Essentie van Vietnam, Cambodja & Luxe Mekong 2025|2026

Welkom in het bruisende Vietnam, een wereld vol kleur, cultuur en eten. Geniet van je vrije dag en installeer je voor een Special Stay van twee nachten. Deze koloniale 'grand old lady' van Hanoi beschikt over luxe kamers en voorzieningen met uitzonderlijk personeel om in je behoeften en comfort te voorzien.

Rise and shine to a day of exploration in this nostalgic city with your first Scenic Freechoice.

Scenic 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 (closed Mondays & Fridays), 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. Then discover the charm of the Old Quarter with its narrow alleys and stop at a local coffee shop to savour one of the local favourites, an egg coffee.

Thirdly, visit the ancient village of Bat Trang, a traditional porcelain and pottery community. Interactively learn the intricate steps involved in making these ceramic works of art. Afterwards at a house where locals worship their ancestors, a local elder explains the unique aspects of Vietnamese culture and its spiritual beliefs. Conclude the trip by learning all about Bánh Cuon or rice pancakes, a dish of northern Vietnam that you’ll enjoy as part of a tasty self-made lunch of local specialties.

Enjoy a “green” electric car tour through Hanoi’s old quarter to tonight’s Enrich activity.

Scenic Enrich
For your 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.

Na het ontbijt check je uit bij je luxe accommodatie en begin je aan je vier uur durende reis naar Halong Bay. Onderweg rijd je door de welvarende landbouwgronden van de Rode Rivier Delta voordat je deelneemt aan een cruise van twee nachten aan boord van de nieuwe luxe Bhaya Soul voor een ontzagwekkende tocht door de schilderachtige wateren van dit spectaculaire icoon dat op de Werelderfgoedlijst staat.

Dit prachtige schip biedt een eersteklas ervaring van begin tot eind. De luxueuze uitrusting en suites bieden een comfortabele en prachtige manier om Halong Bay te verkennen en gebieden van de baai te bereiken die veel verder reiken dan de dagjesmensen en nachtcruises.

Geniet na het ontbijt van een Tai Chi les op het Zonnedek terwijl het schip dieper het Nationaal Park in vaart. Neem het heft in handen en spring in een kajak om je een weg te peddelen door een kalkstenen grottenstelsel, en maak later een fietstocht op Cat Ba Island. Cat Ba Island is een van de verborgen schoonheden van de regio. Het eiland, omringd door jungle en wilde dieren, is nog grotendeels onaangetast door grote ontwikkelingen.

Na je avontuur aan land ga je terug naar het schip om te genieten van een exclusieve Sundowners activiteit voor Scenic gasten terwijl je voor anker ligt. Geniet van de aroma's tijdens een wijnproeverij tegen de achtergrond van de karsteilanden bij zonsondergang. Later, nadat je hebt genoten van de heerlijke lokale gerechten in het restaurant aan boord, kun je vanaf de boot op inktvis vissen.

Relax during your morning cruise back to the harbour. After stopping for lunch and shopping en-route back to Hanoi, arrive back 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.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
Tonight, you have a choice of venues for your dinner through Scenic’s Freechoice.

Inspired by the comfort foods of Europe and the New World, enjoy a meal at Angelina, located within your hotel.

Or enjoy a family meal with a Hanoian family where you will spend an evening in a family home, sharing stories and learning about their life in the capital. Dine on traditional dishes prepared by your hosts and savour the authentic flavours of a home-cooked meal.

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.

After breakfast, check-out and transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang.  Upon arrival continue south past Marble mountains to the ancient trading port town of Hoi An. Here enjoy a three-night stay at your resort, which includes a daily spa journey as part of your stay.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
After you have settled into your little slice of heaven, take the opportunity to enjoy a range of carefully selected dining venues for your Scenic Freechoice dining.

Dine on Vietnamese street food style dishes at Morning Glory Signature Restaurant or choose Mango Mango Restaurant nestled in the heart of Hoi An’s Ancient Town.

Alternatively, nestled amongst the surrounding farmland, dine in the middle of rice paddies in a cosy and romantic setting whilst enjoying traditional Vietnamese and fusion cuisine at The Field Hoi An Restaurant and Bar.

Step back in time as you take a walking tour of Hoi An’s World Heritage-listed Old Quarter, visiting the Japanese Bridge and central market where you can experience its incredible sights and aromas.  Afterwards try some local street food specialties of Hoi An such as Com Gà, Cao Lau and Bánh Mì at a local restaurant.

The afternoon is at your leisure, perhaps to get a massage using your included spa treatment, swim in the hotel’s large resort style pool or continuing shopping in the old town, visiting the many tailors the town is known for.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
Enjoy your Scenic Sundowners, a time to relax at a reception in the Blue Bar with included beer and wine.

Start the day refreshed and ready to join your Scenic Freechoice activity.

