Long Tan & Nui Dat Battlefield Private Day Tour from Saigon

Summary

Explore Vietnam War History: Long Tan, Nui Dat & Vung Tau Beach

If you want to really understand Australia’s role in Vietnam—and stand where history happened—this tour takes you there. You’ll visit key sites like Long Tan Cross and Nui Dat Base, walk through tunnels used during the war, enjoy local food by Vung Tau Beach, and get real stories from a knowledgeable guide.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Ho Chi Minh City felt thick as we set off—just after sunrise, when the city’s noise is still waking up. Our guide, Mr. Thanh, shared stories about the ANZACs as we drove out past rubber plantations. You notice how the landscape changes—flat fields giving way to gentle hills. At Nui Dat SS Hill, there’s not much left of the old Australian base except for a few foundations and that odd silence you get at places with heavy history. Mr. Thanh pointed out where the concertina wire once ran and showed us a faded sign in Vietnamese near the old helipad site.

Standing at the Long Tan Cross Memorial, I could hear cicadas buzzing louder than usual—maybe it was just my nerves. We paused for a moment; some folks left poppies by the cross. The guide explained what happened here back in August 1966—D Company holding out against impossible odds. It’s hard not to feel something when you’re right there on that patch of red earth.

We crawled through part of the Long Phuoc Tunnel next—tight and dark, with cool air and that damp clay smell clinging to your clothes. Afterward, we headed toward Vung Tau Beach for lunch. The spot was simple but lively—a place called Quán Biển Xanh where they served fresh fish with rice paper rolls and a tangy dipping sauce (vegan options too). I remember hearing kids laughing somewhere behind the kitchen while we ate.

The afternoon sun hit hard at Minh Dam Mountain, but climbing up was worth it for the view over green hills and coastline—you can see why soldiers would have wanted this vantage point. Last stop: The Robert Museum of Worldwide Arms. It’s packed with uniforms and gear from all over; our guide knew every detail about each display and even let us handle an old helmet from the era.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Long Tan Memorial and Vung Tau Beach

• Visit Long Tan Cross and Long Phuoc Tunnels
• Lunch and visit Robert Museum of Worldwide Arms

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for people who aren’t military history buffs?

Absolutely! While there’s plenty of history, you’ll also experience local culture, scenery, and food along the way.

How long is the drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Long Tan?

It usually takes about two hours each way depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Are vegan or vegetarian meals available for lunch?

Yes, vegan options are available—just let us know your preference when booking.

Can I bring children on this tour?

The tour is suitable for most ages but may not be ideal for very young kids due to some walking and time spent in tunnels.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Ho Chi Minh City, private transport with A/C, an experienced English-speaking guide, entrance fees everywhere we go (including beach tickets), Vietnamese lunch (vegan options available), wheat cake snacks, mineral water, wet tissues for freshening up after exploring tunnels or beaches—and travel insurance for peace of mind.