Indochina Ontdekkingsreis en Luxe Mekong Cruise 2025-2026|2026-2027

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 savor 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.

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.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
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.

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 your hotel.  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.

Na een vrije ochtend neem je afscheid van Hanoi en transfer je naar de luchthaven van Hanoi om aan boord te gaan van je vlucht naar Vientiane, de hoofdstad van Laos. Bij aankomst breng je een bezoek aan de Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE). COPE's missie is om mensen met mobiliteitsgerelateerde handicaps vooruit te helpen door de toegang tot fysieke revalidatiediensten in de Democratische Volksrepubliek Laos te ondersteunen. Check in in je hotel voor de nacht.

Na je ontbijt begin je aan een ochtendtour door de hoofdstad met een bezoek aan Pha That Luang, een nationaal symbool dat een met goud bedekte grote boeddhistische stupa is in het centrum van de stad en het Patuxay Monument, een oorlogsmonument gebouwd tussen 1957 en 1968 dat is opgedragen aan degenen die vochten in de strijd voor onafhankelijkheid van Frankrijk. Na de lunch rijd je naar Vang Vieng en check je in in je boetiekresort aan de Mekong rivier. Geniet de rest van de dag van het dramatische uitzicht op de omringende bergen en het platteland vanuit de zwembadlounge of vanaf je balkon.

Vang Vieng is de thuisbasis van een aantal verbazingwekkende natuurlijke formaties en prachtige landschappen. Geniet van de natuurlijke schoonheid van de regio met een bezoek aan de prachtige turquoise 'Blue Lagoons' en Chang Caves, ontdekt door dorpelingen die tijdens de oorlogen hun toevlucht zochten diep in het bos. Na de lunch ga je naar het plaatselijke treinstation om te ervaren hoe het is om met de nieuwe hogesnelheidstrein naar Luang Prabang, de spirituele hoofdstad van Laos, te reizen.

Geniet in deze stad, die op de UNESCO-lijst staat, van een speciaal verblijf van drie nachten. Geniet later van het uitzicht vanaf Mt Phousi, een 100 m hoge heuvel die in het hart van het schiereiland van de oude stad ligt en aan de ene kant wordt begrensd door de Mekong rivier en aan de andere kant door de Nam Khan rivier.

Bezoek vandaag de belangrijkste bezienswaardigheden van de stad, waaronder Wat Xieng Thong, een van de belangrijkste en oudste tempels in Laos, Wat Mai, de grootste tempel van de stad en het voormalige Koninklijk Paleis dat nu is omgebouwd tot het Nationaal Museum. Later kun je genieten van een 2 uur durende cruise over de Mekong rivier om de Pak Ou Grotten (plaatselijk Tam Ting genoemd) te verkennen, die overspoeld worden door duizenden gouden Boeddhabeelden die begraven liggen in een kalkstenen rotswand. Deze bekende attractie is een must-see in Laos. Vanavond heb je vrije tijd om te winkelen op de bekende avondmarkt en cadeautjes mee naar huis te nemen.

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 ethnic minorities, to learn about their traditions and culture.

Scenic Enrich
Immerse yourself in local spirituality during a traditional Baci ceremony and pay respects to ancient traditions of Laos. The Baci is performed in celebration of an important event such as weddings, births, or for welcoming guests and is a means of expressing good will and good luck to others. The Lao believe that each person has 32 spirits which constitute their spiritual essence and the Baci is the ritual used to call back any escaped spirits into the body.  During the Baci, special flower trays and food treats are prepared which you then touch while a Buddhist mantra is chanted.  After the chanting is completed, cotton threads are tied around your wrist whilst you receive an individual blessing.

Na een vrije ochtend vlieg je naar de regionale stad Siem Reap in Cambodja. 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, een definitie van luxe en je historische thuis voor de komende drie nachten in Siem Reap. Deze briljant 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.

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.

This evening 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.

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.

Ontdek de landelijke kant van Cambodja als je bus je naar Kampong Cham brengt, waar de adembenemende Scenic Spirit op je wacht. Voordat je aankomt, bezoek je de prachtige Khmer-brug in Kampong Kdei, Kampong Thom en een steenhouwersdorp.

Nadat je aan boord bent gegaan, begin je je cruise in stijl met een cocktailreceptie die wordt verzorgd door 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

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 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 Sundowners experience, including a private tour and tasting.

Zelfs de meest ontwikkelingslanden hebben een standaard van luxe en weelde. Vanochtend kun je dit ervaren in het Koninklijk Paleis met de beroemde Zilveren Pagode binnenin, tijdens je inbegrepen bezoek aan deze must-see attractie. Dit oogverblindende paleis aan de rivier werd gebouwd in de jaren 1860 en is nog steeds de officiële residentie van de koning van Cambodja. Na terugkeer op het schip zetten we koers en nemen we afscheid van Phnom Penh terwijl we naar de Cambodjaanse en Vietnamese grens varen.

Tijdens een ontspannen middag zeilen kun je gebruik maken van de vele exclusieve faciliteiten op de Scenic Spirit. Soms heeft iedereen een pauze nodig van de drukte van deze spannende cruise en voor boekenwurmen is er de Scenic Spirit bibliotheek, of ga naar het hart van dit schip, de Scenic Spirit lounge, een geweldige plek om te ontspannen met een glas wijn. Doe wat achtergrondkennis op van elke haven en krijg de belangrijkste informatie voor de spannende activiteiten die je te wachten staan. Met reizen door Zuidoost-Azië komt de hitte en wat is een betere manier om af te koelen dan een cocktail te drinken en in het zwembad te zwemmen, of je te nestelen in het privécomfort van je luxe suite en privébalkon.

Nadat je aan de grens bent aangekomen bij de immigratiedienst in Vietnam, kun je genieten van een fantastisch themadiner aan boord van de Spirit, samen met een leeuwendans uitgevoerd door de lokale bevolking op het grote zonnedek.

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.  

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 sailing downstream to Cai Be.

Scenic Freechoice:
This afternoon enjoy your choice from the Scenic Freechoice activities.

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.

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 as you sail to My Tho.

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 at the historic Caravelle Saigon, located in the heart of District One and opposite the Opera House.

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.

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.

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 surrender and end of the War of Independence. Enjoy tonight’s farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

Ga na het uitchecken naar het vliegveld en maak je klaar om Vietnam te verlaten voor je thuisland of om verder te reizen. 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. Als zodanig kan de cruise anders verlopen dan hierboven aangegeven. Hotels zijn indicatief en kunnen worden gewijzigd.