2019/2020 Hanoi > Siem Reap

Travel in the footsteps of artists and kings

Few things in life inspire complete awe. Weaving through the intricate islets of World Heritage-listed Halong Bay is one of them.

Begin your travels in bustling Hanoi. A place that manages to leap forward whilst still maintaining a deep connection to the past; discover secret places that make this city the artistic and cultural capital of Vietnam. Cruise along the Mekong on board Scenic Spirit and learn about the local way of life through interactions with villagers and resident monks and nuns in the monasteries. On the other hand, experience how quickly Cambodia and Vietnam are developing while exploring Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. This journey showcases all the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia in one compact itinerary.

Tour Code:: VIHH
Duration:: 18 days
Departure City:: Hanoi
Return City:: Siem Reap

Selected Itinerary

18 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of a vibrant Vietnam. Enjoy the day at leisure and settle in for an overnight Special Stay. Tonight meet your Scenic Tour Director at your welcome briefing and dinner.

Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Hanoi > Halong Bay Cruise

Journey to Halong Bay and board the elegant Au Co for an awe-inspiring two night cruise through the picturesque waters of this spectacular World Heritage-listed icon.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Halong Bay Cruise

Begin the day with a Tai Chi lesson. Cruising deeper into the National Park, try some kayaking, explore a cave and discover Cat Ba Island.

Sundowners

Exclusive to Scenic guests, savour some wine tasting on board against the backdrop of the karst islands at sunset.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Halong Bay Cruise > Hanoi

Relax during your morning cruising before returning to Hanoi for a two night Special Stay at the Sofitel Legend Metropole and a historic bunker tour at the hotel.

Freechoice Dining

Tonight enjoy a Vespa foodie tour of Hanoi’s old quarter by night, or La Terrace at Sofitel. Alternatively, sample Ly Club.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Hanoi

Freechoice

Visit the History Museum and Hoa Lo Prison, or partake in an authentic cooking class. Alternatively visit Ho Chi Minh Quarter and Mausoleum, including a visit to the Temple of Literature.

Later, on your cyclo ride, discover the maze of back streets throughout the Old Quarter.

Enrich

After attending Hanoi’s famous water puppets show, learn the secrets behind this illusionary piece of theatre thanks to your special backstage pass.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Hanoi > Ho Chi Minh City

After a morning at leisure, fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Relax for the next two nights at your centrally located hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Ho Chi Minh City

Travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the underground labyrinth of war-time passageways. After lunch, try bargaining at Ben Thanh Market.

Freechoice Dining

Enjoy a Vespa foodie tour of Saigon by night, enjoy a meal in the surroundings of an old French colonial house or a restaurant specialising in Saigon street food. Alternatively, dine at your hotel’s restaurants – Yu Chu, Basilico or Market 39.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Ho Chi Minh City > Mekong Cruise

Discover all about Vietnam’s modern history through a visit to the Reunification Palace and War Museum. Later travel by coach to My Tho to board the luxurious Scenic Spirit.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Cai Be > Sa Dec

Freechoice

Board a sampan to visit Cai Be before stopping at local cottage industries and a French colonial or traditional Vietnamese house. Alternatively savour morning tea at a French colonial house or choose to stay on board for your special Scenic Freechoice activity.

Later, immerse yourself in the historic town of Sa Dec and explore and interact with the sellers in the lively market, then visit the home of Mr Huynh Thuy Le who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Tan Chau

Freechoice

Visit the farmers on Evergreen Island and enjoy a ride in a Xe Loi. Alternatively, walk through Chau Doc market, visit a family-operated fish farm and cruise around Chau Doc waterfront or visit Tra Su Bird Sanctuary.

Tonight enjoy a themed evening dinner to say farewell to Vietnam.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Tan Chau > Phnom Penh

Arrive early this morning into the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh.

Freechoice

Journey to the Killing Fields and tour Tuol Sleng, the former school which was converted to the Khmer Rouge’s main prison, or take a guided tour of the local food market before joining a hands-on Khmer cooking demonstration. Alternatively, explore by Tuk Tuk Phnom Penh’s colonial buildings and the Central Market before lunch at a local NGO restaurant teaching street kids hospitality skills.

Enrich

Arrive in style by Tuk Tuk and immerse yourself in the historically celebrated luxury of Raffles, Hotel Le Royal. Enjoy a guided history tour followed by an indulgent high tea prepared in front of you, all whilst sipping on the hotel’s signature cocktail named in honour of Jacqueline Kennedy. Choose to retire to the Elephant Bar for happy hour before returning to the ship.

Later this evening revel in our exclusive Phnom Penh by City Lights tour, giving an insight into the capital’s nightlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 - Phnom Penh > Kho Chen

This morning marvel at the Royal Palace, with the famous Silver Pagoda within, on your included visit to this must-see attraction. Later sail up the Tonle River to the silversmith village of Kho Chen.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 - Oudong > Kampong Tralach

Cruise to Kampong Tralach and take an ox cart ride through a local village and fields to Wat Kampong Tralach.

Enrich

Learn how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda and partake in a ceremony to receive a blessing from a monk, all whilst donating towards the daily meal of the resident nuns and monks.

Board your coach to the ancient capital of Oudong to visit the impressive pagoda and monastery. Drive a short distance to Prek K’dam to re-board Scenic Spirit and continuing your cruise to Kampong Cham via Phnom Penh.

Sundowners

Enjoy a cocktail reception on the sundeck against the backdrop of Phnom Penh’s lights as the ship sails past the capital at sunset.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 - Wat Hanchey > Kampong Cham

Walk (or drive) to the top of Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery to meet the resident novice monks. Sail downstream to Kampong Cham.

Freechoice

Learn about the history behind Phnom Pros (Man Hill) and Wat Nokor. Alternatively explore the ecotourism village of Cheung Kok or visit a rubber plantation factory and betel nut village.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 - Mekong Cruise > Siem Reap

Discover the countryside of Cambodia on your drive to your hotel in Siem Reap, your stylish three night Special Stay located in the heart of the town.

Enrich

Take your Premium reserved seat at the colourful Cambodian Circus, Phare.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16 - Siem Reap

Freechoice

Discover Banteay Srei and visit the Landmine Museum or admire the skills on display at Artisans D’Angkor. Alternatively, cruise on Tonle Sap (seasonal), take a tuk tuk ride to all the markets or take a tethered balloon ride above Angkor Wat (weather dependent) before visiting a Pouk Silk Farm

Later in the afternoon visit the colossal Angkor Wat. Take advantage of your free night to visit the night markets.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 17 - Siem Reap

Enrich

Marvel at sunrise over the magnificent Angkor Wat before moving to a special location for a champagne breakfast with food prepared by an NGO supported local bakery school.

Visit the atmospheric, jungle covered Ta Prohm Temple, before stopping at Angkor Thom and the multi-faced Bayon Temple. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Enrich

Enjoy a magical themed gala dinner at an Angkor temple in front of candle lit temple ruins, with included drinks and featuring Apsara dancers.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 18 - Siem Reap

Depart Cambodia treasuring many wonderful memories.

Meals Included: Breakfast