Hue Half Day Tour With Optional Dragon Boat on Perfume River
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 176 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hue Half Day Tour With Optional Dragon Boat on Perfume River worth booking?
Hue Half Day Tour With Optional Dragon Boat on Perfume River is a 3-hour experience in Hue, Vietnam, from $29 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 176 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (176)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $29 per person
Hue Half Day City Tour: Customize personal Itinerary with your own choice of some best sightseeing places (WE VISIT SOME, BUT NOT ALL OF THEM) listed in the itinerary. Choose from Budget Option with Private Transfer and
What you get
About this experience
Hue Half Day City Tour: Customize personal Itinerary with your own choice of some best sightseeing places (WE VISIT SOME, BUT NOT ALL OF THEM) listed in the itinerary. Choose from Budget Option with Private Transfer and Driver only or Traveling with English speaking guide to learn more about History of Hue and Vietnamese Royal Culture. NOTE: Please check the option you like to book. As we have different options with different inclusions of sightseeing places, transportations, tour guide or driver only.
What's included
Included
- Please check each option, as we have some options with different itineraries, prices and inclusions.
- We do not visit all possible sites listed in itinerary. Sites to visit depends on option you choose.
Not included
- Food and Drink, Tips/Gratuities for Guide/Driver, Things not mentioned in Inclusions.
- Admission fees
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
OPTIONAL STOP: Built from 1804 by King Gia Long and finished in 1833 by King Minh Mang. This area was used as living and working quarter for Kings and Royal Family Members of the Nguyen Dynasty until 1945, and was recognized by UNESCO as WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE. This is a must see place, that not to be missed if you travel to Hue and love to learn about country history and Vietnamese royal culture.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Thien Mu Pagoda
OPTIONAL STOP: Located on the north shore of the Perfume River about 3km from the Imperial Citadel. You can get there by dragon boat along the Perfume River, or for those feeling more energetic, a pleasant bicycle ride. The Thien Mu Pagoda is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital. Today it is the home of the Austin Motor Vehicle which drove Thich Quang Duc to his self-immolation in Saigon in 1963 in protest against the Diem regime. It is still home to many monks and a holy site visited by many everyday.
30 minutes here
Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang
OPTIONAL STOP: Tomb of Minh Mang (also known as Minh Menh) also called Hieu Lang, built by Emperor Thieu Tri of the Nguyen Dynasty, is located on Cam Ke mountain, An Bang hamlet, Huong Tho commune, Hue city, province. Thua Thien Hue, near Bang Lang junction, is the confluence of two streams, Huu Trach and Ta Trach, forming the Perfume River, 12 km from the center of Hue city. Minh Mang Mausoleum was built from 1840 to 1843, when it was completed, it mobilized up to ten thousand workers and soldiers.
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Tomb of Khai Dinh
OPTIONAL STOP: Tombs built from 1920 to 1931. This is the only one tomb of the Nguyen Emperors built with blended architecture of Vietnamese Buddhism, Hinduism and Roman. Also this is the only one tomb, where body of the Emperor was placed under neath of his tomb.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Tomb of Tu Duc
OPTIONAL STOP: Built by King Tu Duc (1847 - 1883) for himself from 1864 - 1867. This was also place where King Tu Duc sometimes lived and worked when he was still alive. Tomb's area is about 12 Hecta including 2 seperated areas: Temple area and Burial area.
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Tiger Arena
OPTIONAL STOP: This is one of the most interesting sights in Hue, just about 3km away from city center. This is probably the most interesting site in Hue, and it is all too often overlooked by visitors. It was built in 1830 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang to stage yearly battle fights between an elephant and a tiger.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Vong Canh Hill
OPTIONAL STOP: Vong Canh Hill used to be the place where the Nguyen kings chose to take a rest and sightseeing. Surrounding the hill is a system of tombs of Nguyen kings such as: Dong Khanh tomb, Tu Duc tomb, Thieu Tri tomb, Xuong Tho tomb, Ba Cung palace,... This was also an army base of US Army during Vietnam War, and there are still some army bunkers left here.
