The Mighty Mekong: Cruising this legendary Southeast Asian waterway with Scenic

Scenic is a leader in ultra-luxury river cruising. And now the travel company is offering a fresh collection of cruise and escorted touring itineraries. Discover the Scenic Difference and why 2025 is your year to explore the Mekong River

The Mekong River is an exotic wonder. For centuries, explorers  have marvelled over its 4,909 kilometres as it carves its way from the Tibetan Plateau through Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It has inspired poets, painters and writers with its varied and dramatic terrain. And is the lifeblood of millions of people who live along its banks, whether in big cities or tiny fishing villages. The Mekong is a major trade route, carrying everything from traditional sampans to long cargo ships. And then there are the passenger ships, increasingly comfortable in recent years.

Enter Scenic Spirit, an ultra-luxury ship that is as exclusive as it is intimate, catering for just 68 guests. In 2025 and 2026, Scenic’s collection of South East Asia journeys include an impressive six enriching itineraries, with durations of  11 to 25 days. This is a cruise and land tour that is as much about the journey as it is the destination –at a leisurely pace amid karst peaks and rice fields before stepping on shore to explore some of Southeast Asia’s most fabled destinations, from the frenetic streets of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, to the World Heritage-listed temples of Angkor, on the outskirts of Siem Reap in Cambodia. Whichever itinerary you choose, you’ll visit three magical countries both by river and on land: Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

The Scenic difference

Arriving on Scenic Spirit is like checking in to a five-star floating hotel. From public spaces to the guest suites, design throughout is stylish and modern, while nodding to the long traditions of the region you’re exploring through artistic flourishes. While you are ensconced in your suite you can look forward to a good night’s sleep thanks to the ergonomic Scenic Slumber Bed, then wake to gaze at the ever-changing changing landscapes from your signature Sun Lounge and fresh coffee delivered by your butler.

Still, you will want to venture out to explore the gorgeous ship’s facilities. Scenic Spirit features up to four memorable dining experiences, from Chef’s Table Dining, where  guests are taken on a 10-course degustation through South East Asia. To River Café, a casual space where you can enjoy all-day grazing options and light bites. Scenic’s chefs are constantly inspired by the destinations you pass through. And the rest of Spirit’s team are  as dedicated to making every moment on board just as memorable for guests.

Thanks to an almost 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, service on board Scenic Spirit is impeccable, and highly personalised. They’ll greet you by name, know which water and wine you prefer with meals, and go out of their way to create tailored experiences on land.  

Enriching experiences

Imagine being in Siem Reap and seeing Aspara dancers at an Angkor temple, minus the crowds, at an exclusive candle-lit gala dinner. Going backstage to meet the artists after a legendary water puppet performance in Hanoi. Or being blessed by a monk in a private ceremony…

Bring your appetite and sense of discovery for a fast-paced foodie tour through Ho Chi Minh City on the back of a Vespa, perhaps; opt for a walking tour through a local market; or get hands-on in a cooking class highlighting local produce and culinary traditions. Learn how to make colourful lanterns in Hanoi, glide across Tonle Sap Lake on the lookout for its famous ‘leg fisherman’, and paddle through a fairytale bird sanctuary with your binoculars in hand.

These are just some of the ‘pinch-me’ moments that await on a Mekong Cruise thanks to the included Scenic Enrich and Scenic Freechoice programs. These collections – exclusive to Scenic guests – are carefully curated to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Extend your stay

Often when you’re on a Scenic cruise, you fall in love with the destinations you’re visiting. It’s hard not to. They make it easy to linger – simply (and seamlessly) extend your stay in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos by choosing from the Scenic river cruise and journeys, designed to take you on an even deeper dive into this fascinating region.  

Book your all-inclusive 2025/2026 Scenic Mekong River cruise today.