What are the opening hours of Nha Rong Port and its ferry services?

The port is open for ferry operations daily from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The Ho Chi Minh Museum (in the same building) is open 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM, closed on Monday. Ferry schedules vary by route can be checked at the ticket booth.

How much are the ferry tickets?

Prices depend on the destination. The cross‑river ferry to Thu Thiem (District 2) costs 4,000–8,000 VND (~0.15–0.35 USD) per person. Longer routes to Vung Tau or the Mekong Delta range from 100,000–250,000 VND (~4–10 USD). Tickets are sold at the terminal; no advance booking for short routes.

Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?

For short cross‑river ferries, no – just buy on arrival. For longer routes (e.g., Vung Tau, Can Tho, My Tho), advance booking is recommended, especially on weekends and public holidays. Some operators offer online booking; ask your hotel or travel agency for assistance.

What is the recommended travel time to visit Nha Rong Port?

Allow 30–60 minutes if you are just catching a ferry. To also visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum, plan 1.5–2 hours total. The best times are early morning (6–8 AM) for cooler weather and to see the river coming to life, or late afternoon (3–5 PM) for sunset views.

Are there any important things to note?

Yes. Restroom cleanliness is inconsistent – bring your own tissue and hand sanitiser. There is no luggage storage; keep valuables with you. Wi‑Fi is unreliable. Watch your step on the ferry ramps – they can be slippery when wet. Avoid the port during peak rush hour (5–7 PM) if you dislike crowds. Be mindful of motorbikes boarding the ferries; they have priority.

What nearby famous attractions should I visit?

Within walking distance or a short ride: The Ho Chi Minh Museum (adjoined, entry 30,000 VND / ~1.25 USD), Bach Dang Wharf (riverside promenade, free), Nguyen Hue Walking Street (1.5 km north), Ben Thanh Market (2 km northwest), and the Bitexco Financial Tower (2 km). The port is also a starting point for Mekong Delta boat tours.

Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi Port: Saigon's Historic Ferry Terminal

Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi Port Information

Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi Port

Address: No. No 1, Nguyen Tat Thanh - No. 157 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ward 18, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
Operating Hours: The port: Daily from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The museum: Tuesday-Friday from 7:30 AM-11:30AM in the morning and 1:30PM-5:00 PM.)

Nha Rong Port is located within a large complex, stretching from 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street to 157 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, on the southern bank of the Saigon River in District 4, Ho Chi Minh City – directly across from District 1's bustling skyline. The site is unmistakable: a mustard‑yellow colonial building topped with two ornate dragon statues, hence the name "Dragon House Wharf". Built by the French in 1863 as a commercial shipping terminal, it now houses the Ho Chi Minh Museum, making the port a dual historical and transit destination. The riverside setting offers cooling breezes and postcard views of Bach Dang Wharf and the city's high‑rises.

Ferry Terminal: Routes and Facilities

Despite its age, Nha Rong Port is a functional, no‑frills ferry terminal. Tickets are sold at on‑site booths; some routes (e.g., to Vung Tau) now offer online booking, but cross‑river ferries remain walk‑up only. The waiting area consists of covered seating with basic fans – air conditioning is limited to the museum building next door. Small kiosks sell Vietnamese street snacks (banh mi, boiled corn, fried dough), bottled water, and hot coffee. Restrooms are available inside the terminal; cleanliness varies, so arriving prepared with your own tissue and hand sanitiser is wise. The nearest ATMs are a five‑minute walk north on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street. Wi‑Fi is spotty – download offline maps before arrival. There is no formal luggage storage; pack only what you can carry comfortably. Boarding is ground‑level for most ferries, but wheelchair infrastructure is minimal; contact the ferry operator in advance if mobility assistance is needed.

Nha Rong Port - Ho Chi Minh Museum

Many ferry and boat service providers operate routes departing from Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi port. The main types of waterway transport include international cruise/tourist boat routes (ocean voyages) and urban restaurant and cruise boat routes (Saigon River cruises).

International Cruise/Tourist Boat Routes (Ocean Voyages)

Domestic coastal routes: From Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi, traveling along the central and northern coasts, often stopping at Con Dao (HCMC), Can Gio (HCMC), Chan May Port (Hue), Ha Long Port (Quang Ninh), or Nha Trang and Da Nang.
International routes to Asia: Large ocean-going vessels (such as Silver Whisper, Seabourn Encore, World Odyssey, Azamara Onward) often depart from or call at Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi port to travel to neighboring countries such as Malaysia (Penang), Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and other East Asian countries.

Inner-City Restaurant and Cruise Boat Route (Saigon River Cruise)

Many upscale cruise ship companies offer boat tours for enjoying the city's scenic waterways, dining, and experiencing the vibrant nightlife on the Saigon River. The boat departs from the port and travels along the Saigon River, passing Bach Dang Wharf, Thu Thiem Urban Area, Ba Son Bridge, Landmark 81 area (Vinhomes Central Park), and then returns to the wharf.

What to see nearby

Beyond the port, District 1 and its surroundings offer a wealth of experiences within a short distance. Here are additional attractions to enrich your visit:

For a comprehensive day, consider our agency's Ho Chi Minh City Half-Day Tour, which includes Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and War Remnants Museum. Contact us for pricing and itineraries.

Pro‑Traveler Experience Tips

Arrive early to pair the port with the Ho Chi Minh Museum (opens at 7:30 AM). A morning ferry departure followed by a museum visit is efficient and avoids the midday heat. On major holidays like Tet or Reunification Day, buy ferry tickets the day before – routes to popular destinations sell out quickly. Pack light and use a waterproof bag or zip‑locks; river spray can mist onto open decks. The best time to travel is early morning (6–8 AM) or late afternoon (3–5 PM) when temperatures are cooler and the river glows with golden light – perfect for photography. For a charming local experience, skip the tourist boats and take the commuter cross‑river ferry toward Thu Thiem; it costs a few thousand dong and offers a genuine slice of Saigon daily life. Finally, consider combining your visit with a Mekong Delta day trip – several tour operators, including our agency, depart from or near Nha Rong toward Can Tho and the Delta.