Enjoy Dragon Floating Temple Tour Vip & Premium Speed Boat

Quiet river views begin minutes from downtown. This two-hour speedboat tour gives you a quick change of scene, taking you from central Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Chau Floating Temple and the rural-feeling lanes of Binh Quoi Village. I like the mix of local religion and traditional farming life, and I also like the fresh coconut juice and tropical fruit served during the village visit. The main drawback is that two hours goes by fast, with little free time at either stop.

The tour is especially appealing if you want to see a softer side of southern Vietnam without committing to a full-day Mekong Delta trip. The small-group or private option can make the ride feel personal, and guide Bien receives warm praise for being friendly and helpful. Still, the boat and village are not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or pregnant women.

Key points to know before booking

• Phu Chau Temple fills a river island: This historic temple occupies an entire island, making the approach by boat part of the experience.
• Binh Quoi feels like a small Mekong Delta: You get a taste of rural scenery and farming life within easy reach of District 1.
• The ride includes several river views: You pass Saigon Bridge, New Saigon Port, Thanh Da Island, and other sights unavailable from the road.
• Fresh snacks are included: Coconut juice, tropical fruit, mineral water, and wet towels are provided.
• The tour is short and focused: Temple time lasts about 40 minutes, while Binh Quoi Village gets about 45 minutes.
• Boat size can vary: Speedboats hold 12, 24, or 34 people, so check the option carefully if space matters to you.

Leaving District 1 by speedboat

The tour begins at Saigon Waterbus Station, at 10B Ton Duc Thang in Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. This central departure point is useful if you are staying near the main downtown sights, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Once aboard, the speedboat carries you away from the city for a short ride of about 15 minutes. You pass Saigon Bridge and New Saigon Port, then continue toward Thanh Da Island. The river gives you a view of Ho Chi Minh City that you cannot get from a taxi window or a crowded sidewalk.

I like this opening because it does not waste time with a long transfer. You are quickly on the water, and even the short ride helps explain how closely the city is tied to the Saigon River. You may see changing views of bridges, port activity, riverbanks, and quieter stretches as the boat moves away from the central streets.

The speedboat is also more practical than a slow sightseeing cruise for a compact tour. It covers the distance efficiently, leaving enough time for both stops. The tradeoff is that this is a moving ride rather than a slow, extended river cruise. If you want long periods of silence and careful photography from the boat, the short schedule may feel brisk.

Life jackets and boat insurance are included. Mineral water and wet towels are also provided, which is useful in Ho Chi Minh City’s warm conditions. Wear sunglasses and a sun hat, and choose sandals, hiking boots, or trainers rather than delicate shoes. The operator provides raincoats during the rainy season from May through October.

Phu Chau Floating Temple on the river

The first major stop is Phu Chau Temple, also known as the Dragon Floating Temple. It sits on a river island and takes up the island itself, so the arrival is unusual before you even begin looking at the temple buildings.

You get about 40 minutes here with a guide. That is enough time for a guided visit and an introduction to local religious beliefs and practices. The guide helps explain what you are seeing, which matters because a temple visit can otherwise become a quick walk past unfamiliar symbols, statues, and spaces.

The setting is the real draw. Phu Chau is not simply a temple beside a road with a river in the background. You reach it by boat, walk around the island, and then return to the water. The island setting gives the stop a clear sense of place and makes it one of the most memorable parts of the outing.

Guide Bien is specifically praised for being friendly, and that can make a difference here. Religious sites require a little care and respect, especially when customs are unfamiliar. A good English-speaking guide can help you understand local practice without turning the visit into a dry lecture.

You should expect a focused visit rather than a long spiritual retreat. Forty minutes passes quickly, particularly if you want time for photos and also want to listen to the explanation. Keep your clothing and behavior respectful, follow the guide’s instructions, and remember that this is a place of worship as well as a sightseeing stop.

The temple is also a good reason to choose this tour over a simple river transfer. You are not just looking at the city from the water. You are visiting a specific religious site with a guide who connects it to local beliefs.

Thanh Da Island and the short ride to Binh Quoi

After Phu Chau Temple, the boat runs for about 10 minutes toward Binh Quoi 1 Tourist Village. This is a short transfer, but it helps link the two sides of the tour: local religion on one stop, rural life on the next.

Thanh Da Island is presented as a small Mekong Delta within Ho Chi Minh City. That comparison should be understood in the right way. You are not getting a full Mekong Delta expedition with hours of canals, markets, and countryside. Instead, you get a compact sample of farming scenery and quieter riverbank surroundings close to the city center.

That convenience is the point. A traditional rural visit normally takes more time and planning. Here, you can see a few countryside-style views, walk through Binh Quoi, and return to District 1 in two hours. If your schedule is tight, this is a useful compromise.

The ride itself may be the most relaxing part for some people. You are away from traffic, and the river offers a wider view of the city and its outskirts. The boat’s speed means the scenery changes quickly, so keep your camera ready rather than waiting for one long stationary viewpoint.

Binh Quoi Village, tropical fruit, and coconut juice

Binh Quoi 1 Tourist Village receives about 45 minutes. The stop includes a guided visit, sightseeing, time for photos, and local snacks. You can walk around the village, take in the open surroundings, and get a glimpse of traditional farming lifestyles.

The village is designed as a rural escape, so do not expect a working countryside community on the scale of the Mekong Delta. Its value is that it gives you a short, accessible look at village-style scenery within the city area. For many people, this will feel like the biggest change from Ho Chi Minh City’s streets.

