Dragon Boat Hue Perfume River: Essential Guide & Sustainable Tours

Cruise Hue’s Iconic River Charmingly

Hue City, Vietnam’s historical jewel, captivates over 2 million visitors annually with its UNESCO-listed Imperial City, majestic Huong River (Perfume River), and ancient pagodas. Located in central Vietnam, Hue’s Phu Hoa and Phu Hoi Wards, featuring the iconic Truong Tien Bridge, are just 1 km from the imperial citadel. A dragon boat on Hue Perfume River offers a traditional, scenic cruise for enjoying palaces, landscapes, and sunsets, with rides costing $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND). Essential for romantic travelers, history enthusiasts, and eco-conscious explorers, Hue is a must-visit destination.

The Perfume River, named for fragrant flowers, provides serene views, supported by sustainable initiatives like low-emission boats and river cleanups, aligning with Hue’s “Green City” vision. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism with over 17 years of experience, offers eco-friendly tours including dragon boat rides. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your eco-adventure!

Administrative Note

Since 2024, Hue City is a centrally governed city, with the district level abolished in the second half of 2025. Former districts like Phu Xuan are now wards under Hue City’s administration. Dragon boat on Hue Perfume River departs from docks in Phu Hoi Ward, simplifying navigation with ward-based maps.

Legend Travel Group, a pioneer in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, crafts eco-friendly tours in Hue City for travelers seeking authentic cultural and natural experiences. Our low-impact tours use electric vehicles or bicycles, guided by English-speaking experts sharing dragon boat on Hue Perfume River tips, historical insights, and green practices. Supporting local communities, we align with Hue’s sustainability goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless experience. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore Hue responsibly!

Glide on Perfume River by Dragon Boat

Dragon boat on Hue Perfume River is a signature experience, with traditional wooden boats seating 10–20 (per 2025 tourism data). Cruises offer views of landmarks. Here’s a guide to options, costs, and tips:

• Boat Types & Cruises:

  • Standard Dragon Boat: Group tours ($5/person or 125,000 VND; 1 hour); private $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).

  • Dinner Cruise: Evening with music/meals ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND); 2 hours.

  • Eco-Boat: Low-emission, solar-powered ($6–$8 or 150,000–200,000 VND); green option.

  • Tip: Sunset cruises for romance.

• Costs & Booking:

  • Group: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND); private $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND).

  • Add-ons: Music $2 (50,000 VND); dinner $5 (125,000 VND).

  • Payment: Cash/VND; book via docks or agents.

  • Tip: Bargain for private; apps for deals.

• Routes & Duration:

  • Standard: From Le Loi Dock in Phu Hoi Ward to Thien Mu Pagoda (1 hour).

  • Extended: To tombs like Minh Mang (2 hours).

  • Tip: Evening for lights; dry season for comfort.

• Practical Tips:

  • Safety: Life vests; stable boats.

  • Etiquette: Greet “xin chào”; tip $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

  • Eco-Tip: Choose low-emission; no litter.

  • For Legend Travel Group tours, we include dragon boat cruises.

Note: Data from 2025 tourism reports; boats traditional. Legend Travel Group tours feature eco-boats.

These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$10, complement boat rides:

1. Sunset Cruise on Perfume River

Dragon boat sunset cruise, best evenings, for $5 (125,000 VND), views of citadel.

• Cost: $5.

• Hours: Evenings.

• Boat Tip: Romantic vibe.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact.

• Tip: Photo ops.

2. Boat to Thien Mu Pagoda

Dragon boat to Thien Mu Pagoda in Kim Long Ward, best mornings, free pagoda, boat $5 (125,000 VND).

• Cost: $5 boat.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Boat Tip: River approach.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Shared boat.

• Tip: Pagoda history.

3. Dinner Boat Tour

Evening dinner cruise with music, best nights, $10 (250,000 VND).

• Cost: $10.

• Hours: Evenings.

• Boat Tip: Meals included.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Local food.

• Tip: Cultural performances.

4. Boat to Minh Mang Tomb

Extended boat to Minh Mang Tomb, best days, entry $4 (100,000 VND), boat $10 (250,000 VND).

• Cost: $4 entry + $10 boat.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:30 PM.

