Cruise Advice
1-3 October
Setting sail from Hanoi
Wander along the perfumed streets of Hanoi's atmospheric Old Quarter and you could almost forgive yourself for thinking you'd travelled back in time, were it not for the beeping, buzzing morass of motorcycles zipping past. Vietnam's charming capital still retains an authentically Asian feel, home to tranquil temples and teetering houses, and it's also the resting place of 'Uncle Ho' himself, embalmed and on display in his imposing mausoleum. History buffs will find that there are still reminders of the American War (as it's known here) to be found, as well as an attractive French Colonial quarter.
Our tip
Stroll round Hoan Kiem Lake in the cultural and historical heart of the city. Bordered by the Old Quarter it provides a haven from the hectic streets and is the place locals gather for morning Tai Chi.
3-5 October
Vietnam: Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba is the largest island in Ha Long Bay, with little fishing villages and sandy beaches hidden amongst the craggy coastline and a wild interior defined by limestone hills, lakes, caves and waterfalls. The island is also home to wildlife including hornbills, macaques and golden-headed langurs.
5-6 October
Vietnam: Hanoi
Wander along the perfumed streets of Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter and you could almost forgive yourself for thinking you’d travelled back in time, were it not for the beeping, buzzing morass of motorcycles zipping past.
6-9 October
Vietnam: Hoi An
By day, Hoi An is a dreamy tropical haze of teetering merchant houses, bustling markets and Chinese temples; at night, the town is lit up with a constellation of colourful lanterns, reflected in the tranquil Thu Bon river. It’s an utterly magical place, and a real highlight of any visit to Vietnam.
9-10 October
Vietnam: Hue
Hue’s crumbling Imperial Citadel is one of the highlights of central Vietnam, and merits its UNESCO World Heritage status in spite of the damage sustained during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Further along the Perfume River you’ll also find the octagonal Thien Mu pagoda, another important symbol of the city.
10-12 October
Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon, as it was known then, was the capital of the South during the Vietnam War, and American-style capitalism has been embraced more enthusiastically here than in the North, with a clutch of shining skyscrapers standing as testament to Vietnam’s surging economic growth.
13 October
Vietnam: Cai Be
Cai Be is home to a fascinating floating market, and it’s a great place to observe life along the Mekong. You can learn about the production of rice paper, coconut candy and whisky, and take a trip along the backwaters on a little two-person rowing boat.
14 October
Vietnam: Sa Dec
The riverfront town of Sa Dec is one of the most appealing destinations in the Mekong Delta, a laid back and peaceful place where boats laden with flowers from the nearby markets ply the waterways, overlooked by beautiful old French colonial villas.
15 October
Vietnam: Tan Chau
16-18 October
Cambodia: Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s lively, youthful capital has shown a remarkable resilience in bouncing back from the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime. The beautiful Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda shouldn’t be missed, while the former Tuol Sleng prison is a harrowing reminder of Phnom Penh’s recent past.
18 October
Cambodia: Oudong
Oudong was once the capital of Cambodia, and served as the royal residence for over 250 years until it was abandoned by King Norodom in 1866. The twin peaks of Phnom Oudong mountain are scattered with Buddhist stupas, and offer great views of the surrounding countryside.
18 October
Cambodia: Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s lively, youthful capital has shown a remarkable resilience in bouncing back from the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime. The beautiful Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda shouldn’t be missed, while the former Tuol Sleng prison is a harrowing reminder of Phnom Penh’s recent past.
19 October
Cambodia: Angkor Ban
20-21 October
Cambodia: Kampong Cham
A visit to Kampong Cham will give you an insight into life in a provincial Cambodian city, well off the normal tourist trail. Situated on a bend in the Mekong river, the city is known for its quirky bamboo bridge which is rebuilt every year, and there are also some interesting temples nearby.
21-24 October
Arriving in Siem Reap
The town of Siem Reap is a pleasant enough place in its own right, but that's not why so many people flock here; this is the gateway to the sprawling ruins of Angkor, the spectacular seat of the ancient Khmer empire. The temple of Angkor Wat is the most famous, and some might say the most beautiful, of the structures that stand amongst the jungle around Siem Reap. We recommend getting here early in the morning if you can, to avoid the crowds. Other notable sights include the ruined city of Angkor Thom and the eerie temple of Ta Prohm, which has been left more or less as it was found, overgrown with vegetation, the stones gripped by huge tree roots.
Our tip
Visit the amazing Bayon Temple, where what feels like hundreds of gently smiling faces peer at you from the stone towers.
Your home from home
Scenic Spirit accommodates just 68 guests in 34 sumptuous balcony suites, a supremely luxurious way to explore the Mekong River.
What we love
Boasting a crew-to-guest ratio of almost 1:1, along with facilities including a swimming pool, steam sauna and open-air cinema, Scenic's first foray on to the Mekong is a beautiful vessel with the feel of a small boutique hotel.
| Capacity | 68 Guests |
|---|---|
| Crew | 50 International Staff |
| Style | Relaxed and informal during the day, giving way to an elegant evening atmosphere. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Hanoi
There’s lots of competition, but the Sofitel Metropole is still the most prestigious address in Hanoi.
Explore Hanoi
Take a guided tour around the 36 narrow streets of the Old Quarter; it’s the most atmospheric part of the city and home to numerous fine temples and pagodas.
Where to stay in Siem Reap
La Residence d’Angkor edges in front as our favourite.
Touring the temples
A tour of the main sites at Angkor can be squeezed into a day, but take three days to explorer the outer temples and learn more about the medieval world's greatest metropolis.
