Dang Wharf (or Bach Dang Quay) is located at 2 Ton Duc Thang Street, approximately 750 meters from Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Stretching along the Saigon River in District 1, the waterfront area extends approximately 1.3 kilometers and covers 23,400 square meters. It is one of the city’s most popular riverside destinations, where local residents come to enjoy the breeze, watch boats passing by, and admire views of Thu Thiem across the river.

What makes this destination appealing:

• Open spaces and refreshing river breezes offer a welcome contrast to the busy streets of central Saigon.
• Unobstructed views of the river, passing boats, and the skyline across the water.
• A convenient location next to Nguyen Hue Walking Street, with easy access to Nha Rong Wharf.

For families with young children or older adults, Bach Dang Wharf is an ideal place to slow down. There is no need for a detailed itinerary. Simply enjoy a leisurely walk, find somewhere to sit, and spend a relaxing evening together.

The history of Bach Dang Wharf – a historic riverside landmark in Saigon

As its name suggests, Bach Dang Wharf was once an important port in Saigon, closely associated with maritime trade. The name “Bach Dang” commemorates the historic victories of Dai Viet’s forces in battles along the Bach Dang River. A nearby statue of Tran Hung Dao, pointing toward the river, honors the Tran Dynasty’s victory over the Mongol-Yuan forces during their third invasion in 1288.

Traced back to the 17th century, Bach Dang Wharf was called “Bến Ngự”, designed as a landing space for the royal family travelling to the South. It wasn’t until 1881 when it was transformed into the river port, opening an era of waterway trade in Saigon.

From 1975 to 1990, Bach Dang Wharf became known for its upscale floating restaurants, attracting visitors looking for dining and entertainment along the scenic Saigon River. During Vietnam’s economic reform period, the waterfront was gradually transformed into a riverside park, drawing visitors and becoming a familiar destination for recreation and photography.

What makes Bach Dang Wharf worth visiting?

• Scenic riverside setting: The waterfront park offers picturesque river views, with boats and evening cruises passing along the Saigon River.
• Central location: Bach Dang Wharf is close to popular attractions such as Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Nha Rong Wharf and the Ho Chi Minh Museum, and Saigon Opera House.
• Distinctive photography opportunities: The historic riverside atmosphere offers a different backdrop from the modern cityscape, making Bach Dang Wharf a popular photography destination.

How to get from Nguyen Hue Walking Street to Bach Dang Wharf

One of the main advantages of this itinerary is that the attractions are located relatively close to one another. From Nguyen Hue Walking Street, head toward the Saigon River to reach Bach Dang Wharf, then continue to Nha Rong Wharf on the opposite side of the river.

• Ride-hailing services or taxis: A convenient option for families, especially those traveling with young children or older adults. The short journey generally takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Walk part of the route: If your family enjoys leisurely walks, you can walk from Nguyen Hue Walking Street to Bach Dang Wharf, then arrange transportation for the remaining journey.
• Avoid rush hour: Traffic is often heavier between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, so allow extra time or consider leaving earlier.
• Arrange a pickup point: The area can become busy on weekends and public holidays. Agree on a pickup location in advance to avoid long waits.

Because the destinations are relatively close, you can easily divide your itinerary into two parts: visiting Nha Rong Wharf while it is still daylight, followed by an evening stroll along the riverfront and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

A family-friendly riverside sightseeing itinerary

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Visit Nha Rong Wharf

Arrive when the afternoon sunlight becomes softer and spend approximately an hour admiring the architecture, taking photographs, and learning about the site’s history. You can also explore the museum to discover stories about Ho Chi Minh and the city’s historical development.

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Walk around Bach Dang Wharf

Travel to Bach Dang Wharf along Ton Duc Thang Street. As the sun begins to set, the riverside park becomes a beautiful place to take photographs, with the warm evening light reflecting on the Saigon River.

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner in the city center

Return to District 1 and choose a restaurant with comfortable seating and a varied menu so everyone in the family can find something they enjoy. Restaurants throughout the district offer a wide selection of Asian and Western cuisine to suit different preferences.

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street

After dinner, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city, head toward the riverfront, and admire the lights reflected on the water. Along the Saigon River, the peaceful flow of the water contrasts with the lively atmosphere of nearby restaurants and cafes, creating an enjoyable setting for an evening outing.

After that, return to Nguyen Hue Walking Street and visit nearby attractions such as Saigon Opera House or Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Best scenic spots to explore around Bach Dang Wharf

• The grounds around Nha Rong Wharf: An open riverside setting with scenic views and historic architecture. An ideal location for admiring the Saigon River and the Thu Thiem skyline.
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street: A lively area with restaurants, cafes, and evening activities.
• Rooftop bars: A great option for enjoying panoramic views of the city from above at the end of your itinerary.

Tips for a comfortable riverside outing

• Leave early to avoid rush-hour traffic and arrive in time for sunset.
• Consider ride-hailing services or taxis, particularly when traveling with young children.
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket, as the river breeze may feel cooler in the evening.
• Bring drinking water, wet wipes, and snacks for children. Help keep the riverside park clean during your visit.
• Hold children’s hands or keep them within sight near the river’s edge and in crowded areas.
• Keep your phone, wallet, and personal belongings secure in busy locations.
• Make restaurant and rooftop bar reservations in advance, particularly on weekends and public holidays.

Relax in the heart of the city with the whole family

For families traveling with young children or older adults, having a comfortable place to rest near major attractions can make sightseeing more enjoyable. You can return to your hotel for a midday break, change clothes, and continue exploring in the evening without traveling too far.

Located on Hai Ba Trung Street in Xuan Hoa Ward, Novotel Saigon Centre provides a convenient base for exploring central Ho Chi Minh City. From the hotel, guests can easily reach attractions in District 1 and surrounding areas, including Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Bach Dang Wharf, and the Saigon River waterfront.

After an evening along the river, hotel guests can relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services, including:

• Drinks at OnTop Bar on the 20th floor, offering panoramic city views.
• Dining at Food Exchange Restaurant, featuring a varied menu of Asian and Western cuisine.
• Resting in comfortable guest rooms at Novotel Saigon Centre.

With its central location, Novotel Saigon Centre is a convenient choice for both travelers exploring Ho Chi Minh City and local residents planning a short staycation.