Perfume River (Song Huong River) Tours and Tickets

Yes, tours abound for exploring the Perfume River in Hue. You can either book a half- or full-day adventure that includes multiple activities, with one of the main highlights being a boat ride on the river, or you can wander down to the riverbanks, where the boat drivers will be more than happy to assist you. (Remember to engage in friendly bargaining.)

While the Perfume River itself is an attraction—along with the flotilla of dragon boats coursing its lengths—several notable attractions can be seen from the water, like the Thien Mu Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist temple complex; the UNESCO-designated Imperial City, aka the Hue Citadel; and the Hon Chen Temple, a sacred shrine with Cham roots.

The Perfume River holds immense cultural and historical significance for Hue and the Vietnamese. For centuries—and still today—it’s been a vital lifeline for transportation, trade, and agriculture. It also symbolizes Vietnam's imperial history, as many royal palaces, tombs, and temples are situated along its banks.

Orchards are upstream of the Perfume River. It's said their flowers fall into the river, giving it a fragrant aroma (sort of like incense) that peaks around autumn. That being said, don’t expect to be bowled over by a delicious scent; even at the aroma’s peak, it’s quite subtle and hard to detect.

Boat tours on the Perfume River vary in duration. Typically, they range from one to several hours, allowing visitors to explore the key attractions along the river at a leisurely pace. Of course, for the right fee, most boat drivers will be your captain for as long as you like.

Most visitors explore the Perfume River via boat cruise, exploring the river and its surrounding attractions right from the water. Some use the river as a watery highway, using it to get to or from spots like the Thien Mu Pagoda. The river also has paths and greenspaces that are great for a relaxing break or grabbing a bite.