An Overview
Due to its original values, the Hue Dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River has aroused the curiosity of many tourists. Combining Hue’s two iconic features—dragon boats and the Perfume River—has created a signature experience visitors to Hue must try. On a Hue dragon boat cruise, you will float along the city’s mother river, with which you can profoundly feel its soul.
So, what exactly is a Hue dragon boat trip about? Let’s explore it in detail through the blog by Student Exchange Vietnam.
The Perfume River Background & Features
Before getting to know the Hue dragon boat, we should learn about its environment: the dreamy Perfume River, or Hương River.
No one actually knows when and how the Perfume River got its name. There are some legends about this. Its name Hương refers to either the perfume from some jungle herbs on its way or the incense, a common offering at religious sites, from Thien Mu Pagoda. Some also believe that it’s just the short form of its old name, Hương Trà.
Interestingly, at many viewpoints of Hue City, such as Truong Tien Bridge or Thien Mu Pagoda, you can see a pleasant river flow around. Before showing visitors such a lovable appearance, the Perfume River originates from the majestic Annamite Range, runs through the dark jungles, and finally meanders its dear city. It encloses almost all of Hue’s important monuments and major towns.
Moreover, tourists will find the Perfume River especially moderate and gracious. Its flow is not harsh at all. Therefore, it strikes many people’s great senses of serenity, relaxation, and even some poetic melancholy. And the best way to experience these feelings is to take a Hue dragon boat tour on the Perfume River.
What Is Dragon Boat Hue?
Dragon Boat Hue is a typical boat originating in Hue City, central Vietnam. It boasts original designs, sophisticated decorations, and vivid colors. Its outlook significantly reflects the land’s culture and history.
In general, the Hue dragon boat cruise is a form of local tourism developed based on the Perfume River and a leisure tradition of the Nguyen royals. This tourism activity provides tourists with various cultural experiences, including cruising around the river, natural sightseeing, touring heritage sites, tasting local delicacies, etc.
- Tour recommended Hue Imperial City Walking Tour with a knowledgeable tour guide just 27 USD/ pax.
We will go through the detailed information as follows:
Travel Guide To Hue Dragon Boat
Cultural Meanings Behind Hue Dragon Boat
The fact that 13 Nguyen Emperors lived in Hue makes it curious for travelers. Apart from constructions imbued with imperial styles, the emperors left behind valuable cultures, including leisure pursuits. Dragon boat cruising is one of those royal amusements.
Watching Hue landscapes while floating among its poetic Perfume River is definitely a royal delight. On the dragon boat, the emperor, his family, and mandarins could have chilling chats, embrace the views, and contemplate everything.
So why dragon? According to Oriental beliefs, a dragon, a legendary and sacred creature, symbolizes power and luck, thereby becoming an imperial icon. Therefore, this special mascot was chosen as the theme for the royals’ means of transportation—the boat.
Nowadays, the urge to maintain imperial traditions and develop tourism based on those values is greater. Thus, the Hue dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River was turned into a tourist activity. It helps the locals popularize leisure once exclusive for the royals and lets visitors know about part of the city’s history.
Hue Dragon Boat Station
“Where can I join a Hue dragon boat?” must have popped up in many minds so far. You can find it easily at Toa Kham Wharf on 49 Le Loi Street. It’s right in the Hue city center, so it’s not difficult to find on Google Maps. You can find all kinds of Hue cruise services here.
Toa Kham Dragon Boat Station map preview:
Dragon Boat Cruise Hue Opening Hours
Dragon boat tour Hue opens all days of the week:
- From 8 AM to 9 PM on Mondays to Fridays
- From 8 AM to 10 PM on Saturdays and Sundays
Notes: Apart from that, Hue Dragon Boat cruises for folk songs specifically take place on two timeframes: 7 PM and 8 PM. Also, attractions such as Minh Mang Tomb or Gia Long Tomb will close at 5 PM, so you shouldn’t take a dragon boat for sightseeing after this time.
