Slow Living Market
- A Riverside Festival
Embark on a mini riverside “treasure hunt” and discover life’s simple pleasures
A Food & Wellbeing Fair at Namia River Retreat
SLOW LIVING
Namia River Retreat opens up for a one-of-a-kind day of mindful discovery with Slow Living Market – A Riverside Festival – a one-day event celebrating wellbeing, local heritage, and the beauty of conscious living.
Designed for both Namia’s cherished guests and the wellness-minded community of Hoi An, this intimate gathering invites you to reconnect with the simple joys of living well. Embark on a mini whimsical “treasure hunt” as you wander through this curated fair filled with nourishing food, natural personal care products, traditional crafts, immersive talks and workshops, cultural performances and activities – all thoughtfully chosen to spark inspiration and promote a balanced, soulful way of life.
What to expect:
CURATED RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL:
Meet and connect with local vendors, artisans, and producers from Hoi An and Da Nang, carefully selected for their dedication to quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Discover handmade teas, fermented drinks, organic rice, sustainable fashion, eco-homeware, herbal remedies, and more.
Featured brands include:
+ Lo Gach Cu – Organic black rice and rice-based products
+ Phuc Rose – Kalamansi drinks and artisan dried kalamansi products
+ ChuBen – Fine fish sauce tasting and workshop
+ La.Kao Teahouse – Premium Vietnamese teas and tea appreciation workshop
+ HiAn – Naturally dyed and eco-friendly fabrics
+ Not Just Plastics – Sunglasses crafted from recycled plastic
+ Soi Handmade – Upcycled clothing and accessories from scrap fabric
Additional stalls will offer kombucha and ginger beer, smoked vegan cheeses, natural skincare and body care products, sustainable home products, vegan desserts, herbal remedies, and more.
WORKSHOPS & TALKS:
From macrobiotic cooking and herbal remedies to DIY products, join rarely-found hands-on sessions, all in one place – designed to inspire mindful habits and reconnect you with ancient wisdom of nature. Children can enjoy creative corners like face painting and natural craft-making.
+ Macrobiotic cooking and nutritional knowledge
+ Face painting for children
+ DIY toothpaste and household cleaning products
+ House cleansing with herbs
+ Fine fish sauce workshop
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS:
Experience soulful live music throughout the day. Don’t miss the serene Lantern Lighting Ritual and intimate cultural demonstrations that celebrate the depth of Vietnamese heritage.
+ Musical performances by Thong Dong Band and Trio “Đàn Tranh” (Zither) – “Sáo” (Bamboo Flute) – Guitar
+ Lantern lighting ritual
+ Hands-on crafts and mindfulness activities
GOURMET DINING AT THE MERCHANT:
+ Enjoy a rare opportunity to experience The Merchant Restaurant in a more casual and accessible way with a vibrant, street food-inspired menu made from local ingredients, perfect for casual riverside dining during the event.
+ Mini Wellness Experiences: Throughout the day, explore Namia River Retreat’s signature leisure and wellness offerings, including bicycle tours, riverside massage treatments, and lantern-making.
Event details:
➤ Date: Saturday, 19 July 2025, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
➤ Location: The Merchant Restaurant | Namia River Retreat
➤ Music, talks, workshops, and activities: at intervals throughout the day
Workshops/ Talks/ Activities Schedule:
➤ 11:00 – 18:00 | Face painting for children | Leader: Liễu (Vacabalo)
➤ 11:15 | Macrobiotic Intro (40’) | Leader: Lê Vy (Vy’s Solutions)
➤ 13:00 | Fish sauce workshop (40’) | Leader: Ben (ChuBen)
Whether you’re joining to learn something new, discover hidden gems, or simply take a breath, Slow Living Market is a gentle invitation to slow down and savor life’s most meaningful moments.
