Welcome to vibrant Vietnam – a world of colour, culture and extraordinary food. Today is yours to settle in at your leisure, adjusting to the rhythms of this compelling city before your journey begins in earnest. Check in to your two-night Scenic Special Stay at the iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi’s most celebrated address. This beautifully preserved colonial grand dame has welcomed dignitaries and travellers since 1901, and its refined amenities and attentive service set the tone for the days ahead.
After breakfast, depart your elegant surrounds and begin the four-hour journey northeast to Halong Bay, passing through the fertile farmlands of the Red River Delta along the way. On arrival, board the Bhaya Soul – a handsome luxury vessel purpose-built to explore the deeper reaches of this World Heritage-listed seascape – for a two-night cruise among its iconic limestone karsts. The Bhaya Soul’s well-appointed suites and attentive crew ensure a first-class experience from the moment you step on board, with access to secluded corners of the bay that remain well beyond the reach of day cruises.
Rise to one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating mornings with a Tai Chi lesson on the Sun Deck as the Bhaya Soul sails deeper into the National Park. Later, take to a kayak and paddle through the narrow passages of a limestone cave system, enjoying a perspective of the bay that few visitors experience. Ashore on Cat Ba Island, a cycle ride reveals a landscape of dense jungle and quiet shoreline, largely untouched by development.In the afternoon, gather on deck for an exclusive Scenic Sundowners wine tasting, set against the silhouette of the karst islands at sunset. After a fine dinner in the on-board restaurant, round out the evening with the time-honoured local tradition of squid fishing from the deck.
Savour a leisurely morning cruise back through the bay before disembarking and returning to Hanoi, with time enroute for lunch and a little shopping. Re-check into the Sofitel Legend Metropole for a second stay and, after settling back in, take part in a fascinating historical bunker tour beneath the hotel – a rarely seen chapter in the story of a capital city with more than 1,000 years of history.Scenic Freechoice Dining: This evening, your Scenic Freechoice dinner opens three distinct options. Dine in the Metropole’s own Angelina Restaurant, where Parisian café elegance meets the heart of Hanoi’s most storied address. Alternatively, spend the evening as a guest of a local family, sharing home-cooked Vietnamese dishes and stories around their table in a genuinely warm and personal setting. Or, for those drawn to the energy of the streets, jump on the back of a Vespa for a guided foodie tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, stopping at hidden local haunts for authentic street food with complimentary drinks flowing throughout.
A full day to go deeper into Hanoi, beginning with your choice of Scenic Freechoice activity.Scenic Freechoice: Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Hoa Lo Prison — the former a sweeping journey through the nation’s past, the latter a sobering but essential insight into the prisoners held here across two very different chapters of history.Alternatively, spend the morning at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Quarter, then wander to the Temple of Literature — founded in 1070 and Vietnam’s oldest university — before losing yourself in the narrow laneways of the Old Quarter over a celebrated egg coffee.For those wanting a deeper cultural immersion, head to the ancient village of Bat Trang, a community dedicated to traditional porcelain and pottery. Learn the intricate craft firsthand, hear from a local elder about ancestral worship and spiritual traditions, then prepare and enjoy a hands-on lunch of Bánh Cuon rice pancakes.Scenic EnrichThis evening, a green electric car winds through the Old Quarter to deliver you to your Scenic Enrich experience: a VIP performance of Hanoi’s world-famous water puppet theatre. Premium seating is reserved exclusively for Scenic guests, and a special backstage pass grants a rare glimpse behind the illusion.
Bid farewell to Hanoi this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight west to Vientiane, the quietly captivating capital of Laos. After lunch, visit the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) – an organisation working to support people with mobility-related disabilities across the country. Their story is told with clarity and quiet power, offering a meaningful perspective on life in modern Laos. Check in to the Crowne Plaza for your overnight stay.
Begin the morning with a tour of Vientiane’s most significant landmarks. Pha That Luang, the great gold-covered stupa at the heart of the city, is both a national symbol and a deeply sacred site. Nearby, the Patuxay Monument – built between 1957 and 1968 to honour those who fought for independence from France – offers its own distinct perspective on the country’s more recent history.After lunch, your journey continues to Vang Vieng, where you check in to the Riverside Boutique Resort, beautifully positioned along the Nam Song River. Before the sun sets, take a long-tail boat ride downstream, with the dramatic ridgeline of the surrounding mountains reflected in the water. Dinner this evening is served from the balcony, with that same view for company.
The landscape around Vang Vieng is among the most striking in Laos, a terrain of sculpted limestone formations and forested valleys. This morning, explore Chang Caves, hidden deep within the hills and first discovered by villagers seeking refuge during wartime. Afterwards, transfer to the local station for the new high-speed train to Luang Prabang, a journey that is very much part of the experience as the line passes through tunnels and over viaducts with views that reward every window seat.Arrive in this ancient city of temples and begin a three-night Scenic Special Stay at the Avani+ Luang Prabang, directly opposite the famous night markets. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace.
Luang Prabang rewards those who take their time, and today does just that. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, one of the oldest and most revered temples in Laos, its sweeping rooflines a defining image of the city. Continue to Wat Mai and the former Royal Palace, now housing the National Museum.Afterwards, board a boat for a gentle cruise along the Mekong River, calling at a riverside village known for its rice wine before arriving at the sacred Pak Ou Caves, known locally as Tam Ting, where thousands of gold Buddha statues are enshrined within the limestone cliffs. After visiting the caves, re-board the boat for a leisurely cruise back to Luang Prabang. Once back in town, learn the art of Pétanque, known here as Petong, from the locals. The evening is yours to browse Luang Prabang’s renowned night markets at leisure.
Well before dawn, the streets of Luang Prabang become a place of quiet ceremony. Join the morning alms giving procession and witness the silent, graceful movements of the monks as they collect their daily offerings, one of the most meditative and culturally significant experiences this journey offers.Scenic Freechoice: Return to the hotel for breakfast before choosing your Scenic Freechoice activity for the morning. At the Living Land farm, step into the daily rhythms of Laotian agriculture, learning each stage of the rice growing and harvesting process with as much hands-on involvement as you wish. Alternatively, travel by tuk tuk and ferry to the village of Ban Chan, home to the Laos Pottery House, where you can shape your own piece using methods passed down through generations of royal pottery makers, or gather local produce and prepare a traditional lunch using time-honoured cooking techniques.The afternoon is free to spend as you choose.
The morning begins with a visit to Kuang Si, a series of tiered waterfalls and turquoise swimming pools set within dense jungle and one of the most beloved natural scenes in all of Laos. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia, where ancient and contemporary worlds exist side by side.Check in to the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, a legendary address that has defined Siem Reap’s sense of colonial grandeur since the 1930s. French-inspired architecture, richly appointed interiors and service of the highest standard make this a true highlight of the journey. The remainder of the day is yours to settle in and explore the surrounds.
Your Siem Reap exploration starts with a delicious champagne buffet breakfast at the hotel.Scenic Freechoice: Enjoy a range of Scenic Freechoice activities. The 10th-century Banteay Srei Temple, referred to as the Ladies Temple for its rose-pink sandstone and dedication to the Hindu god Shiva, is one of the most intricately carved structures in the Angkor region, best paired with a visit to the Landmine Museum, which has been working since 1997 to clear Cambodia’s countryside of unexploded ordnance.Other options include a visit to the Senteurs d’Angkor workshop, where skilled artisans produce soaps, balms, candles and spices by hand using traditional methods, with guests invited to try their hand at each workstation.A village walk through Ta Brak offers a quieter, more personal perspective on daily life in the region.Those drawn to the water may join a cruise on Tonle Sap (available July to February), a vast inland biosphere reserve where entire communities live on floating platforms.Alternatively, a behind the scenes tour of the Angkor Wildlife Aquarium offers insight into the Mekong’s ecosystem, including feeding sessions and close encounters with resident species.For a different vantage point entirely, a tethered balloon flight reveals the full scale of the Angkor landscape, with the temples visible below as you rise above the canopy.This afternoon, visit Angkor Wat itself as the softer afternoon light plays across its towers and galleries, creating ideal conditions to take in this extraordinary site. This evening, your VIP reserved seats await at the Phare Circus, where Cambodian performers weave storytelling, music and acrobatics into a show of genuine artistry.
Scenic EnrichAn early start brings its own reward this morning. Arrive at Angkor Wat before the crowds to witness the sunrise reflecting across the temple’s moat, a sight of rare and lasting beauty. Afterwards, gather at a private location near a temple for a champagne breakfast, with food thoughtfully prepared by a Scenic-supported NGO bakery school.The morning continues with a visit to the jungle-enveloped Ta Prohm Temple, where tree roots have slowly claimed the ancient stonework over centuries, before moving on to Angkor Thom and the remarkable Bayon Temple, its dozens of carved stone faces gazing out in every direction. The afternoon is yours to rest or revisit the markets after an early start.Scenic EnrichAs evening falls, your Tour Director and the Scenic team escort you into one of the most exclusive experiences of the entire journey. A private gala dinner awaits within the grounds of Prasat Kravan, a small but deeply atmospheric 10th-century temple of five reddish brick towers. Apsara dancers perform by candlelight as complimentary drinks flow freely, an evening that belongs entirely to Scenic guests.
This morning, depart Siem Reap for the journey to Kampong Cham, passing through the Cambodian countryside and calling at the ancient Khmer bridge at Kampong Kdei and Kampong Thom, with a stop at a traditional stone cutters village along the way.In Kampong Cham, the Scenic Spirit awaits, your five-star floating home for the Mekong River cruise ahead. A welcome cocktail reception hosted by your Cruise Director marks the start of life on board. Take time to familiarise yourself with the ship’s beautifully appointed spaces, then settle into your private balcony suite knowing your dedicated butler is on hand whenever needed, day or night.
