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Phnom Penh Royal Palace complex

Luxury Mekong

Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Scenic Spirit
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The fascinating Mekong is many things to many people. Embark on a journey of contrasts as you gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia and Vietnam’s complex histories and be charmed by the friendly locals as they go about their daily lives along this magnificent waterway. Explore the ancient hilltop monastery of Wat Hanchey and immerse yourself in the beauty of Khmer handicrafts in Cheung Kok. Sometimes simply sitting back and watching the world glide by is the perfect way to relish the sights and sounds – especially when ensconced in luxury onboard the boutique Scenic Spirit. Let the Mekong captivate and astound.
Royal Palace in Phnom PenhBuddha at Bayon Temple, Angkor ThomExploring CambodiaScenic rice field in VietnamBen Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh CityLocal moving cattle through the fieldsHouses of Tonle SapRoyal Palace and Silver PagodaPhnom Penh Royal Palace complex
Highlights
  • Explore Angkor Ban and its historical rural wooden houses
  • Visit the French architecture and history of Phnom Penh
  • Experience tour at the Royal Palace with the famous Silver Pagoda
  • Sail through Vinh Te canal and view life along the riverfront of Chau Doc
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Siem Reap | Mekong Cruise | Embark

Please arrive by 08:00 am. Here your Tour Director will run through an overview of your upcoming trip before boarding your bus. Discover the rural side of Cambodia as you transfer 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, settling into your private suite does not mean you settle for service. At any time, your dedicated personal butler is free to swing by with a nightcap and delivery of your preferred pillows.

Day 2: Wat Hanchey | Kampong Cham

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.

If you have not had a chance to enjoy your spectacular suite on the Scenic Spirit and are not feeling like socializing, it might be time to unwind and dine in private. Your dedicated butler can arrange for a beautiful meal to be served in your room or on the balcony as you enjoy the fresh air of the Mekong, overlooking the gorgeous sunset of the Cambodian skyline as you sail to Angkor Ban.

Day 3: Angkor Ban | Silk Island | Phnom Penh

Upon arrival in Angkor Ban, explore its historical rural wooden houses, which survived the Khmer Rouge and visit a local pagoda where a segregated and solemn excursion at a Buddhist pagoda awaits.

Afterward, reboard Scenic Spirit for lunch and sail downstream to the island of Oknha Tey, 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 and some free time.  The option to immerse yourself in local culture with our team is available by learning how to make and wear the Cambodian scarf.  

Some downtime is a great way to relax and what better way to do that than heading to the Wellness Centre or Beauty Salon for a bit of pampering. If you are running out of clean clothes, be sure to utilize the complimentary laundry facilities and get an outfit ready for an evening of style with a Sundowners reception.
 

Day 4: Phnom Penh

The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to go ashore and explore the city and its markets and bars. Settle into a relaxing evening on the pool deck or the rooftop bar to enjoy some me-time. 

Day 5: Phnom Penh | Tan Chau

Even the most developing countries have a standard of luxury and opulence.  You can experience this morning at the Royal Palace with the famous Silver Pagoda within, on your included visit to this must-see attraction.  Upon returning to the ship set sail and say goodbye to Phnom Penh as we sail to the Cambodian and Vietnamese border. 

A relaxing afternoon of sailing will allow you to take advantage of the many exclusive facilities on the Scenic Spirit. Sometimes everyone needs a break from the hustle and bustle of this exciting cruise and for those bookworms, kick back in the Scenic Spirit library, or head to the heart of this ship, which is the Scenic Spirit lounge, a great place to unwind with a glass of wine. Obtain some background knowledge of each port and get the key information for the exciting activities ahead. With travelling throughout South-East Asia comes the heat and what better way to cool down than socializing with a fresh cocktail and swimming in the pool all or just settle into the private comfort of your luxury suite and private balcony.

After clearing immigration into Vietnam at the border, you will experience a fantastically themed dinner onboard the Spirit along with a lion dance performed by locals on the expansive Sundeck.  

Day 6: Tan Chau

You may want to begin the 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 a Scenic Freechoice of your choosing in the areas surrounding Tan Chau. 

What better way to end the first day in Vietnam than a delicious cocktail by the pool onboard the Spirit along with a great view of the Mekong as you set sail for Sa Dec.  

Day 7: Sa Dec | Cai Be

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 fishes, frogs and even snakes. This 2-hour exploration lets you dive deep into the local lifestyle. You can also visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le who inspired Marguerite Dura's novel L’Amant, a story of tragic love told by your entertaining expert. After your morning excursion, head back to the Scenic Spirit for lunch whilst sailing downstream to Cai Be.

Back on board, you will have time to relax and overlook the gorgeous sunset of the Vietnamese skyline and life on the Mekong River before your engaging farewell dinner with the crew.

