5-star Scenic Spirit: Cambodia and Vietnam

from 

£3,984

per person
 
Duration: 13 Nights
Destination: Asia
Deal Code: DCTMR4J

 

 

Description

Temple Discovery and Luxury Mekong Cruise 

From Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City, discover majestic Angkor Wat, receive a monk's blessing and appreciate the spectacle that is the Cambodian Circus.

The fascinating Mekong is many things to many people. Embark on a journey of contrasts as you gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia and Vietnam’s complex histories and be charmed by the friendly locals as they go about their daily lives along this magnificent waterway.

Marvel at the sunrise over the majestic Angkor Wat, receive a monk’s blessing and appreciate the spectacle that is Phare, the Cambodian Circus. Explore the ancient hilltop monastery of Wat Hanchey and immerse yourself in the beauty of Khmer handicrafts in Cheung Kok. Sometimes simply sitting back and watching the world glide by is the perfect way to relish the sights and sounds – especially when ensconced in luxury on board the boutique Scenic Spirit. Let the Mekong captivate and astound.

Inclusions

The Scenic Difference -

  • Exclusive Gala Dinner at an Angkor temple
  • Champagne breakfast at an Angkor temple
  • Included tour to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh
  • Night time remork (tuk tutour with distillery visit
  • VIP seats to Phare Circus in Siem Reap
  • Tethered balloon ride over Angkor Wat as Scenic Freechoice option
  • Hotels within walking distance to attractions
  • Same Scenic Tour Director from start to finish

5-star luxury inclusions

  • 5-star Scenic ship with luxurious one-bedroom balcony suites
  • 5 exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences
  • Your choice of 17 Scenic Freechoice activities
  • 1 Scenic Sundowners event
  • 1 memorable Scenic Special Stay
  • Up to four on board dining options, from casual to fine dining
  • 27 meals – 10 breakfasts (B), 8 lunches (L) and 9 dinners (D)
  • Complimentary beverages all day throughout your 7 night cruise
  • Butler service for all guests throughout your 7 night cruise
  • Scenic Cruise Director and Tour Director with expert local guides
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your 7 night cruise
  • All tipping and gratuities

 

Ship: Scenic Spirit

Cabin: C - Deluxe Suite

Duration: 13 Nights 

Sail Date: 07th April 2023


C - Deluxe Suite

These spacious Suites at 32m²/344ft² are located on the Jewel, Sapphire and Diamond Decks. Each have a private full-length balcony, walk in wardrobe and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin with a separate toilet and shower.

  • Luxury queen size slumber bed with pillow menu
  • Scenic Sun Lounge
  • Complimentary mini bar
  • Complimentary movies on demand
  • Hairdryer, alarm clock, telephone, In room safe
  • International power sockets
  • Luxury bathroom amenities, produced using local ingredients
  • Luxury bathrobe and slippers
  • Nordic walking sticks and Umbrellas
  • Butler service
  • Free use of on board guest laundry facilities
  • Shoeshine service
  • Early morning tea/coffee service
  • Beverage service in your private suite
  • Individual climate control
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Beverage and meal service in your private suite

Six reasons why sailing on the Mekong with Scenic truly is in a class of its own

Rich in culture, history and scenery, and one of the most biologically diverse rivers in the world (second only to the Amazon), the Mekong is the lifeblood of Vietnam and Cambodia.

1. It's a small ship experience with spacious interiors

Scenic Spirit is more than a standard river vessel. It is a luxury custom-built ship that follows an extraordinary journey to places along the river not able to be reached by bigger ships, such as small villages that provide an authentic glimpse into everyday life on the Mekong. 

Its smaller size also means that it accommodates just 68 guests, offering a more intimate and personalised experience and a high space-to-guest ratio. The dining and relaxation areas are spacious and uncrowded, giving guests freedom to roam and relax as they cruise along the mighty Mekong.

2. You'll have destination experiences that only Scenic can offer

With a maximum of 24 guests per group for Scenic Freechoice excursions, your days will feel less like a group tour and more like a private exploration with friends. They include the must-see sites in each destination as well as hidden gems that only locals know, led by both your Tour Director – who acts as a guide, storyteller, art expert and historian all in one, and your local guides – who are experts in the area you are visiting.

Scenic Spirit guests have access to one-of-a-kind experiences that other cruise guests don’t. Among the many highlights: a Scenic Enrich Gala Dinner at Prasat Kravan temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia; a monk blessing in a Cambodian Buddhist temple; and a behind-the-scenes tour at the iconic Water Puppets show in Hanoi, Vietnam. Unique experiences that you’ll remember long after you’ve returned home. 

3. You will enjoy an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio for exceptional service

With the company of just 67 other guests, you will enjoy the ultimate in 5-star service on board Scenic Spirit. Each suite comes with a butler who has been highly trained to pay attention to every detail. They will know how you like your morning coffee and your favourite afternoon cocktail by the pool – small details that will make your stay memorable. 

