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Les Rives Speedboat to Cu Chi tunnels

Authentic River Experience

Discover the Best of Saigon

Luxury Saigon River tours by speedboat, far from the coach crowds.

15
Years of TripAdvisor Excellence
4,622
Excellent TripAdvisor reviews
521,320
Guests served since 2010
100%
Authentic - No Shopping Stops

Les Rives Authentic River Experience

Saigon River Tours by Speedboat

Let us lead the way to the spectacular southern of Vietnam. Les Rives was the first company to run luxury Saigon River tours by speedboat, and more than a decade on, it is still what we do best. We put your comfort, enjoyment and safety ahead of everything else.

Our boats slip away from the city traffic to reach corners of southern Vietnam most visitors never see: the winding canals of the Mekong Delta, the UNESCO-listed Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, and the tunnel networks of Cu Chi. Each is only a short ride from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. You can spend half a day or a full day on the water, and every route uncovers the country’s warm spirit, lush nature and deep history.

We don’t run coach tours. We run speedboats. That means backwaters no road can reach, small groups instead of crowded buses, and a pace set by you rather than a timetable. Every year we spend months exploring new channels and building friendships with the families who live along them, so the places we take you stay authentic. It is a way of seeing Saigon and its rivers that feels personal, unhurried and genuinely local. It is the reason guests have trusted Les Rives since 2010.

Les Rives Tour Guide
Les Rives Team
Les Rives Speedboat to Cu Chi

Why travel with us

  • Authentic Experiences

    Real local culture, down backwaters most tours never find. No forced shopping stops.

  • Exclusive Small Groups

    Intimate tours, shaped around what you actually want to see.

  • Smart Timing

    We plan around the buses, so you skip the peak-hour crowds.

  • Expert Guides

    Internationally licensed, English-fluent, and genuinely good company.

  • Speedboat, Not Bus

    Trade the long coach ride for an open-water run on the river.

  • Safety First

    International-standard safety gear on every boat, every trip.

Guest reviews

Don't just take our word for it

Review us on Tripadvisor
827harshitp

Immersive experience with Anna and Les Rives

When a trip with a very sincere guide who has alot of warmth and patience is guiding us then it makes a good trip great and immersive. That is what Anna managed - she was very understanding and patient. We truly enjoyed our whole experience and along with convenience of the speed boat I would highly recommend booking with Les Rives.

Jodie S

Mekong with a local!!

Anna and the team were amazing and the whole day was enjoyable, relaxing and no pressure navigating with other tourists. Breakfast and plenty of fruit and drinks supplied throughout the day. Travelling up the Mekong with a commentary about river life for locals was much appreciated. We also loved, loved the market tour and pagoda with Anna as it was so beneficial to ask questions and learn about the food and culture without being pressured to purchase. Thank you Anna and team for all your local knowledge!

BiellaViaggiatori

Lucky to have Lucky as our tour guide 😊

To see the Cu Chi tunnels, I opted for the more luxurious option of getting there by speedboat with ‘Les Rives Authentic River Experience’ rather than by bus or taxi, and I certainly haven't regretted the decision. By the way, it wasn't the kind of speedboat where you have to hold on tightly to prevent yourself from falling off. 😉 Although the boat trip is not much faster than travelling by bus, it has the following advantages: a) There is the possibility to sit outside and enjoy the view and the breeze. b) Because of a), the seating order was fluid rather than preset, at least in our group, which allowed talking to other members of the group if one wanted to. c) The catering service was excellent. We were offered a light breakfast, plenty of fruit (my favourite!) and soft drinks on top of the great lunch served at the destination. I was very glad that Lucky was our tour guide. Upon arrival at our destination, she gave a thorough introduction to the history of the Vietnam conflict and the tunnel structure, which I really appreciated. Furthermore she conveyed the facts and stories in an interesting and entertaining way throughout the tour, and her English was excellent. On top of that, she was a very likeable person with a great sense of humour. My thanks also go to the boat crew, i.e. the captain and the young and very friendly lady in charge of catering. We also had a nice chat on the return trip. It was a great experience!

suzanneo890

Fantastic Mekong Delta Experience

We had a great day trip with Les Rives, departing right from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and cruising down the Mekong River—no roads, no traffic, just continuous sightseeing the entire way. It felt like we covered so much more in half the time. The commentary throughout was interesting and informative, and the food was excellent—breakfast rolls to start, followed by an abundance of fresh sliced fruit, plus unlimited cold water and soft drinks. We visited a farm, pagoda, orphanage, and a fascinating riverside market selling everything from frog legs to duck eggs. One of the highlights was a small boat ride through lush jungle canals—peaceful and unforgettable. Lunch was delicious, with beer and whiskey available too. Overall, an unforgettable day and highly recommended!

Trek46934735029

Great tour, good value,highly recommend

Normally we shy away from group tours- preferring to do our own thing-having done some research before our trip and being short on time we chose a 1/2 day small group speedboat trip to cu chi tunnels- so pleased we did! Cat our guide was fantastic- very knowledgeable & entertaining ! We were concerned that as it was a group tour we wouldn’t be able to use the shooting range( which is incredibly expensive but unique) but time was made for those who wanted to whilst others were offered an alternative activity. The tour felt unrushed & his team looked after everyone well.

thomassO7776AS

Look no further!

This is the best possible way to experience both the Cu Chi tunnels and the scenic waterway of Saigon river. High quality banh mi for breakfast on a speedboat is so much better than being stuck in traffic jams. Be sure to take the morning departure to avoid the major tourist crowds in the jungle. A special thanks to our tour guide Mr. Than for his knowledgeable insights.

Solvor S

Fantastic tour with knowledgable guide and good food

The tour was so much history. The guide was very dedicated and had a very good knowledge of the history. In the boat going to the forrest we were served a delicious breakfast and soft drinks were available all the time. After our round including a chance to try the AK47 which we all did, we had a large meal at one of the restaurants on site before heading home. During the tour home we were served fresh fruit, Vietnamese coffee and soft drinks. I would like to recommend the tour for everyone looking for history and comfort along the way :)

Jaskirat S

Amazing tour - definitely worth the higher price

This was an exceptional tour and one of the highlights of my trip. We were picked up from our hotels and taken to the docks where we set off on the speedboat - which was a fun experience in itself! By starting early we got there way ahead of the crowds and basically had the place to ourselves. There was breakfast and snacks/drinks on the boat and a delicious lunch at the tunnels. The host really looked after us well and did a great job explaining the various parts of the tunnel system. I doubted myself after paying the premium amount (especially compared to the cost of the coach tours) but this was 100% worth it - was back at my hotel by 1pm! Can’t recommend this enough.

T D

Can Gio Mangrove - Excellent Excursion

This was one of the best excursions we have ever experiences. We were picked up at our hotel right on time and from there it was a short drive to the water where we boarded a boat. We were immediately offered fresh fruit, water and breakfast sandwiches. As we made our way down the river the boat would stop and the tour guide would tell us about the things we were seeing. First stop was an open air market. Very interesting to see how locals sell everything from food to wears. Next we stopped, debarked the speed boat and took a row boat to where we could see flying fox bats, as well as beautiful mangroves. We also got to plant a tree. Our final stop was to see monkeys, crocodiles and climb a towner to see the landscape and birds. The afternoon was topped off with a feast of delicious local foods. You are provided with plenty of water or soda and are offered fruit throughout the ride of the speedboat. The tour guide (I believe her name was 'Lucky') was absolutely great. She is very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. The only negative thing I have about this tour is that they allow all ages. In my opinion, they should not allow very young children as some of the areas you need to be quite and there were some quite unruly children on our excursion.

Kate B

A fast, crowd-free way to experience the Cu Chi Tunnels by river

Our Premium Les Rives Cu Chi Tunnels Tour with Local Expert was excellent and absolutely worth it. The speedboat trip was awesome. Fast and efficient at around 1.5 hours there and just over an hour back, it gave us a completely different perspective travelling by river and meant we avoided the crowds entirely. It easily beats being stuck on a bus. Breakfast and refreshments on the boat were great, with bánh mì, Vietnamese coffee and fresh fruit, all delicious and plentiful. A big thank you to our knowledgeable and entertaining guide Nguyen, who struck the perfect balance with just the right amount of information and a really good pace throughout the trip. Lunch at the tunnels was a delicious traditional Vietnamese meal, and we appreciated having the choice of whether or not to go into the tunnels. There was also the option to add on shooting at the range for those who wanted it. The speedboat driver was excellent and we felt very safe the entire time. A fantastic experience from start to finish and highly recommended.

panpebe

Fantastic Family Time

It was an amazing trip! It was absolutely worth paying a bit extra to go on this fantastic tour with this company. Traveling by speedboat meant we arrived at the Cu Chi Tunnels almost first, so we could explore this fascinating place comfortably. Then we had a longer journey again, but it was incredibly interesting, traveling along the Saigon River, through nearby canals, all the way to the Mekong Delta, where we visited more truly fascinating spots. It’s also really worth mentioning that we had a wonderful guide, Hang, who was contagious with her enthusiasm, answered every question, and spoke excellent English. We recommend it with all our hearts. I’d also like to add that no one pressured us to write this review, which is unfortunately a known practice in this kind of business. It was a truly premium experience and we highly recommend it to everyone.

Leon W

Great Tour

Instead of visiting Ho Chi Min City, we thought we would experience the Can Gio Mangrove. It was a wonderful experience. I forgot the name of our tour guide (I believe he was the owner of the company). He was very knowledgeable, gave us a lot of information and was very excited to point out the wild life that he saw. We experienced a speed boat ride with beautiful views, we went to a village right off of the water, we went on a canoe ride through a river that was so peaceful, saw wild monkeys, fed crocodiles, had a great lunch!! Overall, it was a wonderful day!!

EDR1997

Lucky with Our Guide ‘Lucky’ - Would 100% Recommend!!

We had Lucky as our guide, and I already miss her, she was a wonderful, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, attentive and fun person to spend the day with. She was incredible, as was the whole Les Rives experience. They did two outstanding things: 1) When I had a bad stomach they allowed us to change from the 7am to 11am at 6:50 2) We booked the AO show package, after which we were written to, with a great amount of apology, to cancel and refund the portion as the seats available weren’t very good so they recommended choosing our own. A lot of companies would have taken the money and sat you behind a pillar, I was very, very impressed. The speed boat was fun, the food and refreshments were expectational, but most of all we were so ‘Lucky’ with our guide :)

Supertrouper2006

Excellent trip

An exceptionally well organised trip. From being picked up from hotel, a 70 minute relaxing speed boat ride with a delicious breakfast, an informative & interesting tour by our guide Tony, a fantastic lunch spread & then a speedboat back, was arranged seamlessly and professionally. Absolutely worth the money and we only had 8 in our group. The early arrival meant we missed the masses arriving in coaches a few hours after us. We were given drinks and fruit throughout the speedboat journey and we felt we were treated so kindly. Absolutely recommend this trip.

nicholasb806

An opportunity not to be missed!

What a special and informative visit to the tunnels we had. We were picked up from our hotel at 0700 (yes, early start but worth it to avoid the later crowds£ and were taken to a boat on the river which roared along! On arrival we were taken to the tunnels which are fascinating. My wife was brave and small enough to climb into a camouflaged hole. As for me, even with these holes increased in size by 20% for the tourists, I couldn’t get my hips in! We were offered to go along a stretch of tunnel (I again was too large!) and (at a cost) fire live ammunition. At the end of the tour we were treated to a delicious lunch (vegan snd seafood allergies were not a problem with due warning). We then returned to Saigon arriving from memory at 1330. Are tour guide, Anna, we exceptional. She was polite, friendly and very informative (and spoke good English). It’s a must for any visit to Saigon.

NicDal80

Highly recommended, a must!

We went via speedboat to the Cu Chi tunnels, being looked after by our guide Anna and the fantastic team, who were attentive and friendly. We were provided with a tasty breakfast and lunch in restaurant at the tunnels, as well as fruit on the return journey. The tour was amazing, Anna is warm, friendly and very knowledgeable. The site itself is interesting but Anna added so much more with her ability to relay the information she made the tour interesting, immersive and enjoyable, despite its tragic roots. Through Anna we were given a fantastic insight into the experiences, and ingenuity, of the local people during the war. I would highly recommend this tour!

U9041DOcindyd

The BEST Mekong River Tour

This Les Rives tour was the absolute best. At nearly 7.5 hours we covered a lot of ground (and water). There were only 7 of us on the tour. Boat was very comfortable. Anna and her crew served us a steady stream of exotic fruits, sandwiches & snacks. There was a cooler of cold water & drinks - much needed in the 90+ degree weather! The tour took us past miles of riverside shacks & waterside markets. We stopped at a fruit farm where we were served more food- and gifted with a bag of fresh fruit when we left! We wandered through the markets and stopped at a temple. Anna’s narrative was so informative - and the whole team was so helpful, especially with my husband who has mobility issues. On the way back we stopped for lunch at a nice riverside restaurant. The skies opened up & there was a massive rainstorm. The team provided umbrellas and helped us over slick bridges and paths. Highly recommend!!

David T

Superb tour operator with excellent guides

We took two tours with Les Rives, the Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour by speedboat and the Can Gio Forest tour by speedboat. Both were excellent, with numerous extra touches that enhanced the experience. Both guides went out of their way to make their tour great for their guests. Everything was very well organized and first class. In short, Les Rives is one of the best tour operators I have ever used anywhere, and I wouldn’t hesitate to take another of their tours. Taking a speedboat to the Cu Chi tunnels got us there before the majority of the tour buses. Our guide knew the history of the place very well, clearly cared about it, and explained it well to us. The tunnels themselves are fascinating and well worth a visit. As an American, I found getting a Vietnamese perspective on this part of the war thought- provoking and very interesting. The speedboat to the Can Gio forest took us the opposite way down the Saigon River. Anna, our guide on this tour, introduced us to the wildlife in the jungle, with a fishing for crocodiles a highlight. She took numerous photos and even a video that she shared with us after the tour. A stellar lunch in a jungle restaurant was another highlight of this tout

TwoCarryOns

An Authentic Glimpse Into Mekong Delta Life

While most tourists cram into buses bound for the coconut candy factory and commercial orchards of the Mekong Delta, we took the road (or river) less traveled—hopping on a speedboat with just eight other people. We visited a lime farmer, held his giant python (yes, really!), meandered through the Mekong Delta's canals in a sampan, a traditional rowboat; visited a sleepy local food market; popped by a tri-faith temple and walked through a beautifully kept orphanage run by local monks. We went the entire day without seeing other tourists—not even one. The tour was very well-organised and they were able to accommodate our shellfish allergy with the local lunch.

Kerry S

Speedboat to Cu Chi is the only way to go

My favourite tour experience during my stay in HCMC. Pick up was on time and the best way to travel to the tunnels by speedboat. The boat itself was lovely. We had fruits and cold drinks always to hand. We arrived at Cu Chi before all the buses. We toured around the site where our guide was knowledgeable and detailed in sharing info about what it was like during the war. He brought the history to life with stories and insights that went beyond what you typically hear. He explained the tunnel systems, traps and daily life of the Viet Cong with clarity and enthusiasm, answering all our questions with ease. You could tell he had a deep understanding of the site and its historical significance, which made the experience both educational and moving. We finished with a lovely lunch. The speedboat was the BEST way to travel to avoid traffic, see the river system, city views and keep cool. We arrived back to the city before 1pm which was great to continue exploring Highly recommend this tour if you’re looking for something unique, well-organised, and led by a guide who truly knows his stuff.

827harshitp

Immersive experience with Anna and Les Rives

When a trip with a very sincere guide who has alot of warmth and patience is guiding us then it makes a good trip great and immersive. That is what Anna managed - she was very understanding and patient. We truly enjoyed our whole experience and along with convenience of the speed boat I would highly recommend booking with Les Rives.

Jodie S

Mekong with a local!!

Anna and the team were amazing and the whole day was enjoyable, relaxing and no pressure navigating with other tourists. Breakfast and plenty of fruit and drinks supplied throughout the day. Travelling up the Mekong with a commentary about river life for locals was much appreciated. We also loved, loved the market tour and pagoda with Anna as it was so beneficial to ask questions and learn about the food and culture without being pressured to purchase. Thank you Anna and team for all your local knowledge!

BiellaViaggiatori

Lucky to have Lucky as our tour guide 😊

To see the Cu Chi tunnels, I opted for the more luxurious option of getting there by speedboat with ‘Les Rives Authentic River Experience’ rather than by bus or taxi, and I certainly haven't regretted the decision. By the way, it wasn't the kind of speedboat where you have to hold on tightly to prevent yourself from falling off. 😉 Although the boat trip is not much faster than travelling by bus, it has the following advantages: a) There is the possibility to sit outside and enjoy the view and the breeze. b) Because of a), the seating order was fluid rather than preset, at least in our group, which allowed talking to other members of the group if one wanted to. c) The catering service was excellent. We were offered a light breakfast, plenty of fruit (my favourite!) and soft drinks on top of the great lunch served at the destination. I was very glad that Lucky was our tour guide. Upon arrival at our destination, she gave a thorough introduction to the history of the Vietnam conflict and the tunnel structure, which I really appreciated. Furthermore she conveyed the facts and stories in an interesting and entertaining way throughout the tour, and her English was excellent. On top of that, she was a very likeable person with a great sense of humour. My thanks also go to the boat crew, i.e. the captain and the young and very friendly lady in charge of catering. We also had a nice chat on the return trip. It was a great experience!

suzanneo890

Fantastic Mekong Delta Experience

We had a great day trip with Les Rives, departing right from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and cruising down the Mekong River—no roads, no traffic, just continuous sightseeing the entire way. It felt like we covered so much more in half the time. The commentary throughout was interesting and informative, and the food was excellent—breakfast rolls to start, followed by an abundance of fresh sliced fruit, plus unlimited cold water and soft drinks. We visited a farm, pagoda, orphanage, and a fascinating riverside market selling everything from frog legs to duck eggs. One of the highlights was a small boat ride through lush jungle canals—peaceful and unforgettable. Lunch was delicious, with beer and whiskey available too. Overall, an unforgettable day and highly recommended!

Trek46934735029

Great tour, good value,highly recommend

Normally we shy away from group tours- preferring to do our own thing-having done some research before our trip and being short on time we chose a 1/2 day small group speedboat trip to cu chi tunnels- so pleased we did! Cat our guide was fantastic- very knowledgeable & entertaining ! We were concerned that as it was a group tour we wouldn’t be able to use the shooting range( which is incredibly expensive but unique) but time was made for those who wanted to whilst others were offered an alternative activity. The tour felt unrushed & his team looked after everyone well.

thomassO7776AS

Look no further!

This is the best possible way to experience both the Cu Chi tunnels and the scenic waterway of Saigon river. High quality banh mi for breakfast on a speedboat is so much better than being stuck in traffic jams. Be sure to take the morning departure to avoid the major tourist crowds in the jungle. A special thanks to our tour guide Mr. Than for his knowledgeable insights.

