Treasures of the Mekong - Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh

Regional and premium class flights may be available on request

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, check in to your hotel for your stylish three night Special Stay. (D)

Freechoice: Discover Banteay Srei, dedicated to Shiva and known as the ‘citadel of women’ and visit the Landmine Museum or admire the skills on display at Artisans D’Angkor. Alternatively, cruise on Tonle Sap (seasonal), take a remork (Tuk Tuk) ride to the markets or take a tethered balloon ride above Angkor Wat (weather dependent).

Later in the afternoon, a perfect time in the day for photography, visit the colossal Angkor Wat. Take advantage of your free night to visit the night markets, within walking distance to your hotel. (B,L)

Enrich: Take your Premium Reserved seat at the colourful Cambodian Circus, Phare. Phare transforms the lives of Cambodian youth, where its artists use theatre, music, dance and circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories.

Enrich: Marvel at sunrise over 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. (B,D)

Enrich: Be wowed by a mystical themed Gala Dinner at an Angkor temple, with included free flow drinks and a show featuring Apsara dancers in front of candlelit temple ruins.

Discover the rural side of Cambodia on your drive to Kampong Cham where Scenic Spirit awaits, with stops at the Khmer bridge at Kampong Kdei, Kampong Thom and a stone cutters village. Toast the start of your cruise with a cocktail reception. (B,L,D)

Awake as you approach Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery to meet the resident novice monks. Walk (or drive) to the top for some of the best elevated views of the cruise before sailing downstream to Kampong Cham (B,L,D)

Freechoice: Learn the history of the area with a visit to Phnom Pros (Man Hill) and then Wat Nokor. Alternatively, explore the traditional village of Koh Pen or visit a rubber plantation factory and betel nut village.

Upon arrival in Angkor Ban, explore its historical rural wooden houses, which survived the Khmer Rouge, and visit the local pagoda to observe the lifestyle of the resident monks and nuns.

Enrich: Receive a blessing from a monk and learn how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda before partaking in a ceremony, which contributes to the daily meal of the resident monks.

Later, sail downstream to Koh Dach Island dedicated to the art of silk weaving before continuing your cruise to Phnom Penh (B,L,D)

Sundowners: Enjoy a cocktail reception on the Sun Deck against the backdrop of Phnom Penh’s lights as the ship sails towards the capital at sunset.

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

This afternoon time is yours for shopping or exploring on your own. (B,L,D)

Enrich: Later this evening revel in our Phnom Penh by City Lights tour, giving you an insight to the nightlife of the capital before stopping at a distillery for an exclusive tour and tasting behind closed doors.

This morning marvel at the Royal Palace, featuring the famous Silver Pagoda, on your included visit to this must-see attraction. The afternoon is at your leisure to take advantage of the facilities of the most luxurious ship on the Mekong as you set sail for the Cambodian and Vietnamese border. Celebrate arriving in Vietnam with your themed evening dinner. (B,L,D)

Freechoice: Stay in Tan Chau to visit Evergreen Island and enjoy a ride in a Xe Loi to a silk dye factory. In Chau Doc visit Vinh Te Canal and a family-operated fish farm, followed by Tây An Temple at Sam Mountain or visit Tra Su Bird Sanctuary.

While sailing downstream to Sa Dec, take the time to enjoy a cocktail by the pool or appreciate some solitude on your private balcony as you watch the scenery pass by. (B,L,D)

Immerse yourself in the historic town of Sa Dec and explore the lively markets. Stop for green tea at the home of Mr Huynh Thuy Le who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant.

Freechoice: Board a sampan to visit Cai Be, local cottage industries and a traditional Vietnamese house. Alternatively, savour morning tea at the colonial French home, Le Longanier or stay on board for a special activity.

This evening enjoy a farewell dinner on board as you sail to My Tho. (B,L,D)

Drive to Ho Chi Minh City and visit the War Museum before an orientation tour around your hotel, enjoy a two night stay. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. (B,L,D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a Vespa foodie tour of Saigon, enjoy a meal in an old French colonial house or a restaurant specialising in Saigon street food. Alternatively, try Italian at Basilico or international fare at Nineteen Restaurant.

Travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the underground labyrinth of war-time passageways before returning to explore the Reunification Palace. Enjoy tonight’s farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Regional and premium class flights may be available on request