The luxury yacht, jet ski pastime of the rich in Saigon

Over recent years, the affluent and better-off in Ho Chi Minh City have taken on a new, exorbitant indulgence of owning jet skis, recreational boats and yachts, which may cost a whopping US$4 million apiece.

It takes a few hundred million dong to dozens of billions of dong to own such sumptuous boats (VND1 million = US$46). Thanh, who lives in District 2, often takes his family on a waterway cruise on his newly bought recreational boat on Sundays. Each outing, which costs VND3-5 million (US$137- US$229), including petrol and parking fees, offers his family priceless experiences.

Huy, a Ho Chi Minh City resident, has just bought a VND2.5 billion ($114,521) yacht.

The wharf near Thu Thiem Bridge in Binh Thanh District is teeming with commotion on weekends. Sang, one of the enthusiasts, was refilling his recreational boat with petrol and getting ready for his family’s trip on the Saigon River one recent day. His favorite destinations are Thanh Da Peninsula and the Binh Quoi relaxation area in Binh Thanh.

Meanwhile, Van and her husband were expectantly waiting to have their brand-new US-imported recreational boat launched at a wharf near Phu My Bridge in District 7. Van revealed she was hooked on the vessel during a voyage with her friends along the Saigon River. She then talked her husband, who runs a garment business, into making the purchase.

Discounts are offered for longer trips to scenic spots located in the outlying districts of Can Gio and Cu Chi, and other surrounding provinces.

(Source: VOV/Tuoitrenews)