ABTA protected
Essence of Vietnam,
Cambodia & Luxury Mekong
Scroll to sail
Essence of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong
Traverse the luxury Mekong on this ultimate 24/22 day itinerary by Scenic Cruises – featuring a handful of glamorous hotels and a two-night Halong Bay cruise.
Enjoy a range of showstopping adventures – ranging from spectacular restaurants and riverside towns to secluded monasteries.
All this, and more, is conducted from aboard the fantastic Scenic Spirit – designed to provide guests with an extravagant floating hotel experience.
4.9
from
73 reviews
-
Cruise Line: Scenic -
Ship: Scenic Spirit -
Duration: 21 Nights
-
Departure: Apr - Jan
Essence of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong Cruise Prices
Essence of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong Gallery
Essence of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong Cruise Itinerary
Set off down the luxury Mekong on an action-packed adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia – enjoy a coveted selection of tours, workshops, demonstrations and tastings along the way. Sample local delicacies, tour UNESCO-designated attractions and get to know local cultures.
Day 1
Arrive to Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam; spend the day at leisure and check into your luxurious hotel.
Day 2
Hanoi
Kick off your adventure visiting the History Museum and Hoa Lo Prison, Ho Chi Minh Quarter and his Mausoleum as well as the Temple of Literature. Alternatively, visit the ancient village of Bat Trang and meet a local elder to learn about Vietnamese spiritual beliefs as well as learning about Banh Cu.
This evening, enjoy a ‘green’ electric car tour through Hanoi’s old quarter on the way to a customary performance of Hanoi’s water puppets.
Day 3
Hanoi / Halong Bay Cruise
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and journey to Halong Bay. Join a two-night cruise onboard the fabulous Au Co.
Day 4
Halong Bay Cruise
After breakfast, attend a Tai Chi lesson onboard. Jump into a kayak and paddle through a limestone cave system and later, bike on Cat Ba Island.
After your adventure, head back to your ship for an activity and tasting.
Day 5
Halong Bay Cruise / Hanoi
Enjoy a relaxing morning cruise en-route back to your hotel. Join a historical bunker tour at the hotel to learn about its history.
Tonight, dine at the La Terrace at your hotel, La Table Hanoia Restaurant or ride tandem on the back of a Vespa for a foodie tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Day 6
Hanoi / Hoi An
Transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, continue to Hoi An to check into your resort for a three-night stay.
After settling in, choose between a selection of dining venues.
Day 7
Hoi An
Explore Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Old Quarter, Japanese Bridge and central market. After, head to the home of a former merchant to learn about local culture and sample some local street food specialities.
Day 8
Hoi An
Embark on a half-day trip to My Son, bike ride to a local village to learn about fishing, meet with a representative of Reaching Out to learn about their efforts or participate in a bike ride to a local farm in Tra Que Village and learn how to prepare local delicacies.
Day 9
Hoi An / Hue
This morning, travel via the Hai Van Pass to Hue – where you’ll enjoy a cycle ride to the Imperial Citadel and wander through its ruins. After, check into your hotel for the night.
You may wish to enjoy some traditional Vietnamese cuisine at the private Garden House or pay a visit to the Duc Son pagoda to speak with the resident nuns.
Day 10
Hue / Ho Chi Minh City
Your final day in Vietnam includes a morning excursion to the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. Afterwards, head to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Before dinner, take a leisurely walk around the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House and Central Post Office.
Day 11
Ho Chi Minh City
Traverse the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about their development.
Tonight, choose between several arranged dining options: an exhilarating Vespa ride to hotspots for Vietnamese cuisine. Alternatively, dine at the Home Saigon Restaurant, Noir Dining in the Dark restaurant or board a vintage jeep to traverse Vietnam’s commercial centre.
Day 12
Ho Chi Minh City (EMBARK)
After checkout from your hotel, pay a visit to the War Museum and Reunification Palace.
After lunch, travel by coach to My Tho to board the Scenic Spirit.
Day 13
Cai Be / Sa Dec
Board a sampan through Cai Be’s floating market on the way to local cottage industries and visit a traditional Vietnamese house,savour delicious morning tea at the Le Longanier or enjoy a cocktail/mocktail making class.
Spend the remainder of the day on an excursion to the city’s lively wet market and visiting the home of Mr. Thuy Le – who inspired a Marguerite Duras novel.
Day 14
Tan Chau / Border Crossing
This morning, visit the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary – located in the Tra Su Forest. Alternatively, guests may pay a visit to Evergreen Island to learn about local farmers, embark on an Xe Loi ride to the Cao Dai temple or board a speedboat to visit Chau Doc and continue to the Tay An temple and Vinh Te canal.
While your ship clears immigration, experience a fantastically themed dinner from the ship’s Sun Deck – featuring a lion dance performed by locals.
Day 15
Phnom Penh
Journey to the Killing Fields and tour the Tuol Sleng Prison, join a hands-on cooking class featuring an ingredient-gathering trip to the local market or travel by remork (tuk tuk) around the city’s French architecture on the way to the central market.
This evening, embark on the ‘Phnom Penh by city lights’ tour for insight into the city’s night life and stop at a distillery for an exclusive Sunset Drinks tour and tasting.
Day 16
Phnom Penh / Oudong
For today, enjoy a short drive to Oudong. Witness the lives of monks and nuns who reside at the monastery and – with some luck – join in on one of the many festivals they host. Later, visit the Royal Palace with the Silver Pagoda.
This evening, dress up for the onboard Sunset Drinks cocktail reception.
Day 17
Silk Island / Angkor Ban
This morning, explore the island of Okhna Tey (Silk Island) by tuk tuk and learn about the art of silk production.
After lunch, we arrive in Angkor Ban where guests have the opportunity to explore independently. Back on board, join a workshop on making and wearing Cambodian scarves.
Day 18
Wat Hanchey / Kampong Cham
Today, meet novice monks at Wat Hanchey – an ancient pagoda and monastery. Receive a blessing from a monk and learn how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda before partaking in a ceremony.
Later, learn about local folklore on a trip with stops at Phnom Pros – Man Hill and Wat Nokor. Alternatively, drive through Kampong Cham’s large Central Market and visit a local rubber plantation and a local village. Your final option is to pay a visit to the Kho Pen Village – located on Bamboo Island.
Day 19
Siem Reap (DISEMBARK)
Disembark your ship and journey to Siem Reap – stopping at Kampong Tom and the Angkorian bride in Kampong Kdei. Your hotel is the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor – your home for the next three nights.
This evening, visit the Cambodian Phare Circus where you have VIP premium reserved seating.
Day 20
Siem Reap
Spend your second day at the Banteay Srei Temple and Landmine Museum. Later, join a Senteurs d’Angkor workshop to produce your own souvenir. Alternatively, sail on Tonle Sap and experience a floating village or fly in a tethered balloon over Siem Reap and visit a Lotus Flower Workshop. Guests may also shop independently at the local market.
Later, explore Angkor Wat – the largest religious monument in the world.
Day 21
Siem Reap
Marvel at the sunrise over Angkor Wat whilst enjoying a scrumptious champagne breakfast. Afterwards, visit the Ta Prohm Temple, Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple.
This evening, attend a magical gala-themed dinner at Prasat Kravan – featuring Apsara dancers.
Day 22
Depart Siem Reap
After breakfast, enjoy a morning tour of the capital – visiting Pha That Luang and the Patuxay Monument. After, head to the airport for your flight home.
ESSENCE OF VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & LUXURY MEKONG CRUISE SHIPS
Essence of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong Deals
Explore the magnificent essence of the Mekong
Scenic 
Departure:
Apr to
Jan
VISITING: Hanoi Hanoi / Halong Bay Cruise Halong Bay Cruise Halong Bay Cruise / Hanoi Hanoi / Hoi An Hoi An Hoi An / Hue Hue / Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City Cai Be / Sa Dec Tan Chau / Border Crossing Phnom Penh Phnom Penh / Oudong Silk Island / Angkor Ban Wat Hanchey / Kampong Cham Siem Reap
AVG PER PERSON*
£
5,620
Scenic Departure:
Apr to
Dec
VISITING: Hanoi (hotel-stay) Hanoi > Halong Bay Halong Bay Halong Bay > Hanoi (hotel-stay) Hanoi > Ho Chi Minh City (hotel-stay) Ho Chi Minh City (hotel-stay) Ho Chi Minh City > Mekong Cruise Cai Be > Sa Dec Tan Chau (Border Crossing) Phnom Penh Phnom Penh > Oudong Silk Island > Angkor Ban Wat Hanchey > Kampong Cham Mekong Cruise > Siem Reap (hotel-stay) Siem Reap (hotel-stay)
AVG PER PERSON*
£
7,335
Scenic Departure:
Mar to
Nov
VISITING: Ho Chi Minh City Cai Be / Sa Dec Tan Chau / Border Crossing Phnom Penh Phnom Penh / Oudong Silk Island / Angkor Ban Wat Hanchey / Kampong Cham Siem Reap Siem Reap / Luang Prabang Luang Prabang Luang Prabang / Vang Vieng Vang Vieng / Vientiane Vientiane / Bangkok
AVG PER PERSON*
£
8,038
Essence of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong Cruise Review
Essence of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong FAQ
What is the environment aboard the Scenic Spirit?
The stunning Scenic Spirit has a maximum capacity of 68 guests – a number that allows staff to provide sensational service as well as cultivate an intimate environment for guests to enjoy.
What activities can I expect from my itinerary?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi will be made accessible to you on the ship.
Are there reverse itineraries available?
No, this Essence of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong River Cruise does not feature a reverse itinerary, but it does feature an alternative itinerary from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
Cruise With Confidence
Our mission at crui.se is to help you and your loved one’s book and experience the best cruise holiday imaginable. We’re different in that, our customers come first, not our suppliers or profit margins. Get in touch and let us help you set sail.
Over 20 cruise brands to choose from
Low deposits from £500
All Inclusive cruises
Best deals & discounts
Community driven
Brand agnostic
We take care of everything
Custom built cruise holidays
