Vietnam & Cambodia tour | Scenic cruise: Luxury Mekong cruise

Your day begins with a sumptuous gourmet breakfast, complete with champagne, after which you can choose from various ways to explore Cai Be and the surrounding area. Step aboard a traditional sampan to Tan Phong Island for a water hyacinth weaving workshop and a buggy tour through the vast fruit orchards, or enjoy a French colonial-style afternoon tea at Le Longanier with local delicacies and live music. Prefer to relax? On board, you can take part in a cocktail or mocktail workshop using fresh local ingredients, whilst enjoying the stunning views of the Mekong.

After lunch, whilst sailing towards Sa Dec, you can unwind in the lounge or visit the library. Upon arrival, explore the lively wet market by sampan and admire the home of the famous Mr Huynh Thuy Le. Round off the day with a refreshing dip in the pool at sunset, followed by an atmospheric themed dinner on board with a spectacular lion dance on the sundeck, after which the Scenic Spirit sets course for Tan Chau for the night-time cruise.

Start your day just as you like: with an invigorating workout in the on-board gym, a peaceful yoga session at sunrise, or a relaxing moment in the sauna. Afterwards, you’ll go ashore to explore the area around Tan Chau. You can choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice experiences: a serene sampan trip through the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, a stunning nature reserve full of mangroves and colourful waterbirds; a visit to Evergreen Island to discover traditional farming life; or a ride in a classic xe loi through Tan Chau, including a stop at the recently renovated, brightly coloured Cao Dai temple, where you’ll learn more about this unique blend of Buddhist, Christian, Taoist and Confucian beliefs. For a more adventurous option, you can take a speedboat to Chau Doc and visit the Tay An Temple at Sam Mountain, followed by a leisurely sampan trip along the Vinh Te Canal.

After lunch on board, the Scenic Spirit sets course for the Vietnamese and Cambodian border. Enjoy a moment of relaxation in the Wellness Centre or the Beauty Salon whilst the ship goes through border formalities. As soon as you enter Cambodia, a new phase of your journey begins as the Scenic Spirit sails peacefully towards Phnom Penh. Take in the views and bid farewell to the Vietnamese countryside as you prepare for the adventures that await you tomorrow in the Cambodian capital.

Welcome to Cambodia! This morning you’ll arrive in the bustling capital, Phnom Penh, where, after breakfast, you’ll be ready to explore the city. You’ll have plenty of Scenic Freechoice experiences to choose from: pay a poignant visit to the infamous Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to learn more about the history and resilience of the Cambodian people; take part in a hands-on cookery workshop with a local chef, including a visit to the colourful market; or discover the city by remork, a local tuk-tuk, exploring the French architecture, charming backstreets and the unique Central Market with its iconic Art Deco façades.

After your morning excursion, return on board for lunch and a relaxing afternoon aboard the Scenic Spirit. In the evening, an unforgettable experience awaits: the ‘Phnom Penh by City Lights’ tour, during which you’ll discover the city’s nocturnal charm and visit a local rum distillery for an exclusive Scenic Sunset Drinks experience, complete with a guided tour and tasting. This brings the day to a close, filled with culture, flavour and enchanting views of the Cambodian capital.

You’ll board a coach for a short journey to the ancient capital of Oudong, a place steeped in history and spirituality. Here, you’ll gain a unique insight into the lives of the monks and nuns who reside in the peaceful monastery, and with a bit of luck, you may be able to take part in one of the many traditional festivals or rituals that take place regularly. Back in Phnom Penh, you’ll admire the splendour of the Royal Palace and the famous Silver Pagoda, situated on the river and still the official residence of the King of Cambodia.

After these cultural discoveries, you’ll return on board the Scenic Spirit for a special afternoon and evening. Before setting off for Oknha Tey, better known as Silk Island, you’ll be treated to a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation. Round off the day in style with a sundowner cocktail on the sundeck, whilst enjoying the magnificent view of the lights and the rhythm of Phnom Penh, before the Scenic Spirit sets sail for your next destination.

You’ll start the day with an enchanting visit to Wat Hanchey, an ancient pagoda and monastery perched on a hilltop. Walk or drive to the summit and enjoy some of the most beautiful panoramic views of your entire cruise. During a Scenic Enrich experience, you’ll receive a traditional blessing from a monk, learn how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda and take part in an almsgiving ceremony that contributes to the monks’ daily meals.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Kampong Cham, where you can choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice experiences. Discover local folklore at Phnom Pros, a legendary hilltop pagoda featuring a Buddha Garden and a troop of curious monkeys, or visit Wat Nokor Bachey, a unique combination of an Angkorian temple and a modern temple. You can also explore the city’s history and industry, including a rubber plantation and a betel nut village, or visit the tranquil Kho Penh Village on Pen Island, where you’ll experience the traditional way of life of Cambodian farmers. Round off the day in style on board with a stunning view of the sunset and a convivial farewell dinner with the crew.

You’ll set course for Siem Reap, with fascinating stops along the way at Kampong Tom and the historic Angkorian Bridge in Kampong Kdei. Along the way, enjoy the stunning views of the Cambodian countryside and the vibrant riverside communities, whilst being pampered in comfort on board the Scenic Spirit.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Here, step back in time to a paragon of luxury and your historic home for the next three nights. This beautifully appointed accommodation combines French architecture with local interior design. The attentive staff provide service that exceeds expectations, and the excellent facilities are nothing short of regal.

This evening, you’ll head to the colourful Cambodian Phare Circus, where VIP premium seats have been reserved for you. The magnificently costumed performers put on an impressive show that is much more than just a circus. Through theatre, music, dance and modern circus techniques, they tell unique Cambodian stories: historical, folkloric and contemporary.

Your day begins with a lavish champagne breakfast buffet at the hotel. Afterwards, you can choose from a variety of Scenic Freechoice experiences. For example, visit the 10th-century Banteay Srei temple, known for its pink sandstone and dedication to the Hindu god Shiva, combined with a visit to the Landmine Museum.

Other options include a workshop at Senteurs d’Angkor, where you can make your own local products, or a village walk through Ta Brak. You can also take a boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake (seasonal) and experience life in a floating village, or visit the Angkor Wildlife Aquarium for a behind-the-scenes look.

For something truly unique, you can go on a hot-air balloon ride (seasonal) with views of Angkor Wat, followed by a lotus workshop.

In the afternoon, a visit to Angkor Wat is on the programme – the largest religious monument in the world, originally a Hindu temple and later a Buddhist one. In the evening, you’ll have free time to visit the night markets or head to Pub Street.

Start your day early with a Scenic Enrich experience: admire the sunrise over the impressive Angkor Wat, followed by a delicious champagne breakfast at a special location near a temple. The food is prepared by a local bakery school sponsored by Scenic and supported by an NGO.

After breakfast, you’ll visit the atmospheric, jungle-overgrown Ta Prohm temple, before continuing on to Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple with its many faces. The rest of the afternoon is free to further explore the markets of Siem Reap or to relax in your luxury hotel after the early start.

The final Scenic Enrich experience of this trip is truly special and exclusive. Your guides and the Scenic team will ensure an unforgettable evening during a private gala dinner at Prasat Kravan, a small 10th-century temple with five red-brick towers. With unlimited drinks and a performance by Apsara dancers set against the illuminated temple ruins, this evening provides a spectacular finale to a truly special journey.