Vietnam War Legacy: Long Tan & Nui Dat

Tour Code: TOP003406
Vietnam War Legacy: Long Tan & Nui Dat

Excursion Highlights

Full Day- Private Veteran Tour to Long Phuoc Tunnel

Begin your historical journey with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City at 08:00. As you drive southeast towards Ba Ria Town, anticipation builds for the unique experiences that await in this once-restricted military zone, where a special permit will be collected for access.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide near Ba Ria Market, and continue your journey to Hoa Long Village, the historic site of Nui Dat Base, which served as the headquarters for the Australian Task Force from 1966 to 1972. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore significant remnants of the past, including the Kangaroo Pad, a former helicopter landing site, and SAS Hill, known for its vital role in observation and communication. Discover the Old Bunkers, Luscombe Airfield, and the original Flagpole site, each telling a story of courage and sacrifice.

Your visit continues with a stop at the Nui Dat Kindergarten, a heartwarming community project established by Australian veterans in 2002 to support local children, highlighting the enduring bonds formed through shared history.

Next, journey to Long Tan, the site of one of Australia's most renowned battles during the Vietnam War. Here, you will visit the Long Tan Cross, a poignant memorial erected by Australian veterans in honor of the 18 soldiers who lost their lives in the 1966 battle, a place of reflection and remembrance.

The exploration continues with a visit to The Horseshoe, a former fire support base, before reaching the Long Phuoc Tunnel. This vast underground network, utilized by the Viet Cong, offers a fascinating glimpse into wartime strategies and resilience. As you navigate the tunnels, take the time to visit the small museum showcasing wartime relics and photographs, deepening your understanding of this complex history.

After a local Vietnamese lunch, savor the flavors of the region before beginning your return drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving late in the afternoon, enriched by the stories and experiences of the day.

Destination Information

Long Phuoc

Long Phuoc is a village distinguished by its intricate network of underground tunnels, which reveal a unique aspect of local history and resilience. Set amid the lush, flat landscape near the Mekong Delta, the area combines rural tranquility with a palpable connection to Vietnam’s wartime past. The village’s earthen homes and narrow lanes reflect traditional rural life, where local artisans continue to produce handicrafts that embody regional techniques and materials. Nearby, the War Relics Museum offers a detailed account of the conflict’s impact on the community, complementing the tangible experience of exploring the Long Phuoc Tunnels. The surrounding waterways and rice paddies contribute to a quiet, pastoral atmosphere, contrasting with the historical weight carried by the site. Long Phuoc’s appeal lies in this blend of everyday village rhythms, artisanal culture, and the physical remnants of a significant historical period, providing visitors with a grounded understanding of both the local environment and its enduring legacy.

Nui Dat

Nui Dat is a rural locality set within the gently rolling terrain of Phuoc Tuy Province, characterized by a mix of open farmland and patches of tropical vegetation. The landscape reflects a balance between agricultural activity and natural features, with rice paddies and small-scale farms shaping much of the visible environment. The area’s quiet, expansive fields contrast with the remnants of its complex past, where the presence of a former military installation marks a significant chapter in Vietnam’s history. Visitors encounter a place where the traces of conflict coexist with the rhythms of local farming life, offering insight into both the region’s strategic importance during the Vietnam War and its ongoing agricultural traditions. The combination of historical sites and rural surroundings creates a setting that is contemplative and grounded, revealing how the land has been shaped by both human intervention and natural processes. Nui Dat’s atmosphere is defined by its open spaces and the enduring connection between its historical legacy and the everyday activities of the local community.

Travel Notes

  • Pickup from hotels in Ho Chi Minh City typically begins at 08:00. Ensure clients are ready on time to avoid delays.
  • Access to the former military zone requires a special permit, which will be collected in Ba Ria Town. Advise clients to carry identification for this process.
  • The journey to Ba Ria Town involves driving southeast, which can take approximately 2 hours depending on traffic conditions.
  • Walking is required at several historical sites, including Nui Dat Base and the Long Phuoc Tunnel. Clients should wear comfortable footwear suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Lunch is included at a local Vietnamese restaurant; clients may want to inform the guide of any dietary restrictions in advance.
  • Visits to sites such as the Long Tan Cross and the Horseshoe may involve some waiting time, especially if other groups are present. Encourage clients to be patient and enjoy the surroundings.
  • Be mindful of cultural sensitivities when visiting memorial sites; clients should maintain a respectful demeanor during these visits.
  • Return to Ho Chi Minh City is expected in the late afternoon, so clients should plan any evening activities accordingly.

Indicative Travel Distances

  • Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Ria Town: Approx. 120 km / approx. 2 hours by road.
  • Ba Ria Town to Nui Dat Base: Approx. 15 km / approx. 30 minutes by road.
  • Nui Dat Base to Long Phuoc Tunnel: Approx. 25 km / approx. 40 minutes by road.
  • Long Phuoc Tunnel to Ho Chi Minh City: Approx. 120 km / approx. 2 hours by road.

All travel distances and travel times are indicative only and may vary depending on traffic, weather, road conditions, routing, sightseeing stops and local operating conditions. Distances and travel times are based on direct routing and do not account for optional visits, detours or sightseeing activities included during the journey.

Included Services

  • Private air-conditioned transport from/to Ho Chi Minh City
  • Permit to access restricted war sites
  • English speaking guide
  • All entrance fees and memorial visits
  • Lunch at a local restaurant
  • Bottled water & cold towels during the trip

Excluded Services

  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Additional beverages or services not listed above
  • Surcharge for public holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year)
107
Validity PeriodGuide1 pax2 pax3 pax to 4 pax5 pax to 6 pax7 pax to 9 pax10 pax to 12 pax13 pax plus
01/01/2026 - 31/12/2026English Speaking Guide25313811183786558
Prices above are NET costed per pax, non-commissionable.
Kavaya Travel · sales@kavaya.travel