Itinerary

Day 1 Siem Reap, Cambodia

Upon arrival transfer to hotel for your 2 night stay

Day 2 Siem Reap, Cambodia

Enjoy a full-day tour of Angkor Wat, beginning at the well-preserved city gate and the serene towers of Bayon. Explore the jungle-covered Ta Prohm, then marvel at Angkor Wat's intricate carvings before finishing with sunset views over the temple complex, rice paddies, and West Baray reservoir from Phnom Bakheng.

Day 3 Siem Reap - Mekong Cruise

Check-out hotel and meet your Tour Director in hotel lobby. We 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 breath-taking 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. (B,L,D)

 

Day 4 Wat Hanchey - Kampong Cham

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 the cruise.  This afternoon is spent sailing 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 river front filled with its colourfully fainted Chinese shopfronts, restaurants and colonial buildings. Be sure to visit the night market once setup. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Kampong Cham - Angkor Ban

From Kampong Cham, your Scenic Freechoices this morning provide the chance to learn about the history and industries of the area. 

Scenic Freechoice: 
Choose to learn about local folklore at Phnom Pros, a mountaintop pagoda that has long been part of a traditional legend. Tragically, in more modern times, the site was used as a Killing Field by the Khmer Rouge. The temple now features a Buddha Garden and is home to a local troop of monkeys. Afterwards, visit Wat Nokor Bachey, a unique architectural experiment that blends an Angkorian era temple with a new temple built inside it.

Alternatively, 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 before stopping at a village known for growing betel nut, an important part of Cambodian culture.

Your third option today is a visit to Kho Penh Village. Located on Pen (Bamboo) Island, it's only accessible by local remork after crossing by bamboo bridge or ferry from Kampong Cham. This remote village gives you a fascinating insight into the simple, rural lifestyle of farmers in Cambodia.

Back on board, spend the afternoon relaxing and getting to know the facilities of the most luxurious ship on the river, Scenic Spirit as she sails to Angkor Ban. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Angkor Ban - Silk Island - Phnom Penh

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.

Scenic 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 resident 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.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
Get an outfit ready for an evening of style with a Sundowners cocktail reception on the sundeck against the backdrop of Phnom Penh's lights and stunning scenery as we approach the capital of Cambodia. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Phnom Penh, Cambodia

After breakfast, it will be time to head out and explore the city.

Scenic 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.

Passionate foodies may like to choose a hands-on cooking class. Take a trip to the bustling market with a local chef to purchase your ingredients, then head back to the kitchen to cook your own lunch, testing out the styles and flavours of Cambodian cuisine.

Alternatively, travel by remok, a local style of tuk tuk, to explore the French architecture and history of Phnom Penh.  Finish the tour with shopping at the Central Market, famed for its unique Art Deco design and bright yellow façade.

At the conclusion of your tour, return to Scenic Spirit for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
Later this evening, revel in our Phnom Penh by City Lights tour. You'll get to witness the nightlife of the capital before stopping at a local rum distillery for your exclusive Scenic Sundowners experience, including a private tour and tasting. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Phnom Penh - Border Crossing - Tan Chau

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 enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children's Organisation then 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 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. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Tan Chau, Vietnam

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. 

Scenic 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 haven for fauna and flora, home to more than 100 species of waterbirds.   Or experience a traditional way of life on Evergreen Island, joining local farmers for a morning of discovery. Back in Tan Chau, ride in a xe loi, a three-wheeled bicycle rickshaw that was introduced by the French in the 19th century and is a common form of transportation in rural Vietnam. Visit the recently renovated, brightly coloured Cao Dai temple. Caodaism is a new religion, established in 1926 in the southern Vietnamese city of Tây Ninh, and brings together beliefs and practices from Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism. Here, you will learn more about the mix of ideas that form the basis of this fascinating religion.   For your third choice, board a speedboat to visit Chau Doc, a major city in the Mekong Delta, and Tay An temple. Set at the foot of Sam Mountain, this elaborate temple is a mixture of Indian and Islamic architecture. Afterwards, board another sampan to visit Vinh Te canal and view life along the riverfront of Chau Doc, before stopping at a family-operated fish farm on your way back to 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. (B,L,D) 

Day 10 Sa Dec, Vietnam

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 morning excursion, head back to the Scenic Spirit for lunch whilst enjoying a relaxing afternoon at leisure on board sailing downstream to Cai Be. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Cai Be, Vietnam

Start the day with a full gourmet breakfast – complete with champagne – before heading out to explore Cai Be.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose to travel via sampan to Tan Phong, a small island located near Cai Be town that is rich in alluvial soil suitable for tropical fruit orchards all year round. With a total area of more than 1,000 hectares, surrounded by silted sandbanks, canals and a mild temperature, Tan Phong has long been a friendly destination for eco-tourism. On arrival, try a hands-on experience at a workshop specialised in weaving water hyacinth into artistic crafts. Board a motorised buggy for a ride through endless fruit orchards, stopping to enjoy the tropical fruits and interact with a farm owner. Reboard the sampan and cruise to Cái Bè town to discover the local cottage industry where families make rice-paper and sweets from pop-corn, pop-rice and coconut.

Alternatively, take a sampan to Le Longanier, a French colonial house restaurant, to savour a delicious morning tea. The elegantly-dressed staff will welcome you with tea, coffee and a range of local fruit and snacks. Listen to the local band playing music and traditional Vietnamese songs.

If you would prefer to enjoy the comforts of your ship, our highly skilled bar team is ready to welcome you to a hands-on cocktail/mocktail making class featuring fresh local ingredients.

Back on board, set sail for My Tho.  This afternoon you will have time to relax onboard and overlook life on the Mekong River before watching the gorgeous sunset against the Vietnamese skyline.  Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner with the crew. (B,L,D)

Day 12 Mekong Cruise - Ho Chi Minh City

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 for your 2 night extended stay. (B)

Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Experience Ho Chi Minh City on a half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels with a war veteran guide, exploring the underground network once used for shelter, communication, and defence. Begin with pickup from your hotel to the Ben Dinh entrance, see replicas of traps and barracks, and hear vivid stories from your guide. Available in the morning or afternoon, this tour blends history, culture, and adventure before returning you to your hotel.

Day 14 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Check-out hotel & transfer to airport for your departure flight home.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions apply: All prices are quoted in Australian dollars, based on per person double occupancy unless stated otherwise, and inclusive of all taxes and discounts. All prices & itineraries are current as of 07 October 2025 & subject to change without notice. Prices are subject to change due to availability, currency fluctuations, fuel price, and tax increases. Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. 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. Bookings must be paid for in full within 30 days of confirmation. Price includes any stated bonus nights, upgrades & package savings, if applicable. All passports, visas, travel permits, and vaccinations are the responsibility of the travelling passenger to secure prior to travel. Airfares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice, based in economy class from Sydney and are subject to the carriers' flight schedules and conditions. Seasonal and flight routing surcharges may apply. Airfares are based on the lowest available fare, which comes with strict conditions i.e., non-refundable, or non-changeable. Please ask your consultant for pricing on flexible fare options that allow cancellations and/or amendments at a fee. Please call us for prices from other airports. Travel packages advertised may include multiple products provided by several suppliers to provide a travel itinerary. Each component of the package will be treated independent of each other, and the specific terms & conditions of each product supplier will apply. Hotels may charge resort fees, or a security bond not included or mentioned in this package, payable direct upon check-in. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty.