The Saigon River: Transformation and Unique Culture

My name is Niall Mackay, your host of A Vietnam Podcast. This is another Saigon Sunday Session joined by my lovely wife, Adrie. As always, we were out for an evening walk with Biscuit and thought it would be the perfect time to turn on the microphones and share some casual musings.

The Saigon River – Now and Then

Saigon’s riverfront is undergoing a stunning transformation, shifting from a neglected space to a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike. In recent years, city planners – with international input—have revitalized areas once walled off or underused. The promenade near Nguyen Hue Walking Street and upscale establishments like ROS and Clay in District 1 are now popular spots that offer stunning river views and lively atmospheres.

Saigon’s riverfront development reflected the same revitalization seen in other global cities. The Thames in London, the Seine in Paris, and the Yarra in Melbourne all went through industrial periods that left their waterways blackened and unusable. Adrie and I reflected on how Saigon mirrors that global narrative, as it evolves to create cleaner and more attractive riverside spaces. While the Saigon River still had a long way to go, the progress was undeniable, and we were so excited to witness its transformation!

Environmental Issues

Despite these improvements, challenges remain. While the river appears cleaner than in the past, pollution and littering persist, particularly in nearby canals like those in District 4. 

One of the most visible issues is the prevalence of littering. A particularly frustrating sight was people discarding trash from motorbikes or cars into waterways, a practice born of a lack of education and enforcement. Even picturesque beaches could be full of plastic pollution, depending on currents and tides. 

This issue was not unique to Vietnam; many countries have faced similar problems. In Texas, for instance, the “Don’t Mess With Texas” campaign addressed littering, while Australia imposes strict fines for such behavior. Vietnam, however, was still catching up in terms of awareness and penalties. Encouragingly, progress was being made—schools were educating the next generation on the importance of reducing waste, and awareness campaigns were growing.

Plastic pollution remained a significant challenge, with Vietnam ranking among the top global contributors. Yet there was hope in the small but steady improvements being observed, especially in urban areas like Saigon. With sustained efforts in education and enforcement, the city can continue transforming its riverfront into a cleaner, more enjoyable space for everyone.

I have experience paddling on a SUP on Saigon River, watch this episode now!

Saigon’s Unique Culture

Saigon’s charm lay in its vibrant street culture and the unique places that spring up, seemingly overnight. Walking along the river near Binh Khanh by Night, you’ll find everything from small food stalls selling fried snacks and smoothies to casual setups where you can sip a cold beer while taking in the cityscape. It’s the kind of environment that perfectly captures Saigon’s mix of simplicity and sophistication.

Binh Khanh by Night is an excellent example of this transformation. Once a neglected piece of land by a busy highway, it’s now home to a range of restaurants offering diverse cuisines. There’s Italian fare at Mamma Mia, barbecue grills, and even a cozy food court. While sunsets are typically breathtaking here, sometimes cloudy evenings can obscure the view. However, the ambiance remains unforgettable, with District 1’s skyline—including iconic structures like Landmark 81 and Diamond Plaza—illuminating the backdrop.

Local Favorites

Though the rainy season keeps crowds away, the spot comes alive during the dry season, bustling with diners enjoying Italian pizzas, barbecues, or casual food court bites. With the festive atmosphere enhanced by Christmas decorations, even the off-season holds its unique appeal.

The easygoing vibe at Binh Chanh by Night is best enjoyed with a cold beer. A highlight from this visit was the budget-friendly 29k Budweiser—a unique version brewed with rice in Asia. While it didn’t taste quite like its American counterpart, its light, water-flavored profile was refreshing and perfectly complemented the riverside breeze.

Walking with us here was Biscuit, who recently celebrated her sixth birthday. It struck me that she’s been part of this journey longer than my podcasting career. In the early days, when the setup was basic, she would snooze peacefully beside the guests during recordings.

Check out more craft beer spots in Saigon here!

Conclusion

From its neglected past to its current role as a vibrant hub for leisure, dining, and community, the river reflects the dynamic evolution of Saigon itself.

Exploring the riverfront – whether it’s enjoying the casual charm of Binh Canh by Night, the modern elegance of Clay in Thao Dien, or simply walking along the newly developed pathways – offers a glimpse into Saigon’s unique ability to blend the old with the new.

If you want more experiences and reviews about Vietnam – follow for future!

