Vietnam 3-Base Itinerary (Feb 5

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

Grand Mercure Hanoi Chosen

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. 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.

📷 Preview & Wiki ↗

🚣 Tràng An & Ninh Bình

Rowing sampan cave boat tour through inland karst & ancient capital.

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🏛️ Hanoi Core Heritage Walk

Old Quarter 36 streets, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature & Opera House.

📷 Preview & Wiki ↗

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

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)

Hotel Royal Hoi An (MGallery) Top Pick

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

Hoi An Historic Hotel

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

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel

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).

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👑 Imperial City of Huế & Hải Vân Pass

Scenic mountain coastal drive to the walled Citadel, Forbidden Purple City & Royal Tombs.

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🛕 Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary (Cham Ruins)

4th-to-14th century UNESCO Hindu red-brick temple towers in a secluded jungle valley.

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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). 30-min scenic coastal taxi straight to hotel.

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)

Hotel des Arts Saigon (MGallery) Top Pick

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

The Myst Dong Khoi

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

La Siesta Premium Saigon

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.

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🌴 Mekong Delta Sampan Canals

Full-day tour to My Tho & Ben Tre: shaded water-coconut canals, orchard islands & candy workshops.

📷 Preview & Wiki ↗

🎖️ Củ Chi Tunnels Historical Site

Historic 250km wartime underground network (accessible via luxury river speedboat or car).

📷 Preview & Wiki ↗

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: VN51 departs SGN Tue, Feb 23. If taking 00:20 flight, transfer to airport late evening Mon, Feb 22.