Solvor S

Fantastic tour with knowledgable guide and good food

The tour was so much history. The guide was very dedicated and had a very good knowledge of the history. In the boat going to the forrest we were served a delicious breakfast and soft drinks were available all the time. After our round including a chance to try the AK47 which we all did, we had a large meal at one of the restaurants on site before heading home. During the tour home we were served fresh fruit, Vietnamese coffee and soft drinks. I would like to recommend the tour for everyone looking for history and comfort along the way :)

Jaskirat S

Amazing tour - definitely worth the higher price

This was an exceptional tour and one of the highlights of my trip. We were picked up from our hotels and taken to the docks where we set off on the speedboat - which was a fun experience in itself! By starting early we got there way ahead of the crowds and basically had the place to ourselves. There was breakfast and snacks/drinks on the boat and a delicious lunch at the tunnels. The host really looked after us well and did a great job explaining the various parts of the tunnel system. I doubted myself after paying the premium amount (especially compared to the cost of the coach tours) but this was 100% worth it - was back at my hotel by 1pm! Can’t recommend this enough.

T D

Can Gio Mangrove - Excellent Excursion

This was one of the best excursions we have ever experiences. We were picked up at our hotel right on time and from there it was a short drive to the water where we boarded a boat. We were immediately offered fresh fruit, water and breakfast sandwiches. As we made our way down the river the boat would stop and the tour guide would tell us about the things we were seeing. First stop was an open air market. Very interesting to see how locals sell everything from food to wears. Next we stopped, debarked the speed boat and took a row boat to where we could see flying fox bats, as well as beautiful mangroves. We also got to plant a tree. Our final stop was to see monkeys, crocodiles and climb a towner to see the landscape and birds. The afternoon was topped off with a feast of delicious local foods. You are provided with plenty of water or soda and are offered fruit throughout the ride of the speedboat. The tour guide (I believe her name was 'Lucky') was absolutely great. She is very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. The only negative thing I have about this tour is that they allow all ages. In my opinion, they should not allow very young children as some of the areas you need to be quite and there were some quite unruly children on our excursion.

Kate B

A fast, crowd-free way to experience the Cu Chi Tunnels by river

Our Premium Les Rives Cu Chi Tunnels Tour with Local Expert was excellent and absolutely worth it. The speedboat trip was awesome. Fast and efficient at around 1.5 hours there and just over an hour back, it gave us a completely different perspective travelling by river and meant we avoided the crowds entirely. It easily beats being stuck on a bus. Breakfast and refreshments on the boat were great, with bánh mì, Vietnamese coffee and fresh fruit, all delicious and plentiful. A big thank you to our knowledgeable and entertaining guide Nguyen, who struck the perfect balance with just the right amount of information and a really good pace throughout the trip. Lunch at the tunnels was a delicious traditional Vietnamese meal, and we appreciated having the choice of whether or not to go into the tunnels. There was also the option to add on shooting at the range for those who wanted it. The speedboat driver was excellent and we felt very safe the entire time. A fantastic experience from start to finish and highly recommended.

panpebe

Fantastic Family Time

It was an amazing trip! It was absolutely worth paying a bit extra to go on this fantastic tour with this company. Traveling by speedboat meant we arrived at the Cu Chi Tunnels almost first, so we could explore this fascinating place comfortably. Then we had a longer journey again, but it was incredibly interesting, traveling along the Saigon River, through nearby canals, all the way to the Mekong Delta, where we visited more truly fascinating spots. It’s also really worth mentioning that we had a wonderful guide, Hang, who was contagious with her enthusiasm, answered every question, and spoke excellent English. We recommend it with all our hearts. I’d also like to add that no one pressured us to write this review, which is unfortunately a known practice in this kind of business. It was a truly premium experience and we highly recommend it to everyone.

Leon W

Great Tour

Instead of visiting Ho Chi Min City, we thought we would experience the Can Gio Mangrove. It was a wonderful experience. I forgot the name of our tour guide (I believe he was the owner of the company). He was very knowledgeable, gave us a lot of information and was very excited to point out the wild life that he saw. We experienced a speed boat ride with beautiful views, we went to a village right off of the water, we went on a canoe ride through a river that was so peaceful, saw wild monkeys, fed crocodiles, had a great lunch!! Overall, it was a wonderful day!!

EDR1997

Lucky with Our Guide ‘Lucky’ - Would 100% Recommend!!

We had Lucky as our guide, and I already miss her, she was a wonderful, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, attentive and fun person to spend the day with. She was incredible, as was the whole Les Rives experience. They did two outstanding things: 1) When I had a bad stomach they allowed us to change from the 7am to 11am at 6:50 2) We booked the AO show package, after which we were written to, with a great amount of apology, to cancel and refund the portion as the seats available weren’t very good so they recommended choosing our own. A lot of companies would have taken the money and sat you behind a pillar, I was very, very impressed. The speed boat was fun, the food and refreshments were expectational, but most of all we were so ‘Lucky’ with our guide :)

Supertrouper2006

Excellent trip

An exceptionally well organised trip. From being picked up from hotel, a 70 minute relaxing speed boat ride with a delicious breakfast, an informative & interesting tour by our guide Tony, a fantastic lunch spread & then a speedboat back, was arranged seamlessly and professionally. Absolutely worth the money and we only had 8 in our group. The early arrival meant we missed the masses arriving in coaches a few hours after us. We were given drinks and fruit throughout the speedboat journey and we felt we were treated so kindly. Absolutely recommend this trip.

nicholasb806

An opportunity not to be missed!

