Grand Indochina & Luxury Mekong – 7 Night Cruise – 25 Days

Embark on a day of exploration in this nostalgic city with our Scenic Freechoice options. Delve into Vietnam's history at the History Museum and Hoa Lo Prison, or visit the Ho Chi Minh Quarter and his Mausoleum followed by the Temple of Literature. For culinary enthusiasts, immerse yourself in a cooking class, selecting fresh ingredients from the local market and preparing your own delectable lunch. Enrich In the evening, witness the captivating performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets. As a VIP ticket holder, enjoy premium seating and gain exclusive access behind the scenes to unravel the secrets of this enchanting show.

After a delightful breakfast, bid farewell to your luxury accommodation as we embark on a scenic four-hour journey to Halong Bay. Traverse the thriving farmlands of the Red River Delta before embarking on a two-night cruise aboard the magnificent Au Co. Prepare to be awestruck as you cruise through the postcard-perfect waters of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed gem. The Au Co promises an exceptional experience, with its opulent features, lavish suites, and the opportunity to explore hidden corners of Halong Bay that are beyond the reach of day-trippers and short cruises.

Begin your day with a refreshing breakfast before indulging in a Tai Chi lesson on the Sun Deck as the ship glides further into the National Park. Explore the mesmerizing limestone cave system by kayak and embark on a thrilling bike ride through the untouched wilderness of Cat Ba Island. In the evening, delight in an exclusive Sundowners activity, a wine tasting against the backdrop of the enchanting karst Islands at sunset. End the day with a delectable dinner onboard and try your hand at squid fishing under the starry sky.

Relax as you cruise back to the harbor in the morning. Enjoy lunch and shopping on the way back to Hanoi, where you will stay overnight. Take a historical bunker tour at the hotel to discover its significance in the capital's rich history. For dinner, choose from Scenic's Freechoice options: La Terrace at the hotel, Home Moc restaurant in a charming French villa, or embark on a Vespa foodie tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter, sampling authentic street food and experiencing the vibrant local culture.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, continue south to the captivating ancient trading port town of Hoi An. Enjoy a luxurious three-night stay, including a daily spa journey as part of your experience. Indulge in Scenic's Freechoice dining options, offering carefully selected venues such as Morning Glory Restaurant, Hoi An Café, or Brother's Café along the river, all showcasing the finest Vietnamese delicacies.

Embark on a captivating walking tour of Hoi An's enchanting Old Quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Japanese Bridge and immerse yourself in the bustling central market, where you'll be captivated by the vibrant sights and enticing aromas. Visit a former merchant's house to gain insight into the old town's rich history and way of life. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, whether it's indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, taking a refreshing swim in the resort-style pool, or continuing your shopping adventures in the town's renowned tailor shops. Before dinner, join the Scenic Sundowners at the Blue Bar for a relaxing cocktail reception, followed by a delightful dinner at Mango Mango Restaurant by the water.

Start your day feeling refreshed and ready for your Scenic Freechoice activity. Choose from the following options: Embark on a half-day trip to My Son, a window into the ancient history and cultural heritage of Central Vietnam. Explore the captivating Tower Temples and stroll through the ruins, gaining insight into the grandeur of the Champa Kingdom. Conclude the visit with a local lunch. If you're a food lover, opt for a half-day cooking class at Red Bridge. Begin with a welcome drink at Hai Scout Café, then venture into Hoi An's vibrant central market to select fresh ingredients. Board a boat on Thu Bon River, cruising to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Immerse yourself in the art of local cuisine and enjoy a truly immersive and enjoyable culinary experience. Alternatively, embark on a bicycle ride to Tra Que Village, where you'll discover the picturesque vegetable gardens and engage with local farmers in the land preparation and seaweed fertilization process. Learn how to prepare the local delicacy "Tam Hu'u" and savor a home-cooked meal, including the specialty savory pancake "Banh Xeo" wrapped in rice paper. After your morning adventures, you have the freedom to explore the town at your own pace.