Dragon Boat Hue Price & How To Buy Tickets
The Hue dragon boat rates vary according to boat types and services. You can buy tickets or rent a boat directly from the ticket counter at Toa Kham Wharf. Also, booking through reliable local travel agencies may be easier for foreigners, as English-speaking travel experts are available.
We would like to list some popular Hue cruise services as a reference for you below (all prices are in VND, 2024 updated prices):
- Hourly boat rental for sightseeing, personal parties, etc.
| Boat Type | Price for the first hour | Price/hour
(2 hours and more) |
Max Pax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small boat | 450,000 | 350,000 | 10 |
| Large boat | 550,000 | 450,000 | 30 |
| Premium boat | 1,100,000 | 1,100,000 | 28 |
| Nam Xuan luxury boat | 1,500,00 | 1,500,000 | 15 |
| Nam Binh luxury boat | 1,800,00 | 1,800,000 | 30 |
- Sightseeing Cruises
| SIGHTSEEING ROUTES | PRICE/BOAT |
|---|---|
| Toa Kham Wharf – Thien Mu Pagoda | 400,000 VND/small boat – 700,000 VND/double boat |
| Toa Kham Wharf – Thien Mu Pagoda – Toa Kham Wharf | 700,000 VND |
| Toa Kham Wharf – Thien Mu Pagoda – Minh Mang Tomb | 1,350,000 VND |
| Toa Kham Wharf – Hon Chen Temple – Minh Mang Tomb | 1,350,000 VND |
| Toa Kham Wharf – Thien Mu Pagoda – Minh Mang Tomb – Toa Kham Wharf | 1,650,000 VND |
| Toa Kham Wharf – Thien Mu Pagoda – Hon Chen Temple – Minh Mang Tomb | 1,600,000 VND |
| Toa Kham Wharf – Thien Mu Pagoda – Hon Chen Temple – Minh Mang Tomb -Toa Kham Wharf | 1,700,000 VND |
| Thien Mu Pagoda – Minh Mang Tomb | 1,200,000 VND |
| Toa Kham Wharf – Thien Mu Pagoda – Hon Chen Temple – Minh Mang Tomb – Gia Long Tomb | 2,600,000 VND |
| Toa Kham Wharf – Con Hen Islet – Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village | 1,200,000 VND |
| Toa Kham Wharf – An Hien Garden House – Thien Mu Pagoda | 950,000 VND |
| Private cruise along the Perfume River | 600,000 VND/hour & 900,000 VND/2 hours |
- Other Services
| Activity | Price | Time | Inclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon boat cruise for Hue folk songs | 100,000 VND/pax | 1 hour
|
– A seat on the dragon boat
– Singers and an instrumental band – Flower lanterns dropping |
| Afternoon tea on the Perfume River | 450,000 VND/pax
(run from 4 pax) |
2 hours
From 4–6 PM |
– Luxury dragon boat
– Sights: Da Vien Bridge and Thien Mu Pagoda – Tea/coffee – Pastry and fruits |
Best Time To Go On A Hue Dragon Boat Tour
Hue Dragon Boat Cruise promotes outdoor activities. Therefore, it’s better to join a dragon boat ride Hue under good weather patterns. We highly recommend the period from April to August. During that time, it’s usually sunny, the Perfume River is clear, and lush nature creates vibrant sights.
Best Things To Do On A Hue Dragon Boat Cruise
Embrace The Perfume River Ambiance
If the weather is fair enough, you can take in different charms on the Perfume River’s banks. During the day, emerald water appears with riverside luxuriant plants, local houses, and historical monuments.
When the sunset strikes, the river in turn changes into amber, pink, and violet. Sunset on the Perfume River is the golden hour, which has become the reason for many dragon boat passengers. Watching the romantic twilight in Hue will enlighten you about why this city is called “the melancholic city.”
Finally, the night comes. Now, the dragon boat Hue Vietnam will give you a chance to seize the Hue nightlight. You can enjoy the Truong Tien Bridge changing colors, see how the locals roam along the river, and drop flower lanterns with your wishes into the river.
