River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Hanoi

   Mon, Nov 14, 2022

   Welcome to vibrant Vietnam, a world of colour, 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.

   
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Hanoi

   Tue, Nov 15, 2022

   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 political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for prisoners during the Vietnam War.
   
   Alternatively, visit Ho Chi Minh Quarter and his Mausoleum, the resting place of Ho Chi Minh himself before visiting the Temple of Literature, originally built in 1070 as a university dedicated to Confucius, scholars and sages.
   
   Thirdly, you can discover the fine arts of cooking Vietnamese delicacies with a cooking class. Select ingredients from the local market before returning to cook up your own lunch for the day.

   Enrich
   In the evening for you Enrich Activity, attend a customary performance of Hanoi’s famous water puppets. As a VIP ticket holder, you will have premium seating as well as the opportunity to learn the secrets behind this illusionary show thanks to your special backstage pass.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
3. Day 3
   Hanoi > Halong Bay Cruise

   Wed, Nov 16, 2022

   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 Au Co 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 and exquisite way to explore Halong Bay reaching areas of the bay far beyond the day trippers and overnight cruises.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   Halong Bay Cruise

   Thu, Nov 17, 2022

   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. After your adventure ashore head back to the ship to enjoy an exclusive to Scenic guests Sundowners activity whilst at anchor. Soak up the aromas in a wine tasting set against the backdrop of the karst Islands at sunset. Later, after enjoying the fine local cuisine in the onboard restaurant, try your hand at some squid fishing from the boat.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Halong Bay Cruise > Hanoi

   Fri, Nov 18, 2022

   Relax during your morning cruise back to the harbour. After stopping for lunch and shopping en-route back to Hanoi for an overnight stay.  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. Dine in house at the La Terrace at your hotel, or following a short walk, enjoy a local Vietnamese meal in a classic French villa at Home Moc restaurant.  For the more adventurous, ride tandem on the back on a Vespa with a guide for a foodie tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, stopping at local food haunts for authentic Hanoi Street food with free flow drinks enabling you get a feel of the nightlife and vibe of the local Hanoi culture.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Hanoi > Siem Reap

   Sat, Nov 19, 2022

   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.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
7. Day 7
   Siem Reap

   Sun, Nov 20, 2022

   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 Banteay Srei Temples and visit the Landmine museum or admire the incredible handicrafts created by disadvantaged rural individuals forming a wide range of lacquerware, silk fabrics and fine sculptures. Alternatively, if you enjoy being on the water, sail on Tonle Sap Lake (seasonal), a picturesque UNESCO biosphere reserve and dive deep into discovery when visiting and experiencing the life of a floating village. Or take flight in a tethered balloon to discover the aerial beauties of the combination between traditional and modern Siem Reap. Enjoy the fresh air and take some remarkable photographs of the skyline as you lift into the skies overlooking Angkor Wat below.

   Later this afternoon explore Angkor Wat itself, the largest religious monument in the world.  Originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. An afternoon visit provides the perfect light for those idealic pictures of this colossal structure.

   Enrich
   Head to the colourful Cambodian Phare Circus where your VIP premium reserved seating awaits you. Beautifully dressed performers style a stunning show that is more than just a circus.  The performers use theatre, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
8. Day 8
   Siem Reap

   Mon, Nov 21, 2022

   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 an NGO supported local bakery school which also Scenic sponsors.  

   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 remainder of the afternoon to discover more of the Siem Reap markets or relax at your luxury hotel after your early morning start.

   Enrich
   Tonight is truly a special and exclusive one, one that is best experienced first hand to fully appreciate it’s scale. Your tour directors and Scenic team will leave you in awe as you enter a private magical gala themed dinner at Prasat Kravan, a small 10th-century temple consisting of five reddish brick towers on a common terrace.  Including free flow drinks and a show featuring Apsara dancers in front of the candle lit temple ruins, this evening brings a most incredible end to your time in Siem Reap. 

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
9. Day 9
   Siem Reap > Mekong Cruise

   Tue, Nov 22, 2022

   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, 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.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. Day 10
    Wat Hanchey > Kampong Cham

    Wed, Nov 23, 2022

    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: Back in Kampong Cham, your Scenic Freechoices this afternoon provide you the chance to learn about the history and industries of the area.  Your first option is to learn about the local folklore with stops at Phnom Pros (Man Hill and Wat Nokor). Phnom Pros was part of a traditional local legend but more recently was used as a Killing Field during the Khmer Rouge era. The temple now features a Buddha garden and is home to a local troop of monkeys. Wat Nokor Bachey is a unique architectural experiment blending an Angkorian era temple with a new temple built inside it.
    
    Alternatively, you can explore Kampong Cham’s history and industry with a drive past shop houses, remnants of the French colonial era and the large Central market. Visit a local rubber plantation established by the French, followed by a tour to view the processing of the raw rubber at a rubber factory before stopping at a village known for growing betel nut, a popular item in Cambodian culture.
    
    Cambodia is known for its villages so your third option is to visit the a village where the locals are being educated through a French NGO to be self-sustaining and live in a clean environment through rubbish collection and recycling.

    If you have not had a chance to enjoy your spectacular suite on the Scenic Spirit and are not feeling like socialising, 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.  

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11. Day 11
    Angkor Ban > Silk Island > Phnom Penh

    Thu, Nov 24, 2022

    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.

