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How much does a dinner cruise on the Perfume River cost?

Prices for a dinner cruise on the Perfume River aren’t crazy. Most basic packages cost around 450,000 to 650,000 VND per person. That gets you on the dragon boat, includes a set meal, and usually a short ca Huế performance — those traditional songs that are kind of meditative if you’re in the right headspace.

See more details >>> Dinner Cruise on the Dragon Boat with Hue Folk Songs on the Perfume River.

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I went in March 2025, booked it the same day through a small kiosk near Toa Kham wharf. We paid 450,000 VND each. There were ten of us on the boat, a mixed group — some tourists from Saigon, a couple from Da Nang, and one solo traveler from Germany who barely touched the food but was completely zoned in on the music. The food was okay. Steamed rice, fried spring rolls, some sautéed morning glory, and grilled fish with lemongrass. Nothing fancy, but decent enough if you’re not expecting restaurant-level stuff.

If you’re going with a group or want something quieter, private boats are doable. In late 2025, I helped book one for a small company retreat — 8 people — and the whole boat cost 1,500,000 VND. That included a bit more food (extra fruit, some kind of dessert soup), and we got to linger longer on the river. The boat owner even let us bring our wine. He didn’t say much, just smiled and gave a thumbs-up.

Some agencies will try to upsell you with a “luxury” version — air-conditioned cabin, more polished food, fancier decor. Those can run 500,000 to 700,000 VND per person or more. Honestly? Not worth it unless you care a lot about chairs being cushioned. The charm is in the simplicity anyway — hearing a slow đàn bầu note echo off the river while someone hands you tea in a chipped porcelain cup. That’s the real part.

If you’re walking along the Perfume River late afternoon, you’ll probably see the boat operators standing around the wharf. It’s easy to book right there. No need to over-plan. Just go with the flow.