HMAS Diamantina and HMAS Huon, both Huon Class Minehunters, were carrying a total of 100 personnel, said Darren Hall, warrant officer attached to the Australian embassy in Hanoi.

Vietnamese foreign ministry spokesman Le Dung said the crew would meet with representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City government, the southern military command, and senior officers from the Vietnamese navy.

The visit marks the sixth consecutive year in which Royal Australian Navy ships have docked in the communist nation.

The last port calls were made by the frigate HMAS Arunta and HMAS Tobruk, an amphibious landing craft, in October last year.

Their port call marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Australia, and coincided with a visit by Rear Admiral Raydon Gates, Australia's maritime commander.

WAR.WIRE