Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, holds a rich cultural heritage that beckons travelers to explore its historic landmarks. One such must-visit site is the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, situated along the serene Perfume River. Setting out on a walking tour to this iconic structure promises an immersive experience, where visitors can explore the pagoda’s significance and enjoy a relaxing dragon boat ride back, all while taking in the scenic riverside views. This captivating journey offers a glimpse into Hue’s timeless allure, leaving you eager to uncover more.
- Good To Know
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Experience Details
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Important Information
- Exploring Thien Mu Pagoda
- Relaxing Dragon Boat Ride
- Cultural Immersion and Scenic Views
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?
- What Is the Age Limit for Children on This Tour?
- Is There a Discounted Rate for Students or Seniors?
- Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on This Tour?
- Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?
- The Sum Up
- More 2-Day Experiences in Hue Vietnam
- More Historical Tours in Hue Vietnam
- More Tour Reviews in Hue Vietnam
- Still browsing? Here are more Hue Vietnam experiences we've covered recently
Good To Know

- A walking tour from Phu Van Lau to Thien Mu Pagoda along the Perfume River, followed by a return boat trip.
- Priced at $34.56 per person with a 3-hour duration, available in English and French.
- Highlights include visiting the historic Thien Mu Pagoda, enjoying coffee/tea at a traditional garden house, and relishing scenic riverside views.
- Morning and afternoon tours are offered, and the tour is suitable for hot weather months.
- The tour includes a boat trip, coffee/tea, and a knowledgeable guide, but excludes personal expenses and tips.
Tour Overview

This walking tour offers visitors an enriching experience to explore the historic Thien Mu Pagoda along the Perfume River.
Priced from $34.56 per person, the 3-hour tour starts at Phu Van Lau and ends at Bến thuyền Tòa Khâm.
Available in English and French, the tour can be booked as a private or small group experience.
Travelers enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Whether visiting in the morning or afternoon, this immersive tour showcases Hue’s rich history and natural beauty, providing an ideal short excursion during the warmer months.
Into exploring Hue Vietnam on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at
Itinerary Highlights

The walking tour allows visitors to stroll along the Perfume River to reach the historic Thien Mu Pagoda.
Visitors can stroll along the Perfume River to reach the historic Thien Mu Pagoda on this walking tour.
Along the way, they’ll enjoy a coffee or tea at a traditional garden house.
Once at the pagoda, the knowledgeable guide will share the rich history and cultural significance of this ancient site over 400 years old.
Finally, travelers can relax on a dragon boat for the return trip, taking in the scenic riverside views.
The tour’s highlights include:
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Walk along the Perfume River to Thien Mu pagoda.
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Enjoy coffee or tea at a traditional garden house.
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Relax on a dragon boat for the return trip.
Experience Details

The walking tour is ideal for short, enriching experiences during the hot weather months of May to September.
Morning and afternoon tours are available at 7:30 am and 3:30 pm. Guests can enjoy scenic riverside views and enjoy the rich cultural history of Hue.
The highlight is the Thiên Mụ Pagoda, an ancient site over 400 years old. Travelers should bring sunglasses, a hat, and water.
Easy communication is available via WhatsApp or iMessage.
Based on 1 review, the tour receives an excellent 5/5 rating, praising the knowledgeable guide and enjoyable experience.
Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a boat trip on the Perfume River, as well as coffee or tea per person.
The tour also provides a guided tour led by a knowledgeable guide.
However, the following items are excluded:
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Personal expenses
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Tips for the guide
Important Information

Although not suitable for wheelchair users, this walking tour provides an enriching cultural experience.
Travelers should come prepared with sunglasses, a hat, and water to stay comfortable during the hot weather. The tour guide can be easily contacted via WhatsApp or iMessage for any questions or updates.
Travelers should come prepared with sunglasses, a hat, and water to stay comfortable during the hot weather. The tour guide can be easily contacted via WhatsApp or iMessage for any questions or updates.
This 3-hour tour through Hue’s historic sites and scenic riverside offers an immersive introduction to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Based on 5-star reviews, visitors can expect an excellent guided experience and an enjoyable boat trip back along the Perfume River.
Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Hue Vietnam
- Hue: Private Dragon Boat, Thien Mu Pagoda, & Royal Tomb Tour
- Hue : Imperial Citadel – Thien Mu Pagoda – Dragon Boat Trip
- Hue : Royal Tombs- Thien Mu Pagoda- Dragon Boat Private Tour
- Hue: Royal Tombs, Pagoda, Perfume River by Dragon Boat & Car
- Hue: Royal Tombs & Pagoda Tour By Dragon Boat & Private Car
- From Hue : Full-Day City Tour With Boat Trip and Lunch
Exploring Thien Mu Pagoda

