Hue: Dragon Boat, Pagodas & Royal Tombs Private Tour

Dragon boats on perfume river pagodas royal tombs hue day trip

You’ll float down Hue’s Perfume River by dragon boat, step inside Thien Mu Pagoda with its quiet monks and storied past, and wander through royal tombs scattered across lush countryside. With a local guide sharing stories (and maybe a few jokes), plus flexible transport options and hotel pickup included, you’ll feel both welcomed and curious at every stop.

Options for this experience

8 options

From US$ 27 to US$ 42 per person, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

Boat, Car & 2 Places with Driver 16 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 14:30 Guide in English Up to 5 per booking Tour guide not included: we provide only an English-speaking driver who takes you on the tour, but the driver does not go inside the sightseeing places with you. Sightseeing places to visit: Thien Mu Pagoda, plus any 1 more place (you choose from the Imperial City and the Minh Mang, Khai Dinh or Tu Duc Tombs). Duration: 4 hours; the length of the trip depends on which sightseeing places you pick, though we do not limit your sightseeing time. Trip inclusions: private car with experienced driver, private dragon boat on the Perfume River, sightseeing stops at Thien Mu Pagoda and 1 tomb. Trip exclusions: tour guide, food and drinks, entry fees (200k for the Imperial City, 150k per tomb for Minh Mang, Tu Duc or Khai Dinh), tips for the tour driver. Pickup is included.

Boat, Car & 3 Places with Driver 13 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 13:00 Guide in English Up to 5 per booking Tour guide not included: we provide only an English-speaking driver who takes you on the tour, but the driver does not go inside the sightseeing places with you. Sightseeing places to visit: Thien Mu Pagoda, plus any 2 more places (you choose from the Imperial City and the Minh Mang, Khai Dinh or Tu Duc Tombs). Duration: 6 hours; the length of the trip depends on which sightseeing places you pick, though we do not limit your sightseeing time. Trip inclusions: private car with experienced driver, private dragon boat on the Perfume River, sightseeing stops at Thien Mu Pagoda and 2 tombs. Trip exclusions: tour guide, food and drinks, entry fees (200k for the Imperial City, 150k per tomb for Minh Mang, Tu Duc or Khai Dinh), tips for the tour driver. Pickup is included.

Boat, Car & 4 Places with Driver 13 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 13:00 Guide in English Up to 5 per booking Tour guide not included: we provide only an English-speaking driver who takes you on the tour, but the driver does not go inside the sightseeing places with you. Sightseeing places to visit: Thien Mu Pagoda, plus any 3 more places (you choose from the Imperial City and the Minh Mang, Khai Dinh or Tu Duc Tombs). Duration: 7 hours; the length of the trip depends on which sightseeing places you pick, though we do not limit your sightseeing time. Trip inclusions: private car with experienced driver, private dragon boat on the Perfume River, sightseeing stops at Thien Mu Pagoda, the tombs and the Citadel. Trip exclusions: tour guide, food and drink, entry fees (200k for the Imperial City, 150k per tomb for Minh Mang, Tu Duc or Khai Dinh), tips for the tour driver. Pickup is included.

See 5 more options

Boat, Car & 5 Places with Driver 9 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 11:00 Guide in English Up to 5 per booking Tour guide not included: we provide only an English-speaking driver who takes you on the tour. An extra charge applies if you request an English-speaking guide. Sightseeing places to visit: Thien Mu Pagoda, plus 4 more: the Imperial City and 3 tombs (chosen from Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc and Dong Khanh). Duration: 8 hours; the length of the trip depends on which sightseeing places you pick, though we do not limit your sightseeing time. Trip inclusions: private car with experienced driver, private dragon boat on the Perfume River, sightseeing stops at Thien Mu Pagoda and 3 tombs. Trip exclusions: tour guide, food and drinks, entry fees (200k for the Imperial City, 150k per tomb for Minh Mang, Tu Duc or Khai Dinh), tips for the tour driver. Pickup is included.

