Cholon Forever Boat Party: A Complete and Honest Review

If you’re thinking about hopping on the Cholon Forever Boat Party in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, well you have come to the right place. This is my frank view of this popular event, providing, like your best travel buddy, a good view of what you might expect. It’s one thing to read promo materials, too it’s almost another thing to hear from somebody who has experienced it. So, let’s see if the Cholon Forever Boat Party really lives up to all the hype.

What Is Cholon Forever?

The Cholon Forever Boat Party is that floating party that happens, seemingly every weekend, on the Saigon River. It’s pretty much a thing for travelers and locals wanting to, well, get their party on. Picture a boat decked out with lights, throbbing tunes, plus, of course, drinks flowing all night long. Its is that kind of setup.

The name “Cholon Forever,” arguably gives a nod to Saigon’s Chinatown. It suggests something that lasts or endures. I think that in terms of what to anticipate, it’s a late night out with fellow people who want to let loose.

The Vibe Onboard

Alright, so, about the ambiance. It really rides on who shows up that night. When I went, it seemed there was, usually, a pretty even mix of tourists, like your typical backpackers, along with some Vietnamese locals, really young professionals, all mingling. People seemed to be up for some dancing, maybe chatting and clearly making memories… or trying to anyway!

The DJ plays your pretty generic mix of EDM, top 40 hits, a little bit of hip-hop maybe too. Sound quality might not be the best in the known universe, so, if you are looking for a music experience, this might not scratch that particular itch. That stated, I feel that most folks aren’t here for a concert. They’re more after, you know, a social gathering on the water.

Drinks, Food, and All That

The drinks on offer is that standard boat party fare: beers, mixed cocktails, plus soft drinks. Prices is what you would imagine; definitely higher than your regular streetside “bia hoi,” or fresh beer spot, yet, arguably cheaper than at the fancier rooftop bars. It feels pretty fair for a party environment.

Food is fairly available in the kind of snacks like french fries or spring rolls. Don’t go expecting some three-Michelin-star meal; it’s all really fuel to, like, keep you going, anyway, so you don’t get famished from all that bopping.

The Route and Views

The boat goes down the Saigon River. This, in itself, is very appealing. The views is really cool, mostly at night when the city lights twinkle, reflecting off the water. You’ll catch sights of some districts of Ho Chi Minh City as seen from a different spot. Very Instaworthy.

Don’t expect, yet, some historical sightseeing tour. The focus tends to be on partying. It’s really more about experiencing Saigon from that unique view while, arguably, soaking in the party atmosphere.

What Could be Better?

I reckon the party can get that crowded, so, just be prepared to rub elbows a little. That’s part of the deal. Also, I feel that music can, likely, be a hit or miss, depending on the DJ’s choices on any given night.

Bathrooms situation? It’s what you can assume, limited, might need, often enough, a bit of attention to keep them tidy. Manage your expectations there, for sure.

Is It Really Worth It?

This is what it truly comes down to, correct? Assuming you’re into, likely, meeting folks, love to dance and think that a party on the water sounds like your kind of jam, I would claim, that yeah, it’s worthy. I think it delivers on its promises.

If, yet, you lean more towards, typically, chill nights, more relaxed vibes, or have your bar pretty set for music quality or spaciousness, you might just have a greater night out somewhere else. I suppose that at the end of the day this relies on your private flavor.