Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong: 21 days Hanoi to Siem Reap

Welcome to vibrant Vietnam, a world of colour, culture and extraordinary food. Today is yours to settle in at your leisure, adjusting to the rhythms of this compelling city before your journey begins in earnest.

Check in to your overnight Scenic Special Stay at the iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi’s most celebrated address. This beautifully preserved colonial grand dame has welcomed dignitaries and travellers since 1901, and its refined amenities and attentive service set the tone for the days ahead.

After breakfast and checkout, the journey heads northeast through the fertile farmlands of the Red River Delta toward Halong Bay. Board the luxury Bhaya Soul for a two-night cruise among the iconic limestone karsts of this World Heritage-listed seascape, reaching areas of the bay that remain well beyond the reach of day cruises.

Rise to one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating mornings with a Tai Chi lesson on the Sun Deck as the Bhaya Soul sails deeper into the National Park. Later, take to a kayak and paddle through the narrow passages of a limestone cave system, enjoying a perspective of the bay that few visitors experience. Ashore on Cat Ba Island, a cycle ride reveals a landscape of dense jungle and quiet shoreline, largely untouched by development.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
In the afternoon, gather on deck for an exclusive Scenic Sundowners wine tasting, set against the silhouette of the karst islands at sunset.

After a fine dinner in the on-board restaurant, round out the evening with the time-honoured local tradition of squid fishing from the deck.

A leisurely morning cruise back to harbour before returning to Hanoi and a two-night Scenic Special Stay at the Sofitel Legend Metropole. Take part in a fascinating historical bunker tour beneath the hotel, a rarely seen chapter in the story of a city with more than 1,000 years of history.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
This evening, Scenic Freechoice dining offers a French-inspired dinner at the Metropole’s own Angelina Restaurant, a home-cooked meal shared with a local Hanoian family, or a Vespa foodie tour through the lantern-lit streets of the Old Quarter with complimentary drinks throughout.

A full day to explore this nostalgic city, beginning with your first Scenic Freechoice.

Scenic Freechoice:
Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Hoa Lo Prison, a journey through the nation’s past across two very different chapters of history.

Alternatively, spend the morning at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070, then discover the charm of the Old Quarter over a celebrated egg coffee.

Those wanting a deeper cultural immersion can head to the ancient village of Bat Trang, a community devoted to traditional porcelain and pottery, where a local elder shares the spiritual beliefs of his community before a hands-on lunch of Bánh Cuon rice pancakes.

This evening, a green electric car winds through the Old Quarter to your Scenic Enrich.

Scenic Enrich
VIP performance of Hanoi’s world-famous water puppet theatre, with a special backstage pass to follow.

After a morning at leisure, fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Relax for the next two nights at your centrally located Caravelle Hotel Saigon, located downtown in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

The morning is spent at the Cu Chi Tunnels, where more than 250 kilometres of underground passages dug by hand during the war reveal themselves with staggering ingenuity. Return to the city for a Pho lunch, with the afternoon at leisure.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
Tonight, choose your Scenic Free Choice dining option.

An exhilarating Vespa ride at night as your experienced driver winds in and out the hectic traffic of the streets, stopping at all the best local spots for the most scrumptious Vietnamese cuisines. Sample the best authentic street food and an unlimited supply of drinks and eating however much your stomach desires.

Alternatively, dine at Mandarine Restaurant, designed in the style of the Hue imperial court serving individual Vietnamese dishes.

Or for something totally different dine at Noir Dining in the Dark, a restaurant dedicated to helping the blind and visually impaired community (closed on Mondays).

Experience the street food and bars of Saigon on a Vintage Jeep.

Enjoy the offerings at Buffet 19 at your hotel.

After breakfast, visit the War Museum and the Reunification Palace, whose gates were famously breached by tanks in April 1975.

Then transfer to Saigon Port, where the Scenic Spirit awaits. Lunch is on board as the ship departs down the Saigon River, the city giving way to the delta. By evening, anchored at the entrance to the Cho Gao Canal, the quiet rhythm of the Mekong has already begun to settle. Your dedicated personal butler is on hand at any hour. 

This morning, cruise through the bustling Cho Gao Canal, one of the major arterial canals of Vietnam connecting Tien Giang Province in the Mekong Delta with Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll be fascinated watching the heavy commercial traffic navigate this important waterway, where upwards of 1,800 vessels transit each day.

Once on the Mekong River this afternoon, visit the Tan My Floating community and Thoi Binh hamlet in Ben Tre. Board an electric buggy through local plantations to visit a mushroom farm, a fruit farm with sampling and a honey farm with local sweets. Later, return to the ship and cruise onwards to Sa Dec.

This morning, board your sampan once again to explore the lively wet market in Sa Dec where you can meet the sellers and marvel at their wares, including live fish, frogs and even snakes. This two-hour exploration will take you deep into the local way of life. You can also see the grand home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, a Chinese merchant who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant. Your expert Scenic Tour Director will reveal the secrets behind this passionate tale of tragic love. After returning to the ship, relax on board as you cruise to Gieng Island.

Known as ‘Mango Island’, Cu Lao Gieng is a small island untouched by tourism, located along the upper Mekong River. Travel by local motorcycle rickshaw through the island’s villages to visit families who work in a variety of local industries, including mango farming, boat construction and temple incense sticks.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure on board as you sail to Tan Chau. Upon arrival off Tan Chau, settle down for a special show by a lion dance troupe of local performers.

Perhaps start the day with some exercise in the on-board gym, an early morning Tai Chi class or relax your muscles in the sauna. Then set off to discover the areas surrounding Tan Chau.

Scenic Freechoice:
You could leave the city life behind at Tra Su Bird Sanctuary in Tra Su Forest (July to December). Travel by sampan through endless tranquil waterways, flanked by mangroves and lush greenery. This eco reserve spans 850 hectares and is an ecological haven for fauna and flora, home to more than 100 species of waterbirds.

Or experience a traditional way of life on Evergreen Island, joining local farmers for a morning of discovery. Back in Tân Châu, ride in a xe loi, a three-wheeled bicycle rickshaw that was introduced by the French in the 19th century and is a common form of transportation in rural Vietnam. Visit the recently renovated, brightly coloured Cao Dai temple. Caodaism is a new religion, established in 1926 in the southern Vietnamese city of Tây Ninh, and brings together beliefs and practices from Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism. Here, you will learn more about the mix of ideas that form the basis of this fascinating religion.

For your third choice, drive to visit Chau Doc, a major city in the Mekong Delta, and Tay An temple. Set at the foot of Sam Mountain, this elaborate temple is a mixture of Indian and Islamic architecture. Afterwards, board a sampan to visit Vinh Te Canal and view life along the riverfront of Chau Doc, before making your way back to Scenic Spirit.

After lunch on board, continue to the border between Vietnam and Cambodia where you will spend the night. Make the most of this down time with a visit to the Wellness Centre or Beauty Salon for some well-deserved pampering.

After clearing the border crossing procedure, the morning is at your leisure. Enjoy some solitude in the library and observation lounge, or soak in the scenery from your private balcony whilst cruising upstream from the Vietnamese border to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

Upon arrival, discover the opulence of Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and the famous Silver Pagoda within. Set on the riverfront, this dazzling palace was built in the 1860s and still serves as the official residence of the King of Cambodia.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
Later this evening, revel in our Phnom Penh by City Lights tour. Only with Scenic, witness the nightlife of the capital before stopping at a local rum distillery for your exclusive Scenic Sundowners experience, including a private tour and tasting.

After breakfast, it will be time to head out and explore Phnom Penh.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose to journey to the troubled Killing Fields and take a tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed inside a former prison. These sites are a sobering reminder of the terrors unleashed by the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. This moving tour will give you a deeper insight into the tumultuous history of Cambodia and the resilience of its people.

Passionate foodies may like to choose a hands-on cooking class. Take a trip to the bustling market with a local chef to purchase your ingredients, then head back to the kitchen to cook your own lunch, testing out the styles and flavours of Cambodian cuisine.

Alternatively, travel by remork, a local style of tuk tuk, to explore the French architecture and history of Phnom Penh. Finish the tour with shopping at the Central Market, famed for its unique Art Deco design and bright yellow façade.

At the conclusion of your tour, return to Scenic Spirit for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Before dinner, enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation.

Begin the day sailing to Kampong Tralach.  Here, board an Ox Cart ride to a local temple before driving to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong. Here, experience the life of the monks and nuns who reside at the peaceful monastery. If you are lucky, you may be able to partake in one of the many festivals and traditional rituals often held here.

After returning to the ship, sail back past Phnom Penh as you set sail for the island of Oknha Tey, dedicated to the art of silk weaving. Later this afternoon, travel by tuk tuk to the farm, meet the workers and learn about silk production.

This morning is at leisure as you sail to Angkor Ban. This could be the perfect opportunity to enjoy a swim in the pool with a refreshing cocktail. After lunch, you will call at Angkor Ban, a small settlement where time stands still. Explore its historic wooden houses, which date back over 100 years and survived the destruction of the Khmer Rouge.

Today you can meet the novice monks at Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery overlooking the Mekong. Walk (or drive) to the top and soak in some of the most spectacular elevated views of the cruise.

Scenic Enrich
On an exclusive Scenic Enrich experience, partake in an alms ceremony, which contributes to the daily meal of the resident monks before receiving a traditional blessing from a monk and learning how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda. 

Scenic Freechoice:
This afternoon, explore Kampong Cham and its surrounds.

Choose to learn about local folklore at Phnom Pros, a mountaintop pagoda that has long been part of a traditional legend. Tragically, in more modern times, the site was used as a Killing Field by the Khmer Rouge. The temple now features a Buddha Garden and is home to a local troop of monkeys. Afterwards, visit Wat Nokor Bachey, a unique architectural experiment that blends an Angkorian era temple with a new temple built inside it.

Alternatively, 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 before stopping at a village known for growing betel nut, an important part of Cambodian culture.

Your third option today is a visit to Koh Pen Village. Located on Pen (Bamboo) Island, it’s only accessible by local remork after crossing by bamboo bridge or ferry from Kampong Cham. This remote village gives you a fascinating insight into the simple, rural lifestyle of farmers in Cambodia.

Back on board, you will have time to relax and admire the gorgeous sunset over the Cambodian skyline before your engaging farewell dinner with the crew.

After disembarkation this morning your journey moves to Siem Reap via Kampong Thom and the ancient Angkorian bridge at Kampong Kdei, with a stop at a traditional stone cutters’ village along the way. Check in to the historic Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap for a three-night Scenic Special Stay. This iconic 1930s Art Deco property has been a favourite of royalty and celebrities for almost a century.

Later tonight, enjoy premium seating at the colourful Cambodian Circus, Phare. This visually captivating show is more than just a circus; it’s a valuable social enterprise that provides training and employment to underprivileged youth.

The second day of your Siem Reap exploration starts with a delicious champagne buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Scenic Freechoice:
As part of Scenic’s Freechoice you have multiple options to choose from.

Choose to explore the 10th century Banteay Srei Temple and the Landmine Museum

Visit Senteurs d’Angkor workshop to produce your own souvenir with local artisans or undertake a village walk through Ta Brak Village.

Alternatively, cruise on Tonlé Sap Lake (July to February)

Visit the Angkor Wildlife Aquarium and learn all about the Mekong ecosystem with a special behind-the-scenes tour where you can see animal care in action, participate in feeding sessions, and even meet some park stars up close.

Lastly choose Free and Easy at Raffles and indulge in a one-hour spa treatment at the elegant Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, followed by a leisurely lunch in its refined surrounds.

Later this afternoon explore Angkor Wat itself, the largest religious monument in the world.  Originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. An afternoon visit provides the perfect light for those idealic pictures of this colossal structure. After the day of adventure, tonight is free to shop away at the night markets of Siem Reap or venture to Pub Street, both in walking distance or a short tuk tuk ride from your hotel.

Scenic Enrich
Begin the day with an early morning Scenic 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 a Scenic sponsored, NGO supported local bakery school.

After breakfast, visit the atmospheric, jungle covered Ta Prohm Temple, before stopping at Angkor Thom and the multi-faced Bayon Temple. Fortunately, 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.

Scenic Enrich
The final Scenic Enrich is truly a special and exclusive one, one that is best experienced first-hand to fully appreciate it’s scale. Your tour directors and Scenic team will leave you in awe as you enter a private magical gala themed dinner at Prasat Kravan, a small 10th-century temple consisting of five reddish brick towers on a common terrace.  Including free flow drinks and a show featuring Apsara dancers in front of the candle lit temple ruins, this evening brings a most incredible end to what is a remarkable trip.

It is time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers and Scenic team as you get ready to depart Cambodia for your homeland or extended travels. Transfer to the airport and leave with a full camera and stunning memories to treasure.

Rivers and waterways are subject to variations in water levels. While every effort is made to adhere to the planned itinerary, changes in river conditions, ad hoc local government regulations or local festivities may require journey modifications. These will be made based on the advice of local authorities or for safety reasons. Hotels are indicative and are subject to change.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.