    Enrich
    With Scenic you are given the opportunity to learn how to pray and partake in a ceremony to receive a blessing from a monk and get a photograph, all whilst donating towards the daily meal of the resident nuns and monks.

    Afterwards 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 down time 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 utilise the complimentary laundry facilities and get an outfit ready for an evening of style with a Sundowners reception.

    Sundowners
    Cocktail reception on the sundeck against the backdrop of Phnom Penh’s lights and stunning scenery as we approach the capital of Cambodia. 

    Enrich
    Later in the evening enjoy your Phnom Penh by City Lights tour, giving you an insight to the nightlife of the capital before stopping at a distillery for an exclusive tour and tasting behind closed doors. 

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12. Day 12
    Phnom Penh

    Fri, Nov 25, 2022

    Freechoice: Your Scenic Freechoice provides the option to journey to the Killing Fields and tour Tuol Sleng Prison. This attraction is a sobering reminder of the terrors unleashed by the Khmer Rouge regime. Although not a delightful tour, visiting these monuments unlocks the keys to understanding the development of this country. At the conclusion of this choice, you can head back to the Scenic Spirit for lunch.
    
    The second choice is for the kitchen wizard, where a cooking class may be the option for you. Take a trip to the local market with a local chef to purchase your ingredients. Head back to the kitchen to cook your own lunch, testing out the styles and flavours of the Cambodian cuisine.
    
    The third option is to travel by Remok, a local style of tuk tuk to visit the French architecture and history of Phnom Penh.  Finish this tour with a stop at the unique designed Central Market for some shopping. Before returning to the Scenic Spirit, stop for lunch at a local Non Government Office (NGO) sponsored restaurant supporting street kids get a start in the hospitality industry.

    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 roof top bar to enjoy some me time. 

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13. Day 13
    Phnom Penh > Tan Chau

    Sat, Nov 26, 2022

    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.  Upon returning to the ship set sail and say good bye 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 socialising 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 on board the Spirit along with a lion dance performed by locals on the expansive Sundeck.  

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14. Day 14
    Tan Chau

    Sun, Nov 27, 2022

    You may want to begin the day with some exercise in the on board 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. 

    Freechoice: A prime example of leaving the city life behind can be located at Tra Su Bird Sanctuary in Tra Su Forest where you travel by sampan through endless waterways flanked by mangroves and lush greenery. This eco reserve spans 850 hectares and is known as an ecological haven for fauna and flora, with more than 100 species of water birds known to reside here.
    
    Of course, if you are not a bird fan but want to experience the wilderness of Vietnam, look no further than Evergreen Island for a morning of discovery about the local farmers. Enjoy the stunning and tranquil views of Monkey Bridge, orchards and traditional homes.  Back in Tan Chau you will have the option to experience a ride in a Xe Loi. This is a commonly used form of transportation in rural Vietnam will lead you to a silk workshop where you will discover the unique dying process of silk which has resulted in a sort after export product, particularly in Paris
    
    Your third choice is boarding a speedboat to visit Chau Doc, a major city in the Mekong Delta.  Upon arrival, continue on board a coach to visit Tay An temple, which is a mixture of Indian and Islamic style architecture located at the foot of Sam Mountain. Then board another sampan to visit Vinh Te canal and view life along the riverfront of Chau Doc, stop at a family-operated fish farm and then return to the Scenic Spirit.

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

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
15. Day 15
    Sa Dec > Cai Be

    Mon, Nov 28, 2022

    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 Duras 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.

    Freechoice: This afternoon enjoy your choice from the Scenic Freechoice activities. Re-board your sampan, pass the location of the morning floating market and soak in the local life on your way to visit Cai Be town. Stop at local cottage industries and a French colonial or traditional Vietnamese house.
    
    Alternatively take a sampan from the Scenic Spirit to savour a delicious afternoon tea at the Le Longanier, a French colonial house restaurant, where staff will welcome you with tea, coffee and a range of local fruit and snacks for your tasting. You can dive into a local experience with a band playing music and performing traditional Vietnamese songs.
    
    Thirdly if you are enjoying the comforts of the luxurious Scenic Spirit and wish to stay on board, our highly skilled bar team is ready to welcome you for our on board hands on cocktail/mocktail making class featuring fresh local ingredients, along with our delicious favourites from the Scenic Spirit menu.

    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.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
16. Day 16
    Mekong Cruise > Ho Chi Minh City

    Tue, Nov 29, 2022

    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 (HCMC). Upon arrival visit the War Museum before an orientation tour around your hotel and a two night stay, located in the heart of District One and opposite the Opera House.

    Freechoice Dining: Tonight, choose your Scenic Free Choice dining option from an exhilarating Vespa ride at night as your experienced driver winds in and out the hectic traffic of the streets, stopping at all the best local spots for the most scrumptious Vietnamese cuisines. Sample the best authentic street food and an unlimited supply of drinks and eating however much your stomach desires.  Alternatively, dine in the surroundings of an old French Colonial house or a restaurant specialising in Saigon street food. Alternatively, try traditional Italian at Basilico or international fare at Nineteen Restaurant at your hotel.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
17. Day 17
    Ho Chi Minh City

    Wed, Nov 30, 2022

    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.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
18. Day 18
    Ho Chi Minh City

    Thu, Dec 01, 2022

    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.

    
    Meals: Breakfast

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