Luxury Mekong & Japan in Focus

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. (D)

Your Siem Reap exploration starts with a delicious champagne buffet breakfast at the hotel.

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 idealic 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. (B/L)

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 an NGO supported local bakery school which also Scenic sponsors.

Enrich: Tonight 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 your time in Siem Reap. (B/D)

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. (B/L/D)

Awake as you approach Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda and monastery. After learning about life as a novice monk from one of the locals, wander around the complex and admire the view over the Mekong River and surrounding countryside. Sail back to Kampong Cham.

Once back on board Scenic Spirit, enjoy some time to unwind in your spectacular suite. Your dedicated butler can arrange for a beautiful meal to be served in your suite as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the Mekong, overlooking the gorgeous sunset of the Cambodian skyline as you sail to Angkor Ban. (B/L/D)

Upon arrival in Angkor Ban, explore its historical rural wooden houses, which survived the Khmer Rouge and visit a local pagoda where a private and solemn excursion at a Buddhist pagoda awaits.

Afterwards return to Scenic Spirit for lunch and sail downstream to the island of Oknha Tey, where residents are 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 where you may wish to absorb more about the local culture with our team by learning how to make and wear the Cambodian scarf.

Enjoy the amenities on Scenic Spirit and truly unwind. What better way to do so than by heading to the Wellness Centre or Beauty Salon for a bit of pampering. This evening, you may wish to dress up for the Scenic Sunset Drinks cocktail reception on the Sun Deck against the backdrop of Phnom Penh’s lights and stunning scenery as we approach the capital of Cambodia.

Sunset Drinks Cocktail reception on the sundeck. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Your Scenic Freechoice excursions provide the option to journey to the Killing Fields and tour Tuol Sleng Prison. These locations are a sobering reminder of the terrors unleashed by the Khmer Rouge regime. Although not a delightful tour, visiting these monuments unlocks the keys to understanding the development of this country. You will then return to Scenic Spirit for lunch.

The second Scenic Freechoice excursion today is a hands-on cooking class. Take a trip to the local market with a local chef to purchase your ingredients. Head back to the kitchen to cook your own lunch, testing out the styles and flavours of the Cambodian cuisine. The third option is to travel by Remok, a local style of Tuk Tuk to visit the French architecture and history of Phnom Penh. Finish this tour with a stop at the unique designed Central Market for some shopping. At the conclusion of this choice, you can head back to the Scenic Spirit for lunch.

Sunset Drinks Later this evening revel in our Phnom Penh by City Lights tour, giving you an insight to the nightlife of the capital before stopping at a distillery for an exclusive Sundowners tour and tasting behind closed doors. (B/L/D)

Experience the opulent side of Phnom Penh this afternoon at the Royal Palace with the famous Silver Pagoda, during your included visit to this must-see attraction. Upon returning to the ship, set sail and 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 board Scenic Spirit.

You may wish to unwind in the Scenic Spirit library to learn more about the ports you are visiting. Or head to the heart of this ship, the Scenic Spirit Lounge, which is a great place to unwind with a glass of wine and meet other guests. You may wish to socialise by the pool with a refreshing cocktail and swim, or just settle into the private comfort of your luxury suite. After clearing immigration into Vietnam at the border, experience a fantastically themed dinner on board the Scenic Spirit along with a lion dance performed by locals on the expansive Sun Deck. (B/L/D)

You may wish to start your day with some exercise in the on board gym, try stretching at the early morning yoga class or relax in the sauna before setting off to on a Scenic Freechoice excursion of your choosing in the areas surrounding Tan Chau.

What better way to end the first day in Vietnam than a refreshing cocktail by the pool on board the Spirit along with a great view of the Mekong as you set sail for Sa Dec. (B/L/D)

Upon arrival in Sa Dec, board your sampan to explore and interact with the sellers in the lively wet market where you will see live fishes, frogs and even snakes. This 2-hour exploration lets you dive deep into the local lifestyle. You can also see the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le (currently under restoration) who inspired marguerite Duras novel L’Amant a story of tragic love told by your entertaining expert. After your morning excursion, head back to the Scenic Spirit for lunch whilst sailing downstream to Cai Be.

Back on board you will have time to relax and overlook the gorgeous sunset of the Vietnamese skyline and life on the Mekong River before your engaging farewell dinner with the crew. (B/L/D)

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 hotel and a two night stay at the historic Caravelle Saigon, located in the heart of District One and opposite the Opera House.

Freechoice Dining: Tonight, choose your Scenic Free Choice dining option from a tandem Vespa street food tour of Saigon, or dine in the dark at a restaurant dedicated to helping the blind and visually impaired community. At Home Saigon, experience a home cooked, Vietnamese style meal in a French colonial house. Alternatively experience the street food and bars of Saigon on your ‘Saigon After Dark by Vintage Jeep tour’, or at your hotel, dine on international fare at Nineteen Restaurant. (B/L/D)

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 HCMC to 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. (B/L/D)

After check-out head to the airport for your flight to Tokyo, Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. Check-into your hotel, your Special Stay for the next three nights. With direct access to four subway lines, the hotel was recently rated in the Forbes Travel Guide as Tokyo’s exclusive Japanese decor 5-star luxury hotel. Rooms overlook the most picturesque sites in Tokyo, such as the Imperial Palace, the 500-year-old Hie Jinja Shrine and beautiful landscaped Japanese gardens. This evening meet for your welcome reception and dinner. (B/D)

Visit the Asakusa district, known as the centre of Tokyo’s shitamachi or ‘low city’ capsulizing the atmosphere of Tokyo’s past, paying your respects at Sensoji temple, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple.