Embark on a scenic journey through the awe-inspiring Hai Van Pass to reach Hue, the former imperial capital. Take a delightful cyclo ride to explore Hue's Imperial Citadel and marvel at the majestic ruins. Later, check into your hotel in Hue for a memorable overnight stay.EnrichIndulge in a remarkable dining experience at a private Garden House, where you'll savor traditional Vietnamese cuisine accompanied by enchanting Royal Hue court music and a glass of wine

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on a morning excursion to the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, the last independent emperor of Imperial Vietnam. Immerse yourself in the historical grounds before heading to the airport for your flight to vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, settle into your centrally located hotel for a two-night stay and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.

After breakfast, venture to the Cu Chi Tunnels and delve into the secrets of this intricate underground network that provided shelter to Viet Cong soldiers during the war. Return to the city for a leisurely lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon as you please.Freechoice Dining: Tonight, choose from an array of dining options for your Scenic Free Choice experience. Embark on a thrilling Vespa ride through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, stopping at local hotspots to savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Alternatively, dine in an elegant French Colonial house or explore the vibrant Saigon street food scene. For international flavors, Basilico offers traditional Italian dishes, while Nineteen Restaurant at your hotel presents a variety of delectable international fare.

After breakfast and check-out, explore the War Museum and Reunification Palace, significant landmarks from the Vietnam War era. A coach will then take you to My Tho, where you will board the magnificent Scenic Spirit. Enjoy a cocktail reception and familiarize yourself with the ship's amenities. Indulge in a welcome dinner and settle into your luxurious suite, attended by a dedicated personal butler. The ship will sail for 4 hours, anchoring overnight in Cai Be.

Start your day with a gourmet champagne breakfast and embark on your chosen Scenic Freechoice activity.Freechoice: Cruise on a sampan through a floating market, visit Cai Be, and explore local cottage industries and traditional Vietnamese or French colonial houses. Alternatively, delight in a morning tea experience at Le Longanier, a charming French colonial house restaurant, complete with music and traditional Vietnamese songs. For those who prefer to stay on board, join a hands-on cocktail/mocktail making class with fresh local ingredients. After your activity, enjoy lunch on board as the ship sails to Sa Dec. Take some time to relax in the ship's library or lounge. In Sa Dec, explore the vibrant wet market and visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration behind the novel "L'Amant." Return to the ship for an evening dip in the pool as you watch the sunset. The ship will then set sail for a 6-hour journey to Tan Chau. After dinner, retire to your cabin for a tranquil cruise along the Mekong River.

Start your day with a choice of activities. Engage in some exercise at the on-board gym, join an invigorating early morning yoga class, or unwind in the sauna. Then, embark on a Scenic Freechoice in the beautiful surroundings of Tan Chau. Freechoice: Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, where you'll navigate through serene waterways enveloped by mangroves and lush greenery. Discover the diverse wildlife, including over 100 species of water birds. Alternatively, venture to Evergreen Island for an exploration of local farming, witnessing picturesque views of Monkey Bridge, orchards, and traditional homes. In Tan Chau, experience a Xe Loi ride, a popular mode of transportation in rural Vietnam, and visit a silk workshop to learn about the unique silk dyeing process. Another option is to board a speedboat to Chau Doc, a vibrant city in the Mekong Delta. Visit Tay An temple, known for its Indian and Islamic architectural influences, and explore the riverfront of Chau Doc. After returning to the ship and enjoying lunch, relax as the ship sails towards the Vietnamese and Cambodian border. Indulge in some downtime at the Wellness Centre or Beauty Salon while the ship clears immigration. In the evening, savor a themed dinner on board, accompanied by a mesmerizing lion dance performance by local artists on the expansive Sundeck. Prepare for an overnight sail to Phnom Penh, bidding Vietnam farewell.

Arrive in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, early in the morning. Immerse yourself in Cambodia's fascinating history and culture. After breakfast, embark on your Scenic Freechoice: Visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Prison, powerful reminders of the Khmer Rouge regime's atrocities. Alternatively, indulge in a hands-on cooking class, exploring the local market and preparing a delicious Cambodian lunch. Another option is to take a Remok (local Tuk Tuk) tour to discover the French architecture and history of Phnom Penh, with a stop at the Central Market for shopping. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant supported by an NGO helping street kids in the hospitality industry. The afternoon is free for leisure activities. In the evening, join the Phnom Penh by City Lights tour, providing insights into the city's nightlife. Conclude the tour with an exclusive distillery tour and tasting experience.

