Mekong Luxury River Cruise

From the flavor and culture of Vietnam to the color and history of Cambodia, your senses will be charmed along the length and breadth of the Mekong. This fascinating river is many things to many people. Meander along its path, discover its treasures; drop by the lively floating markets of Cai Be, pay homage to Vietnam’s French-infused past or soak up the melting pot of cultures that is Phnom Penh. Enjoy a journey of contrasts as you gain a deeper understanding of the two countries’ complex histories or discover the bright communities embracing rural river life along the Tonle Sap Lake. Explore the ancient hilltop monastery of Wat Hanchey and immerse yourself in the beauty of Khmer handicrafts in the village of Cheung Kok. Luxury cruising is never better than this eight day wonder, let the Mekong captivate and astound.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Siem Reap

Sous Sdei and welcome to Cambodia! On arrival you will be personally met by your Scenic Representative who will transfer* you to a centrally located meeting point. (Please arrive by 7:00am). Join your fellow guests and journey to the port of Kampong Cham and drive to Kampong Cham with stops at the ancient Khmer bridge at Kampong Kdei, Kampong Thom and a stone cutters village. Next stop is the luxurious Scenic Spirit.

Day 2:

Wat Hanchey - Kampong Cham

Meet the young novice monks at Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery. Walk to the top and soak in some of the best elevated views of the cruise. Sail to Kampong Cham where you visit Phnom Pros (Man Hill), explore the ecotourism village of Cheung Kok and Wat Nokor, an 11th century temple that has a modern pagoda built within.

Day 3:

Oudong - Kampong Tralach - Koh Chen

After arriving at Prek K'dam, board your coach to the ancient capital of Oudong to visit the mountain stupas, pagoda and monastery. Receive a blessing in the pagoda from a monk and learn how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda before giving a donation of food, contributing to the daily meal of the resident nuns and monks. Drive to Wat Kampong Tralach to experience an ox cart ride through local villages before re-boarding Scenic Spirit. Later visit the silversmith village of Koh Chen.

Day 4:

Phnom Penh

Journey to the Killing Fields and tour Tuol Sleng, or take a guided tour of the local food market before joining a Khmer cooking demonstration. Alternatively, explore by Tuk Tuk Phnom Penh’s colonial buildings and the Russian Market. After lunch at a local NGO restaurant, which teaches street kids hospitality skills, travel by Tuk Tuk to the National Museum and Royal Palace and the famous Silver Pagoda. Arrive in style by cyclo and immerse yourself in the historically celebrated luxury of Raffles, Hotel Le Royal with an indulgent high tea. Enjoy a private shadow puppet and masked dance performance accompanied by a traditional Khmer orchestra.

Day 5:

Phnom Penh - Tan Chau

Relax during a full day of cruising as you cross the border into Vietnam. Make use of the ship’s luxury and take the time to enjoy a cocktail by the pool or appreciate some solitude on your private balcony. Tonight is your themed gala ball so be prepared for an enchanting evening on board with musicians and dancing.

Day 6:

Tan Chau

Stay in Tan Chau and visit Evergreen Island and the local Cao Dai Temple with a ride in a cyclo. Alternatively choose from two options, which cruise by speedboat to Chau Doc. Visit a family-operated fish farm before walking through a Cham village and taking a cyclo ride or alternatively visit TraSu Bird Sanctuary and a local Khmer village.

Day 7:

Sa Dec – Cai Be

Immerse yourself in the historic town of Sa Dec and explore the lively market, visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant and visit the Fuijian Chinese temple. Continue sailing downstream to Cai Be. Board a sampan to visit area around Cai Be floating market before stopping at local cottage industries and a French colonial house. Return to Scenic Spirit for tonight’s Champagne farewell dinner.

Day 8:

Ho Chi Minh City

Before dawn cruise into My Tho and following breakfast, disembark and transfer to Ho Chi Min City before arriving at the airport for your onward journey or homebound flight (flight not included). Please book flights after 3.00pm.