Vietnam 3-Base Master Schedule & Directory

Friday, Feb 5 – Tuesday, Feb 23, 2026 • London Heathrow (LHR) Round-Trip via Vietnam Airlines

Base 1: Hanoi (5 Nights) Base 2: Hoi An (5 Nights) Base 3: Ho Chi Minh City (6–7 Nights) Master Schedule: v7 .xlsx ↓
✈️ International Inbound • Fri, Feb 5 – Sat, Feb 6 London Heathrow (LHR) → Hanoi (HAN)
Vietnam Airlines VN56 • Nonstop Boeing 787 Dreamliner
11:00 London (LHR) • Feb 5
11h 20m
✈
05:20+1 Hanoi (HAN) • Feb 6
Ground Transfer: 45-min highway taxi / Grab (~£12–£15) direct from Noi Bai Airport (HAN) to Grand Mercure Hanoi (9 Cat Linh)
Arrival Tip: Early landing at 05:20. Request early luggage drop or check-in at hotel before exploring Temple of Literature.
Book VN56 →
Ha Long Bay & Hanoi
BASE 1 • 5 NIGHTS (FEB 6–11)

Hanoi & Northern Vietnam

Ancient tree-lined quarters, lakeside cafes, UNESCO limestone karst cruises in Ha Long Bay, and tranquil sampan river grottoes in Trang An Ninh Binh.

🏨 Chosen Hotel

5★ Accor • Modern Indochine elegance, rooftop pool, near Temple of Literature (9 Cat Linh). Ideal quiet luxury retreat outside Old Quarter traffic.

Arrival Tip: Flight VN56 lands at HAN 05:20 on Feb 6 (Book VN56 →). 45-min private airport transfer; request early check-in or luggage drop.
⛵ Day Trips & Sightseeing
Ha Long Bay Day Cruise
UNESCO limestone karst towers via 2.5-hr modern expressway.
Tràng An & Ninh Bình
Rowing sampan cave boat tour through inland karst & ancient capital.
Hanoi Core Heritage Walk
Old Quarter 36 streets, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature & Opera House.
Weather: Cool northern winter (17–22°C). Light jacket needed for morning & evening walks.
🍜 Northern Food Specialties

Delicate, aromatic seasoning focusing on fresh herbs and grilling:

Bún chả (grilled pork & noodles) Egg Coffee (Cà phê trứng) Chả cá Lã Vọng Phở cuốn (beef rolls) Bún riêu (crab noodle soup) Bánh cuốn Northern Phở bò
✈️ Domestic Flight 1 • Thu, Feb 11 Hanoi (HAN) → Da Nang (DAD) / Hoi An
Vietnam Airlines VN171 • Nonstop
13:30 Hanoi (HAN)
1h 25m
✈
14:55 Da Nang (DAD)
Backup Flights: VN169 (12:30 → 13:55) or VN173 (15:00 → 16:25)
Ground Transfer: 30-min scenic coastal taxi / Grab (~£10–£14) direct from Da Nang Airport to Hotel Royal Hoi An
Book VN171 →
Hoi An Lantern River
BASE 2 • 5 NIGHTS (FEB 11–16)

Hoi An & The Central Coast

Pedestrian-friendly 16th-century lantern town, tailor shops, Thu Bon riverfront dining, and An Bang Beach daybeds just 10 minutes away.

🏨 Hotel Shortlist (Walkable to Town)

5★ Accor Boutique (~£75–£115/nt). 6–8 min walk to Japanese Bridge. 2 pools (highest rooftop infinity pool over river + courtyard pool).

4★ Heritage (~£50–£75/nt). 2-min walk to Old Town gate, large shady tropical gardens & big swimming pool.

4★ Boutique (~£45–£85/nt). Quiet east riverfront, river-view balconies, 7–8 min walk to Old Town.

