When people think about Ho Chi Minh City, fishing is usually not the first thing that comes to mind. Skyscrapers, scooters, street food — yes. Wild fishing? Not so much.
And that’s exactly why most visitors are surprised.
The truth is: there is very good fishing in Ho Chi Minh City, if you know where to go, what to target, and how local conditions actually work. If you want a broader overview of what’s possible, you can read our full guide on fishing in Ho Chi Minh City.
This article explains what fishing around Saigon is really like — no exaggeration, no tourist traps, just the reality on the water.
Why People Assume Fishing in Ho Chi Minh City Is Bad
Most tourists (and even some locals) assume fishing here must be poor because:
- It’s a huge, busy city
- The water often looks brown or muddy
- They imagine everything nearby is overfished
That logic makes sense — but it doesn’t reflect how southern Vietnam’s waterways actually work.
Ho Chi Minh City sits at the edge of a massive tidal river and mangrove system. These waters are constantly flushed, nutrient-rich, and connected to the sea — a pattern that also explains why fishing conditions change so much throughout the year, as we explain in our article on the best time of year to fish in Vietnam.
What Kind of Fishing Can You Really Do Near Saigon?
This is not stocked lake fishing and it’s not deep-sea fishing either. What makes it special is that it’s wild fishing, very close to the city.
Common species you can encounter include:
- Barramundi
- Mangrove jack
- Grouper
- Sea bream
- Grunter
- Threadfin salmon
Barramundi in particular are one of the most targeted species in southern Vietnam, and if you’re curious about how they behave and why they thrive here, we’ve written a full breakdown on barramundi fishing in Vietnam.
Most fishing happens in:
- Mangrove-lined creeks
- Tidal rivers
- Oyster farm structures
- Brackish estuaries
These environments create ambush points where predatory fish feed aggressively, especially on changing tides — which is why many anglers choose a private fishing tour rather than fishing blind.
But the Water Is Brown… Does That Matter?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
In southern Vietnam, brown water does not mean dirty water. It usually means:
- Tidal movement
- Soft sediment
- Healthy nutrients
Fish here rely more on vibration and pressure than sight, which is why lure choice, retrieve speed, and positioning matter more than water clarity. This is also why lure fishing plays such a big role on guided trips, especially in mangrove and oyster farm environments.
Is It Beginner Friendly?
Yes — with the right guidance.
Fishing in Ho Chi Minh City can be:
- Very technical if you want it to be
- Or surprisingly accessible for beginners
The challenge isn’t casting or strength — it’s understanding:
- Tides
- Structure
- Fish behaviour in mangroves
This is where a guided experience really matters. Many visitors are surprised how different wild fishing is compared to stocked ponds or casual shore fishing, something we explain in more detail in our comparison of wild fishing vs stocked lakes in Vietnam.
Wild Fishing vs Stocked Lakes Near Ho Chi Minh City
Stocked fishing lakes are popular and easy, but they’re a very different experience.
Wild fishing around Ho Chi Minh City offers:
- Natural fish behaviour
- Real hunting and strategy
- Changing conditions every trip
There are no guarantees — but that’s also what makes every catch feel earned. If you’re interested in seeing how these wild environments are explored on a day trip, you can check out our different fishing tours from Ho Chi Minh City.
So… Is Fishing in Ho Chi Minh City Worth It?
If you expect:
- Crystal-clear water
- Massive offshore boats
- Constant action without thinking
Then no — this isn’t that.
But if you want:
- Authentic wild fishing
- Unique species like barramundi in mangroves
- A real local experience close to the city
Then fishing in Ho Chi Minh City is far better than most people expect, especially on a private fishing charter designed around tides and conditions.
Final Thoughts
Ho Chi Minh City is not an obvious fishing destination — and that’s exactly its advantage. The fishing here rewards curiosity, patience, and good local knowledge.
For visitors willing to look beyond the surface, it offers something genuinely different from typical tourist fishing experiences in Southeast Asia — and a strong introduction to what a fishing tour in Vietnam can really be.
