Exclusive Events and Timeless Connections on The Merchant’s Private Charter
Updated: 3 days ago
The Thu Bon River, a waterway that long ago ferried foreign spice traders to converge in the ancient port of Hoi An, is once again the scene of gatherings, this time on the water.
The launch of The Merchant River Cruise opens countless new opportunities for special occasions and celebrations in Hoi An. A modern, two-story vessel designed for seamless connection with nature and the river, the cruise is a floating extension of the multi-awarded Namia River Retreat, and shares its sustainable ethos and singular story of Vietnamese wellness and hospitality.
Event planners booking a private charter of The Merchant River Cruise have an array of appealing possibilities at their fingertips. From breakfast and lunch buffets starring hyperlocal Hoi An ingredients, to cocktail and sunset soirees on the ship’s breezy upper deck, to seafood barbeque dinners with live music and entertainment on board, every journey is embraced by the flowing currents of the river and the ever-changing scenery on its banks.
The festive atmosphere builds even before departure, as guests are welcomed into the soothing environs of Namia River Retreat, and guided to the water’s edge, where with a single step aboard, a new adventure begins.
The Merchant River Cruise is the first and only luxury vessel to sail the Thu Bon River in Hoi An. Its indoor and outdoor spaces share the same understated elegance, artisanal craftmanship, and refreshing calm that has made Namia River Retreat a favorite among globe-trotting guests.
On the ship’s fully airconditioned lower level, the river permeates through floor-to-ceiling windows, and captivating views of fishing boats, local life, and nature on the riverside glide past just beyond the beautifully laid tables. Upstairs, elevation offers a magnificent 360-degree perspective on the storied Thu Bon River. Guests can soak up the scenery from any vantage point on the open-air deck and lounge, at the island bar, or from inside the restful dining room.
The Merchant River Cruise can be configured to accommodate groups of up to 90 guests for private events, including daytime cruises, wellness and mindful group activities, afternoon tea parties, sunset and cocktail cruises, group dinners, and pre-wedding celebrations in Hoi An.
Executive sous chef Viet Pham, his professional kitchen and service team contribute their knowledge and presence to every occasion, tailoring menus to meet guests’ wishes and requirements, highlighting seasonal ingredients, sustainably sourced meat, and seafood, and preparing drink lists that delight with their originality and flair.
The destination of Hoi An is a lead character in every departure of The Merchant River Cruise. Its culture, nature, and traditions inspire all aspects of the experience, so that memories made onboard are woven with a specific sense of place -- rare and sparkling moments of connection shared with others, still carried by the water in Hoi An.
For more details and information please download our factsheet. To book an exclusive charter cruise, contact: sales@merchanthoian.com.
Frequently asked questions about private charters of The Merchant River Cruise
How does a private charter on The Merchant River Cruise work?
Private charters offer complete customization of departure times, cruise routes along the Thu Bon River, culinary menus, and entertainment. Options include onboard live acoustic bands, cultural storytelling, customized cocktail bars, modern Vietnamese BBQ buffets, or multi-course plated dinners.
We can tailor departure times and the length of chartered cruises to match specific requests and budget. Below are some recommendated charter times (each journey is 3 hours):
Morning (07:00 – 10:00): Exclusive breakfast & wellness cruises
Midday (12:00 – 15:00): Private lunches, retreats, or meetings
Evening (17:30 - 20:30 or 18:30 - 21:30): Private dinner, party
What are the specific charter capabilities of The Merchant River Cruise?
The Merchant River Cruise is a modern luxury vessel operating on the Thu Bon River in Hoi An with a maximum capacity of 90 passengers across two levels. The vessel features a fully air-conditioned lower indoor deck with panoramic glass windows, an open-air upper deck and bar, onboard restrooms, and a complete culinary service galley.
What dining formats are available for group dining and special events?
We offer tailored F&B dining formats designed for private groups and celebrations:
Bespoke Multi-Course Plated Menus (3 to 6 courses): Ideal for pre-wedding dinners, executive events, and intimate celebrations.
Modern Vietnamese Harvest Buffet & Live BBQ: Engaging setup featuring charcoal-grilled Central Coast seafood, premium meats, and farm-fresh herbs.
Mindful Family-Style Sharing Menus: Curated elevated regional Vietnamese dishes served family-style to encourage conversation and bonding.
Cocktail Receptions & Canapé Passes: Pass-around gourmet small bites paired with craft cocktails and sommelier-selected sustainable wines.
Can we bring external event planners, decorators, AV teams, or live entertainment?
Yes. We welcome collaborations with third-party event planners, DMCs, floral decorators, and production crews. External vendors are granted setup access prior to the event start time, subject to prior coordination with our dedicated event operations team and additional vendor fee. Sound levels for live entertainment must comply with local ambient noise guidelines for outdoor spaces.
How does The Merchant River Cruise support sustainability and eco-friendly corporate requirements?
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of The Merchant River Cruise by Namia River Retreat. We offer:
Zero Single-Use Plastics: Glass bottles, bamboo/paper straws, and biodegradable event materials used in the restaurant and onboard the cruise.
Locally Sourced Farm-to-Table Dining: Sourcing fresh herbs and organic produce from nearby Hoi An agricultural communities and local sustainable seafood fisheries.
Energy Efficiency & Waste Reduction: Energy-efficient venue design, food waste composting protocols, and eco-friendly event decor partnerships.