Rise as the Scenic Spirit approaches Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery perched above the Mekong. Step ashore to learn about monastic life from those who live it, then take in the sweeping views across the river and surrounding countryside before cruising back to Kampong Cham.Scenic Freechoice: This afternoon, choose your Scenic Freechoice experience. Join a guided visit to Phnom Pros, a mountaintop pagoda steeped in local legend and, more recently, the site of a Khmer Rouge killing field, a visit that carries both history and quiet reflection. Continue to Wat Nokor Bachey, a fascinating architectural layering of Angkorian era stonework and a working modern temple built within.Alternatively, take a drive through Kampong Cham’s colonial era shop houses to a French-established rubber plantation, and on to a village known for its betel nut cultivation, an enduring part of Cambodian rural culture.For those seeking a more remote encounter, Kho Penh Village on Pen Island is accessible only by local remork across a bridge, offering a glimpse into a way of life unchanged by the pace of the wider world.Should you prefer a quieter afternoon, your butler is delighted to arrange dinner served privately in your suite or on your balcony as the Scenic Spirit makes her way toward Angkor Ban beneath the Cambodian sky.
Arrive in the riverside settlement of Angkor Ban, where wooden houses more than a century old stand as quiet survivors of the Khmer Rouge era. Explore their history with a local guide before visiting a nearby Buddhist pagoda.Scenic EnrichReceive a traditional blessing from a resident monk, learn how to offer prayers within the pagoda, and participate in an alms ceremony, a contribution to the daily sustenance of the monks and a deeply respectful cultural exchange.Re-board the Scenic Spirit for lunch before cruising to the island of Oknha Tey, known locally as Silk Island and dedicated to the ancient art of silk weaving. A tuk tuk ride to the farm reveals the full process from silkworm to loom.Back on board, learn the many ways to drape and wear the krama, the traditional Cambodian scarf. The wellness centre and beauty salon are available for those seeking some quiet restoration, and complimentary laundry facilities are on hand ahead of a Scenic Sundowners cocktail reception on the Sun Deck as the Scenic Spirit approaches the illuminated skyline of Phnom Penh. This evening, a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation provides a warm and uplifting close to the day.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.
Phnom Penh holds its history with dignity, and this morning’s Scenic Freechoice invites you to engage with it meaningfully.Scenic Freechoice: Visit the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school and later a prison during the Khmer Rouge regime, for a moving and essential account of Cambodia’s most turbulent period and the resilience of its people.Alternatively, a hands-on Cambodian cooking class begins at the city’s bustling market, selecting ingredients with a local chef before preparing and sharing a lunch of traditional flavours.Those wishing to take in the city’s fabric at street level may choose a remork tour through Phnom Penh’s French colonial quarter, finishing at the Art Deco Central Market, a striking building with a bright yellow façade and a labyrinth of stalls within.Return to the Scenic Spirit for lunch, with the afternoon at leisure. This evening, a Scenic Sundowners experience takes you out after dark for a city lights tour of Phnom Penh, with a private visit and tasting at a local rum distillery as the centrepiece.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.
Begin the morning with an included visit to Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda within. Set magnificently on the riverfront, this gilded complex has served as the official royal residence since the 1860s and remains one of Cambodia’s most impressive landmarks. Return to the Scenic Spirit and set course for the Vietnamese border.The afternoon passage invites you to settle into the rhythm of river life. The Scenic Spirit library is a peaceful retreat, the lounge a convivial space for conversation over a glass of wine, and the pool a welcome respite from the warmth of the afternoon. As the ship clears immigration into Vietnam, the evening takes an unexpected turn — a festive themed dinner on the Sun Deck, complete with a lion dance performed by local artists as the Mekong carries you deeper into Vietnam.
Start the morning as you see fit, a session in the on-board gym, an early Tai Chi class or a quieter start in the sauna, before heading ashore to discover the character of Tan Chau.Scenic Freechoice: Three Scenic Freechoice options open the region from different angles. At Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, a sampan glides through 850 hectares of protected wetland, flanked by mangroves and waterways that are home to more than 100 species of waterbirds.On Evergreen Island, join local farmers for a morning of genuine discovery, then ride through the town in a xe loi, a three-wheeled bicycle rickshaw with roots in 19th-century French Indochina, before visiting the brightly hued Cao Dai Temple, a place of worship that draws on Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism in equal measure.Alternatively, take a speedboat to Chau Doc to visit Tay An Temple at the foot of Sam Mountain, its Indian and Islamic architectural influences making it a striking and singular sight, before a sampan journey along Vinh Te Canal for a riverfront perspective of the city.Back on board, the pool and a fresh cocktail offer a fitting close to the first full day in Vietnam as the Scenic Spirit sets course for Sa Dec.