What a special and informative visit to the tunnels we had. We were picked up from our hotel at 0700 (yes, early start but worth it to avoid the later crowds£ and were taken to a boat on the river which roared along! On arrival we were taken to the tunnels which are fascinating. My wife was brave and small enough to climb into a camouflaged hole. As for me, even with these holes increased in size by 20% for the tourists, I couldn’t get my hips in! We were offered to go along a stretch of tunnel (I again was too large!) and (at a cost) fire live ammunition. At the end of the tour we were treated to a delicious lunch (vegan snd seafood allergies were not a problem with due warning). We then returned to Saigon arriving from memory at 1330. Are tour guide, Anna, we exceptional. She was polite, friendly and very informative (and spoke good English). It’s a must for any visit to Saigon.

NicDal80

Highly recommended, a must!

We went via speedboat to the Cu Chi tunnels, being looked after by our guide Anna and the fantastic team, who were attentive and friendly. We were provided with a tasty breakfast and lunch in restaurant at the tunnels, as well as fruit on the return journey. The tour was amazing, Anna is warm, friendly and very knowledgeable. The site itself is interesting but Anna added so much more with her ability to relay the information she made the tour interesting, immersive and enjoyable, despite its tragic roots. Through Anna we were given a fantastic insight into the experiences, and ingenuity, of the local people during the war. I would highly recommend this tour!

U9041DOcindyd

The BEST Mekong River Tour

This Les Rives tour was the absolute best. At nearly 7.5 hours we covered a lot of ground (and water). There were only 7 of us on the tour. Boat was very comfortable. Anna and her crew served us a steady stream of exotic fruits, sandwiches & snacks. There was a cooler of cold water & drinks - much needed in the 90+ degree weather! The tour took us past miles of riverside shacks & waterside markets. We stopped at a fruit farm where we were served more food- and gifted with a bag of fresh fruit when we left! We wandered through the markets and stopped at a temple. Anna’s narrative was so informative - and the whole team was so helpful, especially with my husband who has mobility issues. On the way back we stopped for lunch at a nice riverside restaurant. The skies opened up & there was a massive rainstorm. The team provided umbrellas and helped us over slick bridges and paths. Highly recommend!!

David T

Superb tour operator with excellent guides

We took two tours with Les Rives, the Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour by speedboat and the Can Gio Forest tour by speedboat. Both were excellent, with numerous extra touches that enhanced the experience. Both guides went out of their way to make their tour great for their guests. Everything was very well organized and first class. In short, Les Rives is one of the best tour operators I have ever used anywhere, and I wouldn’t hesitate to take another of their tours. Taking a speedboat to the Cu Chi tunnels got us there before the majority of the tour buses. Our guide knew the history of the place very well, clearly cared about it, and explained it well to us. The tunnels themselves are fascinating and well worth a visit. As an American, I found getting a Vietnamese perspective on this part of the war thought- provoking and very interesting. The speedboat to the Can Gio forest took us the opposite way down the Saigon River. Anna, our guide on this tour, introduced us to the wildlife in the jungle, with a fishing for crocodiles a highlight. She took numerous photos and even a video that she shared with us after the tour. A stellar lunch in a jungle restaurant was another highlight of this tout

TwoCarryOns

An Authentic Glimpse Into Mekong Delta Life

While most tourists cram into buses bound for the coconut candy factory and commercial orchards of the Mekong Delta, we took the road (or river) less traveled—hopping on a speedboat with just eight other people. We visited a lime farmer, held his giant python (yes, really!), meandered through the Mekong Delta's canals in a sampan, a traditional rowboat; visited a sleepy local food market; popped by a tri-faith temple and walked through a beautifully kept orphanage run by local monks. We went the entire day without seeing other tourists—not even one. The tour was very well-organised and they were able to accommodate our shellfish allergy with the local lunch.

Kerry S

Speedboat to Cu Chi is the only way to go

My favourite tour experience during my stay in HCMC. Pick up was on time and the best way to travel to the tunnels by speedboat. The boat itself was lovely. We had fruits and cold drinks always to hand. We arrived at Cu Chi before all the buses. We toured around the site where our guide was knowledgeable and detailed in sharing info about what it was like during the war. He brought the history to life with stories and insights that went beyond what you typically hear. He explained the tunnel systems, traps and daily life of the Viet Cong with clarity and enthusiasm, answering all our questions with ease. You could tell he had a deep understanding of the site and its historical significance, which made the experience both educational and moving. We finished with a lovely lunch. The speedboat was the BEST way to travel to avoid traffic, see the river system, city views and keep cool. We arrived back to the city before 1pm which was great to continue exploring Highly recommend this tour if you’re looking for something unique, well-organised, and led by a guide who truly knows his stuff.