The included coconut juice and tropical fruit are small details, but they improve the stop. Coconut juice is refreshing in the heat, while the fruit gives you a simple taste of local produce rather than another packaged drink. Mineral water is also available, and wet towels are handy after time outdoors.

I would use the 45 minutes for a relaxed walk first, then snacks and photos. The schedule does not leave room for a long independent exploration, so do not arrive expecting to wander without limits. Stay aware of the meeting time, since the boat must return to the city.

Binh Quoi is likely to appeal most to you if you want a gentle, low-effort introduction to rural Vietnam. Families with children may enjoy the open setting, but children must be supervised at all times. The stop is less suitable if you want a serious agricultural visit with extensive interaction with working farmers, since the provided schedule focuses on sightseeing and a guided visit.

What the two-hour schedule really feels like

The timing is efficient:

• About 15 minutes by speedboat to Phu Chau Temple
• About 40 minutes at the temple
• About 10 minutes by speedboat to Binh Quoi
• About 45 minutes at Binh Quoi Village
• About 10 minutes by speedboat back to the station

That adds up to two hours, with no long meal break. You should think of this as a compact afternoon outing rather than a full cultural day. It works well between other Ho Chi Minh City plans, particularly if you want a change of pace without losing an entire day.

The short duration is both strength and limitation. I like that you can sample two very different places in one outing. You will not spend half the day in a van, and the river journey gives the tour a natural flow.

On the other hand, the schedule leaves little room for delays or lingering. If you enjoy careful temple visits, long walks, or extended photography, you may want more time. The tour suits you best if you prefer a clear route with a guide and a few well-chosen stops.

There are only restrooms at Saigon Waterbus Station and Binh Quoi Village. Keep that in mind before boarding, especially because there is no bathroom listed for the boat or temple. This is a minor point, but it matters on a warm day with several hours of sightseeing around other plans.

Boat size, comfort, and group options

The speedboat may hold 12, 24, or 34 people, depending on the option you book. That range can change the feel of the outing. A 12-seat boat is likely to feel more intimate, while a 34-seat boat may feel more like a shared city excursion.

A private group option is available. It is worth considering if you want more flexibility within the fixed route, prefer a quieter experience, or are traveling with family and friends. One particularly positive detail is the praise for having a boat to oneself, so ask carefully what your selected option includes before paying.

The tour provides life vests and insurance. You should still expect an open-air boating experience, so sun protection matters. Sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable shoes are listed as essentials. During the May to October rainy season, raincoats are provided, but weather can still affect how pleasant the ride feels.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Bring only what you need for two hours: phone, camera, wallet, sunscreen, and perhaps a small water bottle. Pets are not allowed, and unaccompanied minors cannot join.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Saigon River or visit a temple. The price needs to be judged against what is included: a guided speedboat trip, return transport from central District 1, an English-speaking guide, life vest, boat insurance, mineral water, wet towels, coconut juice, tropical fruit, and both stops.

The value is strongest if you want convenience. You do not need to arrange separate transport to Phu Chau Temple and Binh Quoi, and you get both places in a single two-hour route. The boat also offers views that road transport cannot provide.

The value is less clear if you are mainly looking for a cheap ride on the river. The tour does not include lunch, and the total experience is brief. You are paying for the speedboat, guide, organized access, and easy connection between city and countryside, not for a full-day Mekong Delta program.

A private group can make the price more attractive for a small party that values personal service. A shared boat may be better if you care more about keeping costs controlled. Check the boat capacity and exact option before booking, since the experience can differ between a 12-seat, 24-seat, and 34-seat departure.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Ho Chi Minh City schedule is still changing.

Who will enjoy this river escape?

I would recommend this tour to you if:

• You have only two hours available.
• You want to leave central Ho Chi Minh City without planning a full-day trip.
• You enjoy combining scenery, culture, and light outdoor walking.
• You want to visit Phu Chau Temple with an English-speaking guide.
• You like small-group or private outings.
• You want a taste of rural Vietnam without a long road journey.

It is less suitable if you want a slow, highly detailed temple tour or an extensive Mekong Delta experience. It is also not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments. The boat, island visit, walking, and village paths require a reasonable level of mobility.

Families can book, but children need constant supervision. The lack of a restroom on the boat is another point to consider with young children.

Final verdict: book it for the contrast

Book this tour if you want a quick and well-organized contrast to Ho Chi Minh City’s central streets. The strongest combination is the river approach to Phu Chau Temple, the guide’s explanation of local religion, and the easy rural break at Binh Quoi with coconut juice and fruit.

I would choose a smaller or private boat option if the price works for your group, since the personal feel is part of the appeal. If you have a full day free and want a deeper Mekong Delta experience, spend your money on a longer excursion instead. But for two hours, this tour gives you a pleasing mix of water, worship, village scenery, and fresh air with very little transport hassle.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Saigon Waterbus Station at 10B Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The exact meeting point may vary by the option booked.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back at the meeting point, Saigon Waterbus Station.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts two hours. Check availability for the available starting times.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide speaks English.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the speedboat ride, an English-speaking guide, life vest, boat insurance, mineral water, wet towels, fresh fruit, coconut juice, and pick-up and drop-off at Saigon Waterbus Station.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Sandals, hiking boots, or trainers are recommended.

Are restrooms available during the tour?

The available restrooms are at Saigon Waterbus Station and Binh Quoi Village. No restroom is listed for the boat or Phu Chau Temple.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.