Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure in Hanoi. Choose your own path, or you may like to join in on an optional activity to better soak up this vibrant city (surcharges apply). Opt to unveil Hanoi’s hidden gems on a jeep tour, embark on a culinary street tour or witness a water puppet performance along the Red River Delta.
In the evening, meet your tour guide and fellow travellers at 6.30pm for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
At noon, meet your tour guide in the hotel lobby and set off to explore Hanoi. Visit the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and view the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh in its glass case (excluding Mondays, Fridays and afternoons when the Mausoleum is closed). Later, wander through the park to the Presidential Palace, then stop by Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the leader’s historic private residence which still stands just as it did over 50 years ago.
Next, enjoy a guided experience through the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university – built in the 11th century. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, then venture across the Huc Bridge for a visit to the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake. From here, you can view the recognisable Turtle Tower, one of Vietnam’s most enduring architectural symbols.
Tonight, transfer to Hanoi railway station at 9pm and board your overnight train to Sapa.
Awake early this morning as your train rolls into Lao Cai Railway Station. From here, you’ll be taken to your hotel in Sapa to drop off your bags and freshen up.
After breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to hit the trails. Departing from Sapa, you’ll embark on a trek through the Muong Hoa Valley, passing rice paddy terraces, buffalo trails and villages inhabited by regional ethnic minorities, including the unique cultures of the Black H’mong in Lao Chai, the Dzay in Ta Van, and the Red Dao in Giang Ta Chai.
Take plenty of breaks along the way, then stop for lunch in Ta Van. After your adventure, take a return transfer to Sapa and enjoy evening at your own pace in town.
Trek through Sapa’s hills
Enjoy a morning of leisure in Sapa.
After lunch, take your transfer and make your way back to Hanoi in time for dinner.
Following breakfast at your hotel, depart for Ninh Binh, just a two-hour drive from Hanoi.
Your first stop of the day is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Explore the intricate temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh, then journey onward to Tam Coc, stopping along the way to take photographs of the countryside.
Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a private sampan ride with your group. This traditional flat-bottomed style of boat has been used for centuries by river fishers. Marvel at the majestic limestone karsts that tower over emerald rice fields as you Glide past limestone karsts along the snaking waters that have earned Tam Coc the nickname ‘Ha Long on Land.’
After returning to shore, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
After breakfast, hit the road for Ha Long Bay, stopping along the way for a stretch.
Upon reaching the bay at noon, join a brief meet-and-greet with the captain and crew, then enjoy a tea or coffee before lunch is served as you set sail through striking emerald waters onboard your elegant vessel. Witness the bay’s jungle-topped limestone islands and choose to participate in afternoon excursions like a cave tour, floating farm visit or trip to a secluded beach. Should you prefer, you’re welcome to rest on the sundeck.
Anchor late this evening for a night floating between Ha Long’s towering cliffs.
Ha Long Bay overnight cruise
Start your day with Tai Chi on the sundeck to balance the body and mind. Then fuel up with breakfast as you sail back into port, disembarking just before noon. A three-hour transfer will take you to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your included economy class flight to Hue, where you’ll arrive before dinner.
Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and settle in for an evening spent at your own pace.
Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel five-star stay
Enjoy a full day of guided touring in the former capital of Hue.
Your exploration begins with a boat trip to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest in Vietnam. Next, journey to the heart of Hue to explore its historic Imperial City, a vast complex that once served as the seat of power for the Nguyen Dynasty. Modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking, the citadel’s remaining monuments have survived through the centuries and the ravages of war.
After lunch, venture into the countryside to the Tomb of Tu Duc. Wander through the pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds built as the final resting place of Vietnam’s longest reigning emperor.
Tonight, return to the city for an evening at leisure.
Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel five-star stay
Depart Hue this morning and travel onward to Hoi An, by way of the famous Hai Van Pass. Navigate the winding turns of this iconic mountain pass as you make your way to Da Nang, where you’ll stop for lunch and a brief chance to explore.
Back on the road, pause to stretch and take in views among the imposing limestone Marble Mountains. Arrive in Hoi An before dinner and enjoy the rest of your evening as you please.
Rise and shine for a half day of leisure before your guided tour of town at 4pm. You may wish to fill your morning or afternoon with an optional activity (surcharges apply).
In the evening, follow your guide as you visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, first constructed in the 16th century. Nearby, pay a visit to the Museum of Sa Huynh Culture and unearth the region’s Iron Age-history with a collection of local artefacts, including an impressive exhibit of burial jars.
Discover the Chinese- and Japanese-influenced architecture of the Tran Family Chapel, a 200-year-old ancestral hall. Conclude your tour with a stop at the traditional Fujian Assembly Hall, constructed in the 17th century and later repurposed as a temple for worshipping Thien Hau, a powerful Chinese sea goddess.
As you wander the streets of Hoi An, follow your guide’s expert advice and sample fragrant local dishes, from hearty cao lau noodle soup to fresh banh mi and invigorating Vietnamese coffee. Taste Hoi An’s best culinary offerings or enjoy an included cold beer before returning to your hotel.
After breakfast at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to spend freely. Take the chance to explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed district. Perhaps choose to visit the merchant residence Tan Ky House – filled with antiques and eye-catching architecture – or check out Hoi An Night Market.
After checking out of your hotel, transfer to Da Nang Airport (DAD) for your onward economy class flight to Ho Chi Minh City, historically known as Saigon. On arrival, you will be taken to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Five-star Sofitel Saigon Plaza stay
Join your director in the hotel lobby and set off for your Saigon street tour of the city’s many landmark buildings, such as the War Remnants Museum, the soaring Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City Opera House and City Hall. Gaze upon the intricate detail of Saigon Central Post Office, then learn about the history of the Reunification Palace, where a convoy of tanks broke through in 1975.
The rest of your day is yours to explore at leisure. Consider a trip to the colonial-era Fine Arts Museum, the delicately carved Jade Emperor Pagoda, or simply settle in at one of the city’s many cafes and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee.
Five-star Sofitel Saigon Plaza stay
Meet your guide this morning for a journey to the heart of the Mekong River Delta. Hop aboard a motorboat and wind throught the waterways, where you’ll witness how locals make their living on the riverbanks at a coconut plantation.
Disembark and cycle to a suong sam farm where you’ll discover the native plant used to create green grass jelly. Pick the leaves and learn the art of making this traditional dessert. Sit down for lunch at a local villager’s house, then visit a family who crafts traditional coconut brooms. Board a sampa and return to the main Mekong River by way of a coconut palm-lined canal.
As the day winds down, head back to Ho Chi Minh City for a restful evening.
Five-star Sofitel Saigon Plaza stay
Wake up bright and early and head towards Cu Chi, just 60 kilometres south of Ho Chi Minh City. Considered a powerful remnant of the conflict that once threatened Vietnam, this city is legendary for its seemingly endless tunnels. Uncover the city beneath a city, an extraordinary testament to the Viet Cong’s ingenuity.
After your tour around this historic site, return to Ho Chi Minh City.
This evening, join your group for a farewell dinner in your hotel’s restaurant and together reflect on your time in Vietnam.
Five-star Sofitel Saigon Plaza stay
After breakfast, begin the next stage of your journey as you return to the Mekong River, this time aboard a luxury cruise. Check out of your hotel and meet your tour director for a briefing, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
A coach transfer will take you to My Tho, where the Scenic Spirit awaits. Begin with a welcome cocktail, meet your Cruise Director, and explore the ship’s facilities.
After your welcome dinner, retire to your private suite and take advantage of your dedicated butler, who can bring nightcaps and your preferred pillows on request. A gentle four-hour sail then carries you to Cai Be, where the ship will anchor overnight.
Your Scenic Spirit Cruise inclusions:
Nine nights sailing aboard a five-star Scenic Spirit ship in a luxurious one-bedroom balcony suite (Deluxe Suite)
All-inclusive meals and unlimited free-flow drinks throughout your nine-night cruise
Explore Phnom Penh with an included tour of the Royal Palace
Take part in a Buddhist monk blessing and alms giving at a local temple
Evening tuk-tuk ride with a visit to a local distillery
Choose from a selection of included shore excursions
Guidance of the same Scenic Tour Director from start to finish
Up to four onboard dining options, from casual to fine dining
Personalised butler service throughout your cruise
Complimentary Wi-Fi
All tipping and gratuities while aboard
Mekong River cruise
Begin with a champagne breakfast before selecting your Cai Be adventure.
This morning, choose one of the following experiences:
- Visit Tan Phong Island: Journey by sampan to this fertile island spanning over 1,000 hectares. Try your hand at water hyacinth weaving, ride motorised buggies through tropical fruit orchards, and explore local cottage industries producing rice paper and coconut sweets.
- Morning Tea at Le Longanier: Enjoy tea, coffee, local fruit and an assortment of snacks at Le Longanier, a French colonial house restaurant, while a live band plays traditional Vietnamese music.
- Onboard Mixology: Join the skilled bar team for hands-on cocktail and mocktail classes, featuring fresh local ingredients.
Return to the ship for lunch whilst sailing towards Sa Dec. Unwind in the Scenic Spirit lounge with fellow guests over a drink or simply take in the spectacular scenery.
Mekong River cruise
After breakfast, board a sampan for a two-hour exploration of Sa Dec’s wet market – encounter live fish, frogs and snakes. Visit the grand home of Mr Huynh Thuy Le, the Chinese merchant who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant (or The Lover). Your expert guide reveals the secrets behind this tale of tragic love.
Return to the ship for an evening dip in the pool, overlooking the sparkling Mekong River at sunset. Before dinner, enjoy a themed banquet accompanied by a lion dance performed by locals on the sprawling sundeck. The ship departs overnight for the journey to Tan Chau.
