Afternoon tea on the boat: A new chill trend in the heart of Sai Gon

Enjoying afternoon tea on a boat is becoming a new chill trend in the heart of Sai Gon.

Afternoon tea appeared in England around the 19th century when a duchess felt slightly hungry in the afternoon and requested tea with cakes. It quickly became a personal habit, then a social ritual for the aristocracy – a place to meet, chat, and enjoy elegant moments during the day.

Initially, afternoon tea had very clear standards: hot brewed black tea, small sweet cakes, sandwiches, and a sophisticated presentation. But as it spread worldwide, it gradually transformed, adapting to each culture. Some places maintain the classic style, while others innovate with additional dishes, spaces, and even turn afternoon tea into more of a "lifestyle experience" than a ritual.

Afternoon tea on the river, a new check-in spot for young people.

In Vietnam, the adoption of afternoon tea has been quite natural. This is because Vietnamese people have long had a tradition of drinking tea. However, unlike simple tea drinking, modern-style afternoon tea adds an experiential element: beautiful spaces, meticulous presentation, and a sense of "pause" amidst the fast-paced life.

In recent years, in major cities, afternoon tea has gradually become a "lifestyle trend". People seek afternoon tea not just to drink, but to meet, relax, take photos, and enjoy some private time. From luxury hotels to European-style cafés or garden settings, afternoon tea has many different "versions" suitable for various groups of guests.

Trà chiều 'lên thuyền': Trend chill mới giữa lòng Sài Gòn

But if in the past, a beautiful space was enough, now, the demand has changed. People experiencing it do not just want to sit still. They want movement, scenery, and stronger emotions. And that's why forms of afternoon tea combined with tourism have started to appear.

In this context, in Ho Chi Minh City, a new trend is attracting attention: having afternoon tea on a yacht while watching the sunset, with the city lights up.

Bao Nghi (22 years old, Phuong Cau Kieu) shared that, experiencing the sunset on the river for the first time, she didn't think Sai Gon could have such a peaceful corner.

The Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival 2026 took place at 23-9 Park, attracting a large number of locals and tourists to visit, have fun, and experience. Not just a recreational space, the event also offered opportunities to hunt for new tours at attractive promotional prices right before the peak summer season.

Notably, on this occasion, many people also turned to the city's river tourism services, with afternoon tea activities standing out. Below is the cool Saigon River; above, the red-pink sunset gradually descends, surrounded by the shimmering lights of high-rise buildings.

Through the festival, many types of city tourism were also introduced, such as river tours, night city exploration, helicopter tours combined with yachting, or eco-tourism. Among them, afternoon tea on a yacht emerged as both a novel and accessible experience.

Have you ever tried to "chill" in the heart of Sai Gon… as the sun slowly sinks into the sparkling river?

If not, perhaps you are missing an experience that many call "worth trying at least once".

The afternoon tea – Saigon River sunset tour is designed as a complete afternoon: no noise, no rush. Just you, a warm cup of tea, small, delicate cakes, and the city transitioning from day to night.

The afternoon tea set is usually well-prepared, with delicate sweet cakes and lightly fragrant tea. Meanwhile, the river journey offers a different perspective of the city, where the skyline appears clearly, both modern and gentle, as it reflects on the water.

The special feature of this experience lies in the transitional moment. As the sun sets, the light shifts to shades of yellow, then orange, then purple. And right after that, the city begins to light up. All this happens in a short time, but enough to create a feeling that's hard to name – both peaceful and overwhelming.

During the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival 2026, many locals and tourists turned to afternoon tea on yachts, watching the city gradually light up, a sight both vibrant and refreshing.

The space on the boat is usually kept light: gentle music, cool river breeze, private enough for conversation, but also open enough to feel nature and the city simultaneously. For many, this is not just an outing, but a way to truly "rest".

The feeling of sitting on the boat, sipping a warm cup of tea, watching the sun paint the sky gold… makes all the hustle and bustle seem to fade away. Only peace remains, a bit of romance, and a clearer sense of "self-love".

Perhaps that's why afternoon tea – from a seemingly simple habit – has such lasting vitality. It is not only good for health and relaxation, but also opens a different perspective on time: not always needing to be fast, but sometimes slowing down is necessary.

The emergence of afternoon tea on yachts indicates a clear trend: people are increasingly seeking deeper experiences. It's not just about what to eat or drink, but also where, when, and with what emotions.

The emergence of afternoon tea on yachts indicates a clear trend: people are increasingly seeking deeper experiences. It's not just about what to eat or drink, but also where, when, and with what emotions.

And in a city that is always moving like Sai Gon, perhaps nothing is more valuable than a beautifully perfect afternoon to remember.

The sound map at the heart of Dong Thap Muoi's saline land WVR - In today's era of information overload and noise pollution, a rare resource is being meticulously preserved in the core of Tan Phuoc, Dong ...

The Journey to foster great aspirations for Vietnamese Youth Continuing the series of activities aimed at the 30-year Journey of Creativity and Service, on March 24, Trung Nguyên Legend continues to implement the "Journey ...