Review of Vietnam Airlines flight from Nha Trang to Hanoi in Business

Greetings Flight Report community and thanks for stopping by this report. This is the continuation of our trip to Vietnam that became a reality after a Cathay Pacific "mistake" fare that was honored. Feel free to visit the SNA-ORD report for more background on the planning, etc.

Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge - Nha Trang

After several spectacular days in Nha Trang (check out the "Tourist Bonus" if you're interested) it was time to start the trek back home. We're not taking the most direct routing as a result of the Cathay mistake fare so we have to position to HAN to pick up that ticket. This ticket was originally booked as ICN-CXR-HAN in Y but when we arrived at CXR I stopped by the VN ticket desk and asked about a cash upgrade. It was a very reasonable fee so we thought it would be fun to have a go in VN J having flown VN Y several times to date.

Security was a breeze at this small airport and we were airside quickly. The Lotus lounge is at the far end of the terminal and is clearly marked.

I have to say it's a fairly spacious and well appointed lounge for domestic flights. The interior décor is a bit dated or a least in a style I cannot relate to.

There are a variety of soups on offer with appropriate garnishes.

Also hot foods and cold cuts.

Fruits, sweets, and tea.

Having eaten breakfast at the hotel we just sampled a dew snacks. The only cups I could find were coffee.

Not much in the way of views. or natural light.

They have a cabinet for passenger. I thought that was simply economy class….

There is a smoking room in the lounge as well.

VN1556 CXR-HAN

As boarding time arrived we made our way to gate 6.

It was only after our boarding passes were scanned and we started walking to the jetway did I realize I would have my first ride on the A321-200neo. I thought it odd that the flights between CXR-ICN-CXR, almost 5 hours in duration, are operated with the A321-200ceo and the 90 minute ride to Hanoi would be on the A321-200neo.

There is a small 8 seat J cabin on this configuration with no hard bulk head separating the cabins. The J seats are rather basic. The look like a larger version of a typical Y slim line seat.

The lack of bulk head provides some good legroom for the first row of economy.

The J eats have a storage compartment presumably where you could stow IFE monitors if the aircraft is so equipped. 

Tray table is on the other side.

Bare seatback, safety card, and wifi info.

Cold towels were offered as well as water or juice.

The safety video was aired on fold down monitors that had excellent resolution and aspect ration. A moving map was aired during the flight.

My IFE of choice as we taxi to 2R.

Beautiful views of Cam Ranh coastline and Cam Ranh Bay on departure

The flight attendant working the cabin asked if we would enjoy a snack and of course I took her up on the offer. The other J passenger didn't partake.

Tablecloth placed.

A tray with open-faces sandwiches is served along with a beverage. There is no bar service on this short flight but beer is provisioned.

There was a dessert on the tray that looks like Bánh Flan Dừa but I didn't taste it to confirm.

The sandwiches were not very appetizing so I only nibbled. The meats were OK but the bread was stale.

Small lavatory with basic amenities.

The front of the airplane has arrived in Ha Noi.

Curtains drawn and another round of beers before landing.

Hazy day in Ha Noi.

We parked on a remote stand next to a 757. The symmetry is perfect as the 321neo is as close to a 757 replacement as we're going to get.

I am happy to do air stairs and bus any time. The neo is gorgeous in the VN livery.

Looking back from the bus.

We were dropped into a deserted baggage claim area and proceeded to catch the shuttle bus tot eh International Terminal to leave our bags and explore the city a bit. Until next time.

Tourist bonus - nha trang dining and sights