(VOVworld) - The former imperial city of Hue is not only famous for its royal tombs and citadel but also the traditional Hue songs. Together with the development of tourism, Hue songs have been performed on boat tours along the Huong or Perfume River, which has become a not to be missed experience.

Dragon boat on Perfume river (Photo: worldtopjourney.com)

The cost is about 150,000 VND or 7 USD, for a tourist to be treated with a night boat trip and can enjoy the romantic scenery and sweet melodies of traditional Hue. When Hue city is lit up and Truong Tien Bridge glitters, dragon boats one by leaves the wharf one by one and sail slowly up the Huong river. After travelling for a while, the engines are turned off and the boat floats on the magnificent water. 5 singers and 3 musicians appear in traditional costumes and bow to the audience, opening the Hue singing night.

Perfume river at night (Photo: tuntravel.vn)

The melancholy sound of Vietnam’s traditional instruments such as dan tranh or 16-chord zither, dan nguyet or 2-chord guitar and ti ba or traditional mandolin echo in the tranquility. The royal court music takes tourists to the golden days of the Nguyen dynasty.

There are 13 companies operating more than 100 tourist boats and 400 performers. Most of the performers are working in art troupes from Thua Thien Hue province. Some are amateur artists who perform thanks to their passion for music and good voice. Ton Nu Thi Hoa leads a singer team:“This is a fan club of Hue songs. We are used to singing at night and it’s not tough at all. Now I am retired and singing on tourist boat is a part time job I love. It keeps me passionate about life.”

While having at least 3 to 5 years experience, the artists keep learning new songs and practicing everyday. Thanh Tu says whenever a tourist makes the request, she can sing a Hue song for them:      "The most important for us is being ardent in our feelings for the song and in our performance. We should learn how to sing a folk melody in an authentic way instead of imitating others’ singing.”

Today, contemporary songs are included in the boat show, including Mua tren pho Hue (Rain on Hue streets), Hue thuong (My dear Hue) and Ai ra xu Hue (Who visit Hue land).

As the night falls, singers and musicians are ardently performing while tourists are contemplative. All distances are erased and they become friends filled with memories. Before saying goodbye, tourists and artists throw flowers on the river wishing to meet each other again in this magnificent imperial city.