Journey along the Mekong 18 Days

Start the day with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you'll discover the remarkable history and intricate network of underground passages used by Viet Cong soldiers. After returning to the city for lunch, the afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Indulge in a Scenic Freechoice Dining experience tonight. Take a thrilling Vespa ride to savor the finest Vietnamese cuisine at local hotspots, or choose from other enticing options. Dine at the themed Secret Garden restaurant, savor international flavors at Nineteen Restaurant, or enjoy panoramic views at SHRI Restaurant and Lounge atop the Centec Tower.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast and complete the check-out process. Explore the War Museum and Reunification Palace, significant landmarks that hold historical importance. The Reunification Palace, known for its role in the end of the War of Independence, will leave you captivated. After a satisfying lunch, transfer to My Tho, where you'll embark on the stunning Scenic Spirit cruise ship. Your journey begins with a warm cocktail reception hosted by the Cruise Director. Take a leisurely walk around the ship's decks to familiarize yourself with the amenities. Indulge in a delightful welcome dinner before settling into your luxurious private suite. Your dedicated personal butler is always available to assist you, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction. Enjoy a peaceful 4-hour sail, anchoring overnight off Cai Be.

Start your day with a delightful champagne breakfast, prepared to perfection. Embark on your chosen Scenic Freechoice excursion, tailored to your preferences. Option 1: Board a traditional sampan boat and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a floating market. Glide along the water, witness local life, and visit Cai Be. Explore local cottage industries and discover the charm of a French colonial or traditional Vietnamese house. Option 2: Take a sampan to the enchanting Le Longanier, a French colonial house restaurant. Indulge in a delightful morning tea experience, where you'll be greeted with a selection of local fruits, tea, coffee, and snacks. Enjoy the soothing melodies of a live band performing traditional Vietnamese music. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay aboard the luxurious Scenic Spirit, join our skilled bar team for an interactive cocktail/mocktail making class. Learn the art of mixology using fresh local ingredients and create delicious favorites from the Scenic Spirit menu. After your morning activity, return to the ship for a delectable lunch while cruising towards Sa Dec. Take some time to relax in the Scenic Spirit library, where you can deepen your knowledge about each port and the exciting activities that lie ahead. Alternatively, unwind in the Scenic Spirit Lounge, savor a glass of wine, and mingle with fellow guests.

Embark on your sampan once again this morning for an immersive experience at the vibrant wet market of Sa Dec. Engage with the local sellers and witness the lively trade of live fish, frogs, and even snakes. This 2-hour exploration offers a fascinating glimpse into the local lifestyle. Continue your journey by visiting the residence of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration behind Marguerite Duras' novel, "L'Amant," a tale of tragic love, as narrated by our captivating local expert. Upon returning to the ship, indulge in a refreshing evening swim in the pool, overlooking the majestic Mekong River as the sun gracefully sets. As you step back on board, the ship will commence its 6-hour voyage to Tan Chau. After a delightful dinner, retire to your suite for a peaceful cruise along the enchanting Mekong River.

Start your day with invigorating activities such as a workout in the onboard gym, a rejuvenating session of early morning yoga, or a soothing visit to the sauna. Then embark on a Scenic Freechoice excursion of your choice in the captivating surroundings of Tan Chau. Option 1: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Tra Su Bird Sanctuary in Tra Su Forest. Glide through picturesque waterways aboard a sampan, surrounded by mangroves and lush greenery. This ecological reserve, spanning 850 hectares, is a haven for diverse flora and fauna, with over 100 species of water birds residing here. Option 2: Explore the local farming community at Evergreen Island, where you'll discover the traditional way of life and be enchanted by scenic views of Monkey Bridge, orchards, and charming homes. Take a ride in a Xe Loi, a popular mode of rural transportation in Vietnam, to visit the beautifully renovated Cao Dai temple. Learn about the unique blend of beliefs that shape the fascinating Cao Dai religion. Option 3: Embark on a speedboat journey to Chau Doc, a significant city in the Mekong Delta. Visit Tay An temple, showcasing captivating architecture blending Indian and Islamic influences, situated at the base of Sam Mountain. Afterwards, board another sampan to explore Vinh Te canal, observe the riverfront life in Chau Doc, and visit a family-operated fish farm. After your chosen excursion, return to the Scenic Spirit for a delicious lunch. As the ship sails towards the Vietnamese-Cambodian border, take some leisure time to relax. Treat yourself to pampering at the Wellness Centre or Beauty Salon. While the ship undergoes immigration clearance, delight in a themed dinner onboard, accompanied by a captivating lion dance performance by local artists on the expansive Sun Deck.

Take the morning to indulge in leisurely activities. Attend captivating onboard demonstrations or unwind in the library, observation lounge, pool area, or your luxurious suite as we sail upstream from the Vietnamese border to Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia. Enrich In the evening, immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Phnom Penh with our City Lights tour. Experience the city's vibrant nightlife and delve into its captivating energy. The tour includes an exclusive visit to a distillery, where you'll enjoy a fascinating tour and indulge in tastings of their exquisite creations.

Embark on a captivating journey through Phnom Penh after a delightful breakfast. Immerse yourself in Cambodia's rich heritage, encompassing its cuisine, people, and awe-inspiring ancient temples. Scenic Freechoice: Choose from a range of immersive experiences. Explore the poignant Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Prison, bearing witness to the dark history of the Khmer Rouge regime. Alternatively, participate in a hands-on cooking class, venturing to the local market with a skilled chef to select ingredients and create your own Cambodian lunch. Another option is to hop on a remork, a local-style tuk-tuk, to discover Phnom Penh's French architecture and history. Conclude the tour with a visit to the remarkable Central Market for some shopping and indulge in a meal at a restaurant supporting street kids in the hospitality industry. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, or you may choose to join an optional Scenic Freechoice excursion. Journey to Kho Chen, a village renowned for its traditional silver and copper craftsmanship passed down through generations. Marvel at the intricate creations and immerse yourself in the artisanal traditions.

Embark on a short coach journey to Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia. Delve into the lives of the monks and nuns residing in the monastery, and if fortunate, partake in their vibrant festivals and customs. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the grandeur of Phnom Penh at the Royal Palace, including a visit to the renowned Silver Pagoda. As evening falls, indulge in Scenic Sunset Drinks on the Sun Deck, admiring the captivating city lights of Phnom Penh. Set sail towards Oknha Tey, also known as Silk Island, while savoring panoramic views and the passing scenery.

Embark on a morning exploration of Oknha Tey, an enchanting island renowned for its exquisite silk weaving. Hop on a tuk-tuk and visit a silk farm to discover the intricate process of silk production. Return to Scenic Spirit for a delicious lunch and enjoy some leisure time. Relax by the pool, sip on refreshing cocktails, and take a refreshing swim. Our next destination is Angkor Ban, where you'll delve into the history of its preserved traditional wooden houses that withstood the Khmer Rouge regime. Visit a local school that offers English lessons to students after their regular classes. Back on board, continue sailing towards Kampong Cham. Immerse yourself in the local culture by learning the art of making and wearing the traditional Cambodian scarf, guided by our knowledgeable team.

Experience the serenity of Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery, where you'll meet the novice monks and bask in breathtaking panoramic views. Immerse yourself in an enriching Buddhist ceremony, receiving a blessing from a monk and learning the art of prayer in a Buddhist pagoda. As we return to Kampong Cham, indulge in our Scenic Freechoice excursions. Option one unveils local folklore with visits to Phnom Pros (Man Hill) and Wat Nokor, featuring a unique blend of ancient and modern architecture. Option two offers insights into Kampong Cham's history and industry, including a tour of French colonial-era shop houses, a rubber plantation, and a village known for betel nut cultivation. Lastly, option three allows you to witness the positive impact of a French NGO on a rural village's education and sustainability programs. Back on Scenic Spirit, savor the mesmerizing sunset over the Cambodian skyline before joining a delightful farewell dinner with the crew.

After disembarking from Scenic Spirit, embark on a coach journey to Siem Reap, making captivating stops at Kampong Tom and the Angkorian bridge in Kampong Kdei. Siem Reap, a harmonious blend of ancient and contemporary architecture, awaits you with its iconic Angkor temples. Your Special Stay hotel, a luxurious haven, will be your historical home for the next three nights. This exquisite accommodation showcases French-inspired architecture, authentic local furnishings, exceptional service from attentive staff, and opulent amenities fit for royalty. In the evening, indulge in an extraordinary experience at the vibrant Cambodian Phare Circus. With VIP premium reserved seating, witness a mesmerizing performance that goes beyond a traditional circus. Through a captivating blend of theatre, music, dance, and modern circus arts, the talented performers tell compelling Cambodian stories, encompassing history, folklore, and the contemporary.

Embark on the second day of your Siem Reap exploration with a delightful champagne buffet breakfast at the hotel. As part of Scenic's Freechoice excursions, indulge in a range of options. Choose to visit the enchanting 10th-century Banteay Srei Temple, known as the Ladies Temple for its pinkish sandstone and dedication to the Hindu deity Shiva. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the Landmine Museum, a poignant institution founded in 1997 to ensure the country's safety through mine clearance efforts. For a creative experience, head to the Senteurs d'Angkor workshop and craft your own unique local souvenir. Discover the traditional techniques used by artisans to create handmade soaps, natural cosmetics, scented balms, aromatic candles, and local spices. If you prefer water adventures, embark on a picturesque sailing journey on Tonlé Sap (seasonal), a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and witness the captivating lifestyle of the residents in the famous floating village. Alternatively, take to the skies in a tethered balloon and enjoy a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the contrasting traditional and modern Siem Reap. Capture remarkable photographs of the skyline and overlook the magnificent Angkor Wat below. In the afternoon, embark on a mesmerizing visit to Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument. Originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu by the Khmer Empire, it later became a significant Buddhist temple. Explore this colossal structure and capture its beauty in the perfect light. After a day filled with adventure, enjoy an evening of leisure. Stroll through the vibrant night markets of Siem Reap or venture to Pub Street, both within walking distance or a short tuk-tuk ride from your hotel.

Witness the breathtaking sunrise over the majestic Angkor Wat, followed by a special champagne breakfast in a serene location near a temple. Indulge in delectable food prepared by a local bakery school supported by an NGO, which Scenic proudly sponsors. After breakfast, explore the atmospheric Ta Prohm Temple, embraced by the lush jungle. Continue to Angkor Thom, where you'll encounter the captivating Bayon Temple with its multitude of faces. The afternoon is yours to delve further into the vibrant markets of Siem Reap or simply relax at your luxurious hotel after the early start. Enrich Prepare for an unforgettable and exclusive evening as your Tour Directors and the Scenic team guide you to a private gala dinner at Prasat Kravan. This enchanting 10th-century temple features five reddish brick towers on a shared terrace. Experience a mesmerizing performance by Apsara dancers amidst the candlelit temple ruins, accompanied by Khmer cuisine and free-flowing drinks. This extraordinary evening concludes your time in Siem Reap, leaving you with cherished memories.

After checking out, you will be transferred to Siem Reap Airport. Board a flight to Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos, where you will enjoy a three-night stay in a magnificent Special Stay property. This luxurious hotel, nestled in a serene location within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, was originally constructed as the residence of a French Governor in the 1900s. In the evening, take a leisurely walk to the summit of sacred Mount Phousi and witness the mesmerizing sunset over the tranquil valley. Along the way, you will encounter charming temples and shrines scattered throughout the hill, with saffron-robed monks often strolling along the leafy paths. Though there are around 350 steps to reach the top, the panoramic 360-degree views of the town make the climb truly worthwhile.

Explore the prominent historical sites of the city, including the National Museum housed in the former Royal Palace, the revered Wat Xieng Thong temple, and the grand Wat Mai temple. Later, embark on a delightful 2-hour cruise along the upper Mekong River to discover the enchanting Pak Ou Caves, also known as Tam Ting. These sacred caves nestled within limestone cliffs are adorned with thousands of golden Buddha statues, symbolizing centuries of devotion. Afterward, return to Luang Prabang by coach, with a stop at Ban Xang Hay village known for its rice wine production. Enjoy your evening at leisure, giving you the opportunity to explore the vibrant night market and find unique souvenirs to take back home.

Witness a truly captivating and empowering moment in the streets of Luang Prabang as you partake in the dawn ritual of alms-giving. Marvel at the serene movements of the local monks as they collect their daily offerings. Afterward, return to the hotel for a nourishing breakfast before embarking on the day's activities. Begin with a journey to the breathtaking Kuang Si waterfalls, where translucent turquoise waters cascade from the lush jungle above into perfectly sculpted limestone pools. En route back to the town, visit a small village inhabited by one of the ethnic minority groups in the area, and gain insights into their unique traditions and vibrant culture. Immerse yourself in the local spirituality with a traditional Baci ceremony, a cherished ritual of Laos. Pay homage to the ancient traditions and customs of this remarkable land. In the evening, savor a delectable farewell dinner, relishing the opportunity to reminisce and share cherished memories from your journey together.

Bid farewell to the captivating land of Laos, cherishing the cherished memories created during your time here. Fly to Bangkok, where your journey concludes upon arrival. Please ensure that your departure flight from Bangkok is booked for after 03:00 PM. Please note that this itinerary serves as a guide and is subject to possible adjustments due to operational considerations, such as water levels. As a result, changes to the cruising schedule and itinerary may occur. The listed hotels are representative and are subject to change.