Perfume River Cruise and Ca Hue Experience: A Night of Poetry and Music in the Heart of the Ancient Capital

Ca Hue is a unique folk art form that subtly combines solemn royal court music with rustic folk songs. Originating from music performed in the lordly mansions, it gradually became popular in everyday life. Listening to Ca Hue on a dragon boat gently floating down the poetic Perfume River has become an iconic symbol of Hue.

In 2015, Ca Hue on the Perfume River was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, affirming its profound artistic value and historical significance.

As night falls, the dragon boats set sail, carrying visitors into a tranquil space away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In this ambiance, artists in traditional Ao Dai perform soulful Hue songs, ranging from joyful Bac tunes to deep, melancholic Nam melodies. The harmony of singing and traditional instruments (such as zither, lute, pipa, two-stringed fiddle, and monochord) against the backdrop of shimmering river waters creates a vivid painting, allowing listeners to relive the golden memories of the Nguyen Dynasty.

In addition to enjoying music, a Ca Hue cruise offers many other exciting activities.

Releasing flower lanterns for peace

This is one of the most anticipated moments. Each visitor receives a small lantern to personally light up and gently release onto the river, sending prayers for themselves and their loved ones. As hundreds of sparkling lanterns drift together on the water, the scenery becomes magical and romantic, like a fairytale.

Admiring night-time Hue from the river

The cruise offers a wonderful opportunity to admire a very different side of Hue. Along the banks, shimmering lights from Truong Tien Bridge, the old quarter, and Thien Mu Pagoda reflect onto the water, creating a poetic ink-wash painting. The fresh air and cool breeze help you relax completely, savoring the beauty of the ancient capital slowly and peacefully.

Savoring Royal Cuisine

Some services combine the Ca Hue performance with royal cuisine dining. You can choose a dinner featuring delicately presented Hue specialties like Banh Beo, Nem Lui, or opt for a higher-end royal banquet package. In a romantic setting, enjoying delicious food while listening to sweet melodies will surely be an unforgettable memory.

More than just a musical performance, the Ca Hue cruise is a multi-sensory journey where you immerse yourself in a poetic setting, enjoy exquisite cuisine, and cherish meaningful moments in the heart of Hue's ancient capital.

For a complete and memorable experience, finding out about ticket prices, times, and performance venues for Ca Hue on the Perfume River is essential. Below is detailed information to help you best prepare for your journey to explore a night of poetry and music in the heart of the ancient capital.

Ticket Prices and Booking Methods

There are two popular ways to enjoy Ca Hue on the Perfume River:

• Individual tickets (join-in group): Suitable for solo travelers or small groups, ticket prices usually range from 80,000 VND to 150,000 VND/person. Tickets include boarding and participating in the flower lantern release.
• Private charter (boat rental): Designed for larger groups or those desiring a private space, boat rental rates usually start from 1,200,000 VND and up, depending on the boat size.

You can buy tickets directly at the pier or book in advance through online travel platforms for speed and convenience.

Showtimes and Venue Location

• Showtimes: Performances usually start at 19:00 every evening, with two main sessions from 19:00 – 20:00 and 20:00 – 21:00.
• Location: The main boarding pier is Toa Kham Boat Station, 49 Le Loi Street, Hue City. The pier is located right in the city center, very convenient for travel by taxi, motorbike, or electric tourist car.

With the above information, you can easily plan and choose the suitable option to enjoy Ca Hue. Don't miss the opportunity to listen to soulful melodies and admire the romantic beauty of night-time Hue on the legendary Perfume River.

A Ca Hue cruise is a culturally rich and emotional journey where you can fully immerse yourself in the poetic ambiance of Hue. To ensure you don't miss out on the finest experiences, choosing a Perfume River tour is the optimal solution. These tours not only provide convenience and save time, but also ensure that all services from music and dining to activities like releasing lanterns are seamlessly arranged.