“This is the ultimate way to explore the beautiful culture, people and scenery of Indo-China. Every detail of your all-inclusive journey has been carefully considered to create a truly carefree experience and memories to last a lifetime. With up to only 68 guests on board,
Scenic Spirit is your sanctuary on the Mekong River.
Explore, relax and indulge as exotic landscapes float by.
Don’t miss out – call us now on 0800 66 55 33”
✔ RETURN AIRFARE from NZ to Siem Reap // Saigon to NZ
✔ AIR & PORT TAXES
✔ ALL TRANSFERS between Airports, Hotels & River Ship
✔ 3 NIGHTS Luxury Hotel in Siem Reap
✔ 9 NIGHT ALL INCLUSIVE Luxury River Cruise
✔ 2 NIGHTS Luxury Hotel in Saigon
✔ 5-STAR Scenic ship with luxurious one-bedroom balcony suites
✔ 33 MEALS – 12 breakfasts (B), 10 lunches (L) and 11 dinners (D)
✔ COMPLIMENTARY beverages all day throughout your cruise
✔ COMPLIMENTARY WI-FI throughout your cruise*
✔ ALL TIPPING and gratuities on board & on shore*
✔ Exclusive Gala Dinner at an Angkor temple
✔ Champagne breakfast at an Angkor temple
✔ 3 exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences
✔ Buddhist monk blessing and alms giving in a temple
✔ Your choice of 21 Scenic Freechoice activities and dining
✔ Vespa foodie night tour of Saigon
✔ 2 Scenic Sundowners events
✔ Included tour to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh
✔ 1 memorable Scenic Special Stay
✔ Nighttime remork (tuk tutour with distillery visit
✔ Up to four on board dining options, from casual to fine dining
✔ VIP seats to Phare Circus in Siem Reap
✔ Tethered balloon ride over Angkor Wat as Scenic Freechoice option
✔ Hotels within walking distance to attractions
✔ Butler service for all guests throughout your cruise
✔ Same Scenic Tour Director from start to finish
✔ Scenic Cruise Director and Tour Director with expert local guides
• 7 day beach stop at Danang/Hoi An from $1,499pp includes flights, transfers 5 star accommodation and daily breakfast.
• 9 day Hanoi & Halong Bay Cruise with Hue & Hoi An from $6,499pp
Airfare Upgrade…
• Business Class from $3,999pp
A waterway unlike any other.
The essential dynamism of Southeast Asia is unveiled as you travel from Siem Reap in Cambodia to Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City. The way of life on this extraordinarily diverse waterway will wrap itself around your heart, leaving you with a greater understanding of the marvellous Mekong.
Search out the 12th-century masterpiece that is Angkor Wat, before embarking on your cruise towards Vietnam. Along the way take in the wonders of the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. Zoom along the waterfront in a tuk tuk, visit the Royal Palace, then return to the all-inclusive luxury of your ship and glide over the border into Vietnam. Travel on local sampans and discover the historic towns of Tan Chau and Sa Dec before winding your way to lively Ho Chi Minh City.
Sun 24 Aug 2025 – Fly from NZ to Cambodia
Mon 25 Aug 2025 – Welcome to Cambodia
Welcome to Cambodia and the regional city of Siem Reap.
Your hotel is a step back in time in the definition of luxury and will be your historical home for the next three nights in Siem Reap. This brilliantly appointed accommodation is styled with a mix of French inspired architecture, local interior furnishings and amenities fit for royalty with the attentive staff providing a service beyond expectations. Enjoy the day at leisure until tonight when you meet your Scenic Tour Director and fellow travelling companions at your welcome briefing and dinner.
Inclusions: Dinner
Tue 26 Aug 2025 – Explore Siem Reap
Your Siem Reap exploration starts with a delicious champagne buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Freechoice:
• As part of Scenic’s Freechoice you have multiple options to choose from. Explore the 10th-century Banteay Srei Temple, a temple commonly referred to as the Ladies Temple because of its pinkish sandstone and dedication to the Hindu god Shiva. Afterwards visit the Landmine Museum, founded in 1997 with the aim to make the country safe through the removal of mines.
• On another option visit Satcha Cambodian Handicraft Incubation Centre. The aim of Satcha is to create the first Cambodian handicraft centre that incubates local artisans, mixing traditional knowledge with contemporary design to showcase Cambodian talents.
• Alternatively, if you have enjoyed being on the water, sail on Tonle Sap Lake (July to February), a picturesque UNESCO biosphere reserve and dive deep into discovery when visiting and experiencing the life of a floating village.
• Or take flight in a tethered balloon to discover the aerial beauties of the combination between traditional and modern Siem Reap. Enjoy the fresh air and take some remarkable photographs of the skyline as you lift into the skies of Siem Reap overlooking Angkor Wat below before visiting a Lotus Flower workshop.
Later this afternoon explore Angkor Wat itself, the largest religious monument in the world. Originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. An afternoon visit provides the perfect light for those idyllic pictures of this colossal structure.
This evening head to the colourful Cambodian Phare Circus where your VIP premium reserved seating awaits you. Beautifully dressed performers style a stunning show that is more than just a circus. The performers use theatre, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch
Wed 27 Aug 2025 – Explore Angkor Wat
Enrich: Begin the day with an early morning Scenic Enrich, marvel at the sunrise over the magnificent Angkor Wat before moving to a special location near a temple for a scrumptious champagne breakfast with food prepared by a Scenic sponsored, NGO supported local bakery school.
After breakfast, visit the atmospheric, jungle covered Ta Prohm Temple, before stopping at Angkor Thom and the multi-faced Bayon Temple. Fortunately, you have the remainder of the afternoon to discover more of the Siem Reap markets or relax at your luxury hotel after your early morning start.
Enrich: The final Scenic Enrich is truly a special and exclusive one, one that is best experienced first-hand to fully appreciate it’s scale. Your tour directors and Scenic team will leave you in awe as you enter a private magical gala themed dinner at Prasat Kravan, a small 10th-century temple consisting of five reddish brick towers on a common terrace. Including free flow drinks and a show featuring Apsara dancers in front of the candle lit temple ruins, this evening brings a most incredible end to what is a remarkable trip.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner
Thu 28 Aug 2025 – Embark on the stunning Scenic Spirit
Discover the rural side of Cambodia as your coach will transfer you 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.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fri 29 Aug 2025 – Wat Hanchey to Kampong Cham
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. This afternoon is spent sailing upstream along the Mekong River before returning to Kampong Cham, the quaint but largest city in the north and home to most of Cambodia’s Muslim population. The remainder of the day is free to discover the main boulevard along the river front filled with its colourfully fainted Chinese shopfronts, restaurants and colonial buildings. Be sure to visit the night market once setup.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sat 30 Aug 2025 – Kampong Cham to Angkor Ban
From Kampong Cham, your Scenic Freechoices this morning provide the chance to learn about the history and industries of the area.
Freechoice:
• Choose to learn about local folklore at Phnom Pros, a mountaintop pagoda that has long been part of a traditional legend. Tragically, in more modern times, the site was used as a Killing Field by the Khmer Rouge. The temple now features a Buddha Garden and is home to a local troop of monkeys. Afterwards, visit Wat Nokor Bachey, a unique architectural experiment that blends an Angkorian era temple with a new temple built inside it.
• Alternatively, explore Kampong Cham’s history and industry with a drive past shop houses, remnants of the French colonial era, and the large Central market. Visit a local rubber plantation established by the French before stopping at a village known for growing betel nut, an important part of Cambodian culture.
• Your third option today is a visit to Kho Penh Village. Located on Pen (Bamboo) Island, it’s only accessible by local remork after crossing by bamboo bridge or ferry from Kampong Cham. This remote village gives you a fascinating insight into the simple, rural lifestyle of farmers in Cambodia.
Back on board, spend the afternoon relaxing and getting to know the facilities of the most luxurious ship on the river, Scenic Spirit as she sails to Angkor Ban.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sun 31 Aug 2025 – Angkor Ban to Phnom Penh
Upon arrival in Angkor Ban, explore its historical rural wooden houses, which survived the Khmer rouge, visit a school that teaches English to the local students after their regular school lessons and visit a local pagoda where a segregated and solemn excursion at a Buddhist pagoda awaits.