Boat, Car & 2 Places with Guide 16 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 14:30 Guide in English Up to 10 per booking Guided with English-speaking guide: you will visit Thien Mu Pagoda and any 1 more place (you choose from the Imperial City and the Minh Mang, Khai Dinh or Tu Duc Tombs). Sightseeing places to visit: Thien Mu Pagoda, plus any 1 more place (you choose from the Imperial City and the Minh Mang, Khai Dinh or Tu Duc Tombs). Duration: 4 hours; the length of the trip depends on which sightseeing places you pick, though we do not limit your sightseeing time. Trip inclusions: English-speaking guide, private air-conditioned car or van, private dragon boat on the Perfume River, sightseeing stops. Trip exclusions: food and drinks, entry fees (200k for the Imperial City, 150k per tomb for Minh Mang, Tu Duc or Khai Dinh), tips for the tour guide and driver. Pickup is included.

Boat, Car & 3 Places with Guide 13 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 13:00 Guide in English Up to 10 per booking Guided with English-speaking guide: you will visit Thien Mu Pagoda and any 2 more places (you choose from the Imperial City and the Minh Mang, Khai Dinh or Tu Duc Tombs). Sightseeing places to visit: Thien Mu Pagoda, plus any 2 more places (you choose from the Imperial City and the Minh Mang, Khai Dinh or Tu Duc Tombs). Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes; the length of the trip depends on which sightseeing places you pick, though we do not limit your sightseeing time. Trip inclusions: English-speaking guide, private air-conditioned car or van, private dragon boat on the Perfume River, sightseeing stops. Trip exclusions: food and drinks, entry fees (200k for the Imperial City, 150k per tomb for Minh Mang, Tu Duc or Khai Dinh), tips for the tour guide and driver. Pickup is included.

Boat, Car & 4 Places with Guide 12 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 12:30 Guide in English Up to 10 per booking Guided with English-speaking guide: you will visit Thien Mu Pagoda and any 3 more places (you choose from the Imperial City and the Minh Mang, Khai Dinh or Tu Duc Tombs). Sightseeing places to visit: Thien Mu Pagoda, plus any 3 more places (you choose from the Imperial City and the Minh Mang, Khai Dinh or Tu Duc Tombs). Duration: 7 hours; the length of the trip depends on which sightseeing places you pick, though we do not limit your sightseeing time. Trip inclusions: English-speaking guide, private air-conditioned car or van, private dragon boat on the Perfume River, sightseeing stops. Trip exclusions: food and drinks, entry fees (200k for the Imperial City, 150k per tomb for Minh Mang, Tu Duc or Khai Dinh), tips for the tour guide and driver. Pickup is included.

Boat, Scooter with Guide & Driver 14 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 13:30 Guide in English Up to 15 per booking Customize your personal trip: a guide and driver take you around while you simply ride behind. Not recommended for infants or pregnant women. Sightseeing places to visit: up to 5 sites (you choose from the Imperial City, 5 Royal Tombs, Tiger Arena, Vong Canh Hill, and Thien Mu and Tu Hieu Pagodas). Duration: 7 hours; the length of the trip depends on which sightseeing places you pick, and we do not limit your sightseeing time. Motorbike travel insurance: motorbike insurance covering up to 50,000,000 VND is included; please provide your passport details if you need insurance. Trip inclusions: English-speaking guide, scooter with driver and helmet, dragon boat on the Perfume River, sightseeing stops. Trip exclusions: food and drinks, entry fees (200k per person for the Imperial City, 150k per person per tomb), tips for the tour guide and driver, anything not mentioned. Pickup is included.

