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| An afternoon tea on the river cruise can be compared to an elegant ritual, delicate yet full of life |
Each cup of tea, each dish, each courtly melody becomes a cultural tale, told in a language of subtle refinement, etc. More than a trip, it is a way to touch the very “soul” of Hue, which is tender, profound, and steeped in identity.
As the golden glow of sunset shimmers across the water, Moon River Cruises drifts quietly along the gentle Huong River. In this refined setting, the afternoon tea begins like an elegant ritual. A steaming cup releases the delicate fragrance of herbs; just a single sip is enough to let the refreshing taste flow through, washing away the bustle and burdens of life.
The gentle rhythm of waves against the boat’s sides blends with the sweet voice of the tour guide, telling stories of history, customs, and legends along the Huong River. In that moment, travelers are not only “savoring” tea, but also “savoring” Hue with every sense.
Ms. Scarlett Leighton, a traveler from England, after experiencing the sunset tea cruise on the Huong River, shared: “I discovered this service through a travel app, and it truly surprised me. The tea and pastries were delicious, the Huong River was stunning and poetic. It was a wonderful day with an unforgettable experience.”
Since 2022, the service of Moon River Cruises has brought the journey of discovering Hue on the Huong River to a new level. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy An, Founder and CEO of An Du Hospitality, launched the project in 2021 with the desire to bring premium standards into services that promote Hue’s culture, so that each experience becomes a “story” about the ancient capital. “My greatest happiness is to be able to “tell” the story of the Huong River in the most romantic, beautiful, and unique way,” Ms. An shared.
The cruise is not merely a means of travel, but a refined cultural space of elegance and sophistication. Here, guests are invited to enjoy an exquisite afternoon tea with a variety of choices. Each tea set changes with the seasons, cooling herbal teas for summer, calming infusions for winter, crafted from traditional Oriental medicine recipes to ensure both quality and wellbeing. The accompanying menu is equally rich, featuring European pastries, Hue-style sweet soups, lotus seeds, five-colored cakes, and candied thanh tra pomelo with passion fruit… all customizable to suit each guest’s preference, turning every afternoon tea into a personalized, poetic experience. Notably, the cruise has been enhanced with noise reduction, fuel-odor treatment, and eco-friendly design, ensuring both comfort for travelers and harmony with the environment.
In addition to afternoon tea, the cruise also offers dinner featuring traditional Hue cuisine presented in a novel style, accompanied by chamber-style Hue music, simple yet deeply moving. Guests can immerse themselves in the rhythms of life along both riverbanks and take in the most breathtaking views of the Perfume River.
Ms. An is cherishing plans to host a cozy mini-show aboard the cruise, an intimate performance that combines the elegance of ao dai with the soulful sounds of Hue singing, offering guests a colorful “miniature Hue” on the river. For those with limited staying time in the city, this will be the perfect choice to embrace the essence of the Ancient Capital’s culture, all within a single romantic evening.
Amid the meeting of history and modern life, every experience on the cruise is a cultural vignette, crafted with meticulous care. The service does more than serving, it tells the stories of Hue, of its people, and of timeless values reborn in a vibrant, captivating new form.