TREASURES OF THE MEKONG

A KEMP TRAVEL 40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION HOSTED BY SHEILA KEMP

Join Sheila Kemp on a spectacular once-in-a-lifetime Mekong River Cruise adventure through Cambodia and Vietnam. We will be celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2022 and want to share this incredible milestone with some our clients!

South East 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 marvelous 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.

NOVEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 2, 2022 | 14 DAYS

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WHATS INCLUDED?

 

  • 1 Scenic Sundowners event
  • 33 meals – 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches & 11 dinners
  • Complimentary beverages all day on the cruise
  • Butler service for all guests throughout your cruise
  • Scenic Cruise Director and Tour Director with expert local guides
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • All International Airfare
  • Arrival and departure transfers 
  • Transport between destinations and included activities
  • 7 Night Mekong River Cruise on the 5-star Scenic Spirit ship with luxurious one-bedroom balcony suites
  • 3 Nights accommodation in Siem Reap and 2 nights in Ho Chi Minh City.
  • 5 exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences
  • Your choice of 23 Scenic activities and dining

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 | Depart Toronto

Depart from Pearson International Airport for Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Day 2 | Siem Reap (D)

Arrive at your historic hotel, your home for 3 nights, located within walking distance of the markets. Enjoy the day at leisure until tonight when you meet your Scenic Tour Director and fellow travelling companions at your welcome briefing and dinner.

Day 3 | Siem Reap (B,L)

Discover Banteay Srei, dedicated to Shiva and known as the ‘citadel of women’ and visit the Landmine Museum or admire the skills on display at Artisans D’Angkor. Alternatively, cruise on Tonle Sap, take a remork (Tuk Tuk) ride to the markets or take a tethered balloon ride above Angkor Wat before visiting a local handicraft centre. Later in the afternoon, a perfect time in the day for photography, visit the colossal Angkor Wat. Tonight take your Premium Reserved seat at the colourful Cambodian Circus, Phare. Phare transforms the lives of Cambodian youth, where its artists use theatre, music, dance and circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories.

Day 4 | Siem Reap (B,D)

Marvel at sunrise over the magnificent Angkor Wat before moving to a special location for a champagne breakfast with food prepared by an NGO supported local bakery school.

Visit the atmospheric, jungle covered Ta Prohm Temple, before stopping at Angkor Thom and the multi-faced Bayon Temple. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Be wowed by a mystical themed Gala Dinner at an Angkor temple, with included free flow drinks and a show featuring Apsara dancers in front of candlelit temple ruins.

Day 5 | Siem Reap > Mekong Cruise (B,L,D)

Discover the rural side of Cambodia on your drive to Kampong Cham where we will board the Scenic Spirit for our Mekong River Cruise. Cruise along with stops at the Khmer bridge at Kampong Kdei, Kampong Thom and a stone cutters village. Toast the start of your cruise with a cocktail reception.

Day 6 | Wat Hanchey > Kampong Cham (B,L,D)

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 before sailing downstream to Kampong Cham. Later you have the option to learn the history of the area with a visit to Phnom Pros (Man Hill) and then Wat Nokor or to explore the traditional village of Koh Pen or visit a rubber plantation factory and betel nut village.

Day 7 | Angkor Ban > Silk Island > Phnom Penh (B,L,D)

Upon arrival in Angkor Ban, explore its historical rural wooden houses, which survived the Khmer Rouge, and visit the local pagoda to observe the lifestyle of the resident monks and nuns. Receive a blessing from a monk and learn how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda, before partaking in a ceremony that contributes to the daily meal of the resident monks.

Later, sail downstream to Koh Dach Island dedicated to the art of silk weaving before continuing your cruise to Phnom Penh. Enjoy a cocktail reception on the Sun Deck against the backdrop of Phnom Penh’s lights as the ship sails towards the capital at sunset.

Day 8 | Phnom Penh (B,L,D)

Journey to the Killing Fields and tour Tuol Sleng, the former school that was converted to the main prison of the Khmer Rouge, or take a guided tour of the local food market before joining a hands-on Khmer cooking demonstration. Alternatively, explore Phnom Penh’s colonial buildings by remork (tuk tuk) and visit the Central Market before stopping for lunch at a local NGO restaurant teaching street kids hospitality skills. This afternoon is at your leisure for shopping or exploring on your own. 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 tour and tasting behind closed doors.

