One-day dragon boat tour on the Perfume River in Hue: Thien Mu Pagoda, Hon Chen Temple & Minh Mang Tomb
Day tour
City Tour
Cultural tour
Standard
Departure point
→
Destination
Hue, Vietnam
Hue
1N (Participation Duration)
Car,Wooden Boat (Transportation)
English (Language)
Number of participants 0/10
0 booked
Tour description
For the Nguyen emperors, the Perfume River was the route to eternity—their tombs were built on the hills upstream, while funeral processions traveled by boat. A day on the river remains the most beautiful way to visit these sites.
We board a dragon boat in the city and travel upstream and downstream past Kim Long to Thien Mu Pagoda, built in 1601, with its seven-tiered tower rising above the water. Farther upstream, the boat stops at Hon Chen Temple, a Mother Goddess temple built into the rocky hillside and easily accessible only from the river. Lunch is served on board as we continue to a pier near Minh Mang Tomb, the most harmonious of the royal tombs—a long axis of gates, courtyards and pavilions set among lotus ponds. In the afternoon, we return to Hue by car.
We board a dragon boat in the city and travel upstream and downstream past Kim Long to Thien Mu Pagoda, built in 1601, with its seven-tiered tower rising above the water. Farther upstream, the boat stops at Hon Chen Temple, a Mother Goddess temple built into the rocky hillside and easily accessible only from the river. Lunch is served on board as we continue to a pier near Minh Mang Tomb, the most harmonious of the royal tombs—a long axis of gates, courtyards and pavilions set among lotus ponds. In the afternoon, we return to Hue by car.
Meeting point:
View on map
Toa Kham tourist pier, 49 Le Loi Street, Hue
Meet at the pier on Le Loi Street; hotel pick-up in central Hue is available on request.
Detailed itinerary
Stop 1 - Toa Kham pier (08:00): Board your dragon boat.
Stop 2 - Up the river (approx. 08:15): Past the Citadel walls and the Kim Long garden-house village.
Stop 3 - Thien Mu Pagoda (approx. 09:00): The 1601 pagoda and its tower.
Stop 4 - Dien Hon Chen (approx. 10:30): The riverside temple of the Mother Goddess on its rock face. Entrance included.
Stop 5 - Lunch on board (approx. 11:30).
Stop 6 - Minh Mang tomb (approx. 12:45): The emperor's tomb and its lakes and pavilions. Entrance included; short transfer from the landing.
Stop 7 - Drive back (approx. 14:45).
Finish (15:30): Drop-off at your hotel.
Stop 2 - Up the river (approx. 08:15): Past the Citadel walls and the Kim Long garden-house village.
Stop 3 - Thien Mu Pagoda (approx. 09:00): The 1601 pagoda and its tower.
Stop 4 - Dien Hon Chen (approx. 10:30): The riverside temple of the Mother Goddess on its rock face. Entrance included.
Stop 5 - Lunch on board (approx. 11:30).
Stop 6 - Minh Mang tomb (approx. 12:45): The emperor's tomb and its lakes and pavilions. Entrance included; short transfer from the landing.
Stop 7 - Drive back (approx. 14:45).
Finish (15:30): Drop-off at your hotel.
Tour price includes
• English-speaking local guide
• Private dragon boat for the day (departure permit and pier fees)
• Transfer back to the city
• Entrance tickets: Hon Chen Temple and Minh Mang Tomb
• Vietnamese lunch on board with drinks
• Bottled water
• Taxes and service fees
• Private dragon boat for the day (departure permit and pier fees)
• Transfer back to the city
• Entrance tickets: Hon Chen Temple and Minh Mang Tomb
• Vietnamese lunch on board with drinks
• Bottled water
• Taxes and service fees
Tour price excludes
• Other tombs and the Imperial City of Hue
• Souvenirs sold on the boat (optional)
• Tips
• Travel insurance
• Souvenirs sold on the boat (optional)
• Tips
• Travel insurance
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour are non-refundable. If the boat service is suspended due to storms, flooding, high water levels, or official directives, we will reschedule the tour or provide a full refund.
Other notes
Life jackets are provided on all boats and must be worn when traveling in small, uncovered boats. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Please cover your shoulders and knees when visiting pagodas, temples and tombs.
Depending on the water level, the boat may dock at a different point to reach Minh Mang Tomb; the final section will be traveled by car or on foot.
September to December is the flood season on the Perfume River; if the river level rises or a storm is forecast, the tour will be operated by car or rescheduled.
The boat is private and shared only with your group.
Please cover your shoulders and knees when visiting pagodas, temples and tombs.
Depending on the water level, the boat may dock at a different point to reach Minh Mang Tomb; the final section will be traveled by car or on foot.
September to December is the flood season on the Perfume River; if the river level rises or a storm is forecast, the tour will be operated by car or rescheduled.
The boat is private and shared only with your group.
Detailed price list
| Guest type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $59 |
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