Epic Multi-Country Journey: San Diego to Darwin to Vietnam and Back

Day 1: Travel to Australia

San Diego, USA to Darwin, Australia on June 2, 2025

12:30PM

Departure from San Diego International Airport

Start your exciting journey with your flight from San Diego International Airport heading to Darwin. Most flights to Darwin will include at least one layover, likely in Sydney or another major hub.
CURRENCYDepends on airline, Approx. 18h total flight including layover
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Day 2: Discover Darwin

Darwin, Australia on June 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Browns Mart Cafe

Enjoy a hearty Australian breakfast at Browns Mart Cafe, a local favorite known for great coffee and fresh dishes. Open from 7:30 AM.
CURRENCY20 AUD, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Mindil Beach Sunset Market

Explore Mindil Beach Markets (open 5PM-10PM), famous for handmade crafts and diverse food stalls. Since it opens in the evening, plan to visit later.
Free, 1h

10:00AM

Tour Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

Discover Aboriginal art, natural history and Cyclone Tracy memorabilia in this engaging museum. Open daily from 9AM to 5PM.
CURRENCY15 AUD, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at Hanuman Restaurant

Taste exquisite Thai and Indian inspired dishes at Hanuman, open from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
CURRENCY40 AUD, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Darwin Waterfront Precinct

Relax at the lagoon, enjoy waterfront views and maybe take a swim. This area is open daily and perfect for the afternoon.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Return to Mindil Beach Sunset Market

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the markets at sunset with food stalls and crafts open until 10PM.
Varies by food, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Mindil Beach

Sample diverse street foods from the market stalls for dinner while enjoying the sunset on Mindil Beach.
CURRENCY20 AUD, 1.5h
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Day 3: Flight to Vietnam

Darwin, Australia to Hanoi, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Club Darwin

Start your day with a casual breakfast and coffee at The Coffee Club, open from 6:30 AM.
CURRENCY20 AUD, 1h

10:00AM

Departure flight from Darwin to Hanoi

Fly from Darwin International Airport to Hanoi, with at least one connection likely via a major hub such as Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
CURRENCYDepends on airline, Approx. 8-10h including layover

7:00PM

Arrival in Hanoi

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi and transfer to your accommodation.
Varies, 30m - 1h transfer

8:00PM

Dinner at Pho Bat Dan

Savor authentic Northern Vietnamese Pho at Pho Bat Dan, open till late, perfect to try a local specialty right after arrival.
CURRENCY100,000 VND (approx $4.50), 1h
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Day 4: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 5, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try the famous egg coffee and a light breakfast at Cafe Giang, operating from early morning around 7AM.
CURRENCY50,000 VND, 1h

9:00AM

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, open from 8AM to 5PM.
CURRENCY30,000 VND, 1.5h

11:00AM

Visit the Old Quarter

Explore the charming and bustling Old Quarter, browse shops and street vendors in this historic area.
Free, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the iconic Bun Cha, a grilled pork and noodle dish, at the famous Bun Cha Huong Lien, open until 3PM.
CURRENCY50,000 VND, 1h

2:30PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university and beautiful garden grounds, open 8AM-5PM.
CURRENCY30,000 VND, 1.5h

4:30PM

Water Puppet Theater

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. Shows usually start at 5PM and last about 50 minutes.
CURRENCY100,000 VND, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Relish the signature grilled fish dish at Cha Ca La Vong, open until 10PM.
CURRENCY150,000 VND, 1.5h
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Day 5: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 6, 2025

6:30AM

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Grab a quick breakfast before your flight.
Varies, 1h

8:30AM

Flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a short domestic flight (about 2 hours) to Ho Chi Minh City.
CURRENCYVaries, 2h

11:00AM

Arrival and check-in

Transfer to your hotel and settle in.
Varies, 1h

12:30PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy classic southern-style Pho at Pho Hoa, open from 6AM to 9PM.
CURRENCY60,000 VND, 1h

2:00PM

Explore War Remnants Museum

Discover exhibits highlighting the Vietnam War, open 7:30AM-6PM daily.
CURRENCY40,000 VND, 2h

4:30PM

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Marvel at French colonial architecture. Both sites are free and open during daylight hours.
Free, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Savor authentic Vietnamese home-style cooking in a cozy atmosphere. Open from 10:30AM to 10PM.
CURRENCY150,000 VND, 1.5h
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Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Explorer

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 7, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at L'usine Cafe

Enjoy a blend of good coffee and breakfast dishes in a trendy cafe setting, open from 8AM.
CURRENCY80,000 VND, 1h

9:00AM

Day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels

Explore the historic underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War, open 7AM-5PM. Tours usually last 4-5 hours including transport.
CURRENCY150,000 VND, 5h

3:30PM

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Enjoy a peaceful walk and people watch in this local green space.
Free, 1h

5:00PM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and try street food at this bustling market, open until 7PM.
Varies, 1.5h

7:00PM

Dinner at Ngon Restaurant

Experience a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes all in one place, open until 10PM.
CURRENCY150,000 VND, 1.5h
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Day 7: Return to San Diego

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to San Diego, USA on June 8, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before your journey home.
Included with accommodation, 1h

9:00AM

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Head to the airport for your flight back to San Diego, likely with multiple stops.
Varies, 30m - 1h transfer

12:00PM

Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Begin your long journey back home with connecting flights to San Diego.
CURRENCYVaries, Approx. 20-22h including layovers
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