Hue: Perfume River Dragon Boat Cruise Pagoda & Tombs Visit

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, beckons visitors with its captivating blend of history and natural beauty. The Perfume River Dragon Boat Cruise promises an enchanting journey, where one can admire the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda and the majestic tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. This half-day tour offers a convenient way to take in the region’s rich cultural heritage, leaving one eager to uncover more of Hue’s alluring secrets.

Key Points

• This 4-hour tour in Hue, Vietnam includes a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River, visits to Thien Mu Pagoda, Minh Mang Tomb, and Khai Dinh Tomb.
• The activity is priced at Kč 609 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required.
• Thien Mu Pagoda is the oldest religious structure in Hue, featuring a seven-story octagonal tower and various halls and shrines.
• Minh Mang Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its serene setting, intricate architecture, and well-preserved ornate carvings and statues.
• Khai Dinh Tomb is notable for its unique architectural design blending European and Asian influences, with elaborate murals, ceramic decor, and inlaid glass.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

This Hue: Perfume River Dragon Boat Cruise activity is priced from Kč 609 per person and lasts approximately 4 hours.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve the spot without upfront payment.

The activity includes a 30-minute dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River, visits to the Thien Mu Pagoda, Minh Mang Tomb, and Khai Dinh Tomb, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided. Entrance fees to the Minh Mang and Khai Dinh Tombs are 150,000 VND per person.

Itinerary and Highlights

The activity begins with pickup from the traveler’s hotel in Hue.

They then board a dragon boat for a 30-minute cruise along the Perfume River.

The first stop is the historic Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest religious structure in Hue dating back to the 17th century.

The historic Thien Mu Pagoda, dating back to the 17th century, is the oldest religious structure in Hue.

Next, they visit the Minh Mang Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beauty and preservation.

The final stop is the Khai Dinh Tomb, another UNESCO site, notable for its unique architectural design.

After these visits, the tour returns the traveler to their hotel in Hue.

Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest religious structure in Hue, dates back to the 17th century and is linked to a local legend.

This seven-story octagonal tower stands tall, overlooking the Perfume River. Visitors can explore the pagoda’s various halls and shrines, each adorned with intricate carvings and statues.

The site also houses a car that once belonged to the monk Thích Quảng Đức, known for his self-immolation protest in 1963.

Thien Mu Pagoda is a captivating blend of history, architecture, and spiritual significance, offering a glimpse into Hue’s rich cultural heritage.

Minh Mang Tomb

Nestled on Cam Khe mountain, Minh Mang Tomb is the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its beauty and exceptional preservation.

Visitors are captivated by:

Visitors are captivated by the tomb’s serene setting, intricate architecture, and remarkably well-preserved ornate carvings, statues, and stele.

• The tomb’s serene, natural setting amidst lush greenery and tranquil ponds

• Intricate architecture blending Vietnamese and Chinese design elements

• Remarkably well-preserved ornate carvings, statues, and stele

The tomb’s harmonious blend of grandeur and natural splendor offers a profound glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past.

With an entrance fee of 150,000 VND per person, the Minh Mang Tomb is a must-see for those exploring the rich history and cultural heritage of Hue.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Khai Dinh Tomb

Situated on Chau Chu mountain, Khai Dinh Tomb is the mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, another UNESCO World Heritage Site notable for its unique architectural design.

The tomb blends European and Asian influences, with a combination of French and Vietnamese elements. Its exterior features a mix of stone, tile, and mosaic, while the interior is adorned with elaborate murals, ceramic decor, and inlaid glass.

Visitors can explore the tomb’s intricate courtyards, royal gardens, and the emperor’s final resting place. The admission fee to Khai Dinh Tomb is 150,000 VND per person.

Included Services

The Hue: Perfume River Dragon Boat Cruise tour includes several services to enhance the experience.

Hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a seamless start and end to the day. The dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River provides a unique opportunity to appreciate Hue’s stunning landscapes.

Visiting the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, Minh Mang Tomb, and Khai Dinh Tomb offers insights into the region’s rich history and culture.

These included services create a well-rounded and immersive experience for travelers, allowing them to:

• Immerse themselves in Hue’s natural beauty

• Explore the area’s significant historical sites

• Enjoy a hassle-free sightseeing tour

Entrance Fees

Two of the key historical sites visited during the Hue: Perfume River Dragon Boat Cruise tour require entrance fees.

The Minh Mang Tomb entrance fee is 150,000 VND per person. Similarly, the Khai Dinh Tomb also has an entrance fee of 150,000 VND per person. These fees are payable upon arrival at each site.

The cruise, hotel pickup/drop-off, and visits to Thien Mu Pagoda are included in the overall tour price. Visitors should budget accordingly and be prepared to pay the required entrance fees to fully experience these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Recommendations and Restrictions

To make the most of the Hue: Perfume River Dragon Boat Cruise, visitors are recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, camera, and sunscreen. This will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The tour isn’t suitable for people with back problems or wheelchair users. Plus, certain restrictions apply – short skirts, smoking, and food/drinks aren’t allowed on the boat.

Following these recommendations and adhering to the restrictions will help make the Hue: Perfume River Dragon Boat Cruise a memorable and hassle-free adventure.

• Comfortable shoes

• Hat

• Camera and sunscreen

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

No, bringing your own food and drinks on the boat is not allowed. The tour restrictions specifically state that food and drinks are not permitted on the boat during the Perfume River cruise.

What Languages Are the Tour Guides Available In?

The tour guides are available in English and Vietnamese. They can provide commentary and answer questions in those languages during the cruise and site visits.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the duration of the tour. Customers can request a longer tour with additional stops for an additional fee. The tour operator is flexible in accommodating such requests.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance or Can I Pay on the Day?

Tickets can be purchased on the day of the tour. There’s no need to buy them in advance. The activity allows for reserve now and pay later, so you can book your spot without any upfront payment.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The activity doesn’t explicitly mention discounts for seniors or students. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator as they may offer reduced rates for these groups upon presentation of valid identification.

Final Words

This Hue tour offers a chance to take in Vietnam’s rich history and culture. The Perfume River cruise, Thien Mu Pagoda, and imperial tombs provide a well-rounded experience. With hassle-free transportation and included entrance fees, it’s a convenient way to explore Hue’s top attractions. Visitors can expect to spend around half a day discovering the enchanting beauty and architectural wonders of this historic city.

You can check if your dates are available here: