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Hue dragon boat

Hue dragon boat: A scenic experience you shouldn’t miss

17/06/2025 427 views

A Hue dragon boat is where you can admire the city skyline and indulge in the most delicious local specialties, all while being treated to the beautiful, soul-soothing traditional music. It is a memorable experience you absolutely cannot miss during your trip here.

1. A glance at Hue Dragon Boat

Hue exists in its own bubble compared to other Vietnamese destinations, and getting on a Hue dragon boat feels like boarding a floating time machine along the Perfume River. These boats were originally reserved for emperors, royalty, and nobles to navigate these tranquil waters. Today, these ornate vessels welcome travelers eager to soak up Hue’s serene beauty and storied traditions by letting them experience a remnant of the Old Capital.

Travelers will drift past iconic landmarks while enjoying the gentle lilt of Hue’s traditional music. You will get to enjoy Hue as it truly is, a romantic, quaint, beautiful, and archaic place with plenty of stories to tell. For its blend of history and sensory offerings, a Hue dragon boat excursion is not just a sightseeing attraction, it is an invitation to travel back in time and bask in the glory of Hue culture.

Hue dragon boat

A Hue dragon boat ride is a one-of-a-kind experience (Source: Collected)

2. What to expect on a dragon boat ride in Hue?

Considered one of the must-try experiences in Hue, the Hue dragon boat ride has a ton of interesting activities in store for you.

2.1. Visit famous landmarks

As you hop on a dragon boat in Hue departs, you will encounter a series of attractions along the Perfume River such as Thien Mu Pagoda and its seven-tiered tower rising gracefully beside the water, Hon Chen Temple, Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, Con Hen, Thuy Bieu Village, and more depending on the Hue dragon boat tour you chose.

Take a Dragon boat to Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue

Admire the familiar attractions from a different point of view (Source: Collected)

2.2. Listen to the Hue royal court music

No Hue dragon boat ride is complete without the ethereal strains of Ca Hue, or Hue royal court music that once played for emperors and royalty. Skilled and classically trained musicians aboard your boat will perform traditional pieces with instruments like the dan tranh (similar to a zither) and dan nguyet (moon-shaped lute), weaving melodies that reflect centuries of courtly refinement while adding a dreamy and archaic atmosphere to your dragon boat cruise in Hue.

2.3. Enjoy local specialties

Between sightseeing and music, Hue’s legendary cuisine is another indispensable part of a Hue dragon boat trip. You can enjoy the full royalty experience as the most eye-catching and mouth-watering Hue food without leaving your seat. Onboard menus often feature bun bo Hue, the signature noodle soup, alongside prawn and pork salad, spring rolls, lotus seed sweet soup, and an assortment of Hue cakes. Aside from the flavors, you can also expect top-tier presentation, as that is what Hue royal food is primarily known for.

2.4. Release lanterns

As dusk arrives on the Hue dragon boat voyage, you will receive lanterns as a meaningful part of Vietnam’s spiritual traditions. Each floating lantern stands for a wish for peace and prosperity. As the sea of light casts a warm and enchanting glow over the water, you find yourself enamored with the romance and reverence of the Perfume River.

If you are worried about the environmental implications of the lanterns, worry not. They are made from biodegradable materials. On top of that, there will be a team waiting at the end of the ceremony to gather and dispose of them ethically.

Release lanterns when taking a Hue Dragon boat

Release a gorgeous lantern that doubles as well wishes for the future (Source: Collected)

Check out more things to do in Hue!

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3. Popular tours on Hue dragon boat with prices

If you are interested in a dragon boat ride in Hue, joining a tour can be the best option thanks to the pre-planned itinerary and service packages. Look into the best options to enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience and see the Hue dragon boat price of your favorite tour.

3.1. Sightseeing tours

If you simply want to glide past Hue’s riverside icons, this is your pick. The tour will usually start from one of the two docks: Toa Kham, the main one, and No. 5 Le Loi, the secondary dock. Pricing is very affordable, ranging from 400,000 VND to 600,000 VND per hour for a 1- to 2-hour trip, depending on the specific itinerary.

Additionally, the season and boat type may also affect tour prices, so you may want to plan around the less crowded months.

3.2. Dining & royal music tours

For those who want the full package, two tour options combine Hue’s famed royal court music with a riverside banquet alongside the lantern ceremony: regular and VIP Hue dragon boat. VIP tours include an exclusive dragon boat, traditional Hue music performances, authentic ancient clothing, and a multi-course feast full of the best of Hue food. Meanwhile, the regular tour has most of the things listed above, excluding the traditional clothing and air-conditioning onboard, with a different but diverse menu.

