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Scenic Spirit
Mekong
SCENICVIEX180226-2
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(Prices correct as of today’s date, are updated daily, are subject to change and represent genuine availability at time of update).
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Scenic River Tours under ATOL number 9294
Welcome to vibrant Vietnam, a world of colour, culture and food. Enjoy the day at leisure and settle into an overnight Special Stay. This colonial ‘grand old lady’ of Hanoi boasts luxury rooms and amenities with an exceptional staff to cater your needs and comforts.
After breakfast, checkout of your luxury accommodation and begin your four-hour journey to 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 new luxury Bhaya Soul for an awe-inspiring trip through the picturesque waters of this spectacular World Heritage-listed icon.
This stunning vessel provides a first-class experience from beginning to end. The luxurious features and suites allow a comfortable... Read More
After breakfast, enjoy a Tai Chi lesson on the Sun Deck as the ship sails deeper into the National Park. Take control and jump into a kayak to 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. Twined with jungle and wildlife, the island remains mainly untouched from large development.
Sunset Drinks
After your adventure ashore head back to the ship to enjoy a...
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Relax during your morning cruise back to the harbour. After stopping for lunch and shopping en-route back to Hanoi, arrive back for another night at the Sofitel Legend Metropole. Later join a historical bunker tour at the hotel to learn about its place in the history of this capital city, a history that spans over 1000 years.
Freechoice Dining:
Tonight, you have a choice of venues for your dinner through Scenic’s Freechoice. Inspired by Parisian caf&eac...
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Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, is an enchanting blend of ancient history and modern vibrancy, steeped in a rich tapestry of culture. The city's storied past is showcased through an array of temples, pagodas and historic sites such as The Old Quarter, where narrow streets and colonial architecture provide a window into Hanoi's traditional charm. Elsewhere in Hanoi, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum serves as a solemn tribute to the countries revered leader. The dynamic street life of the city features bustling markets offerin... Read More
Rise and shine to a day of exploration in this nostalgic city with your first Scenic Freechoice.
Freechoice:
Choose to visit the History Museum and Hoa Lo Prison. The National Museum of Vietnamese History displays monumental components stretching across every period. Housed in a colonial French building completed in 1932, the design incorporated French colonial and traditional Vietnamese architecture. Continue to Hoa Lo Prison, which was used by the French for poli...
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After a morning at leisure, bid farewell to Hanoi and transfer to Hanoi airport to board your flight to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Upon arrival, visit The Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE). COPE’s mission is to help people with mobility-related disabilities move on by supporting access to physical rehabilitation services in the Lao PDR. Check into your hotel for the night.
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is a charming city known for its relaxed atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. Situated along the Mekong River, it features a unique blend of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture, with highlights such as the majestic Pha That Luang, a gold-covered stupa considered the country's national symbol. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront, explore bustling markets, and savour delicious local cuisine, including the famous larb. The city's tranquil temples, like W...
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After your breakfast, commence a morning tour of the capital with visits to Pha That Luang, a national symbol that is a gold-covered large Buddhist stupa in the center of the city and Patuxay Monument, a war monument built between 1957 and 1968 that is dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. After lunch drive to Vang Vieng and check into your boutique resort located alongside the Mekong River. For the remainder of the day take in the dramatic vista of the surrounding mou... Read More
Vang Vieng, a picturesque town in Laos, is renowned for its stunning karst landscape and vibrant outdoor activities. Nestled between lush mountains and the Nam Song River, it offers a paradise for adventure seekers, with opportunities for tubing, kayaking, and rock climbing. The town is also famous for its lively backpacker scene, featuring a variety of restaurants and bars that provide a relaxed atmosphere for socialising. Visitors can explore nearby caves and hot springs, or take in breathtaking views from the... Read More
Vang Vieng is home to some amazing natural formations and beautiful landscapes. Take in this natural beauty of the region with visits to the beautiful turquoise ‘Blue Lagoons’ and Chang Caves, discovered by villagers seeking refuge deep in the forest during the wars. After lunch transfer to the local train station to experience travelling on the new high-speed train to Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos.
In this UNESCO listed town, enjoy a three-night Special Stay.... Read More
Luang Prabang, Laos, is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its stunning blend of traditional Lao architecture and French colonial influences. Nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, the city boasts magnificent temples, such as the iconic Wat Xieng Thong, and vibrant morning markets filled with local crafts and fresh produce. Visitors can explore nearby waterfalls, enjoy scenic boat rides, and participate in the enchanting almsgiving ceremony at dawn. With its rich history, serene at... Read More
Today visit the city’s main sites including, Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important and oldest temples in Laos, Wat Mai, the city’s largest temple and the former Royal Palace now converted into the National Museum. Later, enjoy a 2-hour cruise along the Mekong River to explore the Pak Ou Caves (locally called Tam Ting) flooded with thousands of gold Buddha statue buried within a limestone cliff. This well-known attraction is a must-see in Laos. Tonight, is yours at leisure leaving you with... Read More
A truly beautiful and empowering moment awaits upon the streets of Luang Prabang. Attend the morning ritual and admire the silent movements of the local monks as they collect their daily alms.
