Dragon Floating Temple & Simulate Mekong Island by SpeedBoat

This tour offers a refreshing break from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, taking you on a peaceful journey through some of Vietnam’s most charming river-based sights. While not a full-day adventure, it packs in enough culture, scenic views, and local flavor to make it well worth the $87 price tag.

What we love about this experience is the chance to cruise on a speedboat with a small group, visit a stunning floating temple, and walk through a quaint village that feels like stepping back in time. The tranquil atmosphere at Phu Chau Floating Temple, combined with the lush scenery of Binh Quoi Village, creates a genuine and relaxing vibe. The reviews highlight a knowledgeable guide and beautiful vistas, making it clear this is a trip designed for those craving authentic moments.

One thing to consider is the tour’s limited scope—if you’re expecting a deep dive into the Mekong Delta region or extensive sightseeing, this might feel a bit light. It’s best suited for travelers looking for a half-day escape with manageable logistics, especially those who appreciate scenic boat rides and cultural stops without the extensive travel.

This tour suits visitors who want a meaningful, picture-worthy experience that balances cultural insight with scenic beauty. Perfect if you’re short on time but craving a taste of Vietnam’s serene river life.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Visit a floating temple and a traditional village for genuine insights into local life.
• Scenic Beauty: Enjoy stunning views from the boat and lush river landscapes that are hard to see from land.
• Small Group Comfort: The tour generally operates with fewer seats, ensuring personalized attention and a cozy vibe.
• Expert Guide: Guides like Bien and others provide friendly, informative commentary, enriching the experience.
• Value for Money: At $87, the inclusion of boat rides, local snacks, and transportation makes this a pretty good deal.
• Flexibility & Convenience: Includes pick-up and drop-off at Saigon Waterbus Station, simplifying logistics.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at What the Tour Offers

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins at the Saigon Waterbus Station (10B Ton Duc Thang, Dist 1). From here, you’ll board a speedboat—either with 12, 24, or 34 seats—so the size varies, but it generally keeps things intimate and relaxed. This boat ride is the heart of the experience, offering a chance to enjoy the breeze and take in the immediate scenery.

Traveling by speedboat around Thanh Da Island and the Vàm Thut River gives you a different perspective of Ho Chi Minh City’s outskirts. The ride itself is smooth and fun, especially since the vessel comes with life vests and insurance, so you can relax knowing safety’s taken care of.

Visiting Phu Chau Floating Temple

One of the main highlights is the Phu Chau Floating Temple, a site that seems to float on a river island. Reviews praise the guide for sharing fascinating legends and explaining the significance of ornate dragon carvings. Expect a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere, with the chance to step aboard the temple and see its intricate architecture up close.

The temple’s unique location—an entire river island—makes it a special sight, and the tranquil setting allows for reflection and photos. Reviewers like Andre noted the guide’s friendliness, which enhances the overall feeling of warmth and authenticity.

Exploring Binh Quoi Village

After soaking in the spirituality of Phu Chau, the boat takes you to Binh Quoi Village, a lush riverside area that recreates the charm of a Mekong Delta village without leaving Saigon. Here, you’ll stroll through traditional thatched-roof houses, cross bamboo bridges, and walk among water coconut groves.

Guests frequently mention the peaceful vibe and the chance to sample tropical fruits and fresh coconut juice. Kym describes the village as “so peaceful and beautiful,” emphasizing its authenticity and scenic beauty. The village offers a lovely contrast to the city’s chaos—calm, colorful, and picture-perfect.

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What You’ll Experience

• Taste local flavors: The tour includes fresh fruit and coconut juice, giving you a real taste of the region’s bounty.
• Relaxing scenery: From the water coconut groves to the quiet island surroundings, the views are a major part of the charm.
• Cultural insight: The guide provides context about local religion and traditions, adding depth to the visual beauty.
• Photo opportunities: Expect plenty of chances to capture stunning river scenes, traditional houses, and the floating temple.

Duration and Pace

The tour lasts about half a day, making it ideal for a morning or afternoon activity. It’s a relaxed pace, with enough time at each stop to explore without feeling rushed. The inclusion of mineral water and wet towels helps keep everyone comfortable, especially on warm days.

Practicalities and Inclusions

The package includes pick-up and drop-off at Saigon Waterbus Station, which minimizes hassle. Plus, you get a friendly guide, life vests, insurance, fresh fruit, and coconut juice—adding value to the experience.

Not included are meals, so if you want a full meal afterward, plan accordingly. Keep in mind that the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users, likely due to boat access and walking requirements.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This experience excels in delivering a peaceful, authentic snapshot of local life along Vietnam’s rivers. The mix of spiritual sites, traditional villages, and scenic boat rides creates a well-rounded mini-adventure that feels genuine and manageable. The small-group setting and knowledgeable guides, like Bien and others praised in reviews, make it an intimate and educational outing.

The tour’s value is clear when you consider the inclusion of boat rides, cultural stops, snacks, and transportation—all for under $90. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to see a different side of Saigon without the hefty time commitment of longer tours.

If you’re after stunning views, cultural insights, and a peaceful vibe, this trip hits the mark. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy quiet, scenic spots and are interested in local traditions. But if you’re hoping for a comprehensive Mekong Delta adventure, this might be a taste rather than a full immersion.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a genuine look at Vietnam’s river-based traditions and landscapes with a relaxed, friendly vibe. The small boat, expert guides, and beautiful scenery make it stand out as a memorable half-day escape from the city. It’s especially good for those who appreciate authentic, scenic experiences without the fuss or crowds.

The floating temple’s ornate carvings and peaceful setting leave a lasting impression, while the village’s tranquility offers a perfect backdrop for photos and reflection. The inclusion of local fruits and coconut juice adds a delicious, refreshing touch to the journey.

This experience provides excellent value for its price, combining cultural discovery, scenic beauty, and comfort. It’s a lovely way to get a glimpse of Vietnam’s river life and spiritual heritage, making it a worthwhile addition to any Saigon itinerary.

FAQ

How do I get to the meeting point?
You’ll meet at the Saigon Waterbus Station on 10B Ton Duc Thang in District 1, which is easy to access from most central locations.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes the boat ride with life vests and insurance, an English-speaking guide, mineral water, wet towels, fresh fruit, and coconut juice, as well as pick-up and drop-off at the Waterbus Station.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be supervised at all times during the tour. The experience might appeal more to older kids or teenagers who enjoy scenic boat rides and cultural sights.

How long does the tour last?
It’s a half-day experience, typically around a few hours, making it a flexible addition to your day in Saigon.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but you’ll enjoy fresh tropical fruit and coconut juice as part of the experience.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, mainly because of boat access and walking involved at the stops.

This tour strikes a fine balance between scenic beauty, cultural insight, and comfort, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting a peaceful yet engaging half-day escape in Southern Vietnam.

You can check availability for your dates here: