The Saigon River waterfront along the eastern edge of District 1 has been transformed in recent years from a working port into a promenade, though container ships and cargo vessels still pass constantly, giving the waterfront a sense of real economic life rather than pure tourism. The riverside walk from the Bach Dang ferry terminal north toward the American consulate area is pleasant in the early morning.
Boat tours on the Saigon River are available from the Bach Dang pier: either short one-hour trips around the harbour or longer excursions to the Mekong Delta tributaries. The evening river dinner-cruise is popular but touristy. The bridge crossing to District 2 (Thu Duc) opens views back to the city skyline that are some of the best in Saigon, particularly with the Bitexco Tower in the background.