Day 8: Mekong Cruise | Ho Chi Minh City | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
It is time to bid farewell to the Scenic Spirit as you wave goodbye to the staff and commence your 90 min drive to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you can be dropped off at the Caravelle Saigon or 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.

Ship/Hotel

Scenic Spirit

Scenic Spirit Pool
Scenic Spirit Library
Scenic Spirit Lounge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Apr 1, 2025from $7,535
  • Apr 8, 2025from $7,535
  • Apr 15, 2025from $7,535
  • Apr 22, 2025from $7,535
  • Apr 29, 2025from $6,810
  • Oct 21, 2025from $12,190
<Apr 2025>
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Deal available

Deals

2-for-1 Savings 26570
Connect with a Trip Planner to discuss 2-for-1 fares on select sailings.  Valid on new bookings.
Applies to select departures and subject to availability.

Special Deals 27257
Book your 2025 Scenic/Emerald Europe River cruise by March 31, 2025, and take advantage of the reduced deposit offer of $100 per person and air credit of $2000 per person. A deposit is required at the time of booking. These promotions apply to new bookings only. Offer is combinable with 2-for-1 Fares, Pay in Full offers, Emerald Exclusive/Scenic Select Savings, Flash sales, and Holiday Deals. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to 2025 Scenic and Emerald Europe River Cruises.

Spring into Savings Sale 27364
Book your Scenic Europe River cruise for select 2025 departures between March 17-31, 2025, and enjoy 2-for-1 fare on your cruise pricing.

An additional bonus savings of up to $1,750 per suite on select departures. Savings vary by departure.

Free air offers are also available based on suite category and destination when you pay in full 10 months before departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers or 90 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. Bonus savings options are available instead of air with the same payment terms.

Bonus savings of up to $500 per person on select departures with non-refundable booking terms. Full payment is required within 48 hours of booking, with no exceptions. Code: NONREF

Single Supplement: A free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment is required. Other departure dates may have a 45% single supplement. Single supplement offers do not apply to  RP, RR, RO, R, RA, RD, RS, or RJ cabin categories.

Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date or cancel your journey until 90 days before departure. Enjoy a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, valid for 24 months. The offer is valued at $125 per person—no substitutions, no cash value.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to 2025 Scenic Europe River Cruises.

Per person starting at
$6,810

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Scenic Spirit Deluxe Suite
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite (C)
32m2/344ft2 - These spacious Suites are located on the Jewel, Sapphire, and Diamond Decks. Each has a private full-length balcony, walk-in wardrobe, and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin with a separate toilet and shower.
Scenic Spirit Deluxe Suite
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite (CA)
32m2/344ft2 - These spacious Suites are located on the Jewel, Sapphire, and Diamond Decks. Each has a private full-length balcony, walk-in wardrobe, and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin with a separate toilet and shower.
Scenic Spirit Deluxe Suite
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite (BA)
32m2/344ft2 - These spacious Suites are located on the Jewel, Sapphire, and Diamond Decks. Each has a private full-length balcony, walk-in wardrobe, and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin with a separate toilet and shower.
Scenic Spirit Deluxe Suite
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite (BB)
32m2/344ft2 - These spacious Suites are located on the Jewel, Sapphire, and Diamond Decks. Each has a private full-length balcony, walk-in wardrobe, and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin with a separate toilet and shower.
Scenic Spirit Deluxe Suite
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite (B)
32m2/344ft2 - These spacious Suites are located on the Jewel, Sapphire, and Diamond Decks. Each has a private full-length balcony, walk-in wardrobe, and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin with a separate toilet and shower.
Scenic Spirit Deluxe Suite
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite (A)
32m2/344ft2 - These spacious Suites are located on the Jewel, Sapphire, and Diamond Decks. Each has a private full-length balcony, walk-in wardrobe, and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin with a separate toilet and shower.
Scenic Spirit Grand Deluxe SuiteScenic Spirit Grand Deluxe Suite
Select a Date
Grand Deluxe Suite (RD)
40m2/430ft2 - These eight suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service and thoughtful touches. Enjoy an outdoor balcony, separate lounge and dining area, extra-large walk in wardrobe and a luxurious oversized bathroom.
Scenic SpiritRoyal Panorama Suite
Select a Date
Royal Panorama Suite
80m2/861ft2 - This is the largest suite on the Mekong river. Being up forward on the Diamond Deck, enjoy fantastic views of the passing scenery from your private terrace with an outdoor Jacuzzi and day bed. Both Suites have a separate lounge and dining area, walk-in dressing room, and a luxurious oversized bathroom offering a separate bathtub, toilet, and shower.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Porterage
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Complimentary beverages
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions

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