LUXURY MEKONG RIVER CRUISE

Introduction

Akin to a five-star floating hotel, board what is widely considered one the finest vessels that cruises the Mekong waters, the Scenic Spirit. Beginning in Ho Chi Minh City, travel through the glorious Vietnamese countryside, observing life along the river and making frequent stops to the shore for immersive tours, before crossing into Cambodia and meandering towards Siem Reap, the gateway of the iconic Angkor Wat complex. En route, explore lively floating markets, spend time with novice monks, discover the harrowing history of Cambodia in its capital Phnom Penh, and of course, enjoy the brilliant facilities onboard.

Day-by-Day

Day 1 & 2: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s cosmopolitan hub of the south. After a night in a hotel to rest up after your flight, travel to My Tho to begin your cruise on the luxurious Scenic Spirit. Meet your fellow travellers and the vessel crew over a cocktail reception before the voyage begins this evening. 

Day 3: Cai Be to Sa Dec

Early morning arrival in Cai Be where a sampan will be waiting to take you on a tour of this bustling town that thrives on the edge of the river. Visit traditional houses, observe the trade activities on the water and sample Vietnamese tea at a local home. This afternoon, depart for Sa Dec where you’ll be able to take part in a guided tour of this lively and historic market town. 

Day 4: Tan Chau, Vietnam

An easy-going day where you will be able to explore Tan Chau in the morning and enjoy the facilities of the Scenic Spirit in the afternoon. This evening, leave Vietnam behind and cross the border into Cambodia. 

Day 5: Pnhom Penh, Cambodia

Early morning arrival in Phnom Penh. Plenty of time is afforded to discover Cambodia’s capital with options to learn about the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge with visits to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Museum or alternatively to embark on a tour of Phnom Penh’s colonial buildings by tuk tuk and visit the Central Market. 

Day 6: Oudong, Cambodia

Travel the short distance to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital where a guided tour will showcase the impressive pagoda, the monastery, and the Royal Palace. 

Day 7: Koh Dach &  Angkor Ban, Cambodia

Today, learn about the art of silk weaving on Koh Dach Island, explore the historic wooden houses of the rural village of Angkor Ban and spend time with a local teacher in the village school. 

Day 8: Wat Hanchey & Kampong Cham, Cambodia

This morning visit Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery where you’ll be able to meet the novice monks and enjoy the elevated countryside views. Returning to the vessel, travel downstream to Kampong Cham, a large but charming city that is home to Cambodia’s largest Islamic community. 

Day 9 & 10: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Your final leg of the cruise is probably the most scenic as you travel past many rural communities until you reach Siem Reap. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay in the town and free time to explore the impressive temples of Angkor.

Prices

From £3,445 per person

River Cruise Holiday Includes:

• International flights from the UK in Economy
• 7 nights onboard Scenic
• 2 nights hotel accommodation 
• 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Gratuities onboard
• Transfers and taxes

Price based on two people sharing a Standard Suite between October 2022 - May 2023. Itinerary also operates in reverse. Simply enquire below.