The Merchant River Cruise departs May 2026 on Thu Bon River, Hoi An, Vietnam | News
The Merchant River Cruise, Hoi An’s most anticipated luxury dinner cruise experience, will depart in May 2026, bringing a whole new dimension to evenings on the Thu Bon River. The Merchant River Cruise, owned by Namia River Retreat, consists of a dinner cruise, a private event venue and a floating cultural celebration. It will be one of Central Vietnam’s most distinctive and sought-after water experiences.
Rooted in seasonal abundance and cultural stories, The Merchant River Cruise reflects Hoi An’s legacy as an ancient maritime trading port. Featuring the same mindful dining atmosphere as The Merchant Restaurant at Namia River Retreat, Hoi An’s first wellness-inclusive resort with all private pool villas, The Merchant River Cruise offers an intimate, elegantly curated 2.5-hour journey aboard a modern luxury vessel designed for both joyful gatherings and quiet, unhurried evenings.
A Spice Route journey by water
As the afternoon softens into dusk, guests board the cruise at Namia River Retreat’s private Merchant Pier and float gently downstream along the Thu Bon River, passing riverside villages, tranquil islets and the glowing skies of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient city of Hoi An.
The evening starts with sundowner cocktails and canapés on the open top deck. Guests then sit down for a five-course Spice Route-inspired set menu, featuring fresh local market ingredients, organic farm herbs, Central Coast seafood and sustainably sourced meat. Cultural stories inspired by Hoi An’s ancient spice trading routes are woven throughout the journey, offering guests an intimate connection to the history of the Thu Bon River below.
The return journey involves a more leisurely pace, with desserts inspired by the Spice Route, and a peaceful passage past the distant lanterns as the river settles into evening calm. Guests disembark with a curated, artisanal gift as a small token of the atmosphere of the evening.
Designed for conscious luxury
The Merchant River Cruise is available on four package levels, from a classic 5-course dinner with complimentary water, juices, kombucha, soft drinks and beer, to a premium experience including sustainable and sparkling wine, in addition to vegetarian options, ensuring a considered experience for every occasion.
Guests are also invited to extend their evening with an exclusive post-cruise happy hour at The Merchant Riverside Restaurant, with 20% off all drinks from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Tailor-made events and private charters
In addition to the signature dinner cruise, the Merchant River Cruise is available for exclusive private charters and offers a fully customized floating venue for weddings, anniversaries, marriage proposals, family milestones, wellness events and corporate meetings against the backdrop of the Thu Bon River and the radiant skyline of the Old City.
The floating extension of Namia River Retreat
The Merchant River Cruise is an extension of The Merchant Riverside Restaurant and of Namia River Retreat – Hoi An’s first wellness-inclusive resort and a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Virtuoso. Since opening in December 2024, the resort has established itself as one of Vietnam’s most celebrated wellness-inclusive destinations, internationally recognized for its wellness offerings inspired by Vietnamese herbology, genuine cultural celebrations and genuine Vietnamese hospitality.
The Merchant River Cruise brings that same spirit of intention, luxury and cultural depth to the river, bringing Namia’s signature warmth and standard of care to guests staying anywhere in Hoi An, and to those who simply feel the pull of the water.
Reservations are recommended as capacity is limited.
Website: www.merchanthoian.com
E-mail: [email protected]
#themerchantcruise, #dinnercruises, #hoian, #vietnam, #namiariverretreat
