Maybe you wonder why you should start with this amazing, fastest-growing water sport on the planet specifically in Ho Chi Minh City. Why on Saigon river? Well, the answer is simple. For practical reasons!
The good, bad and ugly – let me introduce you to the Saigon River
Let’s be honest. Saigon river is not the best place to take on SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding), but it’s definitely not the worst either. The river runs through the city, as if it was a 12-headed dragon stretching its prolonged necks all over the place, dividing the city into districts and islands, each with its unique character. Vietnamese wilderness on one side of the river separated from the highly urbanised areas on the other side by strip of “gently” flowing water. That’s Saigon river, a semi-tamed beast famous for its high and low tides and currents, conveniently located in the middle of South East Asian metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.
Hidden wilderness in the middle of the city
With its many arms, hidden channels and canals, Saigon river in HCMC is exactly what you would expect from delta of any big river to be. Some of these places are pretty wild and still pretty unattached by progress. And because the river runs through the big city many of these hidden oasis of tranquility are accessible for those who know where to go. If you are visiting or living in Thao Dien you are only minutes away from paddling experience par Vietnamese excellence.
But first let me tell you why I do like Saigon river and why I think it’s quite good for paddle-boarding. But first let me state the 2 obvious reasons why most westerners and tourists stay clear from the river.
1. It’s dirty … very, very dirty!
Yes, the river is dirty but remember that brownish colour is mostly the result of the water mixing with mud and other organic garbage. Plus there is plastic rubbish floating on the water, maybe aesthetically unsightly, but those plastic bottles and shopping bags aren’t toxic. While paddling around the river, I have seen locals swimming in Saigon waters. Fishermen often dive under when fixing their nets or collecting something from the mud. I have seen them doing this regularly every day and they are still around and alive. But don’t get me wrong! In no way I would suggest that Saigon river is good for swimming. I don’t swim in Saigon river and I would never recommend anyone to do so. On the other hand when you paddle board you are standing on the board. If you happen to accidentally fall in, no drama. Get back on your board and try not to swallow the water. You will be fine.
How many times does average person fall into water?
From my personal experience NEVER – ZERO times. Occasionally some people fall in but in general it’s pretty easy to stand on the board. They fall in because they monkey around having fun.
2. It’s dangerous! There is too much traffic on the river .. isn’t it?
Yes, there is traffic on the river, but it’s not everywhere and it’s not as dense as to interfere with SUP paddle boarding. River traffic consists mostly of big boats, which are super easy to avoid as they are big and move slowly. Occasionally you encounter a speedboat. Speaking solely from my personal experience, I have never had any issues avoiding those either. Also I have noticed that what looks super dangerous from the riverbanks appears much less dangerous when on the water. A lot comes down to our perceptions. Once we are on the water, paddling alongside riverbanks is quite pleasurable and relaxing experience.
Don’t compare, but embrace it as it is
Let me sum this up by saying that there is no point comparing Saigon river to pristine clean waters of Bondi Beach in Sydney. That would be futile attempt to put a lipstick on a pig. Saigon river isn’t as good for paddle boarding as some other places in cleaner western countries. But when you live in Saigon, that’s what you have here. So if you are into doing something physical, while exploring the unknowns, don’t hesitate to try paddle-boarding on Saigon river.
Why I do like like Saigon river?
Here are my favourte 4 reasons why I think Saigon river is pretty cool for paddle boarding.
- High and low tides are predictable and convenient for those who learn how to take advantage of water currents. The river’s water flow isn’t too strong to paddle against if you want to train harder. It’s a good work-out to paddle against the current. And it’s relaxing balmy ride when you let your sub drift with the water.
- Saigon river is easily accessible from inside the city. There are many places around the city from where it’s fairly easy to hop on SUP or off the SUP. Also there are many coffee shops alongside the river. It’s easy to stop, get off the SUP and have a coffee, quick chat with locals and enjoy the moments of quietness.
- The river is great for exploration of unknown. Saigon river offers many hidden places such as river arms, channels and water canals that are only accessible by water. SUP is great way the paddle through these places and enjoy local fauna and flora as it was before the civilisation took over the area.
- Saigon river is great hide-away for those who are fed-up with noise and hustle and bustle of the big city. You don’t need to be explorer or adventurer. Perhaps you are just seeking peace and quiet, few moments of tranquility. SUP is ideal solution. As soon as you get away from the river bank you enter the whole new world. Much more peaceful and quiet.
To sum it all up
If you are like me and you have been living in Saigon for a while, you know how limited are the choices for those who seek sport activities in peaceful and quiet environment. Vietnam is notoriously known for its permanent noise and dirt. But it’s also a country of many beautiful and well hidden place where one can find outer and inner peace. Saigon river is one of those places.
If you feel like trying it out and get on this amazing faster growing water sport in Asia, feel free to contact Ly who runs SUP paddle-boarding activities in Sagon. He will be more than happy to help you to get on board and guide you through the river.
