After breakfast, meet your tour director for a full-day exploration that delves into the heart of Vietnam’s history and culture. Your journey begins at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, a site of immense national importance. Here, you’ll 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). Then, wander through the park to see the elegant Presidential Palace and the humble, traditional Stilt House where the revered leader once lived.
Next, find a moment of peace at the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and the country’s first university, founded in the 11th century. Continue your discovery at the fascinating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country’s diverse ethnic groups. The tour then moves to the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, where you’ll cross the iconic red Huc Bridge to visit the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple, a sanctuary perched on a small island.
Tonight, you will be formally welcomed to Vietnam with a special dinner at a local restaurant. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with your fellow travellers and share the excitement of the journey ahead while enjoying authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Today marks a highlight of your Vietnamese adventure as you journey from the city to the coast for an unforgettable overnight cruise on the spectacular, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Marina, you’ll step aboard the magnificent Capella Cruise, your luxurious floating hotel for the night. After a welcome drink and a briefing from the cruise manager, you’ll settle in and discover the ship’s incredible facilities, including six decks, a pool, and a jacuzzi.
Enjoy a delicious lunch in the restaurant as you begin to glide out into the bay, watching as hundreds of jungle-topped limestone karsts rise majestically from the tranquil, emerald waters. The afternoon is yours to indulge; take a dip in the pool, make a splash on the thrilling waterslide, or find a spot on the expansive sundeck to watch a dazzling sunset over the bay. For those who have booked the Superior Upgrade, this moment is made even more special with an included hour of free-flow drinks. Your day culminates with dinner onboard before the vessel anchors for a magical night spent floating in a quiet cove, surrounded by the bay’s dramatic limestone peaks.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 2.5 hours
Ha Long Bay Capella cruise
Enjoy dawn on the sundeck with fresh tea and coffee. Connect breath to movement as you energise your body and soul during a tranquil tai chi class, watching the sun rise over the bay.
Continue your morning cruising among the jutting, tree-trimmed cliffs of Ha Long Bay’s Natural Preservation Zone. You’ll have the opportunity to admire the crystal blue waters as you sail through this pristine environment before packing up your things and preparing to disembark. Once the vessel arrives back at Tuan Chau Marina, rejoin your coach for the ride from Ha Long back to Hanoi Airport (HAN) and a flight onward to Da Nang (DAD).
Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Hoi An for an evening at leisure.
Travel time: Flight – approx. 1.5 hours / Driving – approx. three hours
This morning, your guide will lead you on a walking tour through Hoi An’s enchanting ancient town. You’ll visit the iconic 16th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, the Museum of Sa Huynh Culture where you can unearth the region’s Iron Age history, the 200-year-old Tran Family Chapel, and the traditional Fujian Assembly Hall, a 17th-century structure later repurposed as a temple for the sea goddess Thien Hau.
The afternoon is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. You may wish to indulge in your included spa treatment at Ginger Wellness today (available from 2pm), or save this rejuvenating experience for tomorrow. For your evening, you could choose to join an optional street food tour to sample local specialties (surcharge applies), or perhaps a half-day tour to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed My Son Sanctuary, a religious complex of ancient temples.
Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the unique atmosphere of Hoi An and create your own adventure. This is another opportunity to use your included spa treatment if you haven’t already. You could also choose from several exciting optional excursions to enhance your day (surcharges apply).
Embark on a full-day trip to Ba Na Hills to see its spectacular landmarks, including the famous Golden Bridge held aloft by giant stone hands. Alternatively, immerse yourself in Vietnamese cuisine with a half-day Cooking Class & Biking Tour, or explore the peaceful countryside by eco-friendly buggy on a Hoi An Craft and Countryside tour, visiting traditional carpentry and pottery villages. The day is yours to design before your journey continues south tomorrow.
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning exploring the charming streets of Hoi An before being transferred to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) for your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City, historically known as Saigon. Upon arrival, you will check into your five-star accommodation.
The evening is at your leisure to explore the city’s incredible dining scene on your own.
Travellers who have booked a Superior Upgrade will enjoy a special included dinner tonight at ST25 by KOTO, a unique restaurant that supports disadvantaged youth by providing culinary training, where locally sourced ingredients are transformed into a flavourful feast.
Travel time: Flight – approx. 1.5 hours / Driving – approx. 1.5 hours
Your day of discovery begins with a morning journey to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, located 60 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City. Considered a powerful remnant of the Vietnam War, this legendary city beneath a city is an extraordinary testament to the ingenuity of the Viet Cong. You’ll have a fascinating opportunity to explore the vast underground network and learn about its crucial role in the country’s history.
After returning to Ho Chi Minh City, you will embark on a guided tour of the city’s most important landmarks. You’ll see a fantastic blend of history and architecture, from the soaring Notre Dame Cathedral and the intricate detail of the historic Saigon Central Post Office to the grand Ho Chi Minh City Opera House and City Hall. The tour also includes a visit to the poignant War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace, where the war famously ended with the fall of Saigon in 1975. After a comprehensive day of sightseeing, the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Enjoy a full day at leisure to dive deeper into the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City and create your own unique Saigon experience. You can spend the day shopping for souvenirs, revisiting a favourite landmark, or choosing from one of the exciting optional experiences available (surcharges apply).
You could embark on a full-day optional excursion to the Mekong Delta, a lush, watery world where you’ll cruise along canals, visit local workshops making rice paper and coconut candy, and cycle through village paths to see a different side of Vietnamese life (surcharges apply). Alternatively, coffee lovers can immerse themselves in the city’s renowned cafe culture on a half-day ‘Vietnamese Coffee Culture Unveiled’ tour, sampling everything from traditional filter coffee to the famous local egg coffee while learning the art of coffee-making (surcharges apply). The day is yours to design as you wish, before your journey continues to Cambodia tomorrow.
After your final breakfast in Vietnam, enjoy a stress-free transition to your next destination with airport transfers and an included international flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. Touch down in Cambodia’s capital and meet your transfer, who will whisk you straight to your accommodation – a polished arrival into the next chapter of your journey.
Checking in mid-afternoon, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Travellers who have booked the VIP Upgrade will enjoy a memorable sunset cruise on the Mekong River this evening.
Travel time: Driving – approx. six hours
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Cambodia’s captivating capital, Phnom Penh, in your own way. You can choose to discover the solemn history of Cambodia’s past with an optional tour to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former prison during the Khmer Rouge regime (surcharge applies).
Alternatively, you can opt for a comprehensive Phnom Penh city tour to see its most spectacular landmarks. This optional tour includes a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, which features a floor made of more than 5,000 solid silver blocks. You would also explore the incredible collection of Khmer cultural material at the National Museum and visit the sacred Wat Phnom temple (surcharge applies).
The day is yours to design, whether you choose to delve into history, explore the city’s grand landmarks, or simply wander the riverfront promenade at your own pace.
Today you journey to Siem Reap, the gateway to the legendary temples of Angkor. Your morning is a scenic overland transfer by private vehicle from Phnom Penh. Along the way, you’ll make a memorable stop in the town of Skuon, known colloquially as ‘Spiderville’, where you’ll see women carrying large trays of the local delicacy of fried and spiced spiders.
Upon arrival in Siem Reap in the afternoon, you will check in to your hotel in Siem Reap and have some time to relax. This evening, you are welcomed to Siem Reap with an included dinner accompanied by a traditional Apsara dance performance. As you enjoy a meal of classic Cambodian cuisine, you will be captivated by the graceful movements of the dancers in their ornate silk costumes and golden headdresses. The Apsara dance, inspired by ancient carvings at Angkor Wat, tells mythical stories and offers a perfect introduction to the rich heritage of the Khmer kingdom.
Travel time: Driving – approx. six hours
Today, Siem Reap’s famous temple complex awaits. Begin with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat. Rising from the jungle, this 12th-century Buddhist temple complex spans 400 acres. Widely held to be one of the great wonders of the world, this incredibly well-preserved site is an architectural triumph.
Continue to Angkor Thom, the last city of the Khmer Empire, whose 12th-century temples and statues are a fascinating remnant of the Cambodian Middle Ages. Study the carvings of the Terrace of the Elephants and the stone statues of the Terrace of the Leper Kings. Explore Bayon Temple, with its collection of smiling stone faces, and the remains of Ta Prohm, a Buddhist temple reclaimed by nature with thick vines weaving around its crumbling walls.
To finish the day, climb to the upper terraces of one of the ancient buildings and view the sunset.
Angkor Wat visit
After an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to Raffles Grand D’Angkor, not too far from your hotel – there will be signage at reception directing you to the meeting point. From here, a 4.5-hour drive takes you to the beginning of your 10-day Mekong River cruise aboard the Scenic Spirit.
Along the way to Kampong Cham, you’ll stop to appreciate the stunning Khmer Bridge at Kampong Kdei, Kampong Thom and a stone cutters village. Once you arrive at the vessel, you’ll meet your dedicated Cruise Director and settle in with a cocktail reception.
Ahead of dinner, get your bearings on board and find your way around this purpose-built boat as it blends modern design with locally-inspired details. Become acquainted with your elegant suite, along with the vessel’s panoramic lounges, pool and attentive service.
This evening, enjoy your first dinner on board. As the Scenic Spirit sails from Kampong Cham and glides along the river, step out on deck to watch the city’s farmland fade behind you, replaced by quiet stretches of the Mekong Delta.
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
- Two Scenic Sundowners events on board
- One Scenic Enrich experience
- Personalised butler service throughout your cruise
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- All tipping and gratuities while aboard
Please Note: Cabin upgrades are available as Optional Experiences. They are non-refundable and must be purchased at time of purchase.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 4.5 hours
Scenic Spirit 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 back towards Krong Kampong Cham for the night. This charming city on the Mekong River is yours to explore for the afternoon. Wander the main riverfront boulevard and marvel at colourful Chinese shopfronts, restaurants and French colonial buildings. Later, consider the night market to remember your time captivated by Cambodia. In the evening, return to the Scenic Spirit for dinner at one of four glamorous restaurants.
Today, before sailing towards Angkor Ban, you’ll have the opportunity to choose between several Scenic Freechoice activities, designed to provide a deeper cultural immersion in Kampong Cham. Learn about local folklore at a mountaintop pagoda, take a city tour including a rubber plantation, or visit the local Kho Penh village on Pen (Bamboo) Island – only accessible by local remork (a type of local tuk-tuk) after crossing a bamboo bridge.
After lunch, head back onboard for more time by the pool, getting to know your fellow travellers and enjoying some down time en route to Angkor Ban.
This morning, after another sumptuous breakfast, 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.
Your complimentary Scenic Enrich experience takes you to a Buddhist pagaoda. Receive a traditional blessing from a local monk before taking part in an alms ceremony – a timeless tradition which offers food to the monks in return for good karma.
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 come into view. 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.
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.
This morning, you’ll be crossing the border back into Vietnam.
After border procedures, enjoy time at leisure aboard whilst sailing upstream to Tan Chau, a once thriving town now famous for its handcrafted silk products and skilled craftspeople.
Retreat to the serene onboard library with a good book, or settle into the elegant Scenic Spirit Lounge – the social heart of the ship – where you can relax with a glass of wine and share stories of the journey so far. You may also wish to attend an informative session for insights into upcoming ports, or cool off with a refreshing swim in the pool – cocktail in hand.
Alternatively, embrace the privacy of your spacious luxury suite, stepping onto your private balcony to enjoy uninterrupted views in complete comfort.However you choose to spend your afternoon, this is your time to relax, recharge and savour the moment.
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, the ship sets sail for Sa Dec. 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.
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 lunch as it glides gently towards Cai Be.
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 your final stop in Ho Chi Minh City. Unwind in the Scenic Spirit lounge with fellow guests over a drink or simply take in the spectacular scenery.
This morning marks the end of your adventure. As Ho Chi Minh City comes into focus, prepare to checkout and disembark.
From the port, bid farewell to your fellow travellers and the ship’s crew as you take a 90-minute drive into the city. Please book your flight to depart out of Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) after 3pm.