Start with morning yoga, gym sessions or sauna relaxation before exploring Tan Chau.
This morning, choose one of the following experiences:
- Tra Su Bird Sanctuary: Journey through 850 hectares of ecological paradise by sampan, navigating tranquil waterways flanked by mangroves. This haven hosts over 100 waterbird species.
- Evergreen Island: Experience traditional farming life on Evergreen Island, then explore Tan Chau by xe loi (three-wheeled bicycle rickshaw). Visit the colourful Cao Dai temple, learning about this fascinating 1926 religion blending Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism.
- Chau Doc Expedition: Speed boat to this Mekong Delta city and see the Tay An temple at the foot of Sam Mountain, showcasing Indian and Islamic architecture. Continue by sampan along Vinh Te canal, visiting a family-operated fish farm.
After lunch, sail towards the Vietnamese-Cambodian border. You might like to unwind in the ship’s Wellness Area, with luxurious spa treatments (at your own expense), a steam room, sauna and fitness centre.
Mekong River cruise
This morning, you’ll be crossing the border into Cambodia.
After border procedures, enjoy time at leisure aboard whilst sailing upstream to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh.
A storied metropolis, Phnom Penh is a bustling network of streets where traffic runs loud and fast. Life here revolves around the Mekong River, with markets, restaurants and endless adventures along its banks.
This afternoon, explore Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Cambodia, and its renowned Silver Pagoda, offering a glimpse into the country’s regal heritage.
Tonight, experience the city on the ‘Phnom Penh by City Lights’ tour, taking in the capital’s dazzling nightlife before visiting a local rum distillery for an exclusive tasting and private tour.
Mekong River cruise
After breakfast on board, set out to explore this fascinating city.
Choose from one of the following experiences:
- Historical Tour: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school converted into a prison under the Khmer Rouge regime, offering a stark insight into Cambodia’s tragic past. Just outside the city, the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek stand as a sobering reminder of the thousands who lost their lives. Though deeply affecting, these sites are essential to understanding Cambodia’s resilience.
- Culinary Tour: Join a local chef at bustling markets to source ingredients, then cook your own lunch while mastering Cambodian cuisine styles and flavours.
- Architectural Tour: Travel by remork (local tuk-tuk) through French colonial architecture, concluding with shopping at the Central Market – famous for its Art Deco design and bright yellow facade.
Return for lunch aboard the Scenic Spirit and spend the afternoon however you please.
Tonight, settle in for a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation before dinner.
Mekong River cruise
After breakfast onboard, drive to Cambodia’s ancient capital, Oudong, and experience monastic life at the peaceful monastery. You might even see one of the region’s traditional festivals or rituals during your visit.
Return for lunch before sailing to Oknha Tey, also known as ‘Silk Island’, famed for its silk-weaving traditions. Take a tuk-tuk to a local farm, where you’ll discover the intricate processes behind silk production.
This afternoon, unwind with sunset cocktails on the ship’s sundeck, as Phnom Penh’s skyline and river views set the scene for your journey to Angkor Ban.
Mekong River cruise
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning as you sail towards Angkor Ban. Beat the tropical heat with poolside cocktails aboard your luxury ship.
After lunch, it’s time to explore Angkor Ban – a small settlement where time stands still on the edge of the Mekong River. Discover historic wooden houses over 100 years old, having survived through the Khmer Rouge regime. Visit a school teaching for a glimpse into local life.
Return to the ship to and learn about krama traditions – a traditional Cambodian scarf – as you sail towards Kampong Cham and Wat Hanchey.
Mekong River cruise
After breakfast, visit Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda offering spectacular river views, and meet novice monks. Observe life at the monastery as they train to dedicate their lives to Buddhism. Receive traditional monk blessings and learn Buddhist prayer practices before participating in an alms ceremony, contributing to the resident monks’ daily meals.
Return to the ship and sail towards Krong Kampong Cham, a charming city on the Mekong River, known for its French colonial buildings.
This afternoon, choose one of the following experiences:
- Visit Phnom Pros: Explore local folklore at this mountaintop pagoda steeped in traditional legends, now featuring a Buddha Garden and resident monkeys.
- Colonial Heritage tour: Drive past French colonial-era shop houses, the large Central Market and visit a rubber plantation.
- Kho Penh Village: Visit Pen (Bamboo) Island, a remote village reached by remork (local tuk tuk) after crossing a bamboo bridge or taking the ferry from Kampong Cham. It offers a glimpse into the traditional rural lifestyle of Cambodian farmers.
Afterwards, unwind on board before tonight’s farewell dinner. Raise a glass to the Cambodian sunset with your fellow travellers as you reminisce about this extraordinary adventure.
Mekong River cruise
Journey to Siem Reap via Kampong Tom and the historic Angkorian bridge at Kampong Kdei. Bid farewell to your fellow travellers and the ship’s crew as you make your way to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) for your onwards journey.