Review of the Best Sunset Hunting Route in Hue: Dragon Boat on Perfume River & Sightseeing at Thien Mu Pagoda

Are you looking for the best sunset spot in the ancient capital? Discover this "soul-healing" itinerary now: Cruising down the Perfume River on a dragon boat and sightseeing at the legendary Thien Mu Pagoda. This article shares tips on choosing the best time (Golden Hour), updates dragon boat ticket prices at Toa Kham Wharf, and reveals secrets for artistic check-in photos at Phuoc Duyen Tower.

If anyone were to ask what the most "romantic" moment in the sunny and windy Central region is, the answer would undoubtedly be the late afternoon by the Perfume River in Hue. Are you looking for a travel experience that is both a cultural icon and satisfies your passion for "living virtually" (taking Instagrammable photos) with lifetime shots? The journey drifting down the Perfume River on a dragon boat and sightseeing at Thien Mu Pagoda at sunset is the perfect answer. Neither noisy nor rushed, this route takes you to touch the depth of the ancient capital's heritage in a very unique way. The article below will review in detail the boat experience, how to "hunt" for the golden hour, and tips to make your trip complete.

Why are the Perfume River and Thien Mu Pagoda the "Perfect Couple" of Hue Tourism?

Before stepping onto the boat, let's understand why these two landmarks are so tightly connected. The Perfume River and Thien Mu Pagoda are not just simple scenic spots but the soul of Hue's history and feng shui. The river leads the way like a soft silk strip, while the ancient pagoda located on Ha Khe Hill serves as a solid spiritual anchor. Instead of choosing to take a taxi or motorbike straight to the pagoda gate, choosing to travel by dragon boat brings a completely different perspective: slow, relaxing, and poetic. This is an experiential travel trend that is loved by tourists, especially those looking for healing and peace amidst the hustle and bustle of life.

The Allure of the Dragon Boat Sunset Experience

Current reality shows that the "sunset hunting" trend is becoming a hot keyword in the young travel community. In Hue, nowhere offers a better sunset view than from the middle of the Perfume River looking towards Phuoc Duyen Tower. The late afternoon sunlight is no longer harsh but turns into a brilliant orange-gold, dyeing the entire river region purple and covering the mossy walls of Thien Mu Pagoda with a quiet, mysterious beauty. Taking a dragon boat not only helps you avoid street dust but is also an opportunity to enjoy the cool breeze from the river, hear the sound of oars hitting the water, and feel the characteristic slow pace of the boat people.

Detailed Itinerary for Moving and "Hunting" Beautiful Photos

To get the most beautiful moments, you need to plan your time in detail. Here is a suggested itinerary based on actual experience:

Departure (15:30 - 16:00): You should be present at Toa Kham Wharf to buy dragon boat tickets. There are both single boats (for small groups) and double boats (for large groups). When the boat starts leaving the wharf, choose a beautiful spot at the bow to watch Truong Tien Bridge and Hen Islet gradually receding behind.

On the Perfume River (16:00 - 16:45): This is the most relaxing time. The boat runs upstream, taking you past green alluvial plains and quiet garden houses on both banks. Don't forget to prepare your camera or phone with a full battery because the scenery at this time is very poetic.

Arriving at Thien Mu Pagoda (16:45 - 17:00): The boat will anchor right at the foot of Ha Khe Hill. Stepping up the steps, the first impression is the majestic 7-story Phuoc Duyen Tower.

The "Golden" Moment (17:00 - 17:45): This is when the sun begins to set behind the mountains. Stand from the pagoda courtyard looking out at the winding Perfume River. The water surface at this time is like a giant mirror reflecting the glowing red sky. This is the most valuable background for artistic silhouette photos.

Exploring Historical Depth at Thien Mu Pagoda

When arriving at Thien Mu Pagoda, don't just be busy taking photos outside. Spend time going deep into the campus to worship at the Dai Hung Treasure Palace with the characteristic "overlapping roof" architecture of the Hue royal court. Especially, behind the pagoda garden is the place displaying the blue Austin car – a historical relic associated with the event of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc self-immolating in 1963 to protect Buddhism. Standing before this artifact in the quiet space of the late afternoon will bring you indescribable emotional vibrations. Finally, take a walk to the pine forest behind the pagoda to enjoy absolute peace.

Experience and Important Notes When Taking the Tour

To make the trip perfect and avoid unnecessary trouble, please "pocket" the following notes:

Attire: The pagoda is a solemn place, so you must wear modest clothing (shirts with sleeves, pants or skirts covering the knees). If you accidentally wear short clothes, you will have to rent a wrap (Sarong) to get through the gate.

Boat Ticket Price: Dragon boat ticket prices often fluctuate depending on the season and bargaining ability (about 300,000 VND - 400,000 VND/boat for a private trip or retail tickets about 100,000 VND/person). Ask for the price carefully before getting on the boat at Toa Kham Wharf to avoid being overcharged.

Weather: Check the weather forecast before you go. Although the sunset is most beautiful on sunny days, Hue is also very "romantic" on drizzly days, however, going by boat during heavy rain will limit visibility and photography.

In summary, the journey drifting down the Perfume River and sightseeing at Thien Mu Pagoda at sunset is not just a simple tourist trip, but an opportunity for you to connect with nature and the history of the ancient capital. The blend of charming scenery and pure spiritual space will surely leave unforgettable aftertastes for anyone setting foot in the Central region. If you are planning for the upcoming trip, do not hesitate to add this experience to your itinerary immediately to fully feel the beauty of dreamy Hue!

Please call: (+84) 989661264 - (+84) 937809095

(Mr Truong John)

To get Bus Ticket With high Quanlity & Cheapest Price

xedihue.com

Add: 40 Bat Dan Str,  Hoan Kiem Ward, Ha noi, Viet Nam

Tel/Zalo/WhatApp:  (+84) 989661264 - (+84) 937809095 

E - mail: xedihue@gmail.com

Website: xedihue.com