363randyb

Eye-Opening, Efficient, and Well-Guided — Worth Every Penny

I did the Cu Chi Tunnels tour with Les Rives by river boat, and I’m so glad I chose this option over the typical bus tour. What really made the experience stand out was our guide, Thini, who brought warmth, humor, and personal insight to the day. His family’s direct connection to the war added depth to the tour, and his storytelling—mixed with perfectly timed jokes—made it engaging from start to finish. The speedboat ride was an unexpected bonus. It was such a peaceful and beautiful way to see both the city and the countryside from the water. Arriving by boat meant we were one of the earliest groups on site, which made a huge difference—quiet grounds when we arrived, tour buses everywhere by the time we left. That alone made the premium feel absolutely worth it. The Cu Chi site itself is both raw and rich with history—an unfiltered look at the war that I found sobering and powerful. I truly can’t imagine spending 2–4 hours roundtrip in a car to get there. The boat ride not only saved time but made the journey part of the experience. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a smarter, more meaningful way to explore one of Vietnam’s most important historical sites.

Vinh D

A day with locals in Mekong

My husband and I went on a day trip in Mekong operated by Les Rives. Everything was well organized by the cruise crews and the local guide Anna. We enjoyed it a lot because it’s off the tourist stream. We were the only tourists with the locals for the whole time. Especially we had great exchanged conversation with our local guide Anna, who shared her own experiences as a local and a travel guide with us. Big thanks for a lovely day trip! Regards, Michael and Vinh

Mourad L

A beautifully smooth day in Can Gio with Anna

I had a wonderful day on the Can Gio Forest tour, and Anna made the experience really special. From the hotel pickup and speedboat ride out of Saigon to the market, mangroves, lagoon and lunch in the reserve, everything flowed so smoothly. We never felt rushed and never had to wait around, one part of the day just led naturally into the next. Anna was positive, thoughtful and genuinely warm throughout. I felt very well taken care of, and she seemed to create that same feeling for everyone in our group, adults and children alike. A big thank you to Anna.

Jenny J

Great day for all ages, highly recommend.

We had such a fantastic day. We weren’t sure what to expect but we all loved it, despite the heat we kept cool in the open boat, speeding along, the mangroves were nice and shady as was the lunch spot with additional fans. My kids (8,11,13) loved feeding the monkeys bananas and it was a real highlight getting on the specially made craft to feed the crocs eels on uniquely designed wooden rods! Anna was brilliant, her English was excellent, she was super friendly, she gave great information and facts but also gave us time to be together as a family. Another highlight was the markets, we went to the ones in the city but this is much more of an experience, understanding more about the local way of life. Again we used the time wisely seeing it for just enough time, not getting too hot and keeping the kids interest before getting on the boat once again. We couldn’t recommend this more, great variety and the day flew by!

Jason A

Speed boat only way to go for tunnels

We did the cu chi tunnel speed boat tour and could not rate it highly enough. Not only were we in a small group on a boat we got there well and truly before the buses did. Our guide aka kangaroo was awesome. His insight and passion made it an amazing trip which we all loved. The food in the your was also great. We loved the relaxing boat ride with scenery and were back before the real heat of the day to enjoy a swim and a more cold drinks

Tonya L

Can Gio Forest Tour - Ho Chi Minh

Lucky was our tour guide. Boat ride was great with drinks and snacks provided. Stopped at a local market and learned a lot about local spices, vegetables, and meats. We were able to see and feed the monkeys on the forest tour/hike. Lunch was provided— fantastic local foods and included vegetarian options.

Nikki K

I thought i knew some history but believe me i didn't,. Go and see for yourself the place exceeded my expectations. Anna our g

The best way to see the tunnels!! Early pick up but by boat you missed all HCMC traffic! Go Early brekkie was simple buy what you'd expect on this tour. It was a fantastic morning

bmcdevitt_nv

Great Day with Les Rives to Cu Chi

What a great experience! We had such an enjoyable day with our guide Nguyen on this tour to Cu Chi by speedboat! Pickup was on time, but we probably could have walked to the boat ramp from our hotel faster than it took to cross the busy Ton Duc Thang street! The views of Saigon and the surrounding countryside while on the speedboat were fantastic. The trip took about an hour and on arrival in Cu Chi, we were seated for a very enjoyable, multi-course Vietnamese lunch. The tour of the tunnels themselves was eye-opening, including going down in a "spider hole" and crawling through tunnels "enlarged" for western visitors! Nguyen was super informative about all facets of the tunnels and the "American"war. Really great guide. The return trip on the speedboat was as enjoyable as the outgoing one - the speed of the boat kept the heat and humidity at bay. All in all, a great day and a great value with Les Rives!

Fearless24860849355

Best tour we have been on anywhere in the world for the cost.

This tour was very well organised, the guide was very instructive and helpful, spoke perfect English. The speed boat was very clean and fast. The food and drink that was provided in the price was very good. The different stop of points in the tour were excellent and very informative.

luziab2013

Amazing Speedboat Tour with an Outstanding Guide

We had an amazing speedboat tour with a fantastic crew. Everyone was extremely friendly, attentive, and professional throughout the whole trip. Our tour guide was outstanding — he answered every question, had incredible knowledge, and was genuinely very sympathetic and engaging. The tour itself was exciting, informative, and full of great experiences. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a memorable and well-organized tour!

Stephen M

Excellent trip

Very well organised and informative trip. The hotel collection is very welcome in the heat of the city and our guide Lucky was very knowledgeable and friendly. The speedboat is a great idea , faster than bus and you get there before the crowds. Also much more interesting view and free air conditioning!

TerriD173

A highly emotive and personal Cu Chi tunnels tour

I was very privileged to be taken on this wonderful speed boat experience by the extremely knowledgeable Kim She related family history related to the war and its aftermath. Her commentary made the experience feel so much more personal. I cannot rate this experience highly enough. I woukd do it again in a heart beat.

Guide591221

Super Experience

Great trip up & down the River. Not only was a historical experience it also provided a really good view & understanding of city life viewed from the River. Khang was a super host, knowledgeable, informative & enthusiastic. Highly recommend the combined tour

418mauricev

Indrukkende tour en een fantastische gids Lucky.

Als je vroeg gaat ben je voor alle toeristen. We waren ongeveer als eerste bij de tunnels, dat is fantastisch!we hadden een geweldige gids Lucky, zij bracht het verhaal volledig tot leven. Ook de boot is geweldig. Wind in de haren en geweldige verzorging maakt de tour helemaal af.

bessieb13

Great way to visit the Chi Chi tunnels and learn their history

We did the half day speedboat trip to the Chi Chi tunnels. It’s a great way to see the tunnels and see some of the city from the river on the way. Our guide, Than, was really knowledgable and a great host. We learnt so much during the morning. The pick up /drop off arrangements are efficient and having lunch included was a bonus. Highly recommended.

lordgaryholmes

Outstanding excursion with brilliant guides, food and comfortable speed boat to take us there and back.

I can’t recommend this highly enough - excellent experience and a top notch tour guide to share the knowledge with us. This trip ensures you are at the park first before the crowds start to arrive to really enchance the experience.

lordgaryholmes

Outstanding excursion with brilliant guides, food and comfortable speed boat to take us there and back.

I can’t recommend this highly enough - excellent experience and a top notch tour guide to share the knowledge with us. This trip ensures you are at the park first before the crowds start to arrive to really enchance the experience.

See all reviews on Tripadvisor

As featured in

From the river

Real trips, real guests.

Boat Hat. Check. Wooden push boat. Check. Sunglasses. Check. On the Mekong Delta aka 9 dragons river. Check. Yup I think I'm an official world traveler now. #worldtraveler #travel  #instatravel #wanderlust #vietnam #lesrivesvietnam
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Saigon River, back to Cu Chi Tunnels where the Vietcong resistance grew #vietnam🇻🇳 #lesrives #hiddentunnel #neverforget
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We had a great time on Les Rives 🚣 #beautiful #ladies #stories #discovery #nicepic #vietnamese #girl #sunset #travel #river #nice #likeforlike #lovinglife #life #fresh #team #liketeam #friends #hcmc #vietnam#lesrivesvietnam
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I've been planning to go to Củ Chi Tunnels and we suggested by friend to take the tour which provided by our hotel. #MGJourneys 🔆
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The tour (#LesRives) offered 2 alternatives, going by the speed boat or by the bus. And we thought going with "Les Rives" by speed boat was a good decision, as we heard from others who had gone by the bus that it was very frustrating with all the traffic in #HoChiMinh.
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They gave us good services such as a private tour guide who's speaking English fluently, served fresh fruits and cold drinks on the boat (say no to dehydration!), life jacket must be worn during the way on the river, and also we've got lunch on the pier after we arrived.
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It took us about 1 hour 30 minutes by the speed boat to Củ Chi Tunnels, and need same time to go back to #HCMC. But it worths for every minutes, you'd love the speed boat ride along the #SaigonRiver. Not the same kind of journey if you took bus.
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We were accompanied by a local guide, Dieu Tran, she was very spirited, informative, fun and friendly. We glad she really knows about the history. So next time, you wanna go to #CuChiTunnels, I have no hesitation in recommending "Les Rives" for this type of tour.
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#wanderlust #tourist #traveling #travelblogger #graceinHCMC #visitvietnam #explorevietnam #🇻🇳
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Speedboat along the Saigon River
19 1
Next stop Vietnam 🇻🇳
On the Mekong Delta, everyone seems to be smiling 😊
#vietnamcharm #explorevietnam #ilovevietnam #asianwanderlust
46 3
Traditional Vietnamese river transport #mrandmrs #honeymoon #saigon #rivercruise #river #vietnam #lesrivesvietnam
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