Arrive in Sa Dec and step into one of the Mekong Delta’s most atmospheric wet markets by sampan, a two-hour immersion into local trade where the morning wares range from fresh produce to live fish, frogs and snakes. Along the way, pass the ornate home of Mr Huynh Thuy Le, the Chinese merchant whose love affair with a young French woman inspired Marguerite Duras’ celebrated novel L’Amant. Return to the Scenic Spirit for lunch as the ship moves downstream toward Cai Be.Scenic Freechoice: This afternoon, your choice of Scenic Freechoice shapes the rest of the day. A sampan journey to Tan Phong Island reveals a patchwork of tropical fruit orchards across more than 1,000 lush hectares, with stops at a water hyacinth weaving workshop and a motorised buggy ride through the groves, before discovering the cottage industries of Cai Be where families handcraft rice paper and coconut-based sweets using generations-old methods.Alternatively, drift by sampan to Le Longanier, a gracious French colonial restaurant set among mature trees, for a relaxed afternoon tea accompanied by live traditional music.Those who prefer to stay on board are warmly welcomed to a cocktail and mocktail making class with the Scenic Spirit’s bar team, using the freshest local ingredients.As the sun lowers over the delta, settle in to watch the ever-changing life of the Mekong River from the deck.
Departing My Tho, the Scenic Spirit enters the Cho Gao Canal, one of Vietnam’s most significant arterial waterways connecting Tien Giang Province with Ho Chi Minh City. Spend the day on board watching the extraordinary volume of commercial traffic navigating this vital channel, with upwards of 1,800 vessels passing through each day. Cargo barges, fishing boats and local craft create a constantly shifting tableau of river life.As the afternoon unfolds, find your preferred spot on deck, in the library or the cool of the lounge as the Scenic Spirit makes her way toward the city. By evening, the glow of Ho Chi Minh City appears along the riverbank. Due to Vietnamese customs regulations, guests remain on board tonight, but the view from the deck is a compelling one. Gather with your fellow guests and the crew for a farewell dinner, sharing stories that have accumulated over a remarkable cruise.
Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam’s largest city and the engine driving the country’s current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it’s a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city’s traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they’re still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene’s The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina’s most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city’s war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists’ fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city’s Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam’s fixation on the future.
Bid a fond farewell to the Scenic Spirit and its crew this morning before commencing a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace of South Vietnam made famous in 1975 when tanks breached its gates to bring the War of Independence to its close, before taking an orientation walk around your hotel and checking in to the historic Caravelle Saigon. Situated in the heart of District One directly opposite the Opera House, this iconic address has been at the centre of the city’s story for more than six decades.Scenic Freechoice Dining: This evening, your Scenic Freechoice dining puts the city’s most celebrated culinary experiences within reach. For those who want to feel the full energy of Saigon after dark, a Vespa ride through the exhilarating streets stops at the best local food haunts with complimentary drinks throughout.Alternatively, dine at the elegant Mandarine Restaurant, styled on the imperial courts of Hue and serving refined individual Vietnamese dishes.Noir Dining in the Dark offers something genuinely different, a restaurant dedicated to supporting the blind and visually impaired community where dining without sight heightens every other sense.Those seeking a more relaxed evening may opt for a Vintage Jeep street food experience around the streets of Saigon, or dine at Buffet 19 within the hotel.
Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam’s largest city and the engine driving the country’s current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it’s a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city’s traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they’re still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene’s The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina’s most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city’s war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists’ fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city’s Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam’s fixation on the future.
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.
Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam’s largest city and the engine driving the country’s current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it’s a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city’s traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they’re still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene’s The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina’s most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city’s war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists’ fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city’s Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam’s fixation on the future.
After check out 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. Rivers and waterways are subject to variations in water levels. While every effort is made to adhere to the planned itinerary, changes in river conditions, ad hoc local government regulations or local festivities may require journey modifications. These will be made based on the advice of local authorities or for safety reasons. Hotels are indicative and are subject to change.Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.

These indulgent, spacious suites redefine industry standards and feature a private terrace, where you can unwind in your outdoor Jacuzzi and take in 180° views. Enjoy a range of exclusive inclusions while staying in your Royal Panorama Suite, from private transfers to in-suite breakfast, and hotel privileges when on your combined land journey.
Suite Highlights
Amenities & Features

With luxury furnishings and a stylish lounge area to unwind in, your Grand Deluxe Suite will be your home away from home. Enjoy the captivating Mekong views from your Scenic Sun Lounge and the range of exclusive inclusions, from delicious pre-dinner canapes to hotel privileges when on your combined land journey.
Suite Highlights
Amenities & Features

The most spacious lead-in suites available on the Mekong River, these beautiful suites offer you a separate bedroom and lounge area to relax in. Enjoy dining, reading and taking in the passing views from your Scenic Sun Lounge, and a butler service to ensure every detail is taken care of.
Suite Highlights
Amenities & Features
Exclusively for guests staying on the Diamond Deck:

Enjoy à la carte menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Crystal Dining. Available on all Europe and South East Asia river cruises, this main restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience with local delicacies.

Offering a casual dining experience, you can enjoy all-day grazing options, light snacks and tasty treats to suit your schedule. The River Café is available on all Europe and South East Asia river cruises.

Choose to dine in the comfort of your luxurious suite, while taking in the incredible views and enjoy included room service throughout your cruise.

Explore cities onshore on our complimentary e-bikes. Keep active and interact with locals as you explore Europe’s countryside.

Enjoy the freedom of customising your holiday your way with Scenic Freechoice. Choose from a wide range of truly all-inclusive experiences classified into ‘Active’, ‘Moderate’, and ‘Relaxed’ grades, and find the ones to match your pace each day.

Enjoy wondrous moments exclusively created for you, ranging from a private concert in a grand 18th century palace in Germany or indulging in a sumptuous dinner in a local home in the Netherlands. Enjoy these exquisite handcrafted experiences that are not available to the regular traveller.

Immerse in the wonders of Europe with Scenic Tailormade, a GPS-powered discovery system, which can be downloaded from The App Store or Google Play, lets you see more of the continent both on board and on shore.

Enjoy a glass of your favourite wine, beer or spirit amid elegant and contemporary surroundings in the Spirit Lounge. This is the main bar area on board the Scenic Spirit, a place to relax and catch-up with new-found friends during your downtime on board.

The Sun Deck is an open-air space at the top of the Scenic Spirit, where you can drink in wonderful views and relax on one of the comfortable sun loungers. Take in a classic film or new release in Scenic Spirit’s state-of-the-art open-air cinema. With screenings available on select evenings during your river cruise, you can take in a film beneath the stars as your ship makes its way towards its next destination.

Take a dip in Scenic Spirit’s sleek swimming pool, which is available for your bathing pleasure on the Sun Deck. Providing the ideal place to relax and unwind after a shore excursion, our contemporary pool and bathing area is the perfect way to cool off during your Mekong river cruise. Make the most of our generous all-inclusive drinks offering at the poolside bar, where you can indulge in a range of alcoholic drinks and hot and cold beverages throughout your Mekong river journey. Steps from the pool, it’s a fabulous way to refresh and unwind.

Whatever you need throughout your Mekong river cruise, our welcoming reception team are here to help.

Relax and indulge in a little of what you fancy at our outdoor lounge, where you can enjoy a range of all-inclusive drinks and light meals. With fine views of the river, this is alfresco living at its best.

Take a book from the shelf and relax in Scenic Spirit’s on-board library. With plenty of novels and non-fiction works to choose from, your downtime lounging by the pool or relaxing in your suite guarantees total relaxation and enjoyment.

From massages to facials, you can enjoy a wealth of complimentary services at our Wellness Centre. Our therapist can provide a range of services designed to boost your wellbeing, so you can switch off, relax and refresh.

Keep active as you travel the waters of Southeast Asia with Scenic Spirit’s state-of-the-art gym and fitness area. With a range of cardio and weight-training equipment, this is a great space for those who like life on the move.

Unwind and relax with a wellness session in our steam sauna. This purpose-built therapy space uses the healing power of steam to relax your muscles, clear your skin and reinvigorate your senses.

Providing a range of complimentary therapies and services, the Beauty Salon is here for those times you feel like pampering yourself. Whether it’s hair or nails, stop by and find out how our beauty therapists can help.
When you are relaxing on board, the dress code is smart casual and comfortable. Do not forget your swimsuits and exercise attire for the heated pools and plunge pools, the wellness areas and the gym, yoga and Pilates studio.
For evenings, while there are no formal nights, the recommended on board dress code is elegant casual for most restaurants. Suggested attire for women includes a dress, skirt or trousers with a sweater or blouse, and for men, trousers and a collared shirt. A tie and jacket are optional, but not required.
Travellers who are less than 21 years old on the departure date must be accompanied by and share a cabin/ room with an adult aged 21 or over. Children under 12 years of age are not accepted. This is a condition of carriers and cruise operators.
Scenic accommodates special dietary requirements to the best of our ability across our river cruises, ocean voyages and land journeys where applicable. If you have special dietary requests, please notify us at the time of booking and inform your Cruise Director when you arrive.
Please note: while we endeavour to accommodate all dietary requirements, special requests are not guaranteed and failure to meet any request is not a breach of contract on our behalf.
Complimentary internet facilities are available and Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the ship for your personal electronic devices. We cannot guarantee the availability or quality of the internet connections as this may vary according to destination and weather. Please note service will be limited in Polar and remote regions. Some sites also may not be accessible due to Scenic firewall/company protection.
Scenic Space-Ships do not carry medical personnel on board and immediate medical attention cannot always be guaranteed. However, our staff are trained in first aid, and can provide basic medical assistance. Should you need to call medical services, this will be at your own expense. Please be aware that we cannot provide personal escorts for medical visits.
Smoking is not permitted in suites or any other indoor area across the Scenic fleet.
Smoking is permitted in specific areas of external decks. However, we cannot guarantee that these facilities will always be available.
There are no specific pieces of clothing we insist you pack, however we can offer pieces of advice, based upon your itinerary. We recommend comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing, as well as any garments, such as hats, gloves and water-resistant jackets, which will help you to stay comfortable whatever the weather. The dress code across all Scenic cruise and tour itineraries is casual and comfortable. Dinner attire is smart casual — open-neck shirts, trousers and dresses; you may wear a jacket or blazer with a tie but it is not required.
You are allowed to carry whatever prescription medication you require, and we’d recommend packing an ample supply that covers the duration of your cruise or tour. Due to strict drug laws in certain countries, make sure medication is carried in its original packaging with the prescription label clearly marked. When travelling through airports or border crossings, we’d recommend that you keep medication in your hand luggage ready for inspection.
The on board language is English. All staff, crew and tour guides speak English, and all announcements and lectures will be made in English.
Scenic Enrich | Enjoy wondrous moments exclusively created for you, ranging from a private concert in a grand 18th century palace in Germany or indulging in a sumptuous dinner in a local home in the Netherlands. Enjoy these exquisite handcrafted experiences that are not available to the regular traveller.
Scenic Freechoice | Enjoy the freedom of customising your holiday your way with Scenic Freechoice. Choose from a wide range of truly all-inclusive experiences classified into ‘Active’, ‘Moderate’, and ‘Relaxed’ grades, and find the ones to match your pace each day.
Expert Local Guides | Nobody knows a place like those who live there. Explore the highlights and the hidden gems of your destination through the expert and passionate eyes of a local and take comfort in knowing you’re in good hands.
E-bikes | Enjoy the flexibility of our electrically-assisted bikes to explore your destination with minimal pedalling.
Scenic Tailormade App | Our exclusive app is the perfect accessory for independent exploration. Select between CityTour and Riverview modes to enjoy effortless self-guided touring.
Return Airport Transfers | Enjoy seamless included return airport transfer at the end of your trip.
Spacious Suites | Scenic Space-Ship suites offer you the luxury of space. Our suites are some of the largest on Europe’s rivers. Relax in the signature Scenic Sun Lounge providing you with your very own window to the world in all our Balcony Suites.
Up to five dining options | With an array of dining options, you can sample new cuisines and a different meal each day on your relaxing river cruise. From casual to fine dining, you will experience fresh local produce and a taste sensation for every occasion.
Complimentary beverages | Whether relaxing by the pool accompanied by a refreshing cocktail, or a nightcap for a good night’s sleep, enjoy our range of unlimited complimentary premium beverages all day, every day.
Butler service | Need your shoes shined, breakfast sent to your suite or laundry done? Consider it done. Our all-day butler service will ensure you have everything you need for a relaxing holiday.
Complimentary mini-bar | The mini-bar in your room will be restocked daily with all your favourite alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, customisable to your taste.
Wellness area and fitness area | Stay in your best shape while on board with our fitness centre and wellness zone. Enjoy the healing benefits of the Salt Therapy Lounge known to improve respiratory conditions and immunity.
Cruise Director | Our expert Cruise Directors are your storyteller, historian, guide, and friend rolled into one. From helping you set up your Tailormade App to directing you to the nearest golf course, you can count them to address your every need.
Complimentary Wi-Fi | Stay in touch with your family and friends no matter where you set sail to with our complimentary on board Wi-Fi.
All tipping and gratuities | We’ve included all your tipping and gratuities for the entire cruise so you can lock away your wallet and simply enjoy the truly all-inclusive experience.
All meals and drinks (with the exception of a selection of speciality wines and rare spirits) are included in the price of your Europe river cruise or Scenic Eclipse voyage.
Inclusions differ for land journeys and the land element of South East Asia river cruises. Selected meals and drinks are included. Please refer to the itinerary for full details.
If you’d like to use a Scenic e-bike, please notify the reception staff the day before. They will organise for the bikes to be unloaded when the ship enters port. Please note that Scenic e-bikes are not available, and are not available during Portugal cruises due to cycling path restrictions along the respective rivers.
Dining times may vary depending on the day’s activities, but are generally as follows:
Please note: if a specific sightseeing excursion means you will miss a meal on board, speak to a member of staff and they will be happy to have a picnic box prepared for you before you depart.