402 thoughts on “The Saigon River: Transformation and Unique Culture”

  1. apotek teknik utbildning [url=http://snabbapoteket.com/#]Snabb Apoteket[/url] apotek kosttillskott

  2. apotheken in holland [url=https://zorgpakket.shop/#]apotheke niederlande[/url] online apotheek nederland

  3. vaksinering apotek [url=https://tryggmed.com/#]vanndrivende uten resept apotek[/url] ГҐpningstid apotek

  4. ed pills that work quickly [url=https://expresscarerx.org/#]online pharmacy no prescription flagyl[/url] claritin d pharmacy counter

  5. reputable indian pharmacies [url=https://indiamedshub.com/#]indian pharmacy paypal[/url] IndiaMedsHub

  6. order kamagra from mexican pharmacy [url=https://medimexicorx.shop/#]order kamagra from mexican pharmacy[/url] zithromax mexican pharmacy

  7. best online pharmacy india [url=https://indiamedshub.shop/#]Online medicine home delivery[/url] IndiaMedsHub

  8. semaglutide mexico price [url=http://medimexicorx.com/#]MediMexicoRx[/url] isotretinoin from mexico

  9. cheap cialis mexico [url=http://medimexicorx.com/#]buy from mexico pharmacy[/url] get viagra without prescription from mexico

  10. wedgewood pharmacy naltrexone [url=https://expresscarerx.org/#]ExpressCareRx[/url] rx one pharmacy

  11. ExpressCareRx [url=http://expresscarerx.org/#]ExpressCareRx[/url] order viagra online pharmacy

  12. buy Accutane online [url=https://isotretinoinfromcanada.shop/#]buy Accutane online[/url] buy Accutane online

  13. generic isotretinoin [url=http://isotretinoinfromcanada.com/#]order isotretinoin from Canada to US[/url] Accutane for sale

  14. generic Cialis from India [url=https://tadalafilfromindia.shop/#]cheap Cialis Canada[/url] Tadalafil From India

  15. Finasteride From Canada [url=http://finasteridefromcanada.com/#]generic propecia prices[/url] propecia cheap

  16. purchase generic Accutane online discreetly [url=https://isotretinoinfromcanada.com/#]USA-safe Accutane sourcing[/url] Isotretinoin From Canada

  17. buy Accutane online [url=https://isotretinoinfromcanada.com/#]buy Accutane online[/url] order isotretinoin from Canada to US

  18. generic isotretinoin [url=https://isotretinoinfromcanada.shop/#]buy Accutane online[/url] USA-safe Accutane sourcing

  19. tadalafil online no rx [url=http://tadalafilfromindia.com/#]cheap Cialis Canada[/url] tadalafil online no rx

  20. Zoloft online pharmacy USA [url=https://zoloft.company/#]sertraline online[/url] buy Zoloft online

  21. buy Accutane online [url=https://isotretinoinfromcanada.shop/#]USA-safe Accutane sourcing[/url] cheap Accutane

  22. Isotretinoin From Canada [url=https://isotretinoinfromcanada.shop/#]order isotretinoin from Canada to US[/url] purchase generic Accutane online discreetly

  23. cheap Propecia Canada [url=https://finasteridefromcanada.shop/#]Propecia for hair loss online[/url] Finasteride From Canada

  24. buy Zoloft online without prescription USA [url=https://zoloft.company/#]Zoloft online pharmacy USA[/url] Zoloft online pharmacy USA

  25. generic Finasteride without prescription [url=http://finasteridefromcanada.com/#]generic Finasteride without prescription[/url] Finasteride From Canada

  26. cheap Propecia Canada [url=https://finasteridefromcanada.com/#]get generic propecia prices[/url] Finasteride From Canada

  27. amoxicillin where to get [url=http://clearmedsdirect.com/#]ClearMeds Direct[/url] order amoxicillin without prescription

  28. NeuroRelief Rx [url=http://neuroreliefrx.com/#]gabapentin mental side effects[/url] NeuroRelief Rx

  29. Clomid Hub Pharmacy [url=https://clomidhubpharmacy.com/#]Clomid Hub[/url] order cheap clomid without dr prescription

  30. amoxicillin generic brand [url=https://clearmedsdirect.shop/#]amoxicillin 500mg capsules[/url] amoxicillin 775 mg

  31. Relief Meds USA [url=https://reliefmedsusa.com/#]prednisone for sale online[/url] ReliefMeds USA

  32. where to buy Modafinil legally in the US [url=http://wakemedsrx.com/#]Wake Meds RX[/url] affordable Modafinil for cognitive enhancement

  33. order amoxicillin without prescription [url=http://clearmedsdirect.com/#]ClearMeds Direct[/url] order amoxicillin without prescription

  34. over the counter amoxicillin [url=http://clearmedsdirect.com/#]antibiotic treatment online no Rx[/url] low-cost antibiotics delivered in USA

  35. safe Provigil online delivery service [url=https://wakemedsrx.shop/#]order Provigil without prescription[/url] smart drugs online US pharmacy

  36. where to buy clomid tablets [url=https://clomidhubpharmacy.shop/#]Clomid Hub[/url] buying generic clomid without dr prescription

