This private sunset dinner cruise on board the Chic boat one and a half hours up the Thu Bon river right into the heart of Hoi An old town is a journey that will capture your heart.
As you enter the river bordering the old town, standing with your partner at the bow of the boat, a glass of wine in hand, your favourite songs playing in the background, you will be led by another boat the occupants of which are placing floating candles in the river to guide you into the heart of the old town. The kaleidoscope of colors reflecting off the river from the hundreds of lanterns adjourning the restaurants on both banks, combined with the candles floating towards you is a sight that will be cherished for years to come.
Candle light is spiritually significant in Vietnamese culture. The light accompanies and guides your prayers to the gods, for a safe journey, a good fishing catch and harvest, for happiness and good health.
Your boat upon entering the river bordering the old town will be surrounded by candles for you and your partner to make your wishes for your future good health and happiness. The candles floating past you and downstream signifies your wishes being carried to the gods.
Your ultimate romantic candle light dinner begins with you being driven in a US army jeep from Hoi An Chic Hotel to the Thuan Tinh dock to board the Chic boat, which is a beautifully restored traditional Vietnamese fishing boat. Your personal crew is waiting to greet you. Flowers and candles adorn your table setting which is located near the bow of the boat, perfect for wining and dining as the sunsets behind the distant mountains.
Cruising up the Thu Bon river is an amazing way to experience the beautiful rural landscape and the culture of the people who live along its banks. Your dining area at the bow of the boat affords uninterrupted views of the passing boats, of the fishermen casting their nets and the children waving from the rivers banks.
As the sun is setting beyond the distant mountains casting an amazing array of colors across the sky, your dinner will be served. Your pre chosen menu from the Chic culinary cruise menu selection of “An com gia dinh’ or family meal, will allow you to experience the delights of a traditional Vietnamese family meal.
As you are finishing your meal with the stars overhead, the boat will be approaching the beautiful Hoi An old town, charge your glasses, stand at the bow of the boat, make your wishes together as the floating candles approach you. Your procession of floating candles will guide you right into the heart of the old town as the candles behind you are guiding your wishes to the gods.
16:30 After transferring from your hotel by jeep board the Chic boat to begin your one and a half hour cruise up the Thu Bon river into the heart of the old town. The river is a have of activity as the day is drawing to a close. Fishermen preparing to head to the ocean for a night of fishing. Locals catching ferries home. The Thu Bon river is a highway of everyday life.
17:30 After relaxing with a glass of wine, observing all the river has to offer, your 6 course “an com gia dinh“ family meal will be served as the river and surrounding countryside is bathed in orange by the sun setting beyond the distant mountains.
18:30 Ahead of you is the UNESCO town of Hoi An. Hundreds of colored lanterns hanging from centuries old buildings, a kaleidoscope of colours reflecting off the river as the candles float downstream to greet you and lead you into the heart of the old town. Make your wishes for the candles to guide them to the gods.
19:00 Disembark at An Hoi dock. A couple of minutes walk down the road leading to the dock will bring you to the night market and the river, across from which is the Japanese Bridge. You are back in the heart of Hoi An old town.
(Alternatively a jeep will transfer you back to your hotel)
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