Highlights of Cambodia, Vietnam & Luxury Mekong

Highlights in their own right

Sail deep into Halong Bay on a two night cruise and sample Hanois hidden food haunts after dark on the back of a vintage Vespa, while in Siem Reap, uncover the secrets and allure of the World Heritage-listed Angkor temples through exclusive Scenic Enrich events.

Itinerary

1. Day 1 – Depart UK

   Fly from a choice of UK airports on selected airlines.

2. Day 2 – Hanoi

   Welcome to vibrant Vietnam, a world of colour, culture and food. Enjoy the day at leisure and settle into a two night Special Stay. This colonial grand old lady of Hanoi boasts luxury rooms and amenities with an exceptional staff to cater your needs and comforts.

   Meals Included:Dinner

3. Day 3 – Hanoi

   Rise and shine to a day of exploration in this nostalgic city with your first Scenic Freechoice excursion.

    

   Freechoice

   Choose to visit the History Museum and Hoa Lo Prison. The National Museum of Vietnamese History displays artefacts fromVietnam’s pre-history(up to 400,000 years ago) through to the1945 Revolution. It has over 200,000 exhibits arranged in five major sections. Housed in a colonial French building completed in 1932, the design incorporated French colonial and traditional Vietnamese architecture. Continue to Hoa Lo Prison, which was used by the French for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for prisoners during the Vietnam War.

    

   Alternatively, visit Ho Chi Minh Quarter and his Mausoleum, the resting place of Ho Chi Minh himself before visiting the Temple of Literature, originally built in 1070 as a university dedicated to Confucius, scholars and sages.

   Thirdly, visit the ancient village of Bat Trang, a traditional porcelain and pottery community. This interactive experience will teach you the steps involved in making ceramic works of art. Afterwards at a house where locals worship their ancestors, an elder will explain the unique aspects of Vietnamese culture and their spiritual beliefs. Next, learn how to cook Bnh Cu?n or rice pancakes, a dish of northern Vietnam that youll then get to enjoy as part of a tasty self-made lunch.

   Later, all guests will enjoy a green electric car tour through Hanois Old Quarter to tonights Scenic Enrich event.

    

   Enrich

   Water puppetry originated in the villages of the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam and dates back as far as the 11th century. Tonight you will experience a performance of Hanois famous water puppets. As a VIP ticket holder, you will have premium seating as well as the opportunity to learn the secrets behind this illusionary show thanks to your special backstage pass.

   Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

4. Day 4 – Hanoi > Halong Bay Cruise

   After breakfast, check-out of your luxury accommodation and begin your four-hour journey to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay. Along the way you will drive through the prosperous farmlands of the Red River Delta before joining a two-night cruise on board the Au Co for an awe-inspiring cruise through the picturesque waters of this spectacular icon.

   The stunning Au Co provides a first-class experience from beginning to end. The luxurious features and suites allow a comfortable and exquisite way to explore Halong Bay reaching areas far beyond the day trippers and overnight cruises.

   Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5. Day 5 – Halong Bay Cruise

   After breakfast, you may wish to join a Tai Chi lesson on the Sun Deck as the ship sails deeper into the National Park. Jump into a kayak and paddle your way through a limestone cave system, and later take a bike ride on Cat Ba Island. Cat Ba Island has to be one of the hidden beauties of the region. Twisted with jungle and wildlife, the island remains largely untouched by development.

   After your adventure ashore head back to the ship to enjoy an exclusive Sunset Drinks activity whilst at anchor.

    

   Sunset Drinks

   Soak up the aromas in a wine tasting set against the backdrop of the karst Islands at sunset.

   Later, after enjoying the fine local cuisine in the onboard restaurant, try your hand at some squid fishing from the boat.

   Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6. Day 6 – Halong Bay Cruise > Hanoi

   Relax during your morning cruise back to the harbour. After stopping for lunch and shopping en-route back to Hanoi for an overnight stay. Later join an historical bunker tour at the hotel to learn about its place in the history of this capital city that spans over 1,000 years.

    

   Freechoice Dining

   Tonight, you have a choice of venues for your dinner through Scenics Freechoice Dining. Stay in-house at the La Terrace at your hotel, or situated in the splendid surroundings of Hanois French Quarter, near Hoan Kiem Lake and the Opera House, dine at the historic Press Club to experience a unique Michelin-star menu of traditional French dishes from the famous Chef Alain Dutournier. For the more adventurous, ride tandem on the back on a Vespa with a guide for a foodie tour of Hanois Old Quarter, stopping at local food haunts for authentic Hanoi Street food with free flow drinks enabling you get a feel of the nightlife and vibe of the local Hanoi culture.

   Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7. Day 7 – Hanoi > Siem Reap

   After a morning at leisure, fly to the regional city of Siem Reap in Cambodia. Your hotel, is a step back in time in the definition of luxury and will be your historical home for the next threenights in Siem Reap. This brilliantly appointedaccommodation is styled with a mix of French inspired architecture, local interior furnishings and amenities fit for royalty with the attentive staff providing a service beyond expectations.Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

   Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch

8. Day 8 – Siem Reap

   Your Siem Reap exploration starts with a delicious champagne buffet breakfast at the hotel.

    

   Freechoice

   As part of Scenics Freechoice excursions, you have multiple options to choose from. Explore the 10th-century Banteay Srei Temple, commonly referred to as the Ladies Temple because of its pinkish sandstone and dedication to the Hindu god Shiva. Afterwards visit the Landmine Museum, founded in 1997 with the aim to make the country safe through the removal of mines.

   Alternatively, visit Senteurs d’Angkor workshop to try your hand at producing your own local souvenir. Through different hands-on workstations, discover how the artisans make by hand soap with coconut oil,natural cosmetics, subtly scented balms, aromatic candles and local spices in traditional ways.

   The third option today is for those who enjoy being on the water. Sail on Tonl Sap (seasonal), a picturesque UNESCO biosphere reserve and witness the lifestyle of the residents of the famous floating village.

   Or, you can choose to take to the sky in a tethered balloon for a birds eye view of the contrasting traditional and modern Siem Reap. Take some remarkable photographs of the skyline as you lift into the skies of Siem Reap overlooking Angkor Wat below.

   Later this afternoon, all guests will explore Angkor Wat, the worlds largest religious monument. Originally constructed by the Khmer Empire as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. An afternoon visit provides the perfect light for those idyllic pictures of this colossal structure.

    

   Enrich

   Head to thecolourfulCambodian Phare Circus where your VIP premium reserved seating awaits you. Beautifully dressed performers style a stunning show that is more than just a circus. The performers use theatre, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern.

   Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch

9. Day 9 – Siem Reap

    

   Enrich

   Marvel at the sunrise over the magnificent Angkor Wat before moving to a special location near a temple for a scrumptious champagne breakfast with food prepared by an NGO supported local bakery school which Scenic also sponsors.

   After breakfast, visit the atmospheric, jungle covered TaProhmTemple, before stopping at Angkor Thom and the multi-faced Bayon Temple.You have the remainder of the afternoon to discover more of the Siem Reap markets or relax at your luxury hotel after your early morning start.

    

   Enrich

   Tonight istruly a special and exclusive evening, one that is best experienced first-hand to fully appreciate its scale. Your Tour Directors and Scenic team will escort you to a private, magical gala themed dinner at Prasat Kravan. This small 10th-century temple consists of five reddish brick towers on a common terrace. Including free flow drinks, Khmer cuisine and a performance featuring Apsara dancers in front of the candle lit temple ruins, this evening brings a most incredible end to your time in Siem Reap.

   Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

10. Day 10 – Siem Reap > Mekong Cruise

    Discover the rural side of Cambodia en-route to Kampong Cham where the breathtaking Scenic Spirit awaits. Along the way, visit the stunning Khmer bridge at Kampong Kdei, Kampong Thom and a stone cutters village.

    After boarding, begin your cruise in style with a cocktail reception hosted by your Cruise Director. Take a stroll around the decks to orientate yourself as to where all the amenities are. After your welcome dinner, settle into your private suite. At any time, your dedicated personal butler is available to assist with a nightcap and delivery of your preferred pillows.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

11. Day 11 – Wat Hanchey > Kampong Cham

    Awake as you approach Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery. After learning about life as a novice monk from one of the locals, wander around the complex and admire the view over the Mekong River and surrounding countryside. Sail back to Kampong Cham.

     

    Freechoice

    Back in Kampong Cham, your Scenic Freechoice excursions this afternoon provides the chance to learn about the history and industries of the area. Your first option is to learn about the local folklore with stops at Phnom Pros (Man Hill and WatNokor). Phnom Pros was part of a traditional local legend but more recently was used as a Killing Field during the Khmer Rouge era. The temple now features a Buddha garden and is home to a local troop of monkeys. WatNokorBachey is a unique architectural experiment blending anAngkorianera temple with a new temple built inside it.

