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How many people can one dragon boat dinner cruise accommodate?

It depends on the boat, and quite a few types are floating along the Perfume River, but most dragon boats doing the dinner cruise can hold around 20 to 30 people comfortably. Not packed like a city bus, but close enough that you’ll hear the couple next to you chatting over their rice and grilled fish.

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The one I was on in late May 2023 had 22 seats, plus a tiny stage at the front where the musicians sat. Two dan tranh players, one singer in an áo dài, and a guy with a moon lute. We were maybe 18 guests that night. It felt full but not cramped. You could still move around a bit, lean against the railing, sneak off to the back if you wanted a breather from the music.

Some of the bigger boats — especially the ones that cater to tour groups — go up to 40 people, but then it starts to feel more like a floating canteen. You’ll hear the engine hum louder. Less room to stretch your legs. Less intimacy, too. If you’re just two or three people and want a quieter experience, look for smaller boats. They’re usually docked closer to the bridge, near the cluster of street vendors.

On the flip side, if you’re booking a private dinner cruise — say, for a group of 6 to 10 — there are smaller boats that are better for that. I helped plan one in November 2022 for a friend’s birthday. Eight of us booked through a local guy named Hải, who runs tours off his phone. The boat had low tables, thin cushions on the floor, and we just ate with our legs crossed while the river drifted by. Cost was 1,400,000 VND total, with food, music, and tea included. No chairs. Just cushions, candles, and the occasional mosquito.

So yeah, most boats carry 20 to 30 people for shared cruises. Some go up to 40. Private ones are usually smaller, more flexible, and more personal. You can always ask to peek inside before deciding. The boat operators don’t mind. They’re used to folks walking up last-minute and just going with their gut.