🏖️ Beach & Regional Trips
An Bàng Beach Day Trip
Only 4.5 km away (10-min Grab ~£2.50 or hotel shuttle). Beachfront daybeds & seafood clubs (The DeckHouse, Shore Club).
Imperial City of Huế & Hải Vân Pass
Scenic mountain coastal drive to the walled Citadel, Forbidden Purple City & Royal Tombs.
Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary (Cham Ruins)
4th-to-14th century UNESCO Hindu red-brick temple towers in a secluded jungle valley.
Tailoring Tip: Get measured on Feb 11 (Day 1) to allow 2 to 3 fittings before checking out on Feb 16.
🍜 Central Food Specialties

Bold turmeric flavors, chewy noodles, and fresh coastal seafood:

Cao lầu (smoky pork noodles) Mì Quảng (turmeric bowl) White Rose dumplings Bánh mì Phượng Cơm gà Hội An Crispy Bánh xèo An Bang Fresh Seafood
Flight: Afternoon flight VN171 (HAN 13:30 → DAD 14:55) • Book on Vietnam Airlines →. 30-min scenic coastal taxi straight to hotel.
✈️ Domestic Flight 2 • Tue, Feb 16 Da Nang (DAD) → Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
Vietnam Airlines VN129 • Nonstop
13:30 Da Nang (DAD)
1h 35m
✈
15:05 Saigon (SGN)
Backup Flights: VN131 (14:30 → 16:05) or VN135 (16:30 → 18:05)
Ground Transfer: 30-min taxi / Grab from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Hotel des Arts Saigon (District 1)
Book VN129 →
Ho Chi Minh City Skyline
BASE 3 • 7 NIGHTS (FEB 16–23)

Ho Chi Minh City & The South

Energy, rooftop infinity pools, wartime history, Ben Thanh market, Mekong Delta sampan canals, and beach day-trip options in 32°C sunshine.

🏨 Hotel Shortlist (District 1 Pool Focus)

5★ Accor Boutique (~£110–£165/nt). Notre Dame quarter. Highest rooftop infinity pool and sky bar in District 1.

5★ Heritage Design (~£100–£150/nt). 2-min walk to Opera House & river, 24m rooftop pool, hanging gardens & balcony jacuzzis.

4★+ Boutique (~£70–£105/nt). Central Ben Thanh area, rooftop infinity pool & sky bar.

🚤 Day Trips & Beach Options
Beach Day Trip: Vũng Tàu / Hồ Tràm
2-hr high-speed hydrofoil ferry from D1 Bach Dang Pier to Vũng Tàu, or 2-hr car to Hồ Tràm resort beach clubs.
Mekong Delta Sampan Canals
Full-day tour to My Tho & Ben Tre: shaded water-coconut canals, orchard islands & candy workshops.
Củ Chi Tunnels Historical Site
Historic 250km wartime underground network (accessible via luxury river speedboat or car).
Weather (32–33°C): Peak tropical dry season. Plan sightseeing in the morning; take pool/AC breaks in afternoon.
🍜 Southern Food & Rooftops

Sweeter, richer herbs, crispy pancakes, and broken rice:

Southern Bánh xèo Cơm tấm (broken rice) Southern Phở (herb rich) Gỏi cuốn (fresh rolls) Hủ tiếu Nam Vang Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa Bánh khọt Chè desserts
Return Flight: Return flight VN51 departs SGN Tue, Feb 23 (Book VN51 →). If taking 00:20 flight, transfer to airport late evening Mon, Feb 22.
✈️ International Return • Tue, Feb 23 Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) → London Heathrow (LHR)
Vietnam Airlines VN51 • Nonstop Boeing 787 Dreamliner
00:20 Saigon (SGN) • Feb 23
13h 25m
✈
07:15 London (LHR) • Feb 23
Departure Tip: For the 00:20 departure, checkout Mon evening (Feb 22) after a farewell rooftop dinner and transfer to SGN by 21:00.
Ground Transfer: 30-min taxi / Grab from District 1 hotel to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Book VN51 →
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