     

    Alternatively you can explore Kampong Chams history and industry with a drive past shop houses, remnants of the French colonial era and the large Central Market. Visit a local rubber plantation established by the French, followed by a tour to view the processing of the raw rubber at a rubber factory before stopping at a village known for growing betel nut, a popular item in Cambodian culture.

    Cambodia is known for its rural villages so your third option is to visit one such village where a French NGO is assisting the residents with education programs around sustainability, sanitation and recycling.

    Once back on board Scenic Spirit, enjoy some time to unwind in your spectacular suite. Your dedicated butler can arrange for a beautiful meal to be served in your suite as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the Mekong, overlooking the gorgeous sunset of the Cambodian skyline as you sail to Angkor Ban.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

12. Day 12 – Angkor Ban > Silk Island > Phnom Penh

    Upon arrival in Angkor Ban, explore its historical rural wooden houses,which survived the Khmer Rouge and visit a local pagoda where a private and solemn excursion at a Buddhist pagoda awaits.

     

    Enrich

    Receive a blessing from a monk and learn how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda before partaking in a ceremony which contributes to the daily meal of the resident monks.

    Afterwards return to Scenic Spirit for lunch and sail downstream to the island of Oknha Tey, where residents are dedicated to the art of silk weaving. Travel by tuk tuk to the farm and learn about the process of silk production. Return to Scenic Spirit where you may wish to absorb more about the local culture with our team by learning how to make and wear the Cambodian scarf.

    Enjoy the amenities on Scenic Spirit and truly unwind. What better way to do so than by heading to the Wellness Centre or Beauty Salon for a bit of pampering. This evening, you may wish to dress up for the Scenic Sunset Drinks cocktail reception on the Sun Deck against the backdrop of Phnom Penhs lights and stunning scenery as we approach the capital of Cambodia.

     

    Sunset Drinks

    Cocktail reception on the sundeck.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

13. Day 13 – Phnom Penh

     

    Freechoice

    Your Scenic Freechoice excursions provide the option to journey to the Killing Fields and tour TuolSlengPrison. These locations are a sobering reminder of the terrors unleashed by the Khmer Rouge regime. Although not a delightful tour, visiting these monuments unlocks the keys to understanding the development of this country. You will then return to Scenic Spirit for lunch.

    The second Scenic Freechoice excursion today is a hands-on cooking class. Take a tripto the local market with a local chef to purchase your ingredients. Head back to the kitchen to cook your own lunch, testing out the styles andflavoursof the Cambodian cuisine.

    The third option is to travel by remork, a local style of tuk tuk, to view the French architecture and history of Phnom Penh. Finish this tour with a stop at the uniquely designed Central Market for some shopping. Before returning to Scenic Spirit, stop for lunch at a local Non Government Office (NGO) sponsored restaurant supporting street kids get a start in the hospitality industry.

    The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure or you may wish to join an afternoon Scenic Freechoice excursion.

     

    Freechoice

    Travel to the silversmith village of Kho Chen. The village is known for their silver and copper smithing arts, a craft which has been passed on for generations within the village.

     

    Enrich

    Later in the evening enjoy your Phnom Penh by City Lights tour, giving you an insight to the nightlife of the capital before stopping at a distillery for an exclusive tour andtasting behind closed doors.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

14. Day 14 – Phnom Penh > Tan Chau

    Experience the opulent side of Phnom Penh this afternoon at the Royal Palace with the famous Silver Pagoda, during your included visit to this must-see attraction. Upon returning to the ship, set sail and say goodbye to Phnom Penh as we sail to the Cambodian and Vietnamese border.

    A relaxing afternoon of sailing will allow you to take advantage of the many exclusive facilities on board Scenic Spirit. You may wish to unwind in the Scenic Spirit library to learn more about the ports you are visiting. Or head to the heart of this ship, the Scenic Spirit Lounge, which is a great place to unwind with a glass of wine and meet other guests. You may wish to socialise by the pool with a refreshing cocktail and swim, or just settle into the private comfort of your luxury suite.

    After clearing immigration into Vietnam at the border, experience a fantastically themed dinner on board the Scenic Spirit along with a lion dance performed by locals on the expansive Sun Deck.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

15. Day 15 – Tan Chau

    You may wish to start your day with some exercise in the on board gym, try stretching at the early morning yoga class or relax in the sauna before setting off to on a ScenicFreechoiceexcursion of your choosing in the areas surrounding Tan Chau.

     

    Freechoice

    A prime example of leaving the city life behind will be found at Tra Su Bird Sanctuary in Tra Su Forest where you travel by sampan through endless waterways flanked by mangroves and lush greenery. This eco reserve spans 850 hectares and is known as an ecological haven for fauna and flora, with more than100 species of water birds known to reside here.

    If you would like to experience the community side of Vietnam, look no further than Evergreen Island for a morning of discovery about the local farmers. Enjoy the stunning and tranquil views of Monkey Bridge, orchards and traditional homes. Back in Tan Chau, experience a ride in aXeLoi. This commonly used form of transportation in rural Vietnam will take you to the recently renovated Cao Dai temple. The religion of Cao Dai is a syncretic, monotheistic religion established in southern Vietnam in the city of Ty Ninh in 1926. Here, you will learn more about the mix of ideas that form the basis of this fascinating religion.

    The third Scenic Freechoice excursion involves boarding a speedboat to visit Chau Doc, a major city in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, continue on board a coach to visit Tay An temple, which is a mixture of Indian and Islamic style architecture located at the foot of Sam Mountain. Then board another sampan to visit Vinh Te canal and view life along the riverfront of Chau Doc, stop at a family-operated fish farm and then return to Scenic Spirit.

    What better way to end the first day in Vietnam than a refreshing cocktail by the pool on board the Spirit along with a great view of the Mekong as you set sail for Sa Dec.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

16. Day 16 – Sa Dec > Cai Be

    Upon arrival in Sa Dec, board your sampan to explore and interact with the sellers in the lively wet market where you will see live fish, frogs and even snakes. . This 2-hour exploration is a deep dive into the locallifestyle. You can also visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le who inspired Marguerite Duras novelLAmanta story of tragic love, as told by your entertaining local expert. After your morning excursion, return to Scenic Spirit for lunch whilst sailing downstream to Cai Be.

     

    Freechoice

    This afternoon enjoy your choice from the Scenic Freechoice activities. Re-boardyour sampan, pass the location of the morning floating market and soak in the local life on your way to visit Cai Be town. Stop at local cottage industries and a French colonial or traditional Vietnamese house.

    Alternatively take a sampan from Scenic Spirit to savour a delicious afternoon tea at the Le Longanier, a French colonial house restaurant, where staff will welcome you with tea, coffee and a range of local fruit and snacks for your tasting. You can dive into a local experience with a band playing music and performing traditional Vietnamese songs.

    Alternatively, if you are enjoying the comforts of the luxurious Scenic Spirit, our highly skilled bar team is ready to welcome you for a hands-on cocktail/mocktail making class featuring fresh local ingredients. Create deliciousfavouritesfrom the Scenic Spirit menu.

    Back on board you will have time to relax and overlook the gorgeous sunset of the Vietnamese skyline and life on the Mekong River before your engaging farewell dinner with the crew.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

17. Day 17 – Mekong Cruise > Ho Chi Minh City

    It is time to bid farewell to the Scenic Spirit as you wave goodbye to the staff and commence your 90 min drive to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Upon arrival visit the War Museum before an orientation tour around your hotel and enjoy a two night stay, located in the heart of District One and opposite the Opera House.

     

    Freechoice Dining

    Tonight, choose your Scenic Free Choice dining option from an exhilarating Vespa ride at night as your experienced driver winds in and out the hectic traffic of the streets, stopping at all the best local spots for the most scrumptious Vietnamese cuisines. Sample the best authentic street food and an unlimited supply of drinks and eating however much your stomach desires. Alternatively, dine at Secret Garden restaurant, a themed Vietnamese restaurant that is a quintessentially Vietnamese house or try international fare at Nineteen Restaurant at your hotel or SHRI Restaurant and Lounge, which is set atop the new Centec Tower offering unparalleled panoramic views from nearly every table in the restaurant.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

18. Day 18 – Ho Chi Minh City

    After breakfast, travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels and spend the morning learning about the development and establishment of this hidden covered tunnel network that the Viet Cong soldiers hid in for months on end. Return to HCMC to explore the Reunification Palace, the former Presidential House of South Vietnam which become famous in 1975 with images of tanks crashing through its gates leading to the Souths surrender and end of the War of Independence. Enjoy tonights farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

19. Day 19 – Ho Chi Minh City > UK

    After check out head to the airport as you get ready to departVietnamfor your homeland or extended travels. Leave with a full camera and stunning memories to treasure.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

20. Day 20 – Arrive UK

    Welcome home.

    This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Disruptions to cruising and alteration to itinerary arrangements may occur. Hotels are indicative and are subject to change.

Journey inclusions