Despite the growing demand for yachts in Ho Chi Minh City, the majority of mooring sites fail to meet the necessary standards, creating obstacles for both manufacturers and potential buyers.

According to the Department of Tourism, Ho Chi Minh City boasts 73 ports and harbors dedicated to passenger and tourism transportation, out of over 200 inland waterway ports operating in the region.

However, only a select few, such as Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 and Lan Anh Wharf in Thu Duc City, possess the essential infrastructure and water space suitable for accommodating large vessels and yachts.

The city is home to nearly 100 yachts and numerous personal speedboats, yet the available ports consistently reach full capacity. This congestion significantly hampers routine maintenance and repair activities for these watercraft.

The scarcity of adequate mooring facilities presents a substantial hurdle for yacht sales and trial operations within the city. Yacht manufacturers are compelled to deliver their products to Thailand, extending the delivery process by four days.

Furthermore, the intricate inspection and registration procedures for yachts in Ho Chi Minh City create complications, impacting overall usage, production, and sales activities.

The Tourism Department highlights the pivotal role of waterway tourism in the city’s recent economic growth. Predictions for 2023 and 2024 estimate a tourist influx of 500,000, generating an annual revenue of approximately VND 300 billion (US$12.33 million), with an anticipated 10% increase in the subsequent years.

Despite these promising prospects, the development of waterway tourism faces numerous challenges that necessitate coordinated efforts from various departments. Synchronized investments, ranging from docks and piers to mooring facilities, are essential to overcome these obstacles.