Hue: Perfume River Cruise With Thien Mu Pagoda & Tombs

Exploring the historic city of Hue through its iconic Perfume River is a must-do experience for any traveler to Vietnam. This cruise offers a captivating blend of culture and natural beauty, allowing us to discover the region’s architectural gems and explore its rich heritage. From the serene dragon boat ride to the impressive imperial tombs, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave us with a deeper appreciation for Hue’s enduring legacy.

Key Points

• The Hue Perfume River Cruise offers a 4-4.5 hour tour with a 30-minute dragon boat ride and visits to Thien Mu Pagoda and royal tombs.
• The Thien Mu Pagoda is an iconic 7-story octagonal tower, the oldest religious monument in Hue, showcasing classic Vietnamese architecture.
• The Minh Mang Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ornate architecture and intricate carvings, reflecting the blend of Chinese and Vietnamese styles.
• The Khai Dinh Tomb combines Vietnamese and European architectural styles, showcasing the emperor’s desire to modernize and westernize the Nguyen Dynasty.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, entrance fees for the tombs, but does not cover food and drinks, and is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Hue Perfume River Cruise

Although the Perfume River runs through the heart of the historic city of Hue, we can explore its beauty and cultural significance through a 4-4.5 hour cruise. Priced from Kč 657 per person, the tour includes a 30-minute dragon boat ride, visits to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda and the UNESCO-listed royal tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh.

The cruise also provides hotel pickup and drop-off. To fully experience Hue’s tranquil waterways and rich heritage, this tour offers an excellent value. Modest attire and comfortable shoes are recommended, as we’ll be navigating various cultural sites throughout the day.

Exploring the Thien Mu Pagoda

What makes the Thien Mu Pagoda so iconic in Hue? The 7-story octagonal tower, standing atop a hill along the Perfume River, is the oldest religious monument in the city.

Constructed in 1601, it’s a prime example of classic Vietnamese architecture. We’ll wander its grounds and admire the elaborate tile work, dragon statues, and Buddhist altars inside.

The pagoda’s hilltop location offers stunning views over the river. It’s a tranquil respite from the bustling streets of Hue.

Perched atop a hill, the pagoda offers breathtaking river vistas, a serene escape from Hue’s lively urban bustle.

This centuries-old structure is a must-see on our Hue adventure, providing a window into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

Discovering the Minh Mang Tomb

The Minh Mang Tomb is the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, who ruled Vietnam from 1820 to 1841. We explored this UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring its ornate architecture and intricate carvings. The complex consists of several structures, including temples, pavilions, and the emperor’s resting place.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Architecture | Blend of Chinese and Vietnamese styles |

| Construction | Took 10 years to complete |

| Location | Situated in a picturesque setting along the Perfume River |

The tomb’s grandeur and historical significance made it a fascinating and informative stop on our journey through Hue’s rich cultural heritage.

Visiting the Khai Dinh Tomb

After exploring the grand Minh Mang Tomb, our tour next took us to the majestic Khai Dinh Tomb.

This 20th-century mausoleum blends Vietnamese and European architectural styles. We spent an hour exploring the intricate tile work, mosaic decorations, and impressive staircase leading to the emperor’s tomb.

The tomb’s opulent design reflects Khai Dinh’s desire to modernize and westernize the Nguyen Dynasty. Though it’s more flamboyant than the earlier tombs, the Khai Dinh Tomb offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s complex cultural heritage and the last emperor’s legacy.

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Highlights of the Tour

Cruising on a traditional dragon boat along the serene Perfume River is one of the highlights of this tour.

We’ll also visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest religious structure in Hue, dating back to the 17th century.

Exploring the well-preserved royal tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offers a glimpse into Hue’s imperial past.

These sites showcase the region’s unique architecture, cultural heritage, and historical significance.

With comfortable transportation and guided visits, this tour provides an enriching experience to discover the beauty and legacy of Hue.

Inclusions and Fees

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the dragon boat cruise, and visits to the Thien Mu Pagoda, Minh Mang Tomb, and Khai Dinh Tomb.

Entrance fees to the Minh Mang Tomb (150,000 VND) and Khai Dinh Tomb (150,000 VND) are also covered. However, food and drinks aren’t included in the tour price.

Keep in mind this tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users. Be sure to dress modestly and wear comfortable shoes.

Plus, respect the cultural and religious sites you’ll visit throughout the tour.

Practical Considerations

While this tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, we can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience by dressing modestly and wearing comfortable shoes.

This tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, but comfortable attire can ensure an enjoyable experience.

We also recommend bringing a hat and sunscreen to protect against varying weather conditions.

Respecting the cultural and religious sites we’ll visit is crucial.

With these practical considerations in mind, we’re confident you’ll have an enriching journey exploring Hue’s historic Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda, and royal tombs.

Planning Your Hue Perfume River Cruise

How do we best plan our Hue Perfume River cruise to make the most of this enriching experience?

First, book the tour in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons. Review the itinerary and inclusions to manage expectations. Confirm the pickup location and be ready on time.

Dress appropriately in modest attire and comfortable shoes. Bring sun protection and be prepared for varying weather. Remember to respect the cultural and religious sites visited.

Finally, take advantage of the free cancellation policy if plans change. With some thoughtful planning, we can fully immerse ourselves in the beauty and history of Hue’s Perfume River cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

We don’t recommend this tour for young children. The long duration, boat ride, and visiting religious/cultural sites may not be suitable for kids. Consider alternative family-friendly activities in the area if traveling with young ones.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?

While the standard itinerary is fixed, we can often customize certain aspects of the tour to better suit your interests and needs. Please let us know if you’d like to adjust the included activities or timing.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Cruise?

We do not see an option to extend the duration of the dragon boat cruise on this tour. The set itinerary includes a 30-minute cruise along the Perfume River. However, you could consider booking a private boat tour for more flexibility.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens?

Unfortunately, we didn’t find any information about senior citizen discounts for this tour. The pricing appears to be a fixed rate per person. However, you may want to check with the tour provider directly to see if they offer any special rates.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Booking?

We offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour. If you need to change your booking, simply let us know and we’ll happily refund your payment in full with no penalties.

The Sum Up

The Hue Perfume River Cruise offers a captivating blend of cultural exploration and scenic beauty. From the serene dragon boat ride to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda and majestic royal tombs, this tour showcases Vietnam’s rich architectural heritage. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, it’s an experience not to be missed on your journey through Hue.

You can check availability for your dates here: