The fascinating Mekong is many things to many people. Embark on a journey of contrasts as you gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia and Vietnam’s complex histories and be charmed by the friendly locals as they go about their daily lives along this magnificent waterway. Explore the ancient hilltop monastery of Wat Hanchey and immerse yourself in the beauty of Khmer handicrafts in Cheung Kok. Sometimes simply sitting back and watching the world glide by is the perfect way to relish the sights and sounds – especially when ensconced in luxury onboard the boutique Scenic Spirit. Let the Mekong captivate and astound.
Highlights
Explore Angkor Ban and its historical rural wooden houses
Visit the French architecture and history of Phnom Penh
Experience tour at the Royal Palace with the famous Silver Pagoda
Sail through Vinh Te canal and view life along the riverfront of Chau Doc
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Please arrive by 08:00 am. Here your Tour Director 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 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.
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.
If you have not had a chance to enjoy your spectacular suite on the Scenic Spirit and are not feeling like socializing, 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 and visit a local pagoda where a segregated and solemn excursion at a Buddhist pagoda awaits.
Afterward, 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 downtime 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 utilize the complimentary laundry facilities and get an outfit ready for an evening of style with a Sundowners reception.
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 rooftop bar to enjoy some me-time.
Even the most developing countries have a standard of luxury and opulence. You can experience 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 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 socializing 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 onboard the Spirit along with a lion dance performed by locals on the expansive Sundeck.
You may want to begin the day with some exercise in the onboard 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.
What better way to end the first day in Vietnam than a delicious cocktail by the pool onboard the Spirit along with a great view of the Mekong as you set sail for Sa Dec.
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 Dura's 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.
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.
Day 8: Mekong Cruise | Ho Chi Minh City | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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 or 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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,810
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite (C)
32m2/344ft2 - These spacious Suites are located on the Jewel, Sapphire, and Diamond Decks. Each has a private full-length balcony, walk-in wardrobe, and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin with a separate toilet and shower.
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite (CA)
32m2/344ft2 - These spacious Suites are located on the Jewel, Sapphire, and Diamond Decks. Each has a private full-length balcony, walk-in wardrobe, and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin with a separate toilet and shower.
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite (BA)
32m2/344ft2 - These spacious Suites are located on the Jewel, Sapphire, and Diamond Decks. Each has a private full-length balcony, walk-in wardrobe, and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin with a separate toilet and shower.
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite (BB)
32m2/344ft2 - These spacious Suites are located on the Jewel, Sapphire, and Diamond Decks. Each has a private full-length balcony, walk-in wardrobe, and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin with a separate toilet and shower.
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite (B)
32m2/344ft2 - These spacious Suites are located on the Jewel, Sapphire, and Diamond Decks. Each has a private full-length balcony, walk-in wardrobe, and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin with a separate toilet and shower.
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite (A)
32m2/344ft2 - These spacious Suites are located on the Jewel, Sapphire, and Diamond Decks. Each has a private full-length balcony, walk-in wardrobe, and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin with a separate toilet and shower.
Select a Date
Grand Deluxe Suite (RD)
40m2/430ft2 - These eight suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service and thoughtful touches. Enjoy an outdoor balcony, separate lounge and dining area, extra-large walk in wardrobe and a luxurious oversized bathroom.
Select a Date
Royal Panorama Suite
80m2/861ft2 - This is the largest suite on the Mekong river. Being up forward on the Diamond Deck, enjoy fantastic views of the passing scenery from your private terrace with an outdoor Jacuzzi and day bed. Both Suites have a separate lounge and dining area, walk-in dressing room, and a luxurious oversized bathroom offering a separate bathtub, toilet, and shower.
Initial deposit is Varies on itinerary, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by Visa or Mastercard. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wifi
Porterage
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Complimentary beverages
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
Passport or Visa fees
All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
