The village experience Tra Que farming and sunset cruise

14.00 Your jeep and guide will greet you at your hotel. We take a short ride through the countryside on our way to Tra Que village.

14.15 We arrive at Tra Que. The village is famous for its fresh local herbs and vegetables, and is named after the sweet smelling herb that is used to flavor many local Hoi An dishes. The farmers in the village use no fertilizers in their soil, using instead, an algae found only in a lagoon adjacent to the village. It produces abundant and delicious herbs and vegetables. Along with many others, the herbs are used to flavor Banh Xeo, Cao Lau and My Quang, all local dishes. Local people insist on these herbs for the very best quality dish. Your local village hosts will provide you with a cooking demonstration and show you some of the local specialties including how to make rice paper, banh xeo and tam huu local spring roll.

15.00 Before we set off on our tour of the village, it’s time to relax and enjoy a traditional foot massage in the fragrant garden.

15.30 Your village hosts will take you on a tour of the village. Enjoy the nurseries and herb gardens abundant with bird’s eye chilli, lemongrass, basil, coriander and spring onions that are all thriving in the rich soil. Learn about the unique algae and its nourishing impacts on the soil. Jump right in and see how the plots are planted, tended and watered with the guidance of local family farmers.

15.45 It’s time to bid our local hosts farewell as we get back in our jeep and make our way through the countryside bound for a local dock where your Chic boat is awaiting you. Our Chic boat is a traditional Vietnamese fishing vessel that has been refurbished to the highest standards, while maintaining its traditional feel.

16.00 You board your boat just as the sun begins to set for the day. The boat will gently chug up the Thu Bon River to a local fishing village. You can enjoy the river culture, bird life and local farming and the other daily activities of the local people. The people in the fishing village are busy preparing for the evening’s fishing trip to the ocean so the river is a hive of activity as the boats are stocked and primed. On the boat, it’s time to relax and enjoy a delicious selection of finger food and drinks. Your freshly prepared finger food consists of sautéed shrimp with salt, calamari skewers, pork skewers and are accompanied by smoothies, juices or local beer. The sun setting is the perfect accompaniment to the food as it casts an incredible orange glow over the, mountain ranges, rice paddies and waterways. It is a stunning way to finish your excursion on the beautiful Thu Bon River.

17.45: We return to the dock in Hoi An amidst the setting sun. The river and surrounding countryside is bathed in orange and provides stunning photo opportunities.

18.00 We disembark at the dock and your jeep will return you to your hotel.