Dec - 27 - 2025
Thu Thiem Tunnel is far more than an impressive piece of infrastructure beneath the Saigon River, it's the gateway to one of Ho Chi Minh City's most beloved local hangouts. While millions of vehicles traverse its depths daily, the real magic for travelers happens above ground, in the sprawling park area at its eastern entrance. This spot offers a breathtaking, unobstructed panorama of the city's glittering skyline. It transforms from a sunny recreational space by day into a vibrant hub of street food and sparkling city lights by night. It represents a perfect blend of modern engineering and authentic Saigonese culture. Here at GTrip, we believe this is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the city like a local. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, such as the tunnel's fascinating history and location, and all the incredible things you can do in the park above it.
Overview of the Thu Thiem Tunnel in Ho Chi Minh City
To help you better understand the Thu Thiem Tunnel and plan your visit, here’s a closer look at its exact location, operating hours, and the best time to experience the area.
Where is the Thu Thiem Tunnel?
Location: Beneath the Saigon River, connecting former Sai Gon Ward with Thu Thiem in former District 2, and linking to former District 7, former Binh Thanh District, and former District 4.
The Thu Thiem Tunnel, officially named the Saigon River Tunnel, is a critical artery in Ho Chi Minh City's transport network. Its primary function is to create a direct link between the bustling central business area (formerly District 1) and the Thu Thiem New Urban Area (in the former District 2, now part of Thu Duc City). The western entrance is located on Vo Van Kiet Boulevard, providing a seamless connection for traffic flowing from the city center.
The tunnel emerges on the eastern bank of the Saigon River, integrating into the East-West Highway. This strategic placement not only reduces traffic congestion on existing bridges, such as the Saigon Bridge, but also plays a pivotal role in the urban development of the eastern side of the city. By connecting the old with the new, the tunnel facilitates easier access to emerging commercial hubs and residential zones, making it an essential component of Ho Chi Minh City's future growth.
The Thu Thiem Tunnel serves as a vital link between Ho Chi Minh City's historic central business district and the rapidly developing Thu Thiem New Urban Area
Thu Thiem Tunnel opening and closing hours
The Thu Thiem Tunnel is a major thoroughfare with specific operating hours for different types of vehicles to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. While the park area above is accessible 24/7, vehicles passing through the tunnel must adhere to the following schedule:
- Motorbikes & scooters: Permitted from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
- Cars, buses & trucks: Permitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Ideal time to visit the Thu Thiem Tunnel in Ho Chi Minh City
While the tunnel itself is for transit, the ideal time to visit the recreational park area above the Thu Thiem side is entirely dependent on the experience you seek. To make the most of your visit, consider these options:
- Late afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:30 PM): This is the perfect time to arrive. The intense midday heat has subsided, and a pleasant breeze often blows in from the river, making it comfortable for a stroll or finding a good spot. This is also when local vendors begin setting up for the evening.
- Sunset (5:30 PM - 6:30 PM): The golden hour is arguably the most popular time. You can witness the spectacular sunset directly behind the former District 1 skyline, with landmarks like the Bitexco Financial Tower and Landmark 81 creating a dramatic silhouette.
- Evening (6:30 PM onwards): After the sun goes down, the city lights begin to twinkle, offering a completely different but equally mesmerizing view. The atmosphere becomes more vibrant and lively as more people gather for picnics, and the street food scene comes into full swing.
You should visit Thu Thiem Tunnel when it’s late afternoon
How to get to Thu Thiem Tunnel (Thu Thiem Tunnel’s rooftop area)
Reaching the park area on the Thu Thiem side (eastern side) is straightforward. This destination is popular with locals, so drivers are very familiar with it. When using a ride-hailing app, simply search for "Cong vien Ham Thu Thiem" (Thu Thiem Tunnel Park).
- Motorbike/Scooter: This is the most common method for locals and adventurous travelers. You can ride through the tunnel from former District 1 (from 4 AM to 11 PM) and follow the signs for the exit looping back towards the park entrance. Ample parking is available for a small fee.
