Perfume River
Hue's iconic Perfume River offers serene boat rides, stunning sunsets with floating lanterns, and access to historic pagodas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Magical lantern glow
Perfume River
Best Time
Magical lantern glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hue's iconic Perfume River offers serene boat rides, stunning sunsets with floating lanterns, and access to historic pagodas.
"A peaceful place to admire the amazing skyline of Hue, ideal for a stroll or a memorable boat journey.
"🎯 Confirm Boat Ride Details
Always agree on price & duration before boarding to avoid being short-changed.
🌅 Embrace the Sunset
The river truly comes alive with lanterns at sunset. A must-see!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Lantern Release
Perfume River
Witness traditional lanterns gracefully float down the river at dusk, creating a magical and serene atmosphere.
Thien Mu Pagoda
Northern bank of the Perfume River
An iconic seven-story pagoda offering stunning views and a glimpse into Vietnam's spiritual heritage.
Traditional Ao Dai Boat Ride
Perfume River
Experience the tranquility of the river while admiring locals in traditional áo dài, adding a cultural touch to your journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Ride Realities
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Confirm Boat Ride Details
Always agree on price & duration before boarding to avoid being short-changed.
🌅 Embrace the Sunset
The river truly comes alive with lanterns at sunset. A must-see!
🚶 Stroll the Riverbank
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the river for lovely skyline views.
🍜 Try Local Tofu
Near the Grab drop-off, find vendors selling delicious and cheap local tofu.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Confirm Boat Ride Details
Always agree on price & duration before boarding to avoid being short-changed.
🌅 Embrace the Sunset
The river truly comes alive with lanterns at sunset. A must-see!
🚶 Stroll the Riverbank
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the river for lovely skyline views.
🍜 Try Local Tofu
Near the Grab drop-off, find vendors selling delicious and cheap local tofu.
🎶 Folk Songs (Weather Permitting)
Catch traditional Hue folk songs if the weather is good.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Perfume River a peaceful place, especially for a calm boat ride and admiring the skyline. The sunset with floating lanterns is a highlight, though some feel the views are 'mehhh' and boat ride prices can be inflated. Negotiating is key, and trying local tofu is a recommended budget experience.
"Took a ~25 minutes boat ride for VND150K per pax. Nothing amazing, views were mehhh. Could be skipped."
ZH LIM
"If you're taking a Grab, it seems like the drop-off point is set too far. So you can just stop near the new bridge, which will open on March 26, 2025. On the map, Grab directs you all the way to the end, which is a very quiet area with only two or three tofu stalls, where vendors aggressively offer you tofu. A bowl of tofu is only 10k VND, and it's actually quite good—just like a typical local experience. So you should give it a try!"
Felicia P Hernat
"Peaceful place and the boat ride is so calm and memorable. You can even steer the boat for an experience to remember. The place is so serene and wonderful"
Dokrik69 Vee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Perfume River is central to Hue. You can easily reach its banks by taxi, Grab, or by walking from many city attractions. If using Grab, be aware that the drop-off point might be set too far, so you can opt to stop closer to the new bridge.
Yes, numerous vendors offer boat rides along the Perfume River, especially near popular spots like Thien Mu Pagoda. Be prepared to negotiate prices.
Absolutely! Hue is about a 2.5-hour drive from Da Nang, making it a feasible day trip. You can combine a Perfume River cruise with visits to other Hue attractions.
Walking along the riverbank offers a peaceful experience with great views of Hue's skyline. It's a great way to soak in the local atmosphere.
The main piers are typically located near the city center and close to attractions like Thien Mu Pagoda. Your hotel or local guides can direct you to the most convenient ones.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Perfume River itself is a public waterway and does not require an entrance ticket. However, specific attractions along the river, like Thien Mu Pagoda, are free to visit.
Prices can vary significantly as they are often negotiable. Expect to pay around VND 150,000 per person for a short ride, but always confirm the duration and price beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
Discounts are usually achieved through negotiation. It's advisable to inquire about group rates if you're traveling with a larger party.
Boat tours generally operate throughout the day, but they are most popular during sunset hours. It's best to arrange your ride a few hours before you wish to depart.
While you can arrange tours on the spot, booking in advance through your hotel or a reputable tour operator might offer more certainty and potentially better pricing, though spontaneous negotiation is common.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key sights include the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, the Imperial Citadel, and the Incense Village. A sunset boat ride with lanterns is also a highlight.
Sunset is highly recommended for a magical experience as lanterns are released onto the water.
Weekday mornings offer a more peaceful and less crowded experience.Some boat operators may allow you to steer the boat for a short period, offering a unique and memorable experience.
You'll see the beautiful skyline of Hue, including pagodas, temples, and the city's bridges. The views are particularly stunning at sunset.
Traditional Hue folk song performances are sometimes offered on boat tours, but these are dependent on weather conditions and availability.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you can find local eateries along the riverbanks, especially near the Grab drop-off points, offering local specialties like tofu.
Some unique spots like Le Cercle Hue offer Vietnamese-Western fusion.Don't miss trying the local tofu dishes, which are inexpensive and delicious.
For a unique experience, consider trying Wagyu pho at Le Cercle Hue.Some longer or private boat tours might offer meal options, but it's not standard for shorter public rides. It's more common to dine at restaurants before or after your cruise.
Tofu dishes are a common and delicious vegetarian option available from local vendors.
Many restaurants in Hue also offer vegetarian versions of traditional Vietnamese dishes.You can find very affordable local snacks like tofu for around 10k VND.
Restaurants like Le Cercle Hue offer more upscale dining with main courses around $10.📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, the serene river at sunset with floating lanterns, and the traditional áo dài worn by locals.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting. The evening, when lanterns are released, provides a magical, albeit challenging, photographic opportunity.
The banks of the river offer great perspectives, especially near Thien Mu Pagoda. Bridges also provide elevated views of the river and city.
A versatile lens is useful for capturing both landscapes and details. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light shots during sunset or evening.
Yes, boat tours offer unique angles for photography. Be mindful of the boat's movement and protect your gear from water splashes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Perfume River Boat Tours
For a more authentic experience, consider combining your boat trip with visits to riverside attractions like the historic Thien Mu Pagoda. Some travelers have found that while the views are pleasant, they might not be 'amazing' for everyone, so managing expectations is wise. The opportunity to steer the boat yourself can add a memorable personal touch to the journey.
When arriving by Grab, be aware that the designated drop-off points might lead you to quieter areas with aggressive tofu vendors. While the tofu is reportedly quite good and a local experience, it's not the main tourist hub. This highlights the importance of knowing your intended destination and communicating clearly with your driver.
Cultural Significance and Attractions
Beyond the pagoda, the river provides access to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. While not directly on the river, its proximity and historical connection are undeniable. Other points of interest accessible via the river or its vicinity include the Incense Village and various royal tombs, though these are often explored separately.
The cultural experience is further enhanced by the traditional áo dài worn by many locals, especially during special occasions or boat rides, adding a splash of color and elegance to the riverside scenery. The release of flower lanterns at sunset is a particularly poignant ritual, symbolizing prayers and wishes floating downstream, creating a truly enchanting spectacle.
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