None of these options right for you? See 4 alternatives ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Hue Imperial City and River

• Visit Hue Imperial City
• Take dragon boat cruise on Perfume River
• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
• Visit Khai Dinh Tomb
• Visit Minh Mang Tomb
• Visit Tomb of Tu Duc
• Visit Dong Khanh Tomb

Stops and time spent at each 11 stops

1. Perfume River Entry included 20m
2. Thien Mu Pagoda 30m
3. Tiger Arena 15m
4. Khai Dinh Tomb 30m
5. Imperial Tomb of Dong Khanh 30m
6. Tomb of Tu Duc 45m
7. Thuy Tien Lake 30m
8. Minh Mang Tomb 45m
9. Tu Hieu Pagoda 30m
10. Vong Canh Hill 15m
11. Hue Citadel 2h

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel pickup in Hue city center, all transportation by private car or motorbike with driver (your choice), a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, guided visits to key royal tombs like Khai Dinh and Minh Mang, with plenty of time to linger where you want.
• Lunch and entry fees depend on your selected option.
• Just double-check when booking so there aren’t any surprises later.

Times

Looking for another day or time? ›

• Every day 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30

Information

Float down Hue’s Perfume River by dragon boat, explore ancient royal tombs and the Thien Mu Pagoda with a local guide. Includes pickup and flexible transport options.

Group Private

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. See the pickup points

Book up to 1h before

Ages Adult (12 to 85 years) · Youth (7 to 11 years) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Infant (under 3)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Confirmation Confirmation within 48 h

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Stroller-friendly

More information The pickup points, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

4.98 ★★★★★ Exceptional 250 verified traveler reviews 98% rated it 5 stars

5 ★ 244

4 ★ 6

3 ★ 0

2 ★ 0

1 ★ 0

Read all the reviews ›

The experience

Ever wondered what it feels like to drift along the Perfume River in Hue, watching the city slip by in slow motion? I didn’t know what to expect when our guide, Hien, waved us onto this painted dragon boat: incense drifting from somewhere nearby, the water almost glassy except for the occasional ripple from a passing fisherman. The boat engine was louder than I thought (not exactly peaceful, but somehow it fit), and we just let ourselves be carried past green banks and the odd splash of orange from someone’s robe drying in the sun.

We stopped at Thien Mu Pagoda: Hien told us it’s basically Hue’s unofficial symbol. There were monks moving quietly through the courtyards, their sandals making soft sounds on old stones. I tried to read one of the prayer flags (no luck), but Hien just grinned and pointed out the old Austin car parked near the entrance. Apparently, it’s got a wild history tied to protest and sacrifice: heavier stuff than I expected on a day trip in Hue. The air smelled faintly of pine and incense. There was something calming about it, even with other visitors around.

The royal tombs were scattered across Hue’s countryside: Khai Dinh’s was all sharp lines and dark stone, almost European in places (I didn’t expect that). Minh Mang’s felt more peaceful, with ponds reflecting tangled trees overhead. We hopped between them by private car, though you can choose motorbike if you’re feeling braver than me. At Tu Duc’s tomb, our guide told stories about emperors and concubines that sounded more like gossip than history class: honestly made me laugh.

I still think about how quiet it got sometimes, just standing under those old pines or beside a carved gate while Hien waited patiently for us to finish taking photos. There’s something about seeing Hue this way (not rushed, not polished) that sticks with you longer than any postcard view.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 11 years); Child (3 to 6 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the Hue dragon boat tour take?

The full day trip usually lasts several hours depending on stops. Plan for most of your day.

Is hotel pickup included for this Hue private tour?

Yes, pickup is included. Check your booking option for details.

Can I choose between car or motorbike for touring Hue?

Yes, you can select either private car or motorbike with driver when booking.

What are the main attractions visited on this tour?

You’ll visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Khai Dinh Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, and cruise along Perfume River.

Is lunch provided during the day trip in Hue?

Lunch may be included depending on your selected option. Check inclusions before booking.

Are entry fees covered in this private Hue tour?

This depends on your chosen package. Review inclusions for specifics.

How much walking is involved at each site?

You should expect moderate walking at tombs and pagodas. Some sites have longer walks from entrance.

Operated by Adventure Journey. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago