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Encounter the customs, culture, and local life of the Mekong River as you travel between Siem Reap, Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Weaving through a land of temples, pagodas and historic alms-houses, the Mekong showcases the rural grandeur of Southeast Asia in all its beauty and wonder. Your journey begins in Siem Reap, a cradle of ancient temples and pagodas found deep in Cambodia’s northern forestlands. Here, trace the legacy of Angkor Wat amid the spectacular ruins of Angkor Thom, Elephant Terrace and the multi-faced Bayon Temple, before taking your seat at the Cambodian Circus of Phare – an exclusive Scenic Enrich experience. Step on board Scenic Spirit, and begin your journey south on the timeless flow of the Mekong. Visit the ancient hilltop pagoda of Kampong Cham, learn about ecotourism in Cheung Kok, and receive a blessing from a monk in Kho Chen’s Buddhist pagoda during a special Scenic Enrich experience, before contributing to the daily alms ceremony of the resident nuns and monks. As you slip into Vietnam, marvel at the French colonial architecture of Sa Dec, where you’ll enjoy high tea at the home of Mr Huynh Thuy Le and experience the authentic floating markets of Cai Be. Ho Chi Minh City, your final port of call, introduces a cultural showcase, from the Reunification Palace and War Museum to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels – which formed the heart of the Viet Cong’s defence during the Vietnam War.
On Shore
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of single cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement. The price includes full board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day; if you choose to travel with us on any of the full-day excursions by coach, a packed lunch will be provided. Anyone choosing to stay on the ship may of course have lunch in the restaurant; morning/afternoon tea and coffee; all visits and excursions as mentioned in the brochure, airport transfers, coach travel as mentioned, and travel to and from the port of embarkation and the services of a Scenic Travel Tour Manager.
Fly from a choice of UK airports on selected airlines, including Emirates via Dubai, from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester or Newcastle. Alternatively, Singapore Airlines via Singapore from London Heathrow or Manchester.
Highlights: Welcome dinner Arrive at the your hotel in Siem Reap, your stylish home for a three night Special Stay. Spend the day at leisure until your welcome briefing and dinner tonight.
Day 3 - Siem Reap
Highlights: Angkor Temple Discovery, Enrich – Phare Circus Begin the day with a visit to the colossal Angkor Wat, before exploring at Angkor Thom and the multi-faced Bayon Temple. See the Elephant Terrace before enjoying your refreshing Khmer lunch. Later visit the atmospheric Ta Prohm Temple as seen in the film Tomb Raider. Enrich Take your Section A Reserved seat at the colourful Cambodian Circus, Phare.
Day 4 - Siem Reap
Highlights: Enrich – Sunrise Angkor Wat, Apsara Temple dinner Enrich Marvel at sunrise over the magnificent Angkor Wat before moving to a special location for a champagne breakfast with food prepared by an NGO supported local bakery school. Freechoice: Discover the temple of Banteay Srei and visit the Landmine Museum or explore Beng Mealea temples and the Artisans D’Angkor Handicraft Centre. Alternatively, cruise on Tonle Sap (seasonal) to view the floating villages or take a tethered balloon ride (weather dependent) to experience the spectacular aerial view above Angkor Wat. Enrich Be wowed by a magical themed gala dinner at an Angkor temple, with included free flow drinks and a show featuring Apsara dancers in front of candle lit temple ruins.
Day 5 - Siem Reap
Discover Cambodia’s rural countryside on your drive with stops en-route to Kampong Cham where Scenic Spirit awaits.
Day 6 - Wat Hanchey & Kampong Cham
Highlights: Freechoice Walk (or drive) to the top of Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery to meet the resident novice monks. Sail downstream to Kampong Cham. Freechoice Learn about the history of the area with a visit to Phnom Pros (Man Hill) and then Wat Nokor. Alternatively explore the ecotourism village of Cheung Kok or spend your time visiting a rubber plantation factory and beetle nut village.
Day 7 - Kampong Tralach & Oudong & Kho Chen
Highlights: Enrich – Monk blessing Arrive in Kampong Tralach and experience an ox cart ride through a local village and fields. Board your coach to the ancient capital of Oudong to visit the impressive pagoda and monastery to observe the lifestyle of the resident monks and nuns. Later sail down Tonle River and wander through the silversmith village of Kho Chen. 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 nuns and monks.
Day 8 - Phnom Penh
Highlights: Freechoice, Enrich – Raffles Experience and High Tea Freechoice: Journey to the Killing Fields and tour Tuol Sleng, or join a hands-on Khmer cooking demonstration. Alternatively, by Tuk Tuk explore Phnom Penh’s colonial buildings and Central Market. Enrich Immerse yourself in the historically celebrated luxury of Raffles, Hotel Le Royal. Enjoy a guided history tour followed by an indulgent high tea prepared in front of you by the hotel’s chefs, all whilst sipping on your signature cocktail named in honour of Jacqueline Kennedy. Choose to retire to the Elephant Bar for happy hour before returning to the ship viewing the floodlit Independence Monument en-route.
Day 9 - Phnom Penh & Tan Chau
Highlights: Royal Palace, Border crossing Marvel at the Royal Palace, with the famous Silver Pagoda within, on your included visit to this must-see attraction. The afternoon is at your leisure to take advantage of the facilities of the most luxurious ship on the Mekong as you set sail for the border. Celebrate arriving in Vietnam with your themed evening dinner.
Day 10 - Tan Chau
Highlights: Freechoice Whilst sailing to Sa Dec take the time to sip a cocktail by the pool or enjoy the solitude on your private balcony. Freechoice Visit the farmers on Evergreen Island and enjoy a ride in a Xe Loi. Alternatively cruise by speedboat to Chau Doc and walk through the market, visit a family-operated fish farm and cruise around Chau Doc waterfront. Alternatively visit Tra Su Bird Sanctuary.
Day 11 - Sa Dec & Cai Be
Highlights: Sa Dec markets, Freechoice Immerse yourself in the historic town of Sa Dec and explore its lively market. Stop for tea at the home of Mr Huynh Thuy Le who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant. Freechoice Visit Cai Be before stopping at local cottage industries and a traditional house in the area. Alternatively savour afternoon tea at a French colonial house or choose to stay on board for your special Freechoice activity.
Day 12 - Mekong Cruise & Ho Chi Minh City
Drive to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy an orientation tour around your Special Stay hotel for the next two nights, the elegant Park Hyatt Saigon. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a Vespa foodie tour of Saigon by Night or enjoy a meal in the surroundings of an old French colonial house. Alternatively dine at Restaurant Nineteen or Square One.
Day 13 - Ho Chi Minh City
Highlights: Cu Chi Tunnels, War Museum Travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the underground labyrinth of war-time passageways. Visit the Reunification Palace and War Museum before attending tonight’s farewell dinner.
Day 14 - Ho Chi Minh City
Depart with many Cherished memories.
Day 15 - Arrive Home
Welcome Home.
Fly from a choice of UK airports on selected airlines, including emirates via Dubai, from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester or Newcastle. Alternatively, Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow or Manchester.
Highlights: Welcome to Vietnam Welcome to vibrant Vietnam. Relax for the next two nights at your elegant Special Stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City
Highlights: Cu Chi Tunnels, Freechoice Dining Travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the underground labyrinth of war-time passageways. After lunch, stop for some bargaining at Ben Thanh Market. Enjoy a Vespa foodie tour of Saigon by night or enjoy a meal in the surroundings of an old French colonial house. Alternatively dine at Restaurant Nineteen or Square One.
Day 4 - Ho Chi Minh City
Highlights: Welcome Reception Discover all about Vietnam’s modern history through a visit to the Reunification Palace and War Museum. Later travel by coach to My Tho to board the luxurious Scenic Spirit.
Day 5 - Cai Be & Sa Dec
Highlights: Freechoice, Sa Dec markets Freechoice Board a sampan to visit Cai Be before stopping at local cottage industries and a French colonial or traditional Vietnamese house. Alternatively savour morning tea at a French colonial house or choose to stay on board for your special Freechoice activity. Later, immerse yourself in the historic town of Sa Dec and explore and interact with the sellers in the lively market, then visit the home of Mr Huynh Thuy Le who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant.
Day 6 - Tan Chau
Highlights: Freechoice Evergreen Island Freechoice Visit the farmers on Evergreen Island and enjoy a ride in a Xe Loi. Alternatively, walk through Chau Doc market, visit a family-operated fish farm and cruise around Chau Doc waterfront or visit Tra Su Bird Sanctuary. Tonight enjoy a themed evening dinner to say farewell to Vietnam.
Day 7 - Tan Chau > Phnom Penh
Highlights: Enrich – Raffles Experience and High Tea Cross the border into Cambodia and sail to the capital city, Phnom Penh. Enrich Arrive in style by Tuk Tuk and immerse yourself in the historically celebrated luxury of Raffles, Hotel Le Royal. Enjoy a guided history tour followed by an indulgent high tea prepared in front of you by the hotel’s chefs, all whilst sipping on your signature cocktail named in honour of Jacqueline Kennedy. Choose to retire to the Elephant Bar for happy hour before returning to the ship viewing the floodlit Independence Monument en-route.
Day 8 - Phnom Penh
Highlights: Freechoice, Royal Palace Later this afternoon marvel at the Royal Palace, with the famous Silver Pagoda within, on your included visit to this must-see attraction. Freechoice Journey to the Killing Fields and tour Tuol Sleng, or join a hands-on Khmer cooking demonstration. Alternatively, by Tuk Tuk explore Phnom Penh’s colonial buildings, the Central Market and the city’s modern architecture.
Day 9 - Kampong Tralach & Oudong & Kho Chen
Highlights: Enrich – Monk blessing In Kampong Tralach, experience an ox cart ride through a local village and fields to Wat Kampong Tralach. Board your coach to the ancient capital of Oudong to visit the impressive pagoda and monastery to observe the lifestyle of the resident monks and nuns. Later sail down the Tonle River and wander through the silversmith village of Kho Chen before continuing your cruise to Kampong Cham via Phnom Penh. 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 nuns and monks.
Day 10 - Wat Hanchey & Kampong Cham
Highlights: Freechoice Walk (or drive) to the top of Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery to meet the resident novice monks. Sail downstream to Kampong Cham. Freechoice Learn about the history behind Phnom Pros (Man Hill) and Wat Nokor. Alternatively explore the ecotourism village of Cheung Kok or visit a rubber plantation factory and beetle nut village.
Day 11 - Mekong Cruise & Siem Reap
Highlights: Enrich – Cambodian Circus, Phare Discover the countryside of Cambodia on your drive to your hotel in Siem Reap, your stylish three night Special Stay located in the heart of the town. Enrich Take your Section A Reserved seat at the colourful Cambodian Circus, Phare.
Day 12 - Siem Reap
Highlights: Angkor Temples Exploration Visit the colossal Angkor Wat before stopping at Angkor Thom and the multi-faced Bayon Temple. Later visit the atmospheric Ta Prohm Temple. Take advantage of your free night to visit the night markets.
Day 13 - Siem Reap
Highlights: Enrich – Sunrise Angkor Wat, Apsara Temple dinner Enrich Marvel at sunrise over the magnificent Angkor Wat before moving to a special location for a champagne breakfast with food prepared by an NGO supported local bakery school. Freechoice: Discover Banteay Srei and visit the Landmine Museum or explore Beng Mealea temples and Artisans D’Angkor. Alternatively, cruise on Tonle Sap (seasonal) or take a tethered balloon ride (weather dependent) above Angkor Wat before visiting a Pouk Silk Farm and Preah Khan Temple. Enrich Be wowed by a magical themed gala dinner at an Angkor temple, with included free flow drinks and a show featuring Apsara dancers in front of candle lit temple ruins.
Day 14 - Siem Reap
Depart Cambodia treasuring many wonderful memories and transfer to the airport for your flight home with your chosen airline.
Day 15 - Arrive UK
Welcome Home
Scenic’s Mekong River cruises take place aboard Scenic Spirit, a 279-foot vessel that was launched in 2016 and can accommodate 68 passengers in 34 one-bedroom balcony suites. The Scenic Spirit, offers an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio and is equipped with a sleek swimming pool, a steam sauna, and an open-air cinema. Boasting a collection of the most generous suites available on the Mekong River, Scenic Spirit is more akin to a luxury boutique hotel than a conventional river cruise ship. Each perfectly appointed suite benefits from its own balcony, en-suite bathroom and living space, so you can be sure your stay on this mighty waterway will be as comfortable and luxurious as it is culturally stimulating. To bolster the sense of space and luxury afforded by our spacious guest cabins, Scenic Spirit also features a raft of communal areas, including a handful of decadent eateries and an expansive open-air space complete with vitality pool, café and alfresco cinema. Below, you’ll find a selection of images which capture every aspect of Scenic Spirit, allowing you to explore this beautiful, innovative vessel before you even step on board.
34 elegantly appointed all balcony Suites range in size from 344 – 861 ft². Try one of the 2 Royal Panorama Suites, situated at the front of the ship at 861 sq ft² in size with separate bedroom and living area. An large outdoor terrace, allowing you to enjoy the views of your surroundings and the ever-changing scenery. All Suites feature added enhancements such as a large sitting area. All staterooms include amenities such ensuite bathroom with shower, Infotainment, climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe, fridge and complimentary bottled water replenished daily. Scenic offer levels of service which are differentiated by the level of stateroom or suite booked. Please see the individual room type description for details.
Scenic sit at the top of the luxury river cruise market. A luxurious mix of contemporary, a luxurious ship with top level touring and inclusions which add up to a relaxing, high level river cruise and touring holiday.
Extend your stay and broaden your experience in the more remote destinations of Vietnam. Sapa – 5 day tour from Hanoi Sapa is a charming mountain town and home to a number of local minority tribes. Marvel at the stunning vistas of this former hill station, dramatic landscapes, picturesque villages and rice terraces. Interact with the friendly hill tribe locals, many who still practise their traditions and customs. 2019/2020 5 day pre tour departures Twin Share from £790pp, Single from £1580 Veteran’s Legacy 2/3 day tour from Ho Chi Minh City Vung Tau is located 125 kilometres east of Ho Chi Minh City in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, the beach resort town of Vung Tau was formally known as Cap Saint-Jacques under French occupation. It is also located close to Ba Ria, and together both towns have played a role in Australia’s war history. 2019/2020 3 day pre tour departures Twin share £395pp, Single £755 – Intercontinental Saigon/Imperial Hotel 2019/2020 2 day Post tour departures Twin share £310pp, Single £575 – Imperial Hotel