It’s more than just butler service, though. There is a whole team of talented staff behind the seamless experience, where your needs are met before you have even asked.

4. Every suite is remarkable with the most spacious lead-in suites on the Mekong

A spacious suite is a dream for all cruisers and Scenic Spirit has it in spades. The lead-in Deluxe Suites are a generous 32 square metres; Grand Deluxe Suites are slightly larger at 40 square-metres; while Royal Panorama Suites are a sprawling 80 square-metres with a private outdoor terrace and jacuzzi.

Each suite has a separate bed and lounge area, with queen-sized Scenic Slumber Beds and extensive pillow menu, complimentary mini bar and daily turn-down service. The best part, though? Every suite converts to a Scenic Sun Lounge at the touch of a button when the floor-to-ceiling glass slides down entirely for an ever-changing panorama rolling by of Mekong life on the river.  

5. You can easily maintain your wellness on board 

It can be hard to keep up a well-balanced lifestyle while on holiday, but Scenic Spirit makes it easy – and beyond simply choosing a healthy option at the restaurant. Sweat it out at the 24-hour state-of-the-art gym, start your day with a morning Tai Chi session on the Sun Deck or get your body moving on the walking track. 

The experts at the Wellness Centre will take care of your soul and soothe tired muscles with a signature spa treatment* such as a traditional Khmer massage.

*Additional cost applies.

6. Dining is an all-inclusive epicurean experience

Food is often at the centre of a good holiday and Scenic Spirit really delivers when it comes to diverse dining, especially for a small cruise ship. Each meal is curated by experienced chefs – many whom have worked in reputable restaurants in Asia and Europe – as a tribute to South East Asia. 

You can choose from casual and healthy bites at River Café; relaxed a la carte menu with themed nights at Crystal Dining; a refined 10-course degustation at Chef’s Table; and room service if you prefer the privacy of your suite. 

Itinerary Overview

Day-wise itinerary:

Day 1 - Depart UK

Fly from a choice of UK airports on selected airlines.

Day 2 - Siem Reap

Welcome to Cambodia and the regional city of Siem Reap. Your hotel, is a step back in time in the definition of luxury and will be your historical home for the next three nights in Siem Reap. This brilliantly appointed accommodation 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 day at leisure until tonight when you meet your Scenic Tour Director and fellow travelling companions at your welcome briefing and dinner.

Day 3 - Siem Reap

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

Freechoice:

As part of Scenic’s 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 Tonlé 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 bird’s 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 world’s 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 the colourful Cambodian 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

Day 4 - 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 Ta Prohm Temple, 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 is truly 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

Day 5 - Siem Reap > Mekong Cruise

Discover the rural side of Cambodia as your coach will transfer you to Kampong Cham where the breathtaking Scenic Spirit awaits. Before arriving, you will be visiting 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, settling into your private suite does not mean you settle for service. At any time, your dedicated personal butler is free to swing by with a nightcap and delivery of your preferred pillows.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - 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 Wat Nokor). 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. Wat Nokor Bachey is a unique architectural experiment blending an Angkorian era temple with a new temple built inside it.

Alternatively you can explore Kampong Cham’s 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

Day 7 - 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 Penh’s lights and stunning scenery as we approach the capital of Cambodia.

Sundowners:

Cocktail reception on the sundeck.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Phnom Penh

Freechoice:

Your Scenic Freechoice excursions provide the option to journey to the Killing Fields and tour Tuol Sleng Prison. 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 trip to 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 and flavours of 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:

The first is travelling by remork to enjoy High Tea at Raffles Hotel Le Royal with an included Femme Fatale (the signature cocktail created for Jacqueline Kennedy during her visit). Afternoon Tea has been an institution at Le Royal since the hotel first opened in 1929. Relive the celebrated traditions of one of Asia’s greatest heritage hotels, with a fine selection of finger sandwiches, pastries and scones. Alternatively 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 and tasting behind closed doors.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - 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

Day 10 - 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 Scenic Freechoice excursion 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 than 100 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 a Xe Loi. 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 Tây 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

Day 11 - 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 local lifestyle. You can also visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le who inspired Marguerite Duras novel L’Amant a 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-board your 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 delicious favourites from 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

Day 12 - 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 where you will stay overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Ho Chi Minh City > UK

Head to the airport as you get ready to depart Vietnam for your homeland or extended travels. Leave with a full camera and stunning memories to treasure.   

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - 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.

**Pricing is based on per person twin share for travel 07th - 20th April  2023.

**Single traveller pricing available, Kindly contact our holiday team for the availability. 

**Cabin upgrade available.

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Terms & Conditions

All fares are displayed in Great British Pound and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.