The River Thu Thiem

The River Thu Thiem is a boutique luxury residence by Refico on the Saigon River in the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, now An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. With a limited number of homes in a few towers, an infinity pool facing the water and a riverfront promenade, it is aimed at buyers who want Thu Thiem’s skyline views and closeness to District 1 in a quieter, more private setting than the large mixed-use projects around it. The project has been handed over and residents are living on site.

Quick facts

Location: Thu Thiem’s riverfront

The River sits on the eastern bank of the Saigon River, facing District 1. Residents can reach the old centre via the Thu Thiem bridges or the Saigon River Tunnel in a matter of minutes outside rush hour, and Thao Dien and An Phu – with their international schools, cafés and supermarkets – are a short drive north. Immediate neighbours include some of Thu Thiem’s highest-profile developments, such as The Metropole Thu Thiem, and the riverside park that runs along this bank.

Compared with the Nguyen Huu Canh river strip on the other bank, Thu Thiem has wider streets, newer infrastructure and noticeably more open sky. It is still a district under construction, so the surroundings will continue to change for some years.

A boutique project in a district of giants

Most Thu Thiem projects are large, with thousands of residents and big commercial podiums. The River takes the opposite approach: fewer homes, a smaller resident community and amenities that are shared by relatively few people. That shows up in daily life – less waiting for lifts, an uncrowded pool, and staff who know residents by name. For many owners this privacy is the main reason they chose it over larger neighbours.

Design and interiors

The towers are designed to maximise the river view: large glazing, deep balconies on many units and living rooms oriented towards the water. Interiors were delivered with high-end finishes, including imported kitchen appliances and sanitaryware, engineered flooring and smart-home features in many units. Ceiling heights and room proportions are generous, which makes the apartments feel larger than their floor area suggests.

Amenities

• Infinity pool looking across the Saigon River to District 1
• Riverfront promenade for walking and jogging
• Fully equipped gym
• Kids club and children’s play areas
• Retail at ground level for everyday needs
• Concierge-style reception and 24/7 security

Unit types

• 1- and 2-bedroom apartments for couples and professionals
• 3-bedroom family apartments, often on corners with dual views
• Duplexes and penthouses at the top of the towers, with large terraces

Buying at The River Thu Thiem

With a small total number of homes, resale supply is thin, and the best river-view units come up rarely. Prices sit firmly in the luxury segment and are driven by view, floor and interior condition. Because the project is relatively new, most units are still in very good shape, but it is worth checking whether the owner has kept the original fit-out or changed it.

Before you buy, request the ownership certificate or the original sales contract, confirm the management fee and parking arrangements, and – for foreign buyers – check that the tower still has room within the foreign ownership quota.

Renting at The River Thu Thiem

The River is popular with senior expatriates, diplomats and business owners who want discretion and a view. Most rentals are fully furnished and offered on 12-month leases. Because supply is small, good units are often re-let by word of mouth before they reach public listings, so it pays to register your requirements with an agent early.

Pros and cons

• Pros: boutique scale and privacy, strong river views, high-spec interiors, quick access to District 1, completed project.
• Cons: luxury price level, limited supply for buyers and tenants, surrounding plots in Thu Thiem still under construction.

If you like the riverside but prefer a larger community with more facilities, compare it with The Metropole Thu Thiem next door, or with Vinhomes Central Park and Sunwah Pearl on the opposite bank.

What daily life looks like

Residents describe life at The River as calm, almost hotel-like. Mornings begin with a swim or a run along the promenade while the city on the other bank wakes up. Children can use the kids club and play areas without the crowds of a mega-township, and the reception team handles deliveries, visitors and small requests. In the evening, the infinity pool and the riverside are the places to be, with the District 1 skyline and Landmark 81 lighting up across the water.

For groceries, schools and dining out, most residents head to Thao Dien and An Phu, a short drive away, or cross the river to District 1. As Thu Thiem’s own retail and restaurants open, more of those trips will stay on this side of the river.

Schools and healthcare

Thao Dien and An Phu host several international schools offering British, American, French and IB curricula, which makes The River practical for expat families. International clinics and hospitals are available in Thao Dien, An Phu and District 1, all within a short drive.

Investment view

Luxury, boutique riverfront supply in Thu Thiem is limited and will stay limited – there is only so much river frontage facing District 1. That supports long-term value. Rental yields at the luxury end are moderate rather than high, so The River makes most sense for buyers who will live there, or investors who prioritise capital preservation and a top-tier tenant over maximum monthly income.

Viewing checklist

• Compare a high-floor river-facing unit with a lower-floor unit to judge the view premium.
• Ask what is planned on surrounding plots.
• Check parking, storage and the condition of built-in appliances.
• For rentals, confirm which services (cleaning, maintenance) are included.

Frequently asked questions