Enrich
Receive a traditional blessing from a monk and learn how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda before partaking in an alms ceremony, which contributes to the daily meal of the resident monks.
Afterwards 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 down time 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.
Sunset Drinks
Get an outfit ready for an evening of style with a Sundowners cocktail reception on the sundeck against the backdrop of Phnom Penh’s lights and stunning scenery as we approach the capital of Cambodia.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mon 01 Sep 2025 – Explore Phnom Penh
After breakfast, it will be time to head out and explore the city.
Freechoice:
• You can choose to journey to the infamous Killing Fields and take a tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed inside a former prison. These sites are a sobering reminder of the terrors unleashed by the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. This moving tour will give you a deeper insight into the tumultuous history of Cambodia and the resilience of its people.
• Passionate foodies may like to choose a hands-on cooking class. Take a trip to the bustling market with a local chef to purchase your ingredients, then head back to the kitchen to cook your own lunch, testing out the styles and flavours of Cambodian cuisine.
• Alternatively, travel by remok, a local style of tuk tuk, to explore the French architecture and history of Phnom Penh. Finish the tour with shopping at the Central Market, famed for its unique Art Deco design and bright yellow façade.
At the conclusion of your tour, return to Scenic Spirit for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
Sunset Drinks
Later this evening, revel in our Phnom Penh by City Lights tour. You’ll get to witness the nightlife of the capital before stopping at a local rum distillery for your exclusive Scenic Sundowners experience, including a private tour and tasting.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tue 02 Sep 2025 – Phnom Penh to Tan Chau
Even the most developing countries have a standard of luxury and opulence. You can experience this this morning at the Royal Palace with the famous Silver Pagoda within, on your included visit to this must-see attraction. Set on the riverfront, this dazzling palace was built in the 1860s and still serves as the official residence of the King of Cambodia.
Upon returning enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation then 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 socialising 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 on board the Spirit along with a lion dance performed by locals on the expansive Sundeck.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wed 03 Sep 2025 – Tan Chau to Sa Dec
You may want to start the day with some exercise in the on-board gym, an early morning yoga class or relax your muscles in the sauna. Then set off to discover the areas surrounding Tan Chau.
Freechoice:
• You could leave the city life behind at Tra Su Bird Sanctuary in Tra Su Forest. Travel by sampan through endless tranquil waterways, flanked by mangroves and lush greenery. This eco reserve spans 850 hectares and is an ecological haven for fauna and flora, home to more than 100 species of waterbirds.
• Or experience a traditional way of life on Evergreen Island, joining local farmers for a morning of discovery. Back in Tan Chau, ride in a xe loi, a three-wheeled bicycle rickshaw that was introduced by the French in the 19th century and is a common form of transportation in rural Vietnam. Visit the recently renovated, brightly coloured Cao Dai temple. Caodaism is a new religion, established in 1926 in the southern Vietnamese city of Tây Ninh, and brings together beliefs and practices from Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism. Here, you will learn more about the mix of ideas that form the basis of this fascinating religion.
• For your third choice, board a speedboat to visit Chau Doc, a major city in the Mekong Delta, and Tay An temple. Set at the foot of Sam Mountain, this elaborate temple is a mixture of Indian and Islamic architecture. Afterwards, board another sampan to visit Vinh Te canal and view life along the riverfront of Chau Doc, before stopping at a family-operated fish farm on your way back to Scenic Spirit.
What better way to end the first day in Vietnam than a delicious cocktail by the pool on board the Spirit along with a great view of the Mekong as you set sail for Sa Dec.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Thu 04 Sep 2025 – Sa Dec to Cai Be
When you arrive in Sa Dec, board your sampan once again to explore the lively wet market where you can meet the sellers and marvel at their wares, including live fish, frogs and even snakes. This two-hour exploration will take you deep into the local lifestyle. You can also see the grand home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, a Chinese merchant who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant. Your expert guide will reveal the secrets behind this passionate tale of tragic love.
After your morning excursion, head back to the Scenic Spirit for lunch whilst enjoying a relaxing afternoon at leisure on board sailing downstream to Cai Be.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fri 05 Sep 2025 – Cai Be to Ho Chi Minh City
Start the day with a full gourmet breakfast – complete with champagne – before heading out to explore Cai Be.