  37. fibromyalgia gabapentin [url=http://neuroreliefrx.com/#]how long does it take gabapentin to relieve nerve pain[/url] gabapentin and 300mg

  38. gabapentin dosage epocrates [url=http://neuroreliefrx.com/#]NeuroRelief Rx[/url] NeuroRelief Rx

  39. MexiCare Rx Hub [url=http://mexicarerxhub.com/#]MexiCare Rx Hub[/url] safe place to buy semaglutide online mexico

  40. modafinil mexico online [url=http://mexicarerxhub.com/#]rybelsus from mexican pharmacy[/url] order azithromycin mexico

  41. real mexican pharmacy USA shipping [url=http://mexicarerxhub.com/#]zithromax mexican pharmacy[/url] MexiCare Rx Hub

  42. low cost mexico pharmacy online [url=https://mexicarerxhub.com/#]MexiCare Rx Hub[/url] cheap mexican pharmacy

  43. CanadRx Nexus [url=https://canadrxnexus.com/#]pet meds without vet prescription canada[/url] pet meds without vet prescription canada

  44. п»їmexican pharmacy [url=https://mexicarerxhub.shop/#]buy antibiotics from mexico[/url] MexiCare Rx Hub

  45. CanadRx Nexus [url=https://canadrxnexus.com/#]best canadian pharmacy[/url] legit canadian pharmacy

  46. legit canadian pharmacy [url=http://canadrxnexus.com/#]CanadRx Nexus[/url] reputable canadian pharmacy

  47. AsthmaFree Pharmacy [url=https://glucosmartrx.shop/#]best time of day to take semaglutide injection[/url] AsthmaFree Pharmacy

  48. ventolin 2mg [url=https://asthmafreepharmacy.com/#]AsthmaFree Pharmacy[/url] AsthmaFree Pharmacy

  49. buy ventolin over the counter australia [url=https://asthmafreepharmacy.shop/#]AsthmaFree Pharmacy[/url] AsthmaFree Pharmacy

  50. AsthmaFree Pharmacy [url=https://asthmafreepharmacy.shop/#]ventolin for sale[/url] AsthmaFree Pharmacy

  51. AsthmaFree Pharmacy [url=https://asthmafreepharmacy.shop/#]AsthmaFree Pharmacy[/url] AsthmaFree Pharmacy

  52. lasix furosemide [url=http://fluidcarepharmacy.com/#]FluidCare Pharmacy[/url] FluidCare Pharmacy

  53. AsthmaFree Pharmacy [url=http://asthmafreepharmacy.com/#]AsthmaFree Pharmacy[/url] AsthmaFree Pharmacy

  54. AsthmaFree Pharmacy [url=http://glucosmartrx.com/#]AsthmaFree Pharmacy[/url] AsthmaFree Pharmacy

  55. order ventolin online [url=https://asthmafreepharmacy.shop/#]ventolin on line[/url] buy ventolin online cheap no prescription

  56. AsthmaFree Pharmacy [url=https://asthmafreepharmacy.com/#]AsthmaFree Pharmacy[/url] ventolin inhalers

  57. relief from muscle spasms online [url=https://relaxmedsusa.com/#]Tizanidine 2mg 4mg tablets for sale[/url] Zanaflex medication fast delivery

  58. safe online source for Tizanidine [url=http://relaxmedsusa.com/#]muscle relaxants online no Rx[/url] RelaxMedsUSA

  59. Slot gacor hari ini [url=https://mandiwinindo.site/#]Live casino Mandiribet[/url] Link alternatif Mandiribet

  60. Online casino Jollibet Philippines [url=https://1winphili.company/#]1winphili[/url] Online betting Philippines

  61. Uduslar? tez c?xar Pinco il? [url=https://pinwinaz.pro/#]Canl? krupyerl? oyunlar[/url] Yeni az?rbaycan kazino sayt?

  62. buy modafinil from mexico no rx [url=https://mexicanpharmacyhub.com/#]zithromax mexican pharmacy[/url] trusted mexico pharmacy with US shipping

  63. Indian Meds One [url=https://indianmedsone.shop/#]Indian Meds One[/url] п»їlegitimate online pharmacies india

  64. buy neurontin in mexico [url=http://mexicanpharmacyhub.com/#]best prices on finasteride in mexico[/url] legit mexican pharmacy without prescription

  65. new zealand pharmacy domperidone [url=https://medidirectusa.shop/#]MediDirect USA[/url] zovirax cream online pharmacy

  66. zithromax online pharmacy [url=https://medidirectusa.com/#]MediDirect USA[/url] online pharmacy viagra reviews

  67. cialis 10 mg [url=https://tadalify.com/#]buy liquid cialis online[/url] canadian cialis no prescription

Leave a Comment