Traveling by dragon boat will surely be different from on foot or by vehicle. It promises rare vibes of tranquility and relaxation for tourists.
Visit Heritage Monuments In Hue
As mentioned, Hue dragon boat tours can take you to several heritage sites scattered along the river banks, such as Thien Mu Pagoda, Minh Mang Tomb, or Hon Chen Temple. You can visit one or combine various attractions on your cruise. Let’s see what and how special they are.
Thien Mu Pagoda
You might see Thien Mu Pagoda on the list of top attractions in Hue. Indeed, it’s one of the most popular heritage sites you must visit during your vacation in Hue City. The ancient pagoda is the most long-standing and holy in this imperial land.
So why not visit this icon on a dragon boat trip? Thien Mu Pagoda stands on a hill facing the Perfume River. Thus, dropping by this place by boat is a genius idea. It has a quay for boat docking; thus, you can leisurely walk around its impressive constructions, such as Phuoc Duyen Tower, Dai Hung Shrine, etc.
Hon Chen Temple
Hon Chen Temple reveals a mysterious religious site located amidst the dark shades of forest by the Perfume River. It’s quite tough to access this place via roadways, so a Hue dragon boat trip is preferred by many.
This temple offers visitors deep insights into Hue people’s spiritual customs. Many religious festivals and daily praying activities of the locals have been held here. Moreover, the dreamy and unspoiled landscapes will be opened to the eyes of anyone visiting this site. It leaves in your soul a real relief.
Minh Mang Tomb
Minh Mang Tomb is dedicated to the second Nguyen Emperor. Therefore, it boasts a representative beauty of the royal architecture and Feng Shui beliefs. More especially, it stands next to the Perfume River, perfect to become a destination on your Hue dragon boat tour.
The ancient geomancers chose a preferable location on a hill to establish the royal tomb of Minh Mang. Hence, visitors can enjoy its charming views of mountains, rivers, and lakes. Also, the mausoleum is famous for its intricacy and large quantity, with about 40 delicate constructions scattered all over the hill.
Gia Long Tomb
Among seven Hue royal tombs, the Gia Long Tomb is the farthest from the Imperial Citadel. Serving as the forever resting place of the Nguyen Dynasty’s founder, it separates from other tombs by location and simple yet solid construction.
It nestles amid an extensive pine tree forest surrounded by 42 hills. Thus, its perspective includes majestic hills and the poetic Perfume River. If you’re about to join a dragon boat Hue cruise, you should consider this destination.
An Hien Garden House
Besides royal constructions, Hue has a distinguished folk architectural form—the garden house, of which An Hien Garden House is a representative. It follows Hue’s aristocratic Ruong house style and settles right beside the poetic Perfume River, making it easy for a Hue Dragon Boat to approach.
It dates back to the nineteenth century, having various owners, among whom Duc Duc Emperor’s daughter was the first. Tourists to this place can enjoy the vintage and serene space of Hue’s typical garden house.
Catch A Glimpse Of Local Villages
Furthermore, Hue Dragon Boats can take you to native local neighborhoods that spread along the Perfume River’s banks. Cruise passengers might love to learn about Hue’s local lives and traditional guilds, such as paper flower making in Thanh Tien or folk painting making in Sinh.
Bao Vinh Ancient Town
Located by the Perfume River, Bao Vinh Ancient Town was a busy commercial harbor 200 years ago. It marks a glorious era of Hue. Some of its once-vibrant trading streets are intact, creating charming nostalgic vibes.
Wandering around this neighborhood will offer you a chance to admire ancient houses that settle along the streets, representing Hue’s perspectives before the twentieth century. It promises to be a lovely stop on your Hue dragon boat tour.
Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village
Boats in general, let alone tourist dragon boats, are one of the main means of transport for people in Thanh Tien Village. You might catch a sight of them rowing a boat full of paper flowers to other places. Indeed, the locals in Thanh Tien Village have continued their paper flower-making for over 300 years.