Scenic Freechoice:
The option of a half day drip to My Son provides a glimpse into the area’s ancient history and a truly cultural highlight of Central Vietnam. The remaining structures of the Tower Temples provide an atmospheric image of the majesty of the Champa Kingdom. Stroll through the ruins and visit the small museum at the entrance to My Son before a local lunch.

The second option is to ride a bicycle to a local village to learn about the local lives of Hoi An’s fishermen. Climb into a small, round bamboo fishing basket and learn to cast a fishing net in the traditional way. Then continue to an area filled with water palms and coconut trees and learn about the history of this part of Hoi An. Round off the adventure with a scenic boat trip back to Hoi An, savouring lunch on board.

Thirdly meet with the representative of Reaching Out, an NGO established in 2000 and gain an insight into their efforts in providing opportunities for people with disability to learn skills and gain meaningful employment. Undertake a Lantern Making Class at their workshop located at an old merchant house and get a glimpse into how this NGO helps the disabled to integrate fully with their communities and lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Alternatively, you have the choice of participating in a bicycle ride to a local farm in Tra Que Village. Soak in the beauties of the vegetable gardens and participate in the preparation of the land and fertilizing it with seaweed with the local farmers. You will learn how to prepare ‘Tam Hu’u’, a local delicacy before sitting down for a home cooked meal including ‘Banh Xeo’ a specialty savory pancake wrapped in rice paper.

After your morning of adventures, arrive back at your hotel where you are then free to head back into town to explore on your own.

This morning travel via the breath-taking Hai Van Pass to Hue, the former imperial capital. During an inspiring visit to Duc Son Pagoda, talk with the nuns and learn how they are supporting their orphanage through different initiatives, including the proceeds from your Vegetarian lunch at Tinh Tam Restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Hue’s Imperial Citadel before wandering though the grandeur of it’s ruins. Afterwards check into your hotel in Hue, your home for the night.

Scenic Enrich
Traditional Vietnamese cuisine is served family style at the private Garden House accompanied by Royal Hue court music and a glass of wine.

Je laatste dag in het centrum van Vietnam begint met een ontbijt voordat je uitcheckt en vertrekt voor een ochtendexcursie naar het Mausoleum van keizer Tu Duc, de laatste onafhankelijke keizer van het keizerlijke Vietnam vóór de Franse kolonisatie. Na het verkennen van het terrein ga je naar de luchthaven voor je vlucht naar Ho Chi Minh City.

Na je vlucht naar Ho Chi Minh City, transfer naar je historische hotel voor de komende twee nachten. Maak voor het diner een ontspannen wandeling rond de Notre Dame kathedraal, het Opera House en het Central Post Office.

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 Pho lunch with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Scenic 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 at Mandarine Restaurant, designed in the style of the Hue imperial court serving individual Vietnamese dishes.

Or for something totally different dine at Noir Dining in the Dark (closed Mondays), a restaurant dedicated to helping the blind and visually impaired community.

Other choices include experiencing the street food and bars of Saigon on a Vintage Jeep or enjoying the offerings at Buffet 19 at your hotel.

Na het ontbijt en de checkout bezoek je het Oorlogsmuseum en het herenigingspaleis. Het voormalige presidentiële huis van Zuid-Vietnam werd beroemd in 1975 met beelden van tanks die door de poorten stormden, wat leidde tot de overgave van het Zuiden en het einde van de Onafhankelijkheidsoorlog.

Na de lunch brengt een bus je naar My Tho waar de adembenemende Scenic Spirit op je wacht. Begin met een cocktailreceptie onder leiding van je Cruise Director. Wandel over de dekken om je te oriënteren waar alle voorzieningen zijn. Na je welkomstdiner betekent je intrek nemen in je privésuite niet dat je genoegen neemt met service. Op elk moment kan je persoonlijke butler langskomen voor een slaapmutsje en het bezorgen van je favoriete kussens. Een kalme 4 uur durende zeiltocht brengt je naar een ankerplaats bij Cai Be waar het schip overnacht.

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 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.

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.

After your morning activity, head back to the ship for lunch whilst sailing to Sa Dec. Relax and soak in the beauty of the scenery, visit the on-board library to read up on future ports, or head to the Scenic Spirit lounge to unwind with fellow guests over a glass of wine.

Ga weer aan boord van je sampan om de levendige natte markt te verkennen waar je de verkopers kunt ontmoeten en je kunt vergapen aan hun koopwaar, waaronder levende vissen, kikkers en zelfs slangen. Deze twee uur durende verkenning neemt je mee in de lokale levensstijl. Je kunt ook het grote huis van Mr. Huynh Thuy Le zien, een Chinese koopman die Marguerite Duras' roman L'Amant inspireerde. Je deskundige gids onthult de geheimen achter dit hartstochtelijke verhaal over tragische liefde.

Na terugkomst op het schip heb je tijd voor een avonddip in het zwembad met uitzicht op de Mekong terwijl de zon ondergaat. Ervaar voor het diner een fantastisch themadiner aan boord van de Spirit, samen met een leeuwendans uitgevoerd door de lokale bevolking op het uitgestrekte zonnedek. Na aankomst aan boord zet het schip koers voor de 6 uur durende reis naar Tan Chau.

You may want to start with some exercise in the on-board gym, try stretching at the early morning yoga class or relax 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.

After lunch upon your arrival back on board, enjoy sailing to the Vietnamese and Cambodian border. 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.

After clearing the border crossing procedure, the morning is at your leisure. Attend an on-board demonstration, enjoy some solitude in the library and observation lounge, or soak in the scenery from your private balcony whilst sailing upstream from the Vietnamese border to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

Even the most developing countries have a standard of luxury and opulence. You can experience this this afternoon after arriving in Phnom Penh at the Royal Palace with the famous Silver Pagoda within, on your included visit to this must-see attraction.

Scenic Enrich
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 Sunset Drinks experience, including a private tour and tasting.

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. Later this evening before dinner enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation.

Board a bus this morning for the short drive to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong. Here, experience the life of the monks and nuns who reside at the peaceful monastery. If you are lucky, you may be able to partake in one of the many festivals and traditional rituals often held here.

Return to Scenic Spirit for lunch before setting sail towards Oknha Tey, dedicated to the art of silk weaving. Travel by tuk tuk to the farm and learn about the process of silk production.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
Get an outfit ready for an evening of style with a Sundowner cocktail reception on the sundeck against the backdrop of Phnom Penh’s stunning scenery as the ships departs to Angkor Ban.

Met reizen door Zuidoost-Azië komt de hitte en wat is een betere manier om af te koelen dan te socializen met een frisse cocktail en je tenen in het zwembad te dompelen tijdens je ochtendtocht naar Angkor Ban.

Na de lunch doe je Angkor Ban aan, een kleine nederzetting waar de tijd heeft stilgestaan. Verken de historische houten huizen, die meer dan 100 jaar oud zijn en de vernietiging door de Rode Khmer hebben overleefd. Je kunt ook een lokale school bezoeken waar de leerlingen Engelse les krijgen naast hun gewone lessen. Terug aan boord leer je de vele manieren om een krama, de traditionele Cambodjaanse sjaal, te dragen terwijl het schip richting Kampong Cham en Wat Hanchey vaart.

Meet the novice monks at Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery. Walk (or drive) to the top and soak in some of the best elevated views of the cruise.

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.

Sail back to Kampong Cham.

Scenic 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. 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 Koh 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 you will have time to relax and overlook the gorgeous sunset of the Cambodian skyline before your engaging farewell dinner with the crew.

Vandaag reizen we naar Siem Reap via Kampong Tom en de Angkoriaanse brug in Kampong Kdei. Siem Reap is een splitsing in de tijd met oude en traditionele architectuur verweven tussen de moderne ontwikkelingen. Stap terug in de tijd in je hotel, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, een definitie van luxe en je historische thuis voor de komende drie nachten in Siem Reap. Deze schitterend ingerichte accommodatie is vormgegeven met een mix van Frans geïnspireerde architectuur en lokaal interieur, het attente personeel biedt een service die alle verwachtingen overtreft en schitterende voorzieningen die passen bij royalty's.

Ga vanavond naar het kleurrijke Cambodjaanse Phare Circus waar je gereserveerde VIP-plaatsen te wachten staan. Prachtig geklede artiesten brengen een verbluffende show die meer is dan zomaar een circus. De artiesten gebruiken theater, muziek, dans en moderne circuskunsten om unieke Cambodjaanse verhalen te vertellen; historisch, volks en modern.

The second day of your Siem Reap exploration starts with a delicious champagne buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Scenic 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 of mines.

On another option visit Senteurs d'Angkor workshop to try your hand at producing your own local souvenir. Through different hands-on workstations, discover how the artisans make by hand soap with coconut oil, natural cosmetics, subtly scented balms, aromatic candles and local spices in traditional ways.

Alternatively, if you have enjoyed being on the water, sail on Tonle Sap Lake (July to February), 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 of Siem Reap overlooking Angkor Wat below before visiting a Lotus Flower workshop. (Not available July-October 2025).

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. After the day of adventure, tonight is free to shop away at the night markets of Siem Reap or venture to Pub Street, both in walking distance or a short tuk tuk ride from your hotel.

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

Scenic Enrich
The final Scenic Enrich 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 what is a remarkable trip.  

Het is tijd om afscheid te nemen van je medereizigers en het Scenic-team terwijl je je klaarmaakt om Cambodja te verlaten voor je thuisland of om verder te reizen. Transfer naar de luchthaven en vertrek met een volle camera en prachtige herinneringen om te koesteren.

Dit reisschema is slechts een leidraad en kan worden gewijzigd om operationele redenen zoals hoog- en laagwater. Onderbrekingen van het cruisen en wijzigingen in de reisschema's kunnen voorkomen. Hotels zijn indicatief en kunnen worden gewijzigd.