Day 1 - Monday - Sep 2, 2024
Welcome to vibrant Vietnam, a world of color, culture, and food. Enjoy the day at leisure and settle into a two-night Special Stay. This colonial 'grand old lady' of Hanoi boasts luxury rooms and amenities with an exceptional staff to cater your needs and comforts.
Day 2 - Tuesday - Sep 3, 2024
Rise and shine to a day of exploration in this nostalgic city with your first Scenic Freechoice excursion. Later, all guests will enjoy a "green" electric car tour through Hanoi's Old Quarter to tonight's Scenic Enrich event.
Day 3 - Wednesday - Sep 4, 2024
After breakfast, check out of your luxury accommodation and begin your four-hour journey to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay. Along the way, you will drive through the prosperous farmlands of the Red River Delta before joining a two-night cruise onboard the Au Co for an awe-inspiring sailing through the picturesque waters of this spectacular icon. The stunning Au Co provides a first-class experience from beginning to end. The luxurious features and suites allow a comfortable and exquisite way to explore Halong Bay reaching areas far beyond the day trippers and overnight cruises.
Day 4 - Thursday - Sep 5, 2024
After breakfast, you may wish to join a Tai Chi lesson on the Sun Deck as the ship sails deeper into the national park. Jump into a kayak and paddle your way through a limestone cave system, and later take a bike ride on Cat Ba Island. Cat Ba Island has to be one of the hidden beauties of the region. Twisted with jungle and wildlife, the island remains largely untouched by development. After your adventure ashore head back to the ship to enjoy an exclusive to Scenic guests Sundowners activity while at anchor. Later, after enjoying the fine local cuisine in the onboard restaurant, try your hand at some squid fishing from the boat.
Day 5 - Friday - Sep 6, 2024
Relax during your morning cruise back to the harbor. After stopping for lunch and shopping en route, return back to Hanoi for an overnight stay. Later, join an historical bunker tour at the hotel to learn about its place in the history of this capital city that spans over 1,000 years.
Day 6 - Saturday - Sep 7, 2024
After a morning at leisure, fly to the regional city of Siem Reap in Cambodia. Your hotel is a step back in time in the definition of luxury and will be your historical home for the next three nights in Siem Reap. This brilliantly appointed accommodation is styled with a mix of French inspired architecture, local interior furnishings, and amenities fit for royalty with the attentive staff providing a service beyond expectations. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 7 - Sunday - Sep 8, 2024
Your Siem Reap exploration starts with a delicious champagne buffet breakfast at the hotel. Later this afternoon, all guests will explore Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument. Originally constructed by the Khmer Empire as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. An afternoon visit provides the perfect light for those idyllic pictures of this colossal structure.
Day 8 - Monday - Sep 9, 2024
After breakfast, visit the atmospheric, jungle-covered Ta Prohm Temple, before stopping at Angkor Thom and the multi-faced Bayon Temple. 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.
Day 9 - Tuesday - Sep 10, 2024
| Kampong Kdei, Cambodia, Cambodia |
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Discover the rural side of Cambodia en route to Kampong Cham where the breathtaking Scenic Spirit awaits. Along the way, visit the stunning Khmer bridge at Kampong Kdei, Kampong Thom, and a stone cutters village. After boarding, begin your cruise in style with a cocktail reception hosted by your cruise director. Take a stroll around the decks to orientate yourself as to where all the amenities are. After your welcome dinner, settle into your private suite. At any time, your dedicated personal butler is available to assist with a nightcap and delivery of your preferred pillows.
Day 10 - Wednesday - Sep 11, 2024
Awake as you approach Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery to meet the resident novice monks. Walk (or drive) to the top for some of the best elevated views of Scenic Spirit and the surrounding countryside. This afternoon, sail upstream along the Mekong River before returning to Kampong Cham, the quaint but largest city in the north and home to most of Cambodia's Muslim population. The remainder of the day is free to discover the main boulevard along the riverfront, lined with colourfully painted Chinese shopfronts, restaurants, and colonial buildings. Be sure to visit the night market once set up.
Day 11 - Thursday - Sep 12, 2024
Back in Kampong Cham, your Scenic Freechoice excursion this afternoon provides the chance to learn about the history and industries of the area. Once back onboard Scenic Spirit, enjoy some time to unwind in your spectacular suite. Your dedicated butler can arrange for a beautiful meal to be served in your suite as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the Mekong, overlooking the gorgeous sunset of the Cambodian skyline as you sail to Angkor Ban.
