Once you've bravely crossed the very busy street you can get to the Saigon River. Obviously in the city it is a very busy spot. I was a bit surprised to see how "industrial" the river was. A lot of large (or large-ish) boats were there and a lot of barges low in the water, loaded with all kind of stuff.
They also have a all bunch of restaurant boats where you can go and have dinner cruises on hte river.