Take a short drive to Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia. Witness the daily life of monks and nuns at the monastery and experience local festivals and customs. Return to Phnom Penh and visit the opulent Royal Palace, including the famous Silver Pagoda. Enjoy a stylish evening with a Sundowners reception on the sundeck as the ship sets sail towards Silk Island.

Explore Oknha Tey, the island known for silk weaving. Learn about the intricate process of silk production during a tuk-tuk ride to the farm. Return to the ship for lunch and leisure time, where you can relax by the pool with a refreshing cocktail. Continue sailing to Angkor Ban, a village with well-preserved wooden houses that survived the Khmer Rouge era. Visit a local school teaching English to students. Back on board, sail to Kampong Cham and have the opportunity to learn how to make and wear a traditional Cambodian scarf.

Embark on a journey to Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery, where you'll meet novice monks and enjoy breathtaking views. Receive a monk's blessing and learn the art of Buddhist prayer. Engage in a ceremony that contributes to the daily meal of resident monks. In Kampong Cham, choose from Scenic Freechoices to delve into the area's history and industries. Explore local folklore at Phnom Pros and Wat Nokor Bachey, witness remnants of French colonial era and the vibrant Central market, or visit a rubber plantation and a village known for betel nut cultivation. Return to the ship for a relaxing evening and a memorable farewell dinner with the crew, while admiring the stunning Cambodian sunset.

Embark on a journey to Siem Reap, stopping at Kampong Tom and the Angkorian bridge in Kampong Kdei. Siem Reap is a fascinating blend of ancient and modern architecture. Check into your luxurious hotel, where you'll be transported back in time with its French-inspired design, local furnishings, and impeccable service. In the evening, head to the vibrant Cambodian Phare Circus for an extraordinary performance that combines theater, music, dance, and circus arts to tell captivating Cambodian stories.

Start your day with a delightful champagne buffet breakfast at the hotel. Choose from Scenic's Freechoice options: visit the Banteay Srei Temples and Landmine Museum, explore the handicrafts made by rural artisans, sail on Tonle Sap Lake to experience life in a floating village, or take a tethered balloon ride for a bird's-eye view of Siem Reap. Later, discover the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument. Capture stunning photos of this architectural masterpiece in the afternoon light. In the evening, enjoy leisure time for shopping at the night markets or exploring the lively Pub Street.

Embark on a Scenic Enrich experience, witnessing the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat. Indulge in a champagne breakfast prepared by a local bakery school supported by an NGO. Explore the mystical Ta Prohm Temple and the magnificent Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring Siem Reap's markets or unwinding at your luxurious hotel. In the evening, immerse yourself in a private gala dinner at Prasat Kravan, a 10th-century temple, accompanied by Apsara dancers and candlelit ruins.

Check out from your hotel and transfer to Siem Reap Airport. Fly to Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos, where you will enjoy a three-night stay in a luxurious property located in the UNESCO heritage city. Take a leisurely walk to the summit of Mount Phousi, the highest mountain in Luang Prabang, and witness the mesmerizing sunset over the historic town.

Explore the main attractions of the city, including the National Museum housed in the former Royal Palace, the ancient Wat Xieng Thong temple, and the grand Wat Mai temple. Take a scenic 2-hour cruise along the Mekong River to discover the Pak Ou Caves, adorned with thousands of golden Buddha statues hidden within limestone cliffs. Visit Ban Xang Hay village renowned for its rice wine. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, with an opportunity to shop at the vibrant night market.

Witness a remarkable sight as you observe the morning alms-giving ritual performed by local monks. After breakfast, embark on a journey to the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls nestled in the lush jungle. Along the way, visit a traditional village of ethnic minorities to learn about their unique traditions and culture. Immerse yourself in the local spirituality through a traditional Baci ceremony. In the evening, savor a delightful farewell dinner, reminiscing about the memorable moments of your journey.

Bid a fond farewell to Laos, cherishing the unforgettable moments you've experienced. Board your flight to Bangkok, where your journey comes to an end upon arrival. Please note that this itinerary is a guide and may be subject to changes due to operational reasons. Disruptions to cruising and alterations to the itinerary may occur. Hotel arrangements are indicative and subject to change. Please note that the preview itinerary is also subject to change.