Towering over the banks of the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda stands as a revered Buddhist landmark in Hue. The pagoda’s seven-story octagonal tower, built in 1844, is the centerpiece of this historic site.
Visitors can:
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Admire the ornate architecture and intricate carvings adorning the pagoda’s exterior.
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Explore the temple’s peaceful gardens and shrines, where monks maintain daily rituals.
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Learn about the pagoda’s role in Vietnam’s history, including its connection to the 1963 Buddhist crisis.
This serene and culturally significant destination offers an immersive experience for those seeking to understand Hue’s rich Buddhist heritage.
Relaxing Dragon Boat Ride

After exploring the historic Thien Mu Pagoda, visitors can unwind on a serene dragon boat ride down the Perfume River.
Boarding the boat, they’ll drift along the tranquil waterway, taking in the scenic riverbanks. The dragon boat, with its curved wooden design, offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
As the boat glides through the water, travelers can sip complimentary tea or coffee and admire the lush greenery lining the river.
This relaxing boat trip provides a perfect complement to the earlier walking tour, allowing visitors to fully enjoy Hue’s natural beauty.
Cultural Immersion and Scenic Views

As visitors embark on the walking tour, they’re immersed in Hue’s rich cultural heritage and captivating natural scenery. The experience offers:
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A guided exploration of the ancient Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Vietnam dating back over 400 years.
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Opportunities to enjoy traditional Vietnamese coffee or tea at a charming garden house, providing a glimpse into local lifestyle and hospitality.
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A relaxing dragon boat ride along the serene Perfume River, affording panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
This immersive cultural experience promises an enriching and memorable journey for travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?
Yes, the tour itinerary can be modified to suit your preferences. The tour provider typically offers flexibility to accommodate individual needs and requests within the overall tour structure.
What Is the Age Limit for Children on This Tour?
There is no specified age limit for children on this tour. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children, as it involves walking and a boat trip. It’s best to check with the tour provider about any age restrictions or recommendations.
Is There a Discounted Rate for Students or Seniors?
The tour does not offer discounted rates for students or seniors. The standard pricing of $34.56 per person applies regardless of age or student status. Group options are available for private or small group tours.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on This Tour?
The tour does not specifically accommodate dietary restrictions. However, the tour includes a coffee or tea service, which can likely be substituted for travelers with special dietary needs. It’s best to check with the tour provider in advance.
Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?
Unfortunately, the tour operator does not offer luggage storage during the tour. Guests are advised to make their own arrangements for storing any belongings they don’t need during the 3-hour walking and boat tour.
The Sum Up
This walking tour to Thien Mu Pagoda and return boat trip offers an immersive cultural experience. Visitors can explore the iconic pagoda, enjoy scenic river views, and learn about Hue’s rich history from a knowledgeable guide. The inclusion of refreshments at a traditional garden house further enhances the culture, making this a well-rounded and enriching adventure.
You can check availability for your dates here:More 2-Day Experiences in Hue Vietnam
- Heavens Cave & Hue Heritage : 2 Day Adventure from Da Nang
- Hanoi: 2-Day Ninh Binh Tour with Homestay & Bus to Phong Nha
- From Ninh Binh: 2-Day Hue City Tour with Hoi An Drop-Off
- Tour 2 day Phong Nha Cave & Hue Ancient Capital from Da Nang
- Phong Nha Cave & Paradise Caves 2-Day Adventure From Hue
- Explore Phong Nha & Paradise Caves: 2-Day Adventure From Hue
More Historical Tours in Hue Vietnam
- Hue to DMZ Historic: Vinh Moc Tunnels & Khe Sanh Combat Base
- From Da Nang : Tour 3 day 2 night Da Nang and Hue Heritage
- Hue City Tour: Heritage, Food & Life from Da Nang/Hoi An/Hue
- Heavens Cave & Hue Heritage : 2 Day Adventure from Da Nang
- Hue Motorbike & Boat Tour to Countryside & Heritage Sites
- From Hues Imperial History to Phong Nhas Cave Kingdom
More Tour Reviews in Hue Vietnam
- Hue: Folk Song on Perfume River Dragon Boat with Dinner
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- Hue Cyclo Tour, Folk Music on Perfume River with Hue Cuisine
- Da Nang City Sightseeing Panoramic Cycling Tour By Cyclo
- Transfer from Da Nang or Hoi An to Hue via Hue City Tour
- Paradise cave daily tour departure from Hue (Even Days Only)
Still browsing? Here are more Hue Vietnam experiences we've covered recently
- Hue: Folk Song on Perfume River Dragon Boat with Dinner
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- Hue Cyclo Tour, Folk Music on Perfume River with Hue Cuisine
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- Transfer from Da Nang or Hoi An to Hue via Hue City Tour
- Paradise cave daily tour departure from Hue (Even Days Only)
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- Hue: Perfume River Dragon Boat Cruise Pagoda & Tombs Visit
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