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.
From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Essence of Cambodia, Vietnam & Luxury Mekong
From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Essence of Cambodia, Vietnam & Luxury Mekong
Voyage Itinerary
5 August to 7 August
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.
7 August to 9 August
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.
9 August to 10 August
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.
10 August to 11 August
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.
11 August to 14 August
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.
14 August to 17 August
Cambodia: 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.
18 August to 20 August
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.
19 August to 20 August
Cambodia: Angkor Ban
20 August to 23 August
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.
22 August to 23 August
Vietnam: Tan Chau
24 August
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.
25 August
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.
26 August to 28 August
Arriving in 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.
Our tip
With an enormous number of motorbikes on the busy streets even crossing the road is an adventure here. Our advice is to be bold and have faith that the traffic will avoid you!
The ship
Scenic Spirit
- Capacity:
- 68 Guests
- Crew:
- 56 Staff
- Style:
- Relaxed and informal during the day, giving way to an elegant evening atmosphere.
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.
inclusions
- All meals
- Premium beverages throughout the day
- A choice of excursions
- WiFi
- Gratuities
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 Saigon
We think the Park Hyatt is a good choice.
Sightseeing in Saigon
The country’s turbulent past is captured superbly at the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. A fascinating visit.
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From cruise tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions
visit our faqs
Will I save by booking with Mundy Cruising?
Absolutely. You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line and enjoy more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
From flights and transfers to hotels and tours, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and also offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24hr emergency contact, so we offer complete peace of mind.
What are the benefits of a small luxury ship?
Because small ships are able to reach smaller ports of call and provide a higher level of service than their big ship counterparts, we believe that small ship cruising is the very best way to travel. Usually they offer more space per person, and an attentive team to make sure you have the very best experience. Small ship cruising offers the very best of the best.
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News, trip reports, cruising advice and industry insight brought to you from our expert team.
Why Mundy?
Who we are
Founded in 1970, we have sold more luxury cruises for more years than anyone else in the UK.
Mundy Cruising was the very first cruise specialist in the UK. We have been making the best cruise holidays even better since 1970.
How? Simply by offering our clients more expertise, more personal service, more unique ideas, more fascinating add-ons, more fabulous freebies and more peace of mind.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
