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 Bangkok
Grand Indochina & Luxury Mekong
Call us for prices -
you'll never pay more than the price advertised by the cruise line.
From Hanoi to Bangkok
Grand Indochina & Luxury Mekong
Call us for prices -
you'll never pay more than the price advertised by the cruise line.
Voyage Itinerary
15 January to 17 January
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.
17 January to 19 January
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.
19 January to 20 January
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.
20 January to 23 January
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.
23 January to 24 January
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.
24 January to 26 January
Vietnam: 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.
27 January
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.
27 January
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.
28 January
Vietnam: Tan Chau
29 January to 30 January
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.
30 January
Cambodia: Oudong
Oudong was once the capital of Cambodia, and served as the royal residence for over 250 years until it was abandoned by King Norodom in 1866. The twin peaks of Phnom Oudong mountain are scattered with Buddhist stupas, and offer great views of the surrounding countryside.
31 January
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.
31 January
Cambodia: Angkor Ban
1 February to 2 February
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.
2 February to 5 February
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.
5 February to 8 February
Laos: Luang Prabang
The shimmering city of Luang Prabang, situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, is one of the most appealing destinations in Asia. It’s a deeply spiritual place where gilded temples reverberate with the chanting of saffron-robed monks, and the smell of incense fills the air.
8 February to 9 February
Laos: Vang Vieng
9 February to 10 February
Laos: Vientiane
Vientiane is one of the sleepiest capitals you’re ever likely to visit, a laid back and likeable place that lacks the chaotic traffic of other South East Asian cities. Buddhist temples and French colonial buildings are scattered around the quiet streets, and the riverfront promenade along the Mekong is a nice place for a sunset stroll.
10 February
Arriving in Bangkok
Thailand’s sprawling capital is an assault on the senses, an invigorating blend of tradition and modernity. Soaring skyscrapers, air-conditioned shopping malls and an efficient public transport system combine with shimmering golden temples, ancient palaces, floating markets and at times gridlocked rush hour traffic.
Our tip
Most tourist sights and markets are open 7 days a week, so be cautious if you’re told otherwise, a common trick from a minority of disreputable taxi drivers. We recommend organising excursions in advance or through a reputable hotel.
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 Bangkok
The Shangri-La Bangkok sits on the banks of the river, allowing for easy sightseeing by river boat and provides a luxury sanctuary from the bustle of the city whilst maintaining a distinctly Asian feel.
Excursions from Bangkok
Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, is known for spectacular temples. About 50 miles north of Bangkok it makes a fascinating day tour.
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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Latest news and travel inspiration
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.
