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Is the dragon boat dinner cruise suitable for families with kids? 

Yes, definitely! The dragon boat dinner cruise in Hue is a wonderful experience for families with kids. From what I’ve observed and from chatting with other parents, it’s generally a pretty relaxed and engaging activity that can keep even younger ones entertained.

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

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Here’s why it works well for families

It’s not too long: Most dinner cruises are around 1.5 to 2 hours. That’s a pretty manageable length of time for kids, even little ones, before they start getting restless. You’re not stuck on a long, drawn-out tour.

The boat ride itself is novel: Just being on a “dragon” boat, with its cool, ornate design, is exciting for children. The gentle movement of the boat on the Perfume River is usually quite soothing, not bumpy or jarring, which is good for all ages. My nephew, who was about 6 when we took a cruise in early 2024, was fascinated by the dragon head at the front of our boat. He spent a good chunk of time just looking at it.

Changing scenery: As you glide along, there’s always something new to see. You’ll pass by local life along the riverbanks, historic pagodas (like Thien Mu Pagoda, if your tour includes a stop or just passes by), and as night falls, the city lights up beautifully. It keeps their eyes busy.

Dinner on board: Eating dinner on a boat is an adventure in itself. It’s a different setting than a regular restaurant, which can add to the excitement. The food served on these cruises is typically local Vietnamese fare, often a set menu. While it might be a new experience for some kids, there’s usually enough variety to find something they’ll at least try. And if not, you can always pack some familiar snacks for them, just in case.

Traditional music (sometimes): Many dinner cruises include a performance of traditional Hue folk music, known as Ca Hue. This can be quite captivating. It’s usually soft and melodic, creating a lovely ambiance. Some kids might even find the traditional instruments interesting. My niece, who’s a bit older, like 9, really enjoyed the music when we were on our cruise. She even tried to mimic some of the hand gestures the performers were doing.

Lantern releasing: A really sweet part of many dinner cruises is the opportunity to release a small flower garland with a candle or a tiny lantern onto the river. This is a very common tradition in Hue, and kids love it. It’s a simple, magical moment to make a wish as their little light drifts downstream. We bought a couple for about 10,000 VND each, which is less than 50 cents USD, and it was a real highlight.

Safety considerations: The boats are typically quite sturdy, and there are railings along the sides. Life jackets are usually on board, though it’s always good to check and make sure they have child sizes if that’s a concern for you. The crew is generally attentive and experienced.
Pricing for kids: Most operators offer reduced prices for children. For example, I’ve seen policies where children under 5 are free, and kids between 5 and 10 or 12 pay 50% or 75% of the adult fare. It makes it quite affordable for families. So, when you’re inquiring about tours, definitely ask about their child pricing policy.

So, yeah, bring the kids along! It’s a unique and memorable way to experience Hue’s charm at night. Just pick a tour that’s not overly long and you’ll all likely have a lovely time.