30 minutes here
Perfume River
IF OPTION CHOSEN: We take dragon boat cruise in Perfume River (Hương River), that originates from the Truong Son Dong mountain range. The main stream is Ta Trach with a length of 67km, originating from the Truong Son Dong range, along the Bach Ma area to the northwest, through Nam Dong town. Then it merges with Huu Trach stream with a length of 60km in the North through Bang Lang junction. At the place where these two streams meet to form the Perfume River.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Boat, Scooter w Driver & Guide
Tour Guide and Driver Included: We have driver to take you for the tour, you just need to sit behind. This option is not for infant and pregnant women. Sightseeing Places to Visit: Visit Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, Up to 2 Tombs (Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc), Tiger Arena, Vong Canh Hills (former US Base) Duration: 6 hours: But time is flexible and really depending on how much time you like to spend in each stop & numbers of royal tombs you visit. Motorbike Travel Insurance: We include Motorbike Insurance covered up to 50.000.000VND. Please provide your passport 's details if you need insurance. Trip Inclusions: English speaking guide, Scooter with Driver and Helmet (you just need to seat behind our driver), Sightseeing Tour. Trip Exclusions: Food and Drinks, Entry Fee to Imperial City and Royal Tombs, Tips for Tour Guide and Driver, Shopping, Things not mentioned. Pickup included
Boat, Citadel, Pagoda w Driver
Tour Guide is not included: Take Private Car with Driver and Dragon Boat to visit the Citadel (Imperial City & Forbidden City) and Thien Mu Pagoda. Sightseeing Places to Visit: Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Citadel (including Imperial City and Forbidden City) Duration: 4 hours: time is flexible, and depending on speed of your group. We do not limit your time for sightseeing. Trip Inclusions: Private Car with Experienced Driver, Private Dragon Boat on Perfume River, Sightseeing Stops in Thien Mu Pagoda & the Citadel Trip Exclusions: Tour Guide, Food & Drinks, Entry Fee 200k/Citadel (Combo Ticket if you also visit 2 or 3 Tombs), Tips, Things not mentioned. Pickup included
Boat, Citadel, Pagoda w Guide
With English Speaking Guide: You will visit the Citadel (Imperial City & Forbidden City), Thien Mu Pagoda by Private Car and Dragon Boat with Tour Guide. Sightseeing Places to Visit: Take Private Car and Dragon Boat on Perfume River with Guide to visit Imperial Citadel, Forbidden City and Thien Mu Pagoda. Duration: 4 hours: but duration of the trip is flexible, depending on speed of your group and can be customized to fit your travel plan. Trip Inclusions: English speaking Guide, Private Air-conditioner Car/Van, Private Dragon Boat on Perfume River, Sightseeing Tour. Trip Exclusions: Entry Fee to Citadel, we recommend Combo Ticket (valid 2 days) to visit Imperial City with 2 or 3 Tombs later/before. Pickup included
Car to Visit 2 Tombs w Guide
With English Speaking Guide: You will visit 2 Royal Tombs (choose Choose from Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh) by Private Car with Tour Guide. Sightseeing Places to Visit: Visit any 2 Best Tombs of Nguyen 's Emperors by Private Car/Van with English speaking Guide (Dragon Boat is not included). Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: but duration of the trip is flexible, depending on speed of your group and can be customized to fit your travel plan. Trip Inclusions: English speaking Guide, Private Air-conditioner Car/Van, Sightseeing Stops. Extra Charge if you like to have Dragon Boat. Trip Exclusions: Food and Drinks, Entry Fee 150k/tomb (Gia Long, Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Khai Dinh), Tips for Tour Guide/Driver, Shopping. Pickup included
Car to Visit 3 Tombs w Guide
With English Speaking Guide: You will visit 3 Royal Tombs (Choose from Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh) by Private Car with Tour Guide. Sightseeing Places to Visit: Visit 3 Best Tombs of Nguyen 's Emperors by Private Car/Van with English speaking Guide (Dragon Boat is not included). Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes: time is flexible, and depending on speed of your group. We do not limit your time for sightseeing. Trip Inclusions: English speaking Guide, Private Air-conditioner Car/Van, Sightseeing Stops. Extra Charge if you like to have Dragon Boat. Trip Exclusions: Food and Drinks, Entry Fee 150k/tomb (Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Khai Dinh, Dong Khanh), Tips for Tour Guide/Driver, Shopping. Pickup included
Car to 2 or 3 Tombs w Driver
