Scenic Luxury Along the Mekong

Exploring with Scenic

In July, my colleague Alana and I had the opportunity to experience Vietnam and Cambodia with Scenic on a special seven-night itinerary along the Mekong. Our journey began with one night in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, followed by five nights cruising the Mekong aboard Scenic Spirit, before finishing with a final night in Siem Reap.

Having visited Vietnam and Cambodia before, I was excited to return and experience these fascinating countries from a different perspective. Travelling along the Mekong was an enjoyable way to visit a new destination each day, discover communities along the river and see how local people live and work, all while enjoying the exceptional comfort and service for which Scenic is renowned.

Discovering Ho Chi Minh City by Vespa

One of my favourite experiences was Scenic’s Vespa city and food tour in Ho Chi Minh City. Travelling through the busy streets by Vespa with an experienced Vietnamese driver was an incredible way to experience the energy of the city while sampling a wonderful variety of local dishes.

Throughout the evening, we stopped at restaurants in different parts of the city to try local delicacies such as frog legs, noodles, mussels, spring rolls and bánh xèo. We sampled some weird and wonderful foods, but everything was well prepared and delicious! Surprisingly, my favourite dish of the night was the deep-fried frog legs, which were covered in a sweet sauce and went down particularly well with a local Vietnamese beer.

We finished the night at a Vietnamese coffee house, where we enjoyed a live performer singing both Vietnamese and English songs. Drinking and socialising over coffee is an important part of Vietnamese culture, so including this experience gave us a small glimpse into local life in the city.

This tour was fun, lively and a little adventurous, giving us the chance to see, taste and experience Ho Chi Minh City in a way we never could have on our own.

Life Aboard Scenic Spirit

Scenic Spirit was a luxurious and peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, towns and villages we visited.

Our accommodation on board was a Grand Deluxe Suite on Diamond Deck, which was spacious, modern and beautifully appointed. It included a comfortable sitting area, walk-in wardrobe and large private bathroom. The beds faced the window, so we could relax and watch the scenery pass by without even getting up. Every suite on board also features a French balcony, providing another wonderful way to enjoy the views as you sail along the Mekong.

Each suite had the services of a butler, who assisted with housekeeping, laundry, shoe cleaning and anything else we needed during our stay. Our butler, Vandy, greeted us whenever we returned from an excursion and always checked whether we would like a drink, a snack or anything else. It was lovely getting to know him throughout the cruise, and his thoughtful service was a perfect example of Scenic’s attention to detail.

Other spaces on the ship that stood out included the pool, pool deck and pool bar. Located close to our suite, these were excellent places to relax, enjoy the passing scenery and socialise with other guests. We also loved visiting the lounge for pre-dinner drinks and snacks while hearing about the activities planned for the following day.

I also enjoyed a couple of spa treatments in the wellness area. My massage was particularly lovely and helped me relax so I could fully enjoy my time away.

The ship was beautiful and the staff on board were amazing. They were always smiling, happy to have a chat and ready to help with anything we needed.

Memorable Dining Experiences

The food aboard Scenic Spirit was amazing, with plenty of variety throughout the cruise.

We could begin each morning with the breakfast buffet in the main restaurant or order breakfast to our suite. Lunch was also served buffet-style, with dishes inspired by the flavours of Vietnam or Cambodia, depending on where we were travelling that day. One day, we experienced a Cambodian market lunch, where the more adventurous guests could try tarantula, glow worms, crickets and other unusual delicacies!

Each evening, dinner was a three-course à la carte menu that changed daily and offered something for everyone.

As guests staying on Diamond Deck, we were also fortunate to experience the Chef’s Table. This incredibly special dinner featured 10 courses paired with carefully selected wines, with each course personally introduced by the chef. The presentation and flavours showcased the Head Chef’s creativity and talent, making it one of the highlights of our time on board.

A Special Visit to Wat Hanchey

Another standout experience was our visit to Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery. Here, we received a traditional blessing and had the opportunity to speak with a trainee monk.

It was fascinating to learn about his daily life at the monastery, his life before entering it and what he hoped to do after completing his education and training. Experiences like this made the journey feel very personal and gave us a deeper understanding of the people, culture and traditions of Cambodia.

Markets, Shopping and Local Life

Although I had previously visited both Vietnam and Cambodia, I had never spent much time exploring their markets. I was surprised by the incredible variety of things available to buy. At times, the choice was almost overwhelming, but it was certainly easy to find souvenirs for family and friends, as well as a few things for myself!

Even if shopping is not usually your favourite activity, I recommend visiting the markets in Ho Chi Minh City or Phnom Penh. They are fascinating places to see how the locals shop and work, meet the stallholders and discover everything from food and clothing to handicrafts and souvenirs.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

No visit to Siem Reap would be complete without experiencing Angkor Wat. Although the morning started very early, seeing the sun rise over this iconic temple was truly special and created some beautiful photo opportunities.

While our time in Siem Reap was short on this trip, if it is your first visit, I recommend allowing several days to explore the area. This will give you time to discover the many temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park, learn about their history and visit them at different times of the day. Each temple has something unique to discover, and having extra time means you can explore, take photos and appreciate this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site without feeling rushed.

A Magical Final Evening

Our journey with Scenic ended with an unforgettable private gala dinner at Prasat Kravan, a small 10th-century temple made up of five reddish-brick towers set on a shared terrace. The evening began with a traditional welcome, followed by a walk along a candlelit path towards the temple, where drinks and canapés awaited us.

We then moved to the other side of the temple, where we dined overlooking the illuminated towers while being entertained by traditional Apsara dancers. The setting, food and performances made the evening feel truly magical. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an amazing way to conclude our journey with Scenic.

My Overall Impression of Scenic

Scenic offers a true luxury experience, with exceptional attention to detail both on and off the ship. Scenic Spirit was comfortable, immaculate and a welcoming retreat after each day of exploring.

The hotels we stayed in before and after our cruise were equally impressive and ideally located, making it easy to head out independently and explore our surroundings whenever we had some free time. Scenic’s excursions provided a meaningful look at how people in Vietnam and Cambodia live today, while also introducing us to the fascinating history of both countries. Along the way, we met guides who were knowledgeable, friendly and proud to share their homes with us.

This journey would suit anyone wanting to experience Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong in depth while travelling in luxury. Scenic also offers longer itineraries incorporating pre- and post-cruise stays, allowing guests to discover even more of the cities, temples and riverside communities.

For me, this trip offered the perfect balance of authentic local experiences, fascinating history, wonderful food and luxurious relaxation. From riding through Ho Chi Minh City by Vespa and speaking with a trainee monk to dining beside an ancient temple, it was a journey filled with moments I will never forget.

If a luxury journey through Vietnam and Cambodia sounds like your kind of holiday, speak with our team about the Scenic itineraries available and the options best suited to you.

 

Written by Meg Barker following her adventure through Cambodia & Vietnam with Scenic.

Meg Barker