CityBuddy
Perfume River (Sông Hương / Huong River)
Best time to visit
Late afternoon to early evening for golden light and calm winds, ideal for boat rides and sunset photos. Avoid the rainy season (September to November) when water can be choppier.
Budget tips
Riverside promenades are free. Shared dragon-boat rides usually cost 100,000–200,000 VND per person, private boats about 400,000–700,000 VND per hour; buy tickets at Thien Mu Pier or through trusted guesthouses, and purchase a Hue Heritage ticket if visiting the Citadel and tombs to reduce overall costs.
Recommended for
History buffs, Photography enthusiasts, Couples, Cultural travelers
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Greiti faktai: Soft morning mist lifts from the surface as sampans and dragon boats glide past ornate tombs, the air faintly scented with lotus and incense. Lantern-lit evening cruises and lively festivals turn the water into a moving canvas of color, offering intimate, cinematic views of imperial-era architecture.
Svarbiausi dalykai: At twilight, couples and old women in conical hats hire lacquered dragon boats while musicians play ca Hue on the dan nguyet and the tro, the melodies bobbing across the water as orange lanterns and incense scents mingle into a delicate floral perfume. Local families still set tiny candlelit paper boats afloat during the full-moon festival to carry wishes to ancestors, a procession of hundreds of glowing flecks that turns the river into a moving galaxy.
Insider tips
- Wear light breathable clothing and a hat, mornings and late afternoons can be cool but the sun is still strong.
- Sit on the river-facing side of the boat for the best views of the Citadel and pagodas, and bring a small towel for spray.
- Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to secure a good boat or a prime riverside photo spot.
- Skip the busiest stalls near the main piers and walk a few blocks upriver for cheaper local snacks and fewer crowds.
Practical info
Spustelėkite, kad užsiregistruotumėte NEMOKAMAI pėsčiųjų ekskursijai Hue, Vietnam
Geriausias būdas patirti miestą su vietiniu gidu.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
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