Dragon Boat in Hué | Cruises on the Perfume River

If you’re planning a cruise on the Perfume River, the dragon boat is the most authentic way to explore Hué from the water.

Whether you’re heading to the Thien Mu Pagoda, visiting the imperial tombs, or enjoying a night cruise with a Ca Hue performance, it’s best to know the main piers and pricing to avoid any surprises. Here’s everything you need to know before setting sail!

The Origin of the Perfume River’s Name

Legend has it that Lord Nguyễn Hoàng, in search of a place to establish his rule, burned incense while praying to the God of Heaven. He settled where the smoke fully dissipated, giving birth to the name “Sông Hương”, or the Perfume River. Other stories mention fragrant waters from festival rituals or aromatic herbs that naturally infuse the river.

Over time, the Perfume River has inspired poets, writers, and filmmakers. Its charm also comes from its path through fragrant forests, before reaching Hué and blending with the floral scents of surrounding villages. In Thuy Xuan, a 200-year-old incense village, artisans continue to craft incense sticks scented with sandalwood, jasmine, and cinnamon. This delicate fragrance drifts across the water, making the journey even more enchanting.

Types of Dragon Boat in Hué

During the Nguyen dynasty, dragon boats were exclusively reserved for emperors and their families. More than just a scenic ride, these cruises allowed them to admire the landscapes of the Perfume River while visiting sacred temples and imperial tombs upstream.

After the abdication of the last king, this tradition continued, and today, these boats are open to travelers. At the piers, you’ll find two types of dragon boats:

• The larger one, with two dragon heads, which can accommodate more passengers and is therefore more expensive.
• The smaller one, with a single dragon head, a more budget-friendly option.

When it comes to aesthetics, locals decorate the boats using colors representing the five elements:

• Yellow (earth)
• Red (fire)
• Blue (water)
• Green (wood)
• White (metal)

This symbolic touch adds even more spirituality and tradition to the experience, making a dragon boat cruise a truly unique way to explore Hué!

Best Cruise Routes in Hué

Thien Mu Pagoda

To make the most of your Perfume River cruise, it’s important to know where to stop! The most classic route takes you from downtown Hué to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, about 30 minutes by boat. Not only will you enjoy the beauty of a dragon boat (or a more modern option if you prefer extra comfort), but you’ll also get to visit one of the region’s most significant spiritual sites.

Minh Mang & Tu Duc Tombs

If you have more time, I recommend continuing the journey to the imperial tombs, such as Minh Mang or Tu Duc, further upstream. Expect a 2 to 3-hour cruise, offering a deep dive into the history of the Nguyen dynasty. For those who enjoy authentic and romantic experiences, several agencies and hotels offer sunset cruises, sometimes with a traditional dinner and a Ca Huế music show to enhance the atmosphere.

Night Cruise on the Perfume River | Ca Huế

Timings: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM

If you’ve never seen Hué by night, a dragon boat cruise is a pleasant experience. The river lights up, the bridges change colors, and the cooler evening breeze makes the trip much more enjoyable than during the daytime, especially in summer.

That being said, I expected something a bit more impressive, particularly the Ca Huế performance, which had been overhyped to me. If you’re used to longer or more dynamic shows, you might find the performance a bit short or repetitive over time.

Booking is very simple—you can go through your hotel or a local travel agency. There are different options available, from a basic boat ride with a short performance to a dinner cruise with entertainment. Personally, I found the dinner package a bit pricey for what it offers, but it does allow you to extend your time on the water.

The Piers | Where to Board a Dragon Boat in Hué

1. Ben Toa Kham Pier

Stretching about 300 meters, Ben Toa Kham Pier is located between Truong Tien Bridge and Ben Toa Kham Café. Here, you’ll find both small and large dragon boats, and if you’re traveling solo, this is one of the best spots to negotiate directly with boat owners. It’s a budget-friendly way to set your price! Parking is available near the bridge and at the end of Doi Cung Street (5,000 VND for a bicycle).

For a bit of history, “Toa Kham” is an abbreviation of “Toa Kham Su Trung Ky”, which refers to an administrative office from the French colonial era.

Beyond being a convenient place to board a boat, this pier is also a great spot to watch boats come and go, and it’s just a short walk from Hué’s pedestrian street, making it super handy if you’re staying near the city’s hotels, restaurants, and bars.

2. Ben So 5 Le Loi Pier

Located at the end of a road between Azerai La Residence Hue and the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Ben So 5 Le Loi Pier is a good option for train travelers looking for a last-minute cruise. You’ll find fewer boats here than at Toa Kham, but that can work in your favor—less competition means better chances of negotiating a good price with boat operators.

This pier is also the best choice if you’re heading to the Thien Mu Pagoda and planning to continue your visit to the imperial tombs via Dien Bien Phu Street.

3. Huong Giang Hotel Pier

Near the intersection of Le Loi and Nguyen Cong Tru streets, you’ll find the Huong Giang Hotel Pier. While many dragon boats depart from here, it’s generally less busy than Toa Kham, which is right next door. If you prefer a quieter and more intimate departure without too much hustle and bustle, this could be your best option.

4. Nghinh Luong Dinh Pavilion Pier

If you’re looking for a historical touch, head to the Nghinh Luong Dinh Pavilion Pier. This was the official docking station for imperial boats during the Nguyen dynasty.

Today, only a luxury boat docks here regularly, offering high-end dining experiences and scenic river cruises. If you’re looking for a classic dragon boat ride to Thien Mu Pagoda, it’s best to book in advance and agree on a departure time with the boat operator. On the return trip, you’ll need to walk about 750 meters to reach the Citadel’s walls and continue exploring the historic heart of Hué.

Prices & Booking

At Ben Toa Kham Pier:

Planning to visit Thien Mu Pagoda? Expect to pay between 100,000 and 150,000 VND per person for a small boat, and 150,000 to 200,000 VND for a larger boat. If you plan to extend your trip to the imperial tombs and temples upstream, the price can easily double or triple.

At Ben So 5 Le Loi Pier (Azerai La Residence):

Here, cruises start at 80,000 VND per person for a small boat, and around 120,000 VND for a larger one. The same rule applies: the further you go, the higher the price (especially for tomb visits).

Note: These are the standard rates set by boat owners. If you enjoy haggling, feel free to negotiate a better deal. But if the price sounds fair to you, my advice is simple: book and enjoy!

How to Book Your Cruise?

• • Through your hotel or guesthouse, as they often work with local dragon boat operators.
• • Via a travel agency or online platforms (TripAdvisor, Booking, etc.).

Prices fluctuate depending on tourist seasons and demand, so for lower rates and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the off-season or booking in advance.

Best Time for a Cruise

If you’re wondering when to visit the Perfume River, the dry season (March to August) generally offers clear skies and calm waters—ideal for enjoying the views and taking great photos. However, mid-summer can get extremely hot, so it’s best to cruise early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the scorching sun.

From October to December, the region experiences heavier rainfall and occasional flooding, which can disrupt boat trips or even lead to cancellations. That said, if you get lucky with a sunny day during the off-season, you’ll enjoy a quieter and more intimate atmosphere.

For a romantic touch, nothing beats a sunset cruise, when the golden light reflects on the water, giving Hué a picture-perfect glow.

My Opinion

The best cruise experience for me was the classic route from Hué’s pier to Thien Mu Pagoda.

However, I preferred visiting the tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang, and Khai Dinh by private car, as the boat ride to these sites is quite long. If you’re short on time in Hué, a car is a faster and more practical option.