Ngự Hà River in Huế City. VNA/VNS Photo

HUẾ — The People’s Committee of Huế City has officially announced the opening of a 3.5km inland waterway along the Ngự Hà River, set to commence operations on April 10.

The move is seen as the first step in implementing an electric boat tourism project, expected to be rolled out during the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day (April 30) holiday, offering a new approach to exploring heritage spaces through environmentally friendly waterways.

According to Decision No. 1015/QD-UBND, signed by Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Hoàng Hải Minh, the designated route stretches from the downstream section of Thanh Long bridge where the Đông Ba and Ngự Hà rivers meet to the upstream area of Thủy Quan railway bridge, at the confluence of the Kẻ Vạn and Ngự Hà rivers. The route is suitable for small-sized vessels.

The city’s Department of Construction has been assigned to coordinate with local authorities and relevant agencies to manage, maintain, and operate the route in compliance with technical standards and legal regulations.

The Ngự Hà River, an artificial waterway dating back to the Nguyễn Dynasty (1802–1945), runs through the heart of the Imperial City and historically served as a transport route, defensive line, and key landscape axis. In recent years, it has mainly functioned for drainage and environmental regulation. The reopening of the waterway is expected not only to restore its transport role but also to unlock its cultural and scenic value as a heritage river.

In parallel, authorities are advancing a project to introduce electric-powered tourist boats along the Ngự Hà River and its tributaries. The initial phase in 2026 is expected to deploy between 10 - 15 boats, designed to harmonise with the heritage setting while ensuring safety and operational standards. The vessels have reportedly completed registration, inspection, and trial operations on the Hương River and nearby waterways.

The project envisions three main tourism products: transporting visitors after touring the Huế Imperial Citadel to other attractions; bringing visitors from outside into the heritage area; and providing experiential services such as sightseeing, photography, culinary experiences, and cultural activities on the water.

The electric boat model is designed to promote green tourism by reducing emissions and aligning with sustainable development goals, while offering visitors a novel way to experience Huế’s heritage landscape. — VNA/VNS