Hue: VIP Dragon Boat Dinner Cruise on the Perfume River

Planning an evening on the water in Hue? This VIP dragon boat dinner cruise promises a blend of cultural charm, scenic beauty, and a touch of romance—perfect for travelers seeking a memorable night in Vietnam’s former imperial capital. While it’s not a full-day tour, the combination of stunning views, authentic cuisine, and traditional performances makes it a compelling choice for many visitors.

Among the highlights are the luxurious air-conditioned boat, the delicious 8-course royal-inspired dinner, and the chance to release flower lanterns into the river. We especially appreciate the traditional Hue singing show which offers a genuine cultural experience. However, a key consideration is that the dinner isn’t vegetarian-friendly, and latecomers might miss out on the full experience, so punctuality is advised. This tour suits those who want a relaxing, scenic evening with cultural depth and a romantic flair.

Good To Know:

• Luxurious and comfortable VIP dragon boat with air conditioning and refrigerated cabin.
• Authentic 8-course dinner inspired by Hue royal cuisine, with drinks included.
• Cultural performances featuring traditional Hue singing.
• Romantic flower lantern release that creates a memorable moment.
• Stunning night views of Hue’s bridges, landmarks, and illuminated scenery.
• Flexible and affordable at around $15.43 per person with many booked recently.

An Overview of the Experience

The VIP dragon boat dinner cruise in Hue offers a charming way to see the city from the water while enjoying a carefully curated cultural experience. It’s an activity that balances sightseeing, dining, and entertainment, making it suitable for couples, families, or anyone wanting a special evening out.

The boat itself is a highlight—designed for comfort, it features an air-conditioned, refrigerated cabin, which means you can enjoy the evening in a cool, controlled environment despite Hue’s warm nights. The vessel glides smoothly along the Perfume River, passing under beautifully lit bridges and past landmarks that glow under the night sky. While the journey lasts roughly 1 to 2 hours, the main focus is on the experience rather than a lengthy voyage.

The dinner is particularly noteworthy: an 8-course meal inspired by Hue’s royal kitchen. The menu is rich, with each dish showcasing local ingredients and traditional flavors. Reviewers mention the dishes are “interesting,” though some have noted the dinner might not cater to vegetarians or those with specific dietary restrictions. Drinks such as beer and soft drinks are included, adding to the relaxed, festive atmosphere.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The cruise typically begins at the meeting point at 49 Lê Lợi Street, where you’ll board your VIP dragon boat. The journey begins with scenic views of Hue’s illuminated bridges, such as the Truong Tien Bridge, and the surrounding cityscape. As the boat drifts along, you’ll get a chance to experience the calm, romantic ambiance of the river at night.

During the cruise, there are multiple stops and scenic passages. The boat passes by key landmarks, which are especially enchanting when lit up after sunset. The highlight is the 8-course royal-inspired dinner, served in a luxurious setting, where you can indulge in local flavors while enjoying the gentle rocking of the boat.

Following dinner, the entertainment kicks in with a traditional Hue singing performance lasting around 50-60 minutes. The singer’s voice is captivating, and this show offers an authentic taste of local culture—an aspect that many reviews appreciate. One guest noted the performance was “interesting,” adding a genuine cultural layer to the experience.

As the night progresses, guests are invited to release flower lanterns into the river—an enchanting activity that adds a romantic and almost magical atmosphere. Many travelers find this moment particularly memorable, especially when paired with traditional costumes and the gentle glow of lanterns floating downstream.

The experience concludes back at the starting point, with most guests feeling they’ve gained a beautiful insight into Hue’s culture, scenery, and unique nighttime charm.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Scenic Night Views

From the boat, you’ll admire Hue’s beautifully lit bridges, historic sites, and the peaceful river. We loved how the city’s landmarks shimmered against the night sky, providing a picture-perfect backdrop for your evening.

The Royal-Inspired Dinner

The 8-course meal is a highlight—authentic, flavorful, and served in a luxurious setting. The inclusion of fresh seasonal fruit and drinks adds extra value, making the overall experience feel more indulgent. Keep in mind, though, some reviewers pointed out that vegetarian options aren’t available, so plan accordingly if you have dietary restrictions.

Cultural Entertainment

The Hue singing show offers a genuine immersion into local music traditions. It’s approximately an hour long and provides a rare glimpse into the vocal styles and storytelling of Hue’s cultural heritage.

Romantic Lantern Release

Few activities capture the imagination quite like releasing flower lanterns into a river at night. It’s a moment that many find beautifully romantic, especially when paired with traditional costumes that guests can wear for photos.

Comfort and Convenience

The luxurious, air-conditioned cabin ensures comfort regardless of weather—an important detail in Hue’s humid climate. Complimentary drinks and fresh fruit add value and make the cruise more enjoyable.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Group Size

The cruise lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity. With a maximum of 100 travelers, the group size is relatively intimate, though it can get busy on peak days.

Price and Value

At around $15.43 per person, this tour offers good value—especially considering the inclusion of dinner, entertainment, lantern release, and a luxurious boat. It’s an affordable way to experience Hue’s night scenery in style.

Punctuality and Refund Policy

Arriving on time is crucial, as late arrivals aren’t refunded and might miss parts of the experience. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, so you can plan with confidence.

Accessibility and Booking

The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, and the tour confirms promptly upon booking. Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate.

Weather Considerations

Since the tour is weather-dependent, poor weather may lead to cancellations or rescheduling. Usually, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if this occurs.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This cruise is best suited for travelers looking for a relaxing, culturally rich evening with stunning river views. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy traditional music, scenic boat rides, and unique activities like lantern releases. The inclusion of a royal-inspired dinner and luxurious accommodations makes it a bit special compared to typical dinner cruises.

While the food isn’t vegetarian-friendly, the overall experience offers excellent value, especially given the cultural and visual highlights. It’s ideal for couples seeking a romantic night or small groups wanting a memorable way to see Hue from a different perspective.

If you’re after a quick, beautiful, and culturally immersive experience that combines scenery, music, and cuisine—all in one package—this tour is a worthwhile choice.

FAQ

Is the boat air-conditioned?
Yes, the boat features a luxurious air-conditioned cabin, which helps keep you comfortable throughout the cruise.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours, offering enough time to enjoy the scenery, dinner, and entertainment without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
The price includes a VIP dragon boat ride, the 8-course royal cuisine dinner (if selected), traditional Hue singing performance, lantern release, traditional costumes, complimentary drinks, and fresh seasonal fruit.

Can I get a refund if I cancel late?
No, cancellations less than 24 hours before the tour are not refunded. However, cancellations made 24 hours in advance are fully refundable.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is appropriate. If you wish, you can wear traditional Hue costumes during the lantern release for photo opportunities.

Are there vegetarian options?
The tour does not appear to be vegetarian-friendly, so vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions should plan accordingly or contact the provider in advance.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the activity is family-friendly. Just note that late arrivals may miss parts of the experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 49 Lê Lợi Street in Hue, with the activity ending back at the same point after the cruise.

In summary, this VIP dragon boat dinner cruise on the Perfume River in Hue offers a blend of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and a touch of romance—all at an accessible price point. While it might not suit vegetarians or late arrivers, it’s an experience that beautifully showcases Hue’s night-time charm and traditional spirit. Perfect for those seeking an authentic, memorable evening that combines good food, cultural entertainment, and peaceful river views.