Long Tan, Nui Dat & Long Phuoc: Vietnam War Day Trip

Vietnam War stories at Long Tan Cross and Nui Dat hill, local lunch and hidden tunnels

You’ll walk Vietnam War history at Long Tan Cross and Nui Dat Hill with a local guide who brings real stories to life. Crawl through Long Phuoc’s tunnels, share lunch with your group, and hear firsthand memories along the way. This day trip leaves you with more questions than answers—in a good way.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in modern transport.
• entry fees to all sites.
• an experienced English-speaking guide.
• cool towels and mineral water along the way.
• plus a Vietnamese or Asian-style lunch (with vegetarian option if needed) before heading back in the afternoon.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Long Tan and Nui Dat sites

• Travel to Long Tan Memorial Cross
• Explore Long Phuoc Tunnels
• Have lunch
• Visit Nui Dat SS Hill
• See Ming Dam, former Secret Zone

The Experience

“That’s where it happened,” our guide said quietly, pointing through the eucalyptus trees at the Long Tan Cross. We’d just stepped out of the van after a couple hours’ drive from Ho Chi Minh City—my legs were stiff, but the air felt different here, heavier somehow. The grass was wet from last night’s rain and I could hear birds somewhere off in the trees. I didn’t expect to feel so much just standing there. Our guide, Mr. Thanh, had this gentle way of sharing stories—he didn’t rush or dramatize. He told us about the 1966 battle, how eighteen Australians died right on this ground. I caught myself staring at the muddy boots of another traveler next to me and wondered what it must’ve been like for those soldiers all those years ago.

We drove on to the Long Phuoc tunnels after that—honestly, I was a little nervous about squeezing underground (not my favorite thing), but curiosity won out. The air inside was cool and smelled faintly of earth and something metallic. Mr. Thanh handed us tiny flashlights and explained how villagers used these tunnels for everything—meetings, first aid, hiding from bombs. At one point he laughed when I bumped my head on a low bit (“You’re too tall for Vietnamese war!” he joked). There was a moment where everyone went quiet except for our footsteps echoing off packed clay walls—I still think about that silence sometimes.

Lunch came as a relief—simple rice dishes, vegetables sautéed in garlic (so much better than I expected) and sweet iced tea that cut through the heat outside. We sat together under a tin roof while Mr. Thanh answered questions about his own family during the war years; his father had been just a boy then. Afterward we headed up to Nui Dat Hill—the old Australian base site is mostly empty now except for some scattered foundations and wild grass waving in the sun. It’s strange how peaceful it looks these days.

The last stop was Minh Dam, which used to be called “The Secret Zone.” By then my mind was full of images—tunnels twisting below villages, soldiers lost in rubber plantations, families caught between sides. There’s no neat way to sum up how it feels walking these places with someone who knows them so well; you just carry it home with you.

Top questions

How far is Long Tan from Ho Chi Minh City?

Long Tan is about 110 km east of Ho Chi Minh City by road.

Is lunch included in this Vietnam War day trip?

Yes, lunch with Vietnamese or Asian food (vegetarian option available) is included.

What sites are visited on this tour?

The tour visits Long Tan Memorial Cross, Long Phuoc Tunnels, Nui Dat SS Hill, and Minh Dam.

Is hotel pickup provided?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour.

Are guides experienced English speakers?

Yes, an experienced English-speaking guide leads the tour.

Can vegetarians join this tour?

Yes, vegetarian meal options are available for lunch.

Are there any health restrictions?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.

What is special about Long Phuoc tunnels?

The tunnels were used by villagers during the war for meetings, first aid stations and defense against attacks.