As paper flowers appear in almost every Hue household, this village bears significant cultural and spiritual values for the ancient capital land. Visiting Thanh Tien Village will help you understand more about this special cultural aspect.
Sinh Folk Painting Village
Sinh Village, specializing in folk painting used in worship activities, is another riverside locale visitors can reach by a Hue dragon boat. Its folk painting guild has been developed since the fifteenth century, making it one of the most ancient villages in Hue.
Sinh Village artists focus on and promote folk beliefs in their paintings. You can find their paintings in almost all worship activities of the Hue people. Therefore, it has become an item close to the native daily life.
Thuy Bieu Village
The Perfume River also encloses Thuy Bieu Village, a peaceful ancient village in Hue. This place is close to the city center but keeps its tranquility so well that it has become a sweet getaway for visitors to Hue.
You can find rural charms in Thuy Bieu Village’s paths, garden houses, and especially the delicacy fruit Thanh Tra Pomelo. Thus, it will be an interesting stop for your Hue dragon boat cruise.
Listen To Hue Folk Musical Performances
Hue folk music pairs perfectly with Hue dragon boat. Every night from 7 to 8 PM (until 9 PM on weekends), folk musical performances will be held in dragon boats cruising around the Perfume River.
First, a local boat crew will welcome passengers to their seats in the boat. Then a musical band, including singers and instrumental musicians (usually about five to seven people), appears. They send lovely greetings and start performing sweet Hue’s folk songs.
After the songs, you will join the flower lantern dropping activity. The staff will send out various burning lanterns, and you will pick one to let go into the river. You should make a wish or tell the lantern your worries before dropping it. This is a local tradition: people believe the lanterns will make their wishes come true and carry their worries away.
Enjoying Hue traditional music on a dragon boat is one of the most popular activities for visitors to Hue City.
Savor Hue Traditional Cuisines
Hue Dragon Boat trips also promote the local delicacies to visitors. If you learn about it, you will be surprised that Hue cuisine boasts over 1700 dishes, following different culinary styles of folk, court, and vegetarian.
Tourists who order a dinner cruise on a dragon boat can relish the most typical Hue traditional dishes, such as banh beo, banh khoai, nem lui, banh loc, etc. There are various menu rates, ranging from 220,000-350,000 VND per meal (for two).
How lovely it is to sit on a boat running along the romantic river, enjoy the sunset to night views, and taste delicious dishes. Thus, it has become a real highlight for tourists to Hue.
Celebrate Special Dates On Hue Dragon Boat
The romantic atmosphere that a Hue Dragon Boat offers may be wonderful for your special dates, such as birthdays, proposals, friend parties, etc. If you’re traveling to Hue and want to save a special date in this beautiful city, a dragon boat cruise with dinner will be an excellent option.
You can give your requirements to the cruise organizers, and they will help you set everything up. Your ideas about birthday cakes, flowers, songs, etc. will be welcomed.
Join Festivals On The Perfume River
If you want to learn about Hue and its traditions more deeply, joining a festival in Hon Chen Temple by Dragon Boat is a brilliant idea.
Annually, on the third and seventh lunar months (around April and August), the waterway from Bang Lang junction to Hon Chen Temple witnesses crowds of well-decorated, colorful boats. They flock to the temple to celebrate the local worship festivals, creating an impressive sight. The dragon boat festival Hue can help you join this special festive activity.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, a Hue dragon boat cruise on the enchanting Perfume River promises to offer an unforgettable experience for visitors. It beautifully merges culture, history, and natural beauty in just one trip.
As you glide along the serene waters, you’ll witness stunning landscapes and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the Nguyen Dynasty. Moreover, this unique journey provides a perfect opportunity to explore Hue’s heritage, savor local delicacies, and enjoy the tranquility that the river embodies.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking relaxation, a dragon boat excursion is an essential part of any visit to this captivating Vietnamese city.