Freechoice:
• Choose to travel via sampan to Tan Phong, a small island located near Cai Be town that is rich in alluvial soil suitable for tropical fruit orchards all year round. With a total area of more than 1,000 hectares, surrounded by silted sandbanks, canals and a mild temperature, Tan Phong has long been a friendly destination for eco-tourism. On arrival, try a hands-on experience at a workshop specialised in weaving water hyacinth into artistic crafts. Board a motorised buggy for a ride through endless fruit orchards, stopping to enjoy the tropical fruits and interact with a farm owner. Reboard the sampan and cruise to Cái Bè town to discover the local cottage industry where families make rice-paper and sweets from pop-corn, pop-rice and coconut.
• Alternatively, take a sampan to Le Longanier, a French colonial house restaurant, to savour a delicious morning tea. The elegantly-dressed staff will welcome you with tea, coffee and a range of local fruit and snacks. Listen to the local band playing music and traditional Vietnamese songs.
If you would prefer to enjoy the comforts of your ship, our highly skilled bar team is ready to welcome you to a hands-on cocktail/mocktail making class featuring fresh local ingredients.
Back on board, set sail for My Tho. This afternoon you will have time to relax onboard and overlook life on the Mekong River before watching the gorgeous sunset against the Vietnamese skyline. Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner with the crew.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sat 06 Sep 2025 – Explore Saigon
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 (HCMC). Upon arrival visit the War Museum before an orientation tour around your historic hotel where you will stay for the next two nights, located in the heart of District One and opposite the Opera House.
Freechoice Dining:
• Tonight, choose your Scenic Free Choice dining option from an exhilarating Vespa ride at night as your experienced driver winds in and out the hectic traffic of the streets, stopping at all the best local spots for the most scrumptious Vietnamese cuisines. Sample the best authentic street food and an unlimited supply of drinks and eating however much your stomach desires.
• Alternatively, dine at Mandarine Restaurant, designed in the style of the Hue imperial court serving individual Vietnamese dishes.
• Or for something totally different dine at Noir Dining in the Dark, a restaurant dedicated to helping the blind and visually impaired community.
Other choices include experiencing the street food and bars of Saigon on a Vintage Jeep or enjoying the offerings at Buffet 19 at your hotel.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sun 07 Sep 2025 – Explore Saigon
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 Ph? 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.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mon 08 Sep 2025 – Extend your stay in Vietnam or fly home
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.
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. Hotels are indicative and are subject to change.
Inclusions: Breakfast
Tue 09 Sep 2025 – Arrive home
Not included in your package…
* Meals and drinks not shown in inclusions.
* Travel Insurance = price varies depending on age and pre-existing medical conditions.
* Cambodia & Vietnam Visa fees
* Any vaccinations or health requirements recommended by your GP.
14 Night Mekong River Cruise Holiday including flights
from $9,999pp share twin in a Deluxe Suite.
Aboard Scenic Spirit
CONDITIONS: Valid for new bookings to 28 FEB 25, or until sold out • Prices are per guest share twin in NZ$, based on two people sharing a stateroom, a single supplement is
available for single travellers • Prices include gratuities, air taxes, port taxes & all applicable discounts, correct as of 17DEC24 • FREE 3 DAY HOLD • Deposit of $4,000pp is required
within 72 hours of booking • Special conditions, currency fluctuations & availability restrictions apply • Prices are for cash sales, please add an additional 1.5% for Visa & Mastercard
payments, 3% for American Express credit card payments • Accommodation, airline & routing are at the discretion of Kroupa & Bourke House of Travel. FLIGHTS: Return economy
class airfare is from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. Please discuss your NZ domestic flight options and upgrades to Premium Economy or Business Class with your Kroupa &
Bourke House of Travel consultant • Airfares are non-transferable and name changes are not permitted • House of Travel & Scenic booking conditions, amendment and cancellation
fees apply • For full details, please ask your Kroupa & Bourke House of Travel cruise champion on 0800 66 55 33 or www.LuxuryCruiseHolidays.co.nz
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