Drift into the evening aboard The Merchant River Cruise on the Thu Bon River in Hoi An, where cooling river breezes, golden sunset views, and a welcome cocktail with canapés set the tone for a memorable night. Cruise past peaceful riverside villages and quiet islets as the river reveals stories of ancient trading journeys—when merchant ships once anchored here to exchange spices, silks, ceramics, and culture from distant lands.
Savor a refined 5-course Spice Route-inspired menu celebrating the best seasonal produce from Hoi An’s land and sea. As the evening winds down, glide back beneath softly glowing lanterns before disembarking at Namia River Retreat.
Highlights:
- Sunset cocktails and canapés as you cruise the Thu Bon River
- 5-course Spice Route menu inspired by Hoi An’s soils and coastal waters
- Locally caught lobster, free-range duck, and herbs from Tra Que village
- Seasonal menu updates guided by Hoi An’s markets at their peak
- Elegant river cruise with air-conditioning and modern comforts
- Cultural storytelling shaped by centuries of trade and exchange
What's Included
- 2.5-hour cruise aboard The Merchant River Cruise
- Welcome sundowner cocktail and canapés
- 5-course Spice Route-inspired seasonal set menu (including lobster course)
- Complimentary still or sparkling water
- Beverage package according to selected option
- Cultural storytelling inspired by Hoi An’s heritage
- Artisanal departure gift
- Complimentary celebration cake (on request)
- 20% off post-cruise beverages at The Merchant Restaurant (20:00 – 22:00)
Not included:
- Personal expenses, additional alcoholic beverages, hotel transfers
Meeting and Pickup
- The Merchant River Cruise & Restaurant, Namia River Retreat
- Departure Pier: 232 Tran Nhan Tong Street, Hoi An Dong Ward, Da Nang City, Vietnam
- Phone: 0235 3969 888
- Website: www.merchanthoian.com
- Email: book@merchanthoian.com
- Registration Requirement: Please bring a copy or photo of your passport for registration
- Dress Code: Smart Casual
- Sample Cruise Schedule:
- Check-in: 17:00 – 17:30
- Departure: 17:30
- Journey: 17:30 – approx. 19:45 to 20:00
- Duration: 2.5 hours
What To Expect
The Merchant River Cruise, operated by Namia River Retreat, a member of Small Luxury Hotels, offers a refined Vietnamese experience with contemporary design, attentive service, and a strong sense of place.
Sample Itinerary (route is subject to changes linked to tide and weather conditions)
- 17:00 - 17:15 Check In & Boarding (onboarding directly or via shuttle boat)
Arrive at the cruise welcome lounge and pier 15 minutes prior to check-in. Enjoy photo opportunities with the cruise in dock.
- Cruising towards Cua Dai Wharf and mouth of Thu Bon River
Sundowners & Canapés: Once the cruise departs the pier, cocktails and sundowners will be served while we cruise down the Thu Bon River to enjoy sunset.
- Cruising towards UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town from water
Interactive Entertainment: The stories of Faifoo and the historical spice-trade routes
Starters Served: A deconstructed bánh mì inspired by Hoi An’s culinary heritage
Mains Served: Discover Hoi An’s terroir through land and sea produce.
- Cruise from Hoi An Ancient Town towards Cua Dai Bridge
Desserts Served: Ancient trade route-inspired dessert served with Vietnamese coffee liqueur or Savall hot cacao.
Option to return to the top deck to enjoy the scenic views, as distant lanterns cast a soft glow across the river.
Disembark: with meaningful memories, a postcard of Hoi An and an artisanal gift.
Onward Journey: Cruise experience is completed, leaving you free to plan the rest of your evening from 20:30 onward..
Happy Hour: Enjoy an exclusive Happy Hour for The Merchant Cruise guests at the Merchant Restaurant with 20% off all beverages from 20:00 to 22:00.
Additional Info
- Dietary requirements must be specified at time of booking (Vegetarian/vegan options are available).
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
- This experience may not be suitable for wheelchair users due to access limitations.
- Guests are invited to make their own way to the meeting point and check in at The Merchant Restaurant at Namia River Retreat.
- Please check-in at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Surcharge of 20% is applicable for Vietnamese New Year’s Eve and Day (4 days as per annual lunar calendar), Valentine’s Day (14 Feb), Christmas Eve and Day (24 – 25 Dec) and New Year’s Eve and Day (31 Dec – 01 Jan) combined with themed entertainment.
- If the details provided in your confirmation (including number of guests or children’s ages) differ upon arrival, any applicable amendments will need to be settled prior to boarding.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations or amendments made 3 days before departure date are eligible for a full refund.
- Cancellations or amendments made 1 day before departure date will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
- Cancellations or amendments on the same day of departure are non-refundable.