Tour Guide is not included.: You can visit 2 or 3 royal tombs (Choose from Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh) by Private Car with driver only. Sightseeing Places to Visit: You can choose 2 or 3 Best Royal Tombs of the Emperors: Minh Mang Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb & Khai Dinh Tomb. Duration: 4 hours: time is flexible, and depending on speed of your group. We do not limit your time for sightseeing. Trip Inclusions: Private Air-conditionered Car/Van with Experienced Driver, Sightseeing Stops in 2 or 3 Royal Tombs. Trip Exclusions: Tour Guide, Food & Drinks, Entry Fee 150k/tomb (Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Khai Dinh, Dong Khanh), Tips, Things not mentioned. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Adventure Journey
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 176 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
176 verified traveler reviews for Hue Half Day Tour With Optional Dragon Boat on Perfume River. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wow! Best day tour in Hue
Wow, wow, wow. We had no idea this tour would be so informative. Teo made our day an amazing experience from the get go. His English was perfect and his knowledge of historical events was exceptional. We couldn’t recommend him highly enough. Thank you!!!
via Tripadvisor
Best experience of ancient Hue
From the moment Teo picked us up, he was so friendly, enthusiastic and shared such fascinating knowledge of historical events and local culture which was exactly what we were after on our day seeing the ancient sights of Hue. The experience exceeded all of our expectations. We could not recommend Teo enough and feel very lucky to have chosen this company for our day in Hue.
via Tripadvisor
Superb
The tour was amazing, and Tom is really one of the Best guides we ever had : very kind and respectful, knows all about history of Vietnam, even better than Chatgpt 😀 We had a wonderful expérience thanks to Tom
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful historic Hue
Today our fantastic guide Ngọc Phương took us on tour through the Citadel - Imperial city and the Forbidden city, then to Thien Mu Pagoda via dragon boat. Ngọc Phương is a fantastic guide and ran through local and Vietnamese history for our small group in both English and Vietnamese to accommodate both us and our travelling friends. We thoroughly recommend this tour and guide Ngọc Phương should you come to the beautiful Hue in your travels.
via Tripadvisor
Great experience, Nhien was excellent guide
We had an excellent time on our tour. Nhien was kind and knowledgeable, and I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Hue.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $29 to $100
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 62
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hue Half Day Tour With Optional Dragon Boat on Perfume River: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hue.
How much does Hue Half Day Tour With Optional Dragon Boat on Perfume River cost?
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Prices start at $29 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hue usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hue Half Day Tour With Optional Dragon Boat on Perfume River take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hue is not rushed.
Is Hue Half Day Tour With Optional Dragon Boat on Perfume River worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 176 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hue, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hue Half Day Tour With Optional Dragon Boat on Perfume River?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Hue Half Day Tour With Optional Dragon Boat on Perfume River suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hue Half Day Tour With Optional Dragon Boat on Perfume River?
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Around 62 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hue can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hue and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hue Half Day Tour With Optional Dragon Boat on Perfume River start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hue within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Hue?
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On Outty we rank every Hue experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hue: Imperial City Walk, Motorbike Tour & Private Car Options, Hue city Deluxe Group Tour (Daily Tour-12 pax max), Hai Van Pass Motorbike Private Tour with Mister T Easy Rider. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Hue?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Hue?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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