- Taxi or ride-hailing app (Grab, XanhSM): The easiest and most convenient option. Simply input the destination, and your driver will take you directly to the entrance of the park.
- Public bus: Several bus routes pass near the area, but they may require a bit of walking. For example, bus route 44 stops on Mai Chi Tho Street, from which you can walk to the park. Check a local bus app for the most current routes and schedules.
The construction process of Thu Thiem Tunnel
The Thu Thiem Tunnel stands as a landmark achievement in Southeast Asian engineering. It was the first underwater tunnel in the region, a project that marked a significant step forward in Vietnam's infrastructure development. Construction began in 2005 and was completed in 2011. It is a culmination of years of planning and international collaboration, primarily with contractors and funding from Japan (Official Development Assistance - ODA). The project was a solution to the increasing traffic demands between the city's East and West banks.
The most fascinating aspect of its construction was the technology used: dredging and immersion. A trench was dredged across the bottom of the Saigon River. Four massive 93-meter, 27,000-ton concrete segments were built in a dry dock, floated into place, and then sunk and joined underwater. This complex process required immense precision and was a marvel of modern engineering, ultimately creating a structure built to last for 100 years.
The Thu Thiem Tunnel, Southeast Asia’s first underwater tunnel, was constructed between 2005 and 2011 using advanced dredging and immersion techniques
The structure and infrastructure of Thu Thiem Tunnel in Saigon
The Thu Thiem Tunnel is designed for high capacity and maximum safety. The tunnel itself spans a total length of 1.49 kilometers (approximately 0.93 miles), with the submerged section accounting for 370 meters. It reaches a depth of about 24 meters below the river's surface. This impressive structure is wide enough to accommodate six lanes of traffic, with three lanes moving in each direction, ensuring a smooth and efficient flow of vehicles between the city center and the Thu Thiem peninsula.
Beyond its size, the tunnel is equipped with a sophisticated array of safety and control systems. It includes a state-of-the-art ventilation system to manage air quality, advanced fire detection and automated suppression systems, and a network of emergency exits located at regular intervals. A central control center monitors traffic and environmental conditions 24/7, with cameras and sensors allowing operators to respond instantly to any incident. These features make it not just a convenient route but also one of the safest pieces of infrastructure in the country.
The Thu Thiem Tunnel is a 1.49-kilometer-long structure, including a 370-meter submerged section, with six lanes and advanced safety systems
Best things to do around the Thu Thiem Tunnel area
The park at the mouth of the Thu Thiem Tunnel is a destination in itself, offering a range of simple, enjoyable activities that capture the essence of local life in Ho Chi Minh City.
Capture photos of the sunset over the city
The Thu Thiem Tunnel park offers what is arguably the best panoramic sunset view of the Ho Chi Minh City skyline. As the sun descends, it positions itself perfectly behind the financial district, casting a warm, golden glow over the entire cityscape. The view encompasses the city's most famous modern landmarks. They are the lotus-shaped Bitexco Financial Tower, the towering Landmark 81, and the twin towers of the Vietcombank Tower.
For the best shot, arrive during the "golden hour" just before sunset. Position yourself along the riverbank to get an unobstructed view. A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the full scale of the panorama, while a tripod can help you take stunningly clear photos as the city lights begin to emerge after dusk. Timelapse videos are also incredibly popular here.
Enjoy kite flying above the tunnel
As the afternoon breeze picks up, the vast, open space above the tunnel transforms into a playground for kite flyers. This is a cherished pastime for Saigonese families and couples, who flock here, especially on weekends. The sky fills with a colorful array of kites of all shapes and sizes, dancing against the backdrop of the modern city skyline.
The atmosphere is relaxed and joyful. You can purchase a simple kite from one of the many vendors for a very reasonable price and join in the fun yourself. It’s a wonderfully wholesome activity and a great way to engage with local culture while enjoying the cool air and spectacular views.
When it comes to the kite season, you can enjoy the kite flying above the tunnel
Relax with a riverside picnic
One of the simplest yet most rewarding activities at the Thu Thiem Tunnel area is having a laid-back riverside picnic. The grassy banks overlooking the Saigon River provide a perfect setting to unwind and soak in the atmosphere. Many locals bring their own mats or small plastic chairs, lay them out on the grass, and enjoy the cool evening breeze.
You can pack your own snacks and drinks or buy them from the numerous vendors nearby. Sitting here, watching the boats pass by on the river as the city transitions from day to night, is a quintessentially Saigonese experience. It’s a fantastic way to escape the frantic pace of the city center for a few hours without having to travel far. For a comfortable and memorable outing, a GTrip city tour can help you arrange the perfect evening setup.
Taste popular local street food
As dusk settles, the Thu Thiem Tunnel park becomes a bustling hub for street food. Dozens of mobile vendors set up shop, offering a delicious and affordable array of popular Vietnamese snacks. The air fills with the enticing aromas of grilling, frying, and fresh herbs, creating a vibrant and authentic culinary experience.
You can find various street foods, such as banh trang nuong (grilled rice paper often called "Vietnamese pizza"), ca vien chien (fried fishballs), savory bap xao (stir-fried corn with dried shrimp), and grilled dried squid. To quench your thirst, you can grab freshly squeezed nuoc mia (sugarcane juice), refreshing centella juice, or a variety of bottled teas and soft drinks. Trying these snacks is an essential part of the visit.
You can grab freshly squeezed nuoc mia (sugarcane juice) to quench your thirst when visiting the Thu Thiem Tunnel
Explore nearby attractions
After enjoying the views at the tunnel park, several of Ho Chi Minh City's key attractions are just a short drive across the river.
- Nha Rong Wharf: Also known as the Dragon House Wharf, this is where President Ho Chi Minh left Vietnam in 1911. It's now a museum dedicated to his life and is an important historical landmark.
- Bach Dang Wharf: A bustling waterfront park and pier in former District 1. It's a great place for an evening stroll, watching river traffic, and is the departure point for dinner cruises and waterbuses.
- Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts: Housed in a stunning colonial-era mansion, this museum showcases a vast collection of Vietnamese art, from ancient sculptures to contemporary paintings.
- Ben Thanh Market: The city's most famous market, this is a must-visit for souvenir shopping, clothing, and trying a huge variety of Vietnamese cuisine at its indoor food court.
Useful tips for your visit
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the Thu Thiem Tunnel park, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Bring cash: While some vendors may have QR payment options, most street food sellers and parking attendants operate on a cash-only basis. Bring small-denomination Vietnamese Dong (VND).
- Check the weather: The park is completely open-air. Check the forecast before you go, as a sudden downpour can quickly end your picnic plans. The rainy season typically runs from May to November.
- Be mindful of your belongings: The area can get very crowded, especially on weekend evenings. Keep your phone, wallet, and camera secure and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Wear comfortable clothes: The dress code is casual and comfortable. Light, breathable clothing is best for the humid climate.
- Bring a mat or sheet: If you plan on having a picnic, bringing something to sit on will make your experience much more comfortable.
- Stay hydrated: Even in the evening, it can be quite humid. Buy water or sugarcane juice from the vendors to stay refreshed.
Remember to keep the above tips in mind to have a smooth visit to the Thu Thiem Tunnel
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This extraordinary destination offers a unique window into the soul of modern Ho Chi Minh City. The Thu Thiem Tunnel area is more than just a viewpoint. It's a vibrant cultural space where engineering prowess meets daily life, where families gather, and where you can witness one of the most stunning urban landscapes in Southeast Asia. It is a fantastic, free-to-access spot for both tourists and locals to relax, eat, and see a side of the metropolis that contrasts beautifully with the historic city center. We hope this GTrip guide helps you enjoy your adventure to this incredible location.
