VietNamNet Bridge – The HCM City’s People's Committee has approved the use of Bach Dang Wharf once again for river-based tourism after a three-year gap.

The HCM City’s People's Committee has approved the use of Bach Dang Wharf once again for river-based tourism after a three-year gap.— Photo thesaigontimes.vn

In April 2015 floating restaurants and other tourism-related activities had been moved from the wharf to Sai Gon Port in District 4.

Now, according to the city Department of Transport, the number of waterway tourism businesses has increased significantly and more docks are needed.

It plans to allow some tourist vessels and floating restaurants such as Elisa and Indochinese Sailboat to operate from the wharf.

The committee has directed the department to make sure the wharf’s operation does not mar urban beauty and waterway safety is ensured and to take severe action against violators.

Also, the city is planning other developments in the vicinity of the wharf like an underground commercial centre, pedestrians-only street and food street.

There are also tentative proposals to make the wharf a departure point for high-speed boats to Con Dao Island and cargo vessels to Binh Duong Province.

The administration has directed related units to carefully study waterway routes to make Bach Dang Wharf the centre of water and other public transport.

According to the department, the city has great potential for waterway tourism but its products are still poor and not attractive to tourists. 

An Son Lam, director of Indochinese Sailboat Company, said his company is willing to return to Bach Dang.

In the past, many tourism companies had operated from the wharf, he said.

Lieu Thi My Hanh of Hoang Trieu Investment Joint Stock Company said it is wasteful to use the wharf only for public transport.

The 1.3km wharf is situated on Ton Duc Thang Street with a 23,400sq.m park in front.

Source: VNS