Meandering Along The Mekong (Start Ho Chi Minh City, End Siem Reap)- 10 Days

Start your day with a lavish champagne breakfast before embarking on your chosen Scenic Freechoice activity. Freechoice: Opt to board a sampan and drift through a floating market, immersing yourself in local life as you make your way to Cai Be, with stops at local cottage industries and either a French colonial house or a traditional Vietnamese home. Alternatively, take a sampan ride to enjoy a delightful morning tea at Le Longanier, a French colonial house restaurant, where you’ll be greeted with tea, coffee, and a selection of local fruits and snacks. Experience live music with traditional Vietnamese performances. If you prefer to stay on the Scenic Spirit, our skilled bar team invites you to join a hands-on cocktail/mocktail making class using fresh local ingredients, along with some of our favorite recipes from the Scenic Spirit menu. After your morning activities, return to the ship for lunch as we sail towards Sa Dec. For a break from the cruise’s excitement, relax in the Scenic Spirit library to learn more about each port and upcoming activities, or unwind in the heart of the ship - the Scenic Spirit lounge - with a glass of wine.

This morning, board your sampan once again to immerse yourself in the bustling wet market of Sa Dec, where you’ll encounter an array of live fish, frogs, and even snakes. This 2-hour exploration offers a deep dive into local life. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration behind Marguerite Duras's novel L’Amant, with a captivating account of this tragic love story provided by your knowledgeable guide. Upon returning to the ship, you can enjoy a relaxing evening swim in the pool with views of the Mekong River as the sun sets. The ship will then embark on a 6-hour journey to Tan Chau after your return on board.

You might begin your day with some exercise in the onboard gym, stretch out at the early morning yoga class, or unwind in the sauna before choosing a Scenic Freechoice activity around Tan Chau.

Freechoice: For a true escape from city life, visit the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary in Tra Su Forest. Glide through its endless waterways by sampan, surrounded by mangroves and verdant vegetation. This 850-hectare eco reserve is a sanctuary for over 100 species of water birds and is renowned for its rich biodiversity. If birds aren't your interest but you still want to explore Vietnam’s wilderness, consider Evergreen Island for a morning tour with local farmers. Marvel at the serene views of Monkey Bridge, orchards, and traditional houses.

Back in Tan Chau, you can opt for a ride in a Xe Loi, a traditional form of rural transportation, which will take you to a silk workshop where you can learn about the intricate silk dyeing process that produces highly sought-after silk, especially in Paris. Alternatively, board a speedboat to Chau Doc, a prominent city in the Mekong Delta. Once there, continue by coach to visit Tay An Temple, an architectural blend of Indian and Islamic styles at the base of Sam Mountain. Then, take another sampan ride to explore Vinh Te Canal, observe life along the Chau Doc riverfront, visit a family-run fish farm, and return to the Scenic Spirit.

After lunch and your return to the ship, you’ll sail towards the Vietnamese and Cambodian border. Enjoy some relaxation time, perhaps at the Wellness Centre or Beauty Salon for a bit of pampering. At the border, you’ll be treated to a themed dinner on board, complete with a traditional lion dance performed by local artists.

This morning is yours to enjoy as you wish. You can attend an onboard demonstration, find peace and quiet in the library and observation lounge, or relax on your private balcony while we sail upstream from the Vietnamese border to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital.

Later in the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Phnom Penh with our "Phnom Penh by City Lights" tour. This experience will offer a glimpse into the capital's evening charm, including an exclusive tour and tasting at a local distillery.

After breakfast, you'll set out to explore Phnom Penh.

Freechoice: You can choose to visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Prison. These sites offer a sobering glimpse into the horrors of the Khmer Rouge era, providing valuable context for understanding Cambodia's history. Once you've completed this visit, return to the Scenic Spirit for lunch.

Alternatively, if you're a culinary enthusiast, you might enjoy a cooking class. Accompanied by a local chef, you'll visit a market to select fresh ingredients, then return to the kitchen to prepare and savor a traditional Cambodian lunch.

Another option is to explore Phnom Penh by Remok, a local style of tuk-tuk, and admire the city’s French colonial architecture. Conclude your tour with a visit to the Central Market for some unique shopping. Before heading back to the Scenic Spirit, stop for lunch at a restaurant supported by an NGO that helps street children gain experience in the hospitality industry.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Board the bus for a brief drive to Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia. Here, you'll have the chance to observe the daily life of monks and nuns at the monastery, and if you're fortunate, you might even experience one of the many local festivals and customs celebrated here.

This afternoon, return to Phnom Penh for a visit to the Royal Palace, including the renowned Silver Pagoda, a highlight of this essential attraction. If you're running low on clean clothes, take advantage of the complimentary laundry facilities to prepare an outfit for an elegant evening. Enjoy a cocktail reception on the sundeck, taking in the dazzling lights and beautiful scenery of Phnom Penh as the ship departs for Oknha Tey, also known as Silk Island.

This morning, we set out to explore Oknha Tey Island, renowned for its silk weaving craftsmanship. Travel by tuk-tuk to the farm and gain insights into the silk production process. Afterward, return to the Scenic Spirit for lunch and enjoy some leisure time. To beat the Southeast Asian heat, relax with a refreshing cocktail and dip your toes in the pool.

Following lunch, we sail to Angkor Ban, where you can discover the historical wooden houses that survived the Khmer Rouge era and visit a school where local students learn English after their regular classes. As we continue our journey to Kampong Cham, you have the opportunity to delve into local culture by joining our team for a session on making and wearing the traditional Cambodian scarf.

Meet the novice monks at Wat Hanchey, an ancient pagoda and monastery perched on a hilltop. Ascend to the top, either by walking or driving, and enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the cruise.

Today, we travel to Siem Reap, with stops at Kampong Tom and the ancient Angkorian bridge in Kampong Kdei. As you prepare to say goodbye to your fellow travelers and the Scenic team, you’ll be getting ready to leave Cambodia, whether heading back home or continuing your journey elsewhere. Transfer to the airport with a camera full of beautiful photos and cherished memories.

Please note that this itinerary is subject to change due to operational factors such as water levels. There may be adjustments to cruising schedules and itinerary arrangements as needed.