• Boat Tip: Scenic river.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Nature views.

• Tip: Tomb exploration.

5. Night Boat with Lights

Night cruise with lanterns, best evenings, $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).

• Cost: $5–$8.

• Hours: Evenings.

• Boat Tip: Illuminated river.

• Eco-Friendly Note: LED lights.

• Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Hue River Eco-Tour ($70–$100).

The best time to visit Hue City is November to April (dry season) for sunny days and comfortable exploration. Avoid May to October (rainy) for heavy rains, though cheaper. Tet in January/February adds festivals but crowds. Shoulder months like October or May offer balance.

Hue City, with Phu Bai Airport 15 km from Phu Hoa Ward, is accessible via:

• By Air: Fly to Phu Bai from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City ($30–$80 or 750,000–2,000,000 VND, 1–1.5 hours). Airport to city: private car $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND, 20 minutes) or Xanh SM taxi $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND).

• By Train: Reunification Express from Hanoi (12–14 hours, $20–$40 or 500,000–1,000,000 VND) or Ho Chi Minh City (18–22 hours, $30–$60 or 750,000–1,500,000 VND) to Hue Station, 2 km from Phu Hoa Ward.

• By Bus: From Hanoi (12–14 hours, $15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND) or Ho Chi Minh City (20–24 hours, $20–$35 or 500,000–875,000 VND) to Hue’s central bus station, 4 km from Phu Hoa Ward.

• By Private Car: From Da Nang (2 hours, $40–$60 or 1,000,000–1,500,000 VND). Book via Legend Travel Group.

• By Bicycle (Local): Rent in Phu Hoa Ward ($2–$4/day) for short trips. Navigation Tip: Save “Imperial City, Phu Hoa, Hue City” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or bicycles minimize emissions.

• Travel Tip: Boat for unique.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:

• Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with apps, offline maps, portable charger ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND); Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).

• Documents: Passport, visa copies; money belt ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for market buys ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.

• Extras: Snacks; passport.
  Tip: Light luggage for boats.

Costs for Dragon Boat on Hue Perfume River & Visiting

Boat Costs

• Group: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND/person).

• Private: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Dinner: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

Entry and Activity Fees

• Imperial City: $5 (125,000 VND).

• Thien Mu Pagoda: Free.

• Dong Ba Market Items: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Street Food: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$4/day (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Local Drinks: $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).

• Souvenirs: $2–$7 (50,000–175,000 VND).

• Guided Eco-Tour: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $10–$20 (bus, street food, bike rental).

• Mid-range: $30–$50 (taxi, dragon boat, guided tour).

• Luxury: $80–$120 (private car, premium tour, market buys).
  Tip: Boat $5–$15; activities $1–$10; eco-tours include value.

• Booking: Docks or agents; early for private.

• Etiquette: Greet crew; tip optional.

• Safety: Life vests; stable boats.

• Sustainability: Low-emission boats; no litter.

• Navigation: Docks in Phu Hoi Ward.

• Weather: Evening for cool; rainy avoid.

• Cultural Note: Traditional music.

• Legend Tours: Boat included.

Our eco-friendly tours feature dragon boat rides in Hue:

• Hue Heritage Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Private car to Imperial City, dragon boat ride, Dong Ba Market, with lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, boat tips.

• Hue River Eco-Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Dragon boat cruise, Thien Mu Pagoda, Truong Tien Bridge walk, eco-lunch. Includes guide, river advice.

• Hue & Hoi An Explorer ($200–$350/person, 3 days): Hue river cruise, Hoi An’s town, with homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via links!

Hue City, with its imperial citadel and dragon boat on Hue Perfume River from Le Loi Dock in Phu Hoi Ward ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND/group ride), welcomes over 2 million visitors yearly, where traditional cruises ensure scenic exploration of Hue’s heritage. Choosing dinner options enhances romance. Legend Travel Group’s Hue Tours offer eco-friendly, boat-integrated experiences in Hue, blending green practices with community support. Whether cruising to Thien Mu Pagoda or enjoying sunset views, Hue City promises an enriching river adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Ready for dragon boat on Hue Perfume River? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a scenic, imperial adventure!

Author Bio: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback.