Perfume River

River in Hue

CC BY-SA 3.0 / BluesyPete

The Perfume River (Vietnamese: Sông Hương or Hương Giang) flows through Huế, the capital city in the central Vietnamese province of Thừa Thiên Huế. Stretching approximately 80 kilometers, the river gets its name from the fragrant plants that line its banks, releasing a pure and fresh aroma as it meanders toward the city.

Origin of the Perfume River

The Perfume River has two main tributaries that originate in the Trường Sơn Mountain range and converge at Bang Lang Fork. The Ta Trach (Left Tributary) begins in the Truong Dong mountains and flows northwest towards Bang Lang Fork, while the shorter Huu Trach (Right Tributary) passes through the Tuan ferry before reaching the same fork. From there, the river flows south-north, passing the temples of Hon Chen and Ngọc Trản, then turns northwest, winding through the Nguyet Bieu and Luong Quan plains. Continuing northeast, it reaches the city of Huế, where it reflects the echo of the Trường Sơn mountains and flows past the resting places of the Nguyễn emperors. The river, with its vibrant green waters, continues its journey, passing Hen Islet and various villages, before reaching the Sinh junction, known as the capital of ancient Châu Hóa, and finally emptying into Tam Giang Lagoon.

From Bang Lang to the Thuan An estuary, the Perfume River spans 30 km and flows slowly, with its water level not significantly above sea level. The river darkens as it winds along the base of Ngọc Trản Mountain, home to the Jade Cup Temple, where a deep abyss lies beneath the surface.

Dragon Boat Ride

Taking a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River is a memorable way to experience Hue’s scenic and cultural beauty. These colorful boats, adorned with dragon heads at the prow, offer a tranquil journey down the river, allowing passengers to enjoy the picturesque views of Hue’s lush riverbanks, ancient temples, and historic sites. The ride is peaceful, with the gentle sounds of the water complementing the river’s natural aroma, which famously comes from the tropical plants and flowers that grow upstream. Many dragon boat rides include traditional Vietnamese music performances, creating an immersive cultural experience as you pass by iconic spots like the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial City. Whether taking a daytime ride or a sunset cruise, a dragon boat journey on the Perfume River is a beautiful way to see Hue from a different perspective.

One of the main departure points is Toa Kham Wharf, located near Trang Tien Bridge in central Hue.

The Perfume River appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hue!

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