Since time began, early civilizations chose to live along the riverbanks for convenient reasons: rivers provided water for drinking, irrigation, transportation and natural barriers. In Vietnam, residing along the riverbanks also seemed to be a natural choice since most communities were situated along rivers. Today, rivers provide another use not only for the people but for the economy as well: tourism.
 
Huong River in ${bigcity_Hue:"Hue"} is one such river that has been utilized for this new purpose. The 33-kilometer long river, famous for its beautiful blue water and gentle flow, is now decorated with mausoleums, pagodas, houses and gardens on both sides. To entertain tourists, dragon boats cruise the river everyday, even offering overnight trips for visitors who want to experience the river at night while listening to live Hue music.
 
Ngo Dong River in Ninh Binh Province’s Hoa Lu District is also another favorite tourist destination today with its 100-kilometer long beauty. Tourists are treated to a view of the villages and limestone karsts during the boat trip. The view is even more breathtaking during harvest time when the rice fields and the river itself create a golden-like scene, adapting the name “Ha Long Bay on land.” It is on special days such as this one that up to 500 boats cruise the river everyday, each carrying four passengers. The trip consists of a four-kilometer trip down the river, including a stop to three caves.
 
In Quang Binh Province, the Son River takes tourists to a boat ride along Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The trip is two kilometers long with 10 people on each boat along the world natural heritage site.
 
The Cai River in ${bigcity_Nha_Trang:"Nha Trang"} is one extraordinary boat trip compared to the other rivers as it flows down from a 1,812-meter mountain peak, passes along the town, and straight to the East Sea. The 79-kilometer trip consists of not only canoes and wooden boats but even ships. The trip also includes a stop at Ngoc Thao Islet for a coconut water drink, a visit to old houses, and a view of a wooden bridge across the river. Many restaurants are available along the river wherein tourists have the option of taking their food out to be eaten during the trip.
 
The Saigon River in {bigcity_Ho_Chi_Minh_City:”Ho Chi Minh City”} in the southern part of the country offers river tours on ships that also double up as restaurants. The ships are big enough to carry up to 100 passengers and offer night cruises for those who want to experience life along the river at night. Guests are treated to food and entertainment all throughout the night while enjoying the sights and sounds of Vietnam’s largest and busiest city.
 
The ${attraction_Mekong_Delta:”Mekong Delta”} has several “grand” rivers that visitors can visit and enjoy. My Tho, Ben Tre and Vinh Long provinces have boat trips that take guests to orchards, floating markets and craft villages. Visitors have the opportunity to witness local villagers make coconut candies and rice paper, raise bees, eat tropical fruits and other delicacies, and listen to traditional music.
 
Hau River is another destination tourists can bask on. From Ninh Kieu Quay in Can Tho, visitors can board a cruise ship and travel five kilometers to Cai Rang Floating Market. There, the boats double up as shops selling agricultural products, consumer goods, and even breakfast. Visitors are given the chance to purchase what they want or simply enjoy the amazing commerce going on. Hua River is one of the tributaries of the magnificent Mekong.