Reviving the Flow of Heritage
According to the approved plan, the five-year pilot project (starting September 25, 2025) is being implemented by Eastern Phoenix Joint Stock Company (Feniko). The electric boat tour will navigate three rivers, including the Huong River, Dong Ba River, and Ngu Ha River. Notably, the opening of tourism activities along the Ngu Ha River is considered a key highlight, offering visitors a unique opportunity to admire the ancient defensive system and architectural landscape of the Hue Citadel from an entirely new perspective.
The introduction of electric boats not only diversifies waterway tourism offerings but also addresses pressing environmental concerns. As many traditional dragon boats are reaching the end of their service life, transitioning to clean energy helps reduce air, noise, and wastewater pollution, thereby protecting the ecosystems of these heritage rivers.
Cultural Experiences on Modern Transportation
The E-boat electric boats are thoughtfully designed, drawing inspiration from the Mông Đồng boats (艨艟船) of the Minh Mang era. The canopies are adorned with motifs reminiscent of imperial phoenix palanquins (鳳輦 ) of the Nguyen Dynasty’s Empress Dowager, creating a harmonious fusion of historical elegance and modern technology. With a compact capacity of fewer than 12 passengers, the electric boats operate smoothly and quietly, allowing visitors to relax, enjoy gentle music, and take in the refreshing river breeze without the disturbance of engine noise or the scent of fuel.
Route and Service Information
Electric boat services operate on flexible schedules to accommodate visitors:
• Daytime Tour (7:00 AM - 6:00 PM): Explore the full route along the Huong River, Dong Ba River, and Ngu Ha River in approximately 90 minutes.
• Nighttime Tour (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Departing from Toa Kham Wharf to Nguyen Hoang Bridge, this 60-minute journey offers a chance to experience the magical and enchanting beauty of Hue by night.
Ticket prices are set at VND 160,000 per adult and VND 120,000 per child, inclusive of drinks and small souvenirs. Notably, the entire experience is designed with a “green tourism” approach that minimizes plastic waste and single-use products.
Vision for Sustainable Development
According to Mrs. Tran Thi Hoai Tram, Director of the Department of Tourism of Hue City, revitalizing the ancient waterway system through electric boat services marks a significant step in the city’s strategy to develop both a green economy and a heritage-based economy. In the next phase, the operator plans to introduce a “hop-on hop-off” (Waterbus) model, allowing visitors to board and disembark freely at major attractions along the river, such as the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Dong Ba Market.
Beyond enhancing the visitor experience, the project also carries a meaningful social impact by creating new employment opportunities for local fishing communities and traditional dragon boat owners who face challenges in upgrading their vehicles. By integrating heritage preservation with technological innovation, this initiative is set to transform Hue’s historic waterways into a must-experience highlight for both domestic and international travelers.