Day 9 | Phnom Penh > Tan Chau (B,L,D)

This morning marvel at the Royal Palace, featuring the famous Silver Pagoda, on your included visit to this must-see attraction. The afternoon is at your leisure to take advantage of the facilities of the most luxurious ship on the Mekong as you set sail for the Cambodian and Vietnamese border. Celebrate arriving in Vietnam with your themed evening dinner.

Day 10 | Tan Chau (B,L,D)

Stay in Tan Chau to visit Evergreen Island and enjoy a ride in a Xe Loi to a silk dye factory. In Chau Doc visit Vinh Te Canal and a family-operated fish farm, followed by Tây An Temple at Sam Mountain or visit Tra Su Bird Sanctuary. While sailing downstream to Sa Dec, take the time to enjoy a cocktail by the pool or appreciate some solitude on your private balcony as you watch the scenery pass by.

Day 11 | Sa Dec > Cai Be (B,L,D)

Immerse yourself in the historic town of Sa Dec and explore the lively markets. Stop for green tea at the home of Mr Huynh Thuy Le who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant. Later board a sampan to visit Cai Be, local cottage industries and a traditional Vietnamese house. Alternatively, savour morning tea at the colonial French home, Le Longanier or stay on board for a special activity. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner on board as you sail to My Tho.

Day 12 | Mekong Cruise > Ho Chi Minh City (B,L,D)

Drive to Ho Chi Minh City and visit the War Museum before an orientation tour around your hotel and a two night stay at the Caravelle Saigon. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Tonight dining is your choice. You can enjoy a Vespa foodie tour of Saigon, enjoy a meal in an old French colonial house or a restaurant specialising in Saigon street food. Alternatively, try Italian at Basilico or international fare at Nineteen Restaurant.

Day 13 | Ho Chi Minh City (B,L,D)

Travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the underground labyrinth of war-time passageways before returning to explore the Reunification Palace. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight.

Day 14 | Depart Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Depart Ho Chi Minh City today to begin the journey home!

COST & AVAILABILITY

CA – Deluxe Suite – Jewel Deck – SOLD OUT

C – Deluxe Suite – Jewel Deck – SOLD OUT

BA – Deluxe Suite (mid-aft) on the Sapphire Deck – $11,195.00 CAD per person  – 2 Staterooms

BB – Deluxe Suite (mid-forward) on the Sapphire Deck – $11,295.00 CAD per person – 1 Stateroom

B – Deluxe Suite (forward) on the Sapphire Deck – $11,695.00 CAD per person – 1 Stateroom

A – Deluxe Suite (mid-aft) on the Diamond Deck – $11,995.00 CAD per person – 1 Stateroom

RD – Grand Deluxe Suite (mid-ship) on the Diamond Deck – $12,595.00 CAD per person – 2 Staterooms

RS – Panorama Suite – Diamond Deck – SOLD OUT

*Prices are per person in CAD. Includes taxes of approximately $1000 CAD. Book your Mekong River Cruise now with a $1000 deposit. Final payment is due on August 5, 2022. All payments are non-refundable. Cancellation insurance is recommended – please call office for pricing. Prices are subject to change.

ABOUT THE SCENIC SPIRIT

The Spirit is a 279-foot vessel that can accommodate 68 passengers in 34 one-bedroom balcony suites. It offers an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio and is equipped with a sleek swimming pool, a steam sauna, and an open-air cinema. Exclusively designed to negotiate the sweeping flow of the Mekong, Scenic Spirit affords unparalleled luxury, comfort and elegance for those journeying this mystical region of Southeast Asia.

Scenic Spirit accommodates all of its 68 guests in the utmost luxury and refinement, boasting 34 of the most generously proportioned cabins of any river cruise liner. These suites are located on the Diamond, Sapphire and Jewel decks, and each features its very own private balcony, en-suite bathroom and spacious living quarters. 

Check out this webinar we hosted recently talking more about the Mekong River Cruise itinerary, the ship and the inclusions on this trip!

CONNECT WITH AN AGENT

If you’re looking to hold a space on this Mekong River Cruise, to get more information or talk to one of our agents about doing something different, just fill out the form below and someone will reach out to you right away!