Both tour options last 2 hours with a 1-hour musical performance, and prices are locked at 599,000 VND per person. However, if you book online, a VIP ticket will cost about 550,000 to 580,000 VND per person, and a standard ticket is 500,000 to 540,000 VND.

Dine and listen to Hue folk songs on a Dragon boat

Enjoy a feast fit for royalty on the water (Source: Collected)

3.3. Sunset tours

For an atmospheric sunset cruise, you can hop on a short tour featuring the Hue skyline illuminated by the last sun rays of the day. The best time to book a Hue dragon boat will be around 4 to 5 PM. The boat type you choose will decide the price:

  • Regular small boat (10 people): 500,000 VND/hour
  • Regular large boat (30 people): 800,000 VND/hour
  • Premium boat (28 people): 1,200,000 VND/hour
  • Nam Xuan Boat (15 people): 1,800,000 VND/hour
  • Nam Binh Boat (30 people): 2,160,000 VND/hour

3.4. Afternoon tea tours

Speaking of the Nam Xuan and Nam Binh boats, there is a tour option where you can ride one of these two boats out on the Perfume River for an afternoon tea party. It is the perfect meeting point between Eastern and Western culture, featuring European-style cakes, seasonal fruits, and Hue herbal tea on the romantic backdrop of the city. The fixed price is 490,000 VND per adult and kids from 4, with free admission for infants under 1 year and a 50% rate for ages 1–3.

Afternoon Tea on a Hue Dragon Boat

Experience a hint of Western influences in your Hue dragon boat tour (Source: Collected)

3.5. Thien Mu Pagoda tours

If your main goal is the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, you can book a two-hour trip that lets you see most of the amazing attractions from Toa Kham Dock to Thien Mu Pagoda. This two-way trip also includes half an hour for you to explore the pagoda before taking you right back to the starting dock. Prices for the tour range from 600,000 to 2,160,000 VND for one-way tours and 650,000 to 3,240,000 VND for round trips.

*Note: The information in this article is for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.

4. Guide for your first-ever dragon boat ride in Hue

4.1. When to experience?

The ideal season for a Hue dragon boat ride is from March to August, when rainfall is minimal and a host of cultural events light up the city. However, the Hue weather is very consistent throughout the year, so you can either choose the more breezy time from November to April or the fall period in August for the most beautiful scenery. Scheduling your cruise around sunset, about 4 to 5 PM, ensures cooler temperatures and a front-row seat to golden-hour views over the Perfume River.

4.2. Where to book?

Booking a Hue dragon boat is very easy and straightforward. You can head to either the dock at No. 5, Le Loi Street, or Toa Kham Dock at No. 49, Le Loi Street. There are boat tours daily, from 8 AM to 9 PM from Monday to Thursday and 8 AM to 10 PM from Friday to Sunday.

Booking a Hue dragon boat

Booking a Hue dragon boat cannot be easier (Source: Collected)

4.3. What to note?

Lastly, to make your Hue dragon boat trip one to remember, keep these tips in mind:

  • Book early: Book sunset/evening slots at least a day ahead, ideally earlier, as they fill fast during weekends and festivals.
  • Dress smart: Wear lightweight, breathable, modest clothing; pack a light jacket or shawl for evening river breezes.
  • Sun & hydration: Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and carry a reusable water bottle (optional, as boats may provide water).
  • Confirm inclusions: Confirm if lanterns, music, or dining are included to ensure the correct tour package.
  • Arrive early: Reach the wharf 15–20 minutes before departure for ticketing and boarding.
  • Check conditions: Monitor weather and river traffic updates, as operators may adjust schedules for safety.

Look into the best attractions on the Hue map!

A Hue dragon boat ride offers a journey through history, music, and mouthwatering cuisine of the ancient city set against the serene backdrop of the Perfume River. From golden sunsets to traditional melodies echoing off the water, it is an experience that blends royal heritage with local soul, so make sure to give this experience a try when you are in the city.

If the charm of Hue stole your hearts, you would adore Hoi An. Just a scenic trip away, this town is almost like a large-scale museum, where each and every building can be an artifact reflecting its diverse culture. It is also known as one of the best destinations for entertainment, especially with the amazing VinWonders Nam Hoi An, where cultural heritage meets thrilling rides and waterpark wonders.

VinWonders Nam Hoi An Theme Park

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is a nice contrast to the timeless charm of the quaint town

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now

And when it is time to wind down in style, rest and relax at the elegant Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An. With beachfront views and luxury amenities, it’s the perfect way to wrap up your Central Vietnam journey.

hospitality services at Vinpearl

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Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An

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