THE MERCHANT’S MARKET
A curated riverside gathering celebrating craftsmanship, wellbeing, and community.
Local. Soulful. Vibrant
For one special day, Namia River Retreat opens its riverside grounds to The Merchant’s Market, where a thoughtfully curated community of makers, artisans, chefs, musicians, and creatives gather to celebrate local heritage and the art of living well.
Inspired by Hoi An’s historic central market – once a vibrant trading hub where people from across Quang Nam province gathered to exchange goods, stories, and connections – The Merchant’s Market celebrates the spirit of craftsmanship and community. Every stall has been carefully selected, with products carrying the story of its maker and reflecting a deep respect for quality, culture, and place.
Workshops are offered throughout the day, together with two special performances: contemporary reinterpretations of traditional Vietnamese music at lunchtime and a contemporary dance show inspired by ethnic culture.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A curated riverside gathering, with every stall personally selected for its story, quality and connection to place.
– Curated Marketplace:
Discover artisan pastries, fine teas, chocolates, ice cream, botanical remedies, natural skincare, naturally dyed textiles, ethnic fabric, lacquerware, jewellery, leather goods and meaningful homewares from local makers.
– Workshops and Talks:
Meet the makers through hands-on workshops and intimate conversations around craft, wellbeing, tea, silk, herbs and local traditions.
– Music and Performance:
Listen to contemporary Vietnamese music on traditional instruments by Moc Band from 12:00 to 14:00. At 16:00, enjoy a special DJ music set by Red Linc before watching “Dancing Threads”, a performance by Contemporary Collective Hoi An, inspired by the rich heritage of Vietnam’s Co Tu people.
RIVERSIDE DINING AT THE MERCHANT RESTAURANT
Throughout the day, The Merchant Restaurant and our food vendors present a relaxed, street food-style menu celebrating local ingredients and vibrant flavours.
EVENT DETAILS:
– Date: Sunday, 19 July 2026 | 11:00 – 17:00
– Location: The Merchant Restaurant | Namia River Retreat
– Vendors, talks, workshops, and performances at intervals throughout the day
WORKSHOPS/ TALKS/ ENTERTAINMENT TIMETABLE:
➤ 11:15 (every hour)| Lino printing workshop | by Siana’s Creative Club
➤ 12:00 – 14:00 | Live music – Modern remixes with traditional instruments | by Moc Band
➤ 12:00 | Painting lacquer earrings | by Le An Lacquer
➤ 13:30 | Introducing Vietnamese Silk | by Gomee Collective
➤ 14:00 | Learning about fine tea | by La.Kao
➤ 15:00 | Essential oils workshop | by Thom Tho That Tha
➤ 16:30 | Dancing Threads | by Contemporary Collective Hoi An
➤ 11:00 – 17:00 | Face painting | by Vacabalo
➤ 11:00 – 17:00 | Herbal cleanse demonstration | by Lumina Wellbeing & Spa
COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY
Whether you’re joining to learn something new, discover hidden gems, or simply take a breath, The Merchant’s Market is a gentle invitation to savor life’s meaningful moments and connect with a like-minded community.