Day 12 - Friday - Sep 13, 2024
| Koh Oknha Tey, Cambodia, Cambodia |
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Upon arrival in Angkor Ban, explore its historical rural wooden houses, which survived the Khmer Rouge and visit a local pagoda where a private and solemn excursion at a Buddhist pagoda awaits. Afterwards, return to Scenic Spirit for lunch and sail downstream to the island of Oknha Tey, where residents are dedicated to the art of silk weaving. Travel by tuk tuk to the farm and learn about the process of silk production. Return to Scenic Spirit where you may wish to absorb more about the local culture with Scenic team by learning how to make and wear the Cambodian scarf. Enjoy the amenities on Scenic Spirit and truly unwind. What better way to do so than by heading to the Wellness Centre or Beauty Salon for a bit of pampering. This evening, you may wish to dress up for the Scenic Sunset Drinks cocktail reception on the Sun Deck against the backdrop of Phnom Penh's lights and stunning scenery as we approach the capital of Cambodia.
Day 13 - Saturday - Sep 14, 2024
The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure or you may wish to join an afternoon Scenic Freechoice excursion. Settle into a relaxing evening by the pool or at the bar on the Sun Deck.
Day 14 - Sunday - Sep 15, 2024
| Vietnam-Cambodia Border Crossing, Vietnam |
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Experience the opulent side of Phnom Penh this afternoon at the Royal Palace with the famous Silver Pagoda, during your included visit to this must-see attraction. Upon returning to the ship, set sail and say goodbye to Phnom Penh as we cruise to the Cambodian and Vietnamese border. A relaxing afternoon of sailing will allow you to take advantage of the many exclusive facilities onboard Scenic Spirit. You may wish to unwind in the Scenic Spirit library to learn more about the ports you are visiting. Or head to the heart of this ship, the Scenic Spirit Lounge, which is a great place to unwind with a glass of wine and meet other guests. You may wish to socialize by the pool with a refreshing cocktail and swim, or just settle into the private comfort of your luxury suite. After clearing immigration into Vietnam at the border, experience a fantastically themed dinner onboard the Scenic Spirit along with a lion dance performed by locals on the expansive Sun Deck.
Day 15 - Monday - Sep 16, 2024
You may wish to start your day with some exercise in the onboard gym, try stretching at the early morning yoga class, or relax in the sauna before setting off to on a Scenic Freechoice excursion of your choosing in the areas surrounding Tan Chau. What better way to end the first day in Vietnam than a refreshing cocktail by the pool onboard the Spirit along with a great view of the Mekong as you set sail for Sa Dec.
Day 16 - Tuesday - Sep 17, 2024
Upon arrival in Sa Dec, board your sampan to explore and interact with the sellers in the lively wet market where you will see live fish, frogs, and even snakes. This 2-hour exploration is a deep dive into the local lifestyle. You can also visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le who inspired Marguerite Duras to write novel L'Amant, a story of tragic love, as told by your entertaining local expert. After your morning excursion, return to Scenic Spirit for lunch while sailing downstream to Cai Be.
Day 17 - Wednesday - Sep 18, 2024
Enjoy your choice from the Scenic Freechoice activities on offer today. Back onboard, as you sail to My Tho, relax and take in the gorgeous sunset over the Vietnamese skyline and life on the Mekong River before your engaging farewell dinner with the crew.
Day 18 - Thursday - Sep 19, 2024
| Ho Chi Minh City (Formerly Saigon), Vietnam |
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It is time to bid farewell to the Scenic Spirit as you wave goodbye to the staff and commence your 90-minute drive to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival visit the War Museum before an orientation tour around your hotel where you will enjoy a two-night stay, located in the heart of District One and opposite the Opera House.
Day 19 - Friday - Sep 20, 2024
| Ho Chi Minh City (Formerly Saigon), Vietnam |
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After breakfast, travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels and spend the morning learning about the development and establishment of this hidden covered tunnel network that the Viet Cong soldiers hid in for months on end. Return to HCMC to explore the Reunification Palace, the former Presidential House of South Vietnam which become famous in 1975 with images of tanks crashing through its gates leading to the South's surrender and end of the War of Independence. Enjoy tonight's farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 20 - Saturday - Sep 21, 2024
| Ho Chi Minh City (Formerly Saigon), Vietnam |
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After check-out, head to the airport as you get ready to depart Vietnam for your homeland or extended travels. Leave with a full camera and stunning memories to treasure. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Disruptions to cruising and alteration to itinerary arrangements may occur. Hotels are indicative and are subject to change.