After lunch visit the epicentre of Tokyo’s teenage youth as you wander along Takeshita Street Harajuku, known for its colourful street art, youth fashion, quirky vintage clothing and cosplay stores and dessert shops and carts that specialise in sweet crêpes, donuts, and bubble tea.

Freechoice Dining: Choose from dining at a ninja themed restaurant using Horigotatsu style seating or culturally immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese evening Izakaya bar scene serving Yaki-tori and Kushiyaki with your Tour Director as they show you their favourite places to go. Alternatively dine in at Nobu restaurant. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Visit the Imperial Shinto Meiji Shrine, before walking across the often referred to as ‘the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing’ and seeing the famous Hachiko dog statue in Shibuya. Alternatively, wander through picturesque Shinjuku-Gyoen Gardens before witnessing the Shinjuku entertainment district come alive at dusk. (B/L)

Venture deep into the stunning scenery of Kawaguchiko Area. Discover the incredible workmanship involved in creating kimonos during the Muromachi Period (1333-1573) at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. Near Hakone, cruise on Lake Ashinoko on the First-class deck of your pirate ship with Mt Fuji as a backdrop before admiring the stunning scenery during your cable car ride up to the hot springs of the Owakudani geothermal area. Enjoy a Special Stay overlooking Lake Ashinoko. (B/L/D)

Relax in your Green (Business) Class seats on the Hikari Shinkansen train to the culturally rich city of Kyoto. Later after lunch in Kyoto, visit Nijo castle, built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa leyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period before settling intoyour hotel and a Teppanyaki feast for dinner. (B/L/D)

Begin the day gliding through the surreal Arashiyama Bamboo Grove by traditional rickshaw before exploring and enjoying a vegetarian meal at the World Heritage listed Tenryu-ji Temple. Later wander the gardens around the famous Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion because it is completely covered in gold leaf. Later this evening stroll through the Gion area, Kyoto’s famous Geisha District before dinner.

Freechoice Dining: Enjoy the option of dining at Kyoto Kishin Restaurant, known for its mix of Kyoto cuisine and French dishes or try Japanese Shabu Shabu at Chiriri Restaurant. (B/L/D)

Enrich: Tonight’s dinner will allow you to interact with a Geiko and Maiko who’ll host your meal. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about what is involved in becoming a Geisha and the art of Japanese hospitality. (B/D)

Begin your day with an early visit to Fushimi Inari, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates and its appearance in the film ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’. Continue to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital established in the year 710 as Heijo, the city now known as Nara.

Here you’ll visit Todaiji Temple, constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan. The Temple grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs. Also see deer in Nara Park before stopping for sake tasting at Matsui brewery and museum.

Ryokan Upgrade - For a unique insight into Japanese culture, choose to stay tonight at Hiiragiya Ryokan (at additional cost, must be pre-booked before departure). This traditional Japanese Inn has tatami mat flooring with futon beds, sliding shoji paper doors, onsen hot spring baths and private facilities, and includes dinner and breakfast. (B/L)

Relax on the Shinkansen before marvelling at Himeji Castle, an original and Japan’s most spectacular castle and one of the few remaining original feudal castles. Afterwards move to Okayama and check into your hotel in Okayama for the night. (B/L/D)

Begin the day with a visit to the 300-year-old Korakuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Continue to Kurashiki and walk around the Kurashiki canal area before visiting the Ohashi House, a former Edo Period merchant house built in 1796. Travel on the Shinkansen to Hiroshima and check into your hotel for two nights. Tonight, sample Okonomiyaki, a delicious savoury Japanese-style pancake and specialty of the region. (B/L/D)

Sail by ferry to Miyajima Island to visit Daisho-in Temple and its famous floating Torii Gate at the Itsukushima Shrine, also built over the water.

This evening is yours at leisure in Hiroshima. (B/L)

This morning travel to Kobe by Shinkansen. Kirin is one of Japan's top four beer producers and has been producing beer in Kobe since 1997. Travel to the brewery for lunch and a factory tour to see the technology and automation at play before trying some samples of the produce. Drive to Osaka to enjoy a two-night Special Stay.

This evening catch the Osaka Metro to wander around the lively entertainment area of Dotonbori and Hozenji Yokocho food alley, where you can have the opportunity to choose your own meal from one of the many traditional food stalls. You are free to make your way back to hotel in your own time or return with your Tour Director. (B/L)

Enjoy your Club Floor benefits before transferring to the Umeda Sky Building for night-time views of the skyline of Osaka, before settling into your farewell dinner with a view at Sangu Restaurant. (B/L/D)

Depart today with treasured memories of your wonderful time in Japan.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)