Afterwards return to the hotel for breakfast before heading out for the morning. Begin with a journey to Kuang Si waterfalls, a set of picturesque, tiered waterfalls and swimming holes set amongst the dense jungle. En route back to town stop at a small village, home to one of the area’s many... Read More
After a morning at leisure, fly to the regional city of Siem Reap in Cambodia. Siem Reap is a split in time with ancient and traditional architecture weaved between the modern developments. Step back in time at your hotel, a definition of luxury and 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, the attentive staff provide a service beyond expectations, and... Read More
Siem Reap, in the northwest Cambodia, is a major tourist hub in the country. Once the seat of power for the Khmer Empire, the name of the city translates to Siamese defeated - a reference to the victory of the Khmer Empire over the army of the Thai kingdom in the 17th century. Siem Reap is the closest city to the world famous temples of Angkor, and its provincial capital sits on the shores of the Tonle Sap lake, making it the most popular tourist destination for those exploring Cambodia.
Your Siem Reap exploration starts with a delicious champagne buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Freechoice:
As part of Scenic’s Freechoice you have multiple options to choose from. Explore the 10th-century Banteay Srei Temple, a temple commonly referred to as the Ladies Temple because of its pinkish sandstone and dedication to the Hindu god Shiva. Afterwards visit the Landmine Museum, founded in 1997 with the aim to make the country safe through the removal...
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Enrich
Begin the day with an early morning Scenic Enrich, marvel at the sunrise over the magnificent Angkor Wat before moving to a special location near a temple for a scrumptious champagne breakfast with food prepared by a Scenic sponsored, NGO supported local bakery school.
After breakfast, visit the atmospheric, jungle covered Ta Prohm Temple, before stopping at Angkor Thom and the multi-faced Bayon Temple. Fortunately, you have the remainde... Read More
Discover the rural side of Cambodia as your coach will transfer you to Kampong Cham where the breathtaking Scenic Spirit awaits. Before arriving, you will be visiting 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, se... Read More
Awake as you approach Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery. After learning about life as a novice monk from one of the locals, wander around the complex and admire the view over the Mekong River and surrounding countryside. Sail back to Kampong Cham.
Freechoice:
This afternoon, explore Kampong Cham and its surrounds. Choose to learn about local folklore at Phnom Pros, a mountaintop pagoda that has long been part of a traditional legend. Tragic...
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Upon arrival in Angkor Ban, explore its historical rural wooden houses, which survived the Khmer rouge, visit a school that teaches English to the local students after their regular school lessons and visit a local pagoda where a segregated and solemn excursion at a Buddhist pagoda awaits.
Enrich
Receive a traditional blessing from a monk and learn how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda before partaking in an alms ceremony, which contributes to the daily meal of the...
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Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.
After breakfast, it will be time to head out and explore the city.
Freechoice:
You can choose to journey to the infamous Killing Fields and take a tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed inside a former prison. These sites are a sobering reminder of the terrors unleashed by the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. This moving tour will give you a deeper insight into the tumultuous history of Cambodia and the resilience of its people.
Passion...
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Even the most developing countries have a standard of luxury and opulence. You can experience this this morning at the Royal Palace with the famous Silver Pagoda within, on your included visit to this must-see attraction. Set on the riverfront, this dazzling palace was built in the 1860s and still serves as the official residence of the King of Cambodia. Upon returning to the ship set sail and say goodbye to Phnom Penh as we sail to the Cambodian and Vietnamese border.
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Tân Châu sits in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, and is acclaimed for its traditional craftmanship and high-quality silk weaving. Across Tân Châu, skilled artisans intricately craft exquisite fabrics, often used to create elegant garments. The town gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy a serene atmosphere, whilst also offering a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese craftmanship.
You may want to start the day with some exercise in the on-board gym, an early morning yoga class or relax your muscles in the sauna. Then set off to discover the areas surrounding Tan Chau.
Freechoice:
You could leave the city life behind at Tra Su Bird Sanctuary in Tra Su Forest. Travel by sampan through endless tranquil waterways, flanked by mangroves and lush greenery. This eco reserve spans 850 hectares and is an ecological...
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When you arrive in Sa Dec, board your sampan once again to explore the lively wet market where you can meet the sellers and marvel at their wares, including live fish, frogs and even snakes. This two-hour exploration will take you deep into the local lifestyle. You can also see the grand home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, a Chinese merchant who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant. Your expert guide will reveal the secrets behind this passionate tale of tragic love. After your mornin... Read More
Cái Bè, nestled in the picturesque Mekong Delta, is a vibrant town renowned for its lively floating markets and scenic waterways. The Cái Bè Floating Market is a highlight, where local farmers sell fresh produce and handcrafted goods directly from their boats, offering visitors an authentic taste of daily life in the delta. Surrounding the town are lush orchards and tranquil rice paddies, perfect for cycling and exploring the serene countryside. With its rich cultural heritage and war... Read More
Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam's largest city and the engine driving the country's current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it's a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you... Read More
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 the city for a Ph? lunch with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Later 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 sur... Read More
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. Hotels are indicative and are subject to change.