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Is the dinner on the dragon boat available every night?

Oh, absolutely! The dragon boat dinner tours on the Perfume River in Hue are pretty much a daily affair. It’s such a popular thing for visitors, you’ll find operators running them every single night.

Think of it like this: for most tour companies and even the individual boat owners down at Toa Kham Pier, these dinner cruises are a staple. They know tourists want that unique evening experience, so they make sure it’s available consistently. When I was in Hue, back in March 2024, I didn’t have any trouble finding a tour on a whim, even though I hadn’t pre-booked. There were multiple boats ready to go, and you could just walk up, ask about a dinner cruise, and hop on.

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

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Now, while they run nightly, the exact departure times for the dinner cruises often vary slightly between different providers. Most aim for that sweet spot around 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM to catch the sunset, like I mentioned before. But you’ll also find later options, sometimes starting around 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM, particularly for those focused purely on the “dinner and folk music under the lights” vibe, without the sunset element.

It’s a good idea, especially if you’re traveling during a peak season or if you have a specific company in mind, to book a day in advance. This just secures your spot and gives you peace of mind. Some of the more private or high-end experiences, like those offered by luxury hotels such as Azerai La Residence Hue, definitely require advanced booking, often 24 hours out, because they cater to smaller groups and more exclusive experiences.

Even if there’s a big storm or some crazy weather event, which isn’t super common during the dry season (March to September), they might cancel for safety. But generally, the boats are quite robust, and a drizzle wouldn’t stop them. So, in short, yes, you can pretty much count on being able to enjoy a dragon boat dinner tour any evening you’re in Hue. It’s truly a charming way to see the city come alive after dark.