Hue Private Dragon Boat, Thien Mu Pagoda & Royal Tombs Tour
Overview
About
Explore the serene beauty of Hue with a private dragon boat tour. Visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of Hue's rich history and culture. Additionally, explore the Royal Tombs, a testament to the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty. This private tour offers a unique and personalized experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Hue.
What you'll do
Learn about the life of the Kings, their wives, concubines, and eunuchs with the help of a local expert.
Visit the oldest and most famous pagoda in Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda.
Learn about the importance of Buddhism to the local community in Vietnam.
Visit the best royal tombs of the Emperors to learn about Vietnamese royalty.
Meeting and pickup
What is included?
- Private Dragon Boat Cruise Trip on the Perfume River
- Private Comfortable Air-conditioner Car or Mini Van
- Private English Speaking Guide (Depend on Options)
- Motorbike with Helmet & Driver (Depend on Options)
What is not included?
- Tips/Gratuities for tour guide and driver if excellent service
- Tickets (150k/tomb or Combo Ticket if you also visit Citadel)
- Food, Drink and Anything not mentioned clearly on Itinerary
- Entry/Admission - Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang
- Entry/Admission - Tomb of Khai Dinh
- Entry/Admission - Tomb of Tu Duc
Additional Information
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Meet your host
Itinerary
Hue Sacred Site Pilgrimages Itinerary (2026 Guide) – What You'll See & Do
Explore the full itinerary for Hue Private Dragon Boat, Thien Mu Pagoda & Royal Tombs Tour in Hue, Vietnam. This sacred site pilgrimages experience includes 9 stops over 1 day. Duration: 6 hours. Activity level: Moderate.
Here is the starting point
Perfume River
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.Read moreMore about Perfume River
Thien Mu Pagoda
Also 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.Read moreMore about Thien Mu Pagoda
Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang
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.Read moreMore about Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang
Tomb of Khai Dinh
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.Read moreMore about Tomb of Khai Dinh
Tomb of Tu Duc
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.Read moreMore about Tomb of Tu Duc
Imperial Tomb of Dong Khanh
Dong Khanh Tomb is one of the must visit royal tombs in Hue, Vietnam. The worship and burial area of the 9th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Tomb has a combination of Asian and European architecture. This tomb is recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site.Read moreMore about Imperial Tomb of Dong Khanh
Vong Canh Hill
MOTORBIKE OPTION ONLY - OPTIONAL: located in the south of Hue city. Vong Canh Hill is considered as a park for strolling, sightseeing, relaxing activities combined with road and waterway tours along the Huong River for city residents and tourists from near and far. If you have the opportunity to visit Hue, visitors remember to come to Vong Canh hill.Read moreMore about Vong Canh Hill
Tiger Arena
MOTORBIKE OPTION ONLY - OPTIONAL: 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.Read moreMore about Tiger Arena
Mausoleum of Emperor Gia Long
This concludes the tour.
Volcano/Cave Exploration
Nature & Scenic Tour
Full-day Tours
Rickshaw / Tuk-Tuk Tours
Motorbike Tours
Countryside Cycling
Historical & Heritage Tours
Half-day Tours
Culinary Tours
Monuments & Memorials
Architecture & Landmark Visits