VIP Tour to Dragon Floating Temple by Speed Boat

Exploring Vietnam’s Rural Charm: VIP Speedboat Tour to Dragon Floating Temple

Our review of the VIP Tour to Dragon Floating Temple by Speed Boat highlights an experience that promises a peaceful escape from Ho Chi Minh City’s hustle and bustle. This tour offers a refreshing glimpse into Vietnam’s serene countryside, combining scenic boat rides, quiet villages, and a visit to the captivating Phu Chau Floating Temple.

What truly makes this tour stand out are three key aspects: the intimate guided experience, the scenic cruising past Thanh Da Island and Saigon Bridge, and the opportunity to enjoy local fruits and coconut juice onboard. However, it’s worth noting that this is a shorter, approximately 1.5-hour tour, which might leave some travelers wishing for a bit more time exploring the surroundings.

This tour is best suited for those who love scenic boat rides, want a taste of rural Vietnamese life, or are looking for a relaxing yet culturally enriching activity during their city stay. It’s especially appealing to families, history buffs, or travelers seeking a peaceful, authentic experience.

Key Points

• Short but Scenic: An accessible 1.5-hour cruise perfect for a quick scenic escape.
• Cultural Insights: Visits to Phu Chau Floating Temple and Binh Quoi Village provide cultural context.
• Expert Guides & Comfort: Knowledgeable English-speaking guides enhance the experience with local stories and religious insights.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Water, wet towels, coconut juice, and fruits included make the boat ride refreshing.
• Flexible Timing: Choice of morning or afternoon departures offers convenience.
• Hotel Pickup & Drop-Off: Stops at Saigon Waterbus Station streamline logistics.

A Deeper Look at the Experience

How the Tour Begins and Its Logistics

The tour starts at Bach Dang Quay 10B, close to public transportation, making it easy to access even if you’re not staying centrally. The included pick-up and drop-off at Saigon Waterbus Station take some hassle out of logistics, especially after a busy day of sightseeing. With a maximum group size of 15, it maintains an intimate atmosphere, ideal for those who prefer smaller groups over large, crowded tours.

The Scenic Speedboat Ride

Once aboard the luxury speedboat, you’ll immediately notice how smoothly it cuts through the water, offering a comfortable ride. The boat is equipped with insurance and life jackets, so safety isn’t an afterthought. As you cruise past Saigon Bridge and the New Saigon Port, the city fades into a quieter, more peaceful scene of water and greenery.

Travelers have praised the refreshing onboard amenities—coconut juice and seasonal fruits add a delightful local touch, making the ride feel like a tropical retreat. The wet towels and Lavie water keep travelers feeling refreshed amid the warm Vietnamese climate.

Thanh Da Island & Binh Quoi Village

Cruising around Thanh Da Island gives you a glimpse of local life, with some reviewers noting it’s a perfect spot for photos and relaxed sightseeing. The highlight for many is Binh Quoi Village, often compared to a mini-Mekong Delta. Here, you can stroll at your own pace, soaking in the calm surroundings and perhaps capturing a few photos of traditional stilt houses and lush greenery.

Visiting Phu Chau Floating Temple

The core of the tour is the visit to Phu Chau Floating Temple, a place where spiritual practices float on water. Guides like Anthony Xuan share stories about the local religious beliefs, adding depth to the visit. One reviewer mentioned how the guide’s insights brought the floating temple to life, connecting it to local customs and beliefs.

Authentic Local Experiences

Reviewers have highlighted how the guide’s friendly demeanor and knowledge enhance the visit. Comments about the kindness and interest of guides in children, as well as their storytelling skills, suggest this tour offers more than just sightseeing—it’s educational and personable.

Analyzing the Value and Price

At $234 per person, the cost might seem high for a 1.5-hour tour. However, considering the luxury speedboat experience, hotel pickup and drop-off, local snacks, and guided insights, the price reflects a premium, hassle-free, culturally immersive outing. It’s a good choice for travelers wanting a small-group experience that combines comfort, culture, and scenic beauty without the crowds.

What the Reviews Say

Multiple reviews describe the tour as “great for small children” and “perfect for a quick, scenic escape”. One reviewer mentioned how their kids enjoyed the boat rides and the captain’s gentle approach, emphasizing the family-friendly nature of this trip. Another noted the peaceful floating cathedral, which was a highlight, especially when enjoyed early in the day on a cooler morning.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration: About 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a perfect half-day activity.
• Timing: Choose morning or afternoon departure based on your preference for cooler or sunnier weather.
• What to Bring: An umbrella (May-October), a light jacket (Nov-Feb), and your camera.
• Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, fostering a personal experience.
• Included: Insurance, guide, water, towels, fruits, and coconut juice.
• Not Included: Additional food or drinks, tips.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This tour is ideal for families with small children, anyone interested in a relaxed, scenic waterway adventure, or travelers who want a cultural window into Vietnam’s countryside. It’s well-suited for those who prefer small groups and enjoy local stories shared by guides.

If you’re after a longer, in-depth exploration of rural Vietnam, you might want to consider other options. But for a peaceful, authentic, and engaging snapshot of rural life, this experience hits the mark.

The Sum Up

The VIP Speedboat Tour to Dragon Floating Temple offers a peaceful, scenic, and culturally enriching escape from Ho Chi Minh City. Its combination of beautiful water views, local hospitality, and insightful guides makes it a memorable short outing, especially for families or those wanting a break from urban sightseeing.

While the price is on the higher side, the all-inclusive comfort, small-group intimacy, and authentic vibe justify the cost for many travelers. You’ll love the relaxed pace, the chance to enjoy local fruits and coconut juice aboard, and the stories told about the floating temple.

In short, this tour is a gentle introduction to Vietnam’s rural and spiritual landscape—a perfect choice if you’re seeking a peaceful, authentic, and well-organized water-based experience.

FAQs

How do I get to the starting point of the tour?
The tour begins at Bach Dang Quay 10B, which is close to public transportation. The tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off at Saigon Waterbus Station, making logistics straightforward.

What should I bring for the tour?
We recommend bringing an umbrella (especially from May to October), a light jacket (November to February), and your camera. The onboard amenities like towels and fruits help keep you comfortable.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, reviews mention that it’s particularly good for small children, with friendly guides and a relaxed pace. Kids have enjoyed the boat ride and the chance to see the floating temple.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a perfect half-day activity. It includes boat time, stops at the villages, and the floating temple visit.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers insurance, a friendly English-speaking guide, water, wet towels, coconut juice, fruits, and hotel transfers. Food and additional drinks are not included.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, with a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

This tour offers a peaceful, authentic glimpse into Vietnam’s water-based culture and rural life, all wrapped in comfort and guided expertise. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting to escape the city’s chaos without sacrificing comfort or cultural insight.