Morning: Depart Melbourne on an overnight flight to Hanoi, arriving early afternoon. Transfer by shared minivan to your hotel, Hanoi La Storia Hotel, and settle in.
Afternoon: Enjoy a light lunch at a local eatery, then take a relaxed walk around the historic Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the bustling Old Quarter.
Evening: Dine on Vietnamese street food at Ta Hien Street and watch a traditional water‑puppet show at the Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, followed by a coffee break at a café on Trang Trình Street.
Afternoon: Explore the cultural Temple of Literature and stroll through the vibrant Hang Duong Street Market for souvenirs.
Evening: Enjoy a family‑friendly dinner cruise on West Lake, featuring live music and a view of the illuminated Trấn Quốc Pagoda.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart Hanoi by comfortable coach to Ha Long Bay. Board the Paradise Cruise and set sail among the iconic limestone karsts.
Afternoon: Participate in a guided kayak tour around Ti Top Island, then enjoy a seafood lunch on deck.
Evening: Attend a cooking demonstration, savor a fresh dinner, and sleep under the stars on the deck.
Find HotelsMorning: Return to Hanoi and catch a short flight to Hue. Check in at Moonlight Hotel Hue and freshen up.
Afternoon: Tour the UNESCO‑listed Imperial City (Citadel) and the Thien Mu Pagoda perched on the Perfume River.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a riverside restaurant, sampling Hue’s famous beef noodle soup (bún bò Huế).
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to Hoi An (≈2 h). Check in at Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel and begin a walking tour of the Ancient Town, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky Old House.
Afternoon: Take a lantern‑making workshop, then head to An Bang Beach for sand play and a swim.
Evening: Dine on riverfront cuisine and watch the town glow with thousands of lanterns during the nightly lantern festival.
Find HotelsMorning: Short transfer to Da Nang. Check in at Fivitel Boutique Da Nang and explore the striking Marble Mountains with their caves and panoramic views.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Dragon Bridge and relax at My Khe Beach, where kids can build sandcastles.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at a seaside restaurant, then watch the dragon’s fire‑breathing show (weekends).
Find HotelsMorning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and settle into Silverland Yen Hotel. Begin with a visit to the historic Notre‑Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
Afternoon: Tour the poignant War Remnants Museum and stroll through the bustling Ben Thanh Market for local snacks.
Evening: Savor a rooftop dinner overlooking the Saigon River and watch the city lights from Bitexco Financial Tower.
Find HotelsMorning: Catch a short domestic flight to Phú Quốc. Check in at the beachfront Cassia Cottage and unwind on the private sand area.
Afternoon: Explore the Phú Quốc Prison Museum for a brief history lesson, then snorkel at Vũng Đầm Beach with a guided family tour.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset BBQ dinner on the beach, featuring fresh seafood and a fire‑pit atmosphere.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a leisurely bike ride along the coastal road to visit the iconic Sunset Beach and the tranquil Gành Dầu Beach.
Afternoon: Optional activities: pearl farm tour, dolphin‑watching cruise, or simply relax by the pool.
Evening: Dine at the popular O’Café for a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes before packing for departure.
Find HotelsMorning: Fly back to Ho Chi Minh City, where a private transfer will take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Afternoon: Board your international flight to Melbourne, carrying memories of Vietnam’s culture, scenery, and hospitality.
Evening: Arrive back in Melbourne, concluding the adventure.
Find HotelsTo extend the trip, add a day in Hanoi for a day‑trip to the scenic Trang An landscape or spend an extra night on Phú Quốc for a full‑day island‑hopping tour. To shorten the itinerary, you could combine Hue and Hoi An into a single day by using a high‑speed train, or skip the optional dolphin‑watching cruise on Phú Quốc, saving both time and budget while still enjoying the core highlights.