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Treasures of the Mekong Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
Fly from a choice of UK airports with selected airlines to Ho Chi Minh City. Perhaps fly from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester or Newcastle with Emirates via Dubai or fly from London Heathrow or Manchester with Singapore Airlines via Singapore.
Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City
On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. (D)
Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City
Travel to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels, a series of war-time passageways. After lunch, enjoy a stop at Ben Thanh Market. Freechoice Dining: Enjoy a culinary tour of Saigon by Vespa this evening, dine in the surroundings of a beautiful French Colonial House, or at Restaurant Nineteen, Square One or Di Mai Restaurant (departures up to Apr 2019 only). For Jul 2019 departures and onwards, the alternative restaurants are in the hotel - Yu Chu, Basilico or Market 39. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy a visit to the War Museum and Reunification Palace where you can learn about Vietnam's fascinating past, before travelling by coach to My Tho port to embark Scenic Spirit for your Mekong cruise. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Cai Be - Sa Dec
Board a sampan and cruise to picturesque Cai Be before enjoying a stop at local cottage industries and a French colonial or traditional Vietnamese house. Alternatively, sample morning tea at a French colonial house or stay on board Scenic Spirit for a Freechoice activity. Later, visit the historic town of Sa Dec to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the lively market and discover the home of Mr Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration for the novel L'Amant. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Tan Chau
Visit the Evergreen Island farmers and enjoy a ride in a Xe Loi to a local silk factory. Alternatively, head to a family-operated fish farm, visit the Tay An temple or explore the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary. Themed dinner on board this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
Admire the passing scenery as you cruise across the border into Cambodia and arrive in Phnom Penh. Head to the Killing Fields and join a tour of Tuol Sleng, enjoy a hands-on Khmer cooking demonstration, or see Phnom Pneh's colonial buildings and the Central Market on a tuk tuk tour. Scenic Enrich: Arrive by tuk tuk and immerse yourself in the luxury of Raffles, Hotel Le Royal. Enjoy a history tour followed by an indulgent high tea whilst sipping a signature cocktail named after Jacqueline Kennedy. There is an exclusive Phnom Penh by City Lights tour. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Phnom Penh
See the Royal Palace and the famous Silver Pagoda, before rejoining the ship and cruising the Tonle River. Disembark and stroll through the silversmith village of Kho Chen before cruising to Kampong Cham. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Kampong Tralach - Oudong
From Kampong Tralach, enjoy an ox cart ride through a traditional local village to Wat Kampong Tralach, where you'll board a coach and travel to the ancient capital of Oudong, home to a magnificent pagoda and monastery, where you can observe the monks. Scenic Enrich: Receive a blessing from a monk in Oudong's pagoda and learn how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda, before partaking in a ceremony which contributes to funding the daily meal for the monks and nuns. Enjoy a special Scenic Sundowner - a cocktail reception on the Sun Deck as the ship cruises past the illuminated capital. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Wat Hanchey - Kampong Cham
The ship approaches Wat Hanchey this morning where you'll get the opportunity to meet the resident monks. Enjoy a walk or drive to the top for panoramic views, before rejoining the ship and cruising to Kampong Cham. Scenic Freechoice options available today are a visit to the ecotourism village of Cheung Kok, the opportunity to learn about the history of Wat Nokor and Phnom Pros (Man Hill) and a trip to a rubber plantation factory and beetle nut village. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Siem Reap
Drive to Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel for a three-night stay. Scenic Enrich: Watch the talented performers at the spectacular Cambodian Circus, Phare. (B,L)
Day 12 - Siem Reap
Enjoy a visit to the UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat before pausing at Angkor Thom and the unique Bayon Temple. Later, you'll see the Ta Prohm Temple which was featured in the film, Tomb Raider. Perhaps visit the Night Markets on your free evening. Visit Ta Prohm Temple then Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple. Later, visit Angkor Wat. (B,L)
Day 13 - Siem Reap
Scenic Enrich: Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat before heading to a special location to enjoy a glass of champagne and breakfast, prepared by a local bakery school, supported by NGO. Later, explore Banteay Srei and enjoy a visit to the Landmine Museum, or head to the Artisans D'Angkor. Alternatively, enjoy a cruise on Tonle Sap (seasonal), or enjoy a tethered balloon ride over Angkor Wat (weather permitting) before visiting the Preach Khan Temple. Scenic Enrich: You'll be treated to a themed Gala Dinner at an Angkor temple which includes drinks and an Apsara dance show in front of candle-lit temple ruins. (B,D)
Day 14 - Siem Reap - UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)
Day 15 - UK
Arrive back in the UK.
Please note: The Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake are subject to extreme variations in water levels throughout the year. Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary however changes including early disembarkation may be necessary due to river conditions.