"Stuck in a rut" as dragon boats reach the end of their service life.

Will dragon boats be gone?

According to the No. 13 Registration and Inspection Department, under Government Decree 111/2014/ND-CP, dragon boats on the Perfume River have an operating lifespan of 30 years. Statistics show that there are approximately 120 dragon boats on the Perfume River, including both double and single boats. In 2022, nine dragon boats ceased operation. In 2023, more than 10 additional boats will do so; by 2025, all will reach their expiration date and must cease operation on the river.

Recent tourism development has revealed a rather illogical trend: the number of dragon boats is steadily decreasing. During peak tourist seasons, a shortage of Hue folk singing performances on the river is a frequent occurrence. Meanwhile, the number of newly built boats used on the Perfume River is still limited. The service price is significantly higher than Hue folk singing on dragon boats, resulting in a low number of tourists using them.

Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Director of the Department of Tourism, acknowledged that, from a tourism development perspective, dragon boats on the Perfume River have made a strong impression on tourists, becoming a distinctive brand of tourism in the ancient capital. Tourists are always impressed and positively evaluate the designs of the dragon boats. However, according to regulations, they must cease operation after their 30-year service life expires.

Mr. Tran Van Truyen, Director of the A Travel Mate Trading and Tourism Service Company Limited branch, believes that dragon boat tours on the Perfume River are an extremely enjoyable experience chosen by tourists visiting Hue , especially international visitors. Not only can visitors admire the panoramic view of the Perfume River on both sides, taking in the entire peaceful and beautiful city, but they are also impressed by the unique shape of the dragon boat. The disappearance of the dragon boat would be a great loss for tourism.

Many boat owners whose licenses are nearing expiration say they are currently facing a deadlock in maintaining their river-based tourism services. Guidelines on new boat models, technical solutions, loan policies, and locations for building standard boats within the province are still unavailable.

Mr. Ngo Van Ty, a dragon boat owner, said that people don't know if they are allowed to build new boats like dragon boats. Even if they are allowed, they don't know where to find a suitable contractor. They also worry about whether the machinery and materials meet the technical requirements for registration. Newer boat models are very expensive, and many households lack the financial means. All boat owners are completely at a loss regarding the process. Tourism services have become the main business for their families, so now they don't know how to maintain it.

New design options

In 2014, the Provincial People's Committee issued Decision 817/QD-UBND approving the design of boats for Hue folk singing and cruises on the Perfume River, designed by the Art House Company Limited of Ho Chi Minh City, with a single style: a dragon-headed boat. However, the new boat design was only a design, not a technical drawing for new construction.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Tuyen, Deputy Director of the No. 13 Registration and Inspection Sub-Department, stated that besides the design, the technical design drawings of an inland waterway vessel used for passenger transport are very important. The sub-department only assesses and provides technical guidance, while the design is the responsibility of the Provincial People's Committee and relevant departments. This means that when a new boat design is made public for people to choose from for new construction, it must meet two criteria: design and technical specifications.

The No. 13 Registration and Inspection Sub-department proposed that, to address the issue of tourist dragon boats reaching the end of their service life and requiring new construction, the design drawings could be commissioned by the boat owners, or the Provincial People's Committee could commission professional design firms to create model boats suitable for the Perfume River. Afterward, broad consultation would be sought from cultural researchers and specialized technical inspection agencies. From there, people could use these technical design drawings to apply for approval to build new boats.

Recently, the Provincial People's Committee agreed to design a new boat model. The Department of Tourism, in coordination with the Department of Transport, has been tasked with researching and implementing the necessary procedures to soon have a new boat model that meets both design and technical criteria, suitable for Hue folk singing performances and tourism services on the Perfume River. Currently, these two agencies are in the process of implementation.

Poet Vo Que believes that one shouldn't be too concerned about whether or not to preserve the dragon boat design. Sometimes, one must accept new forms, even if the distinctive features will no longer be maintained after fulfilling its historical purpose. What's important for tourist boats on the river is having new designs that meet the criteria of a style suitable for the river, reflecting the characteristics of Hue; a size appropriate to the river's proportions; a speed suitable for the current; and ensuring environmental protection and noise reduction…

While awaiting a new plan, the Department of Transportation stated that, in addition to the boat design specified in Decision 817/QD-UBND, people can still build new dragon boats using the current design. However, regardless of the design, it must be approved by the Provincial People's Committee.

While dragon boats are becoming increasingly scarce, new options haven't yet met the demand. Even at the beginning of this year's domestic tourism season, the Hue folk singing service on the river is already showing signs of being overloaded. A new solution for river boat services is necessary; otherwise, business disruptions and tourism will be negatively impacted.

Source: https://baothuathienhue.vn/chinh-tri-xa-hoi/be-tac-khi-thuyen-rong-het-nien-han-su-dung-127649.html