Australian Base, Long Tan & Nui Dat Tour with Vung Tau Beach

Discover the Australian Role in Vietnam at Long Tan & Nui Dat

This tour offers a thoughtful journey into the history of Australian troops during the Vietnam War, taking visitors from the historic battlefields of Long Tan to the former Nui Dat base. With a focus on authenticity and respectful remembrance, it’s a strong choice for those interested in military history, especially Australians or anyone wanting a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s wartime past.

One feature we particularly love is how the tour combines moving memorial visits with engaging museums and tunnels, providing a well-rounded and educational experience. However, as it involves a full day of travel with a two-hour drive each way, it’s best suited for those comfortable with long hours on a bus. This tour is perfect for history buffs, veterans, or travelers seeking an authentic and respectful connection to the wartime history of Vietnam.

Key Points

• Authentic & Respectful: A meaningful look at Australia’s involvement in Vietnam, with opportunities to pay respects at memorials.
• Comprehensive Experience: Visits include Long Tan, Nui Dat, tunnels, and military museums, offering well-rounded insights.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable English-speaking guides, with reviews highlighting guides like Ken and Jimmy for their friendliness and expertise.
• Comfort & Convenience: Air-conditioned transport, included lunch, bottled water, and all entry fees ensure a worry-free day.
• Emotional & Educational: Some moments are moving, especially at memorial sites, making this more than just a sightseeing trip.
• Great Value: For $155, you get a full day of immersive, respectful history with meaningful extras like flowers, incense, and a museum visit.

An In-Depth Look at the Long Tan & Nui Dat Tour

What’s Included & Why It Matters

At $155, this tour offers a good balance of value, especially considering that all entry fees and permits are included. The price covers transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle—an important feature given the roughly two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City to the Vung Tau area each way. Plus, the tour includes a local Vietnamese lunch, bottled water, tissues, and meaningful gestures like flowers and incense sticks at the memorial, which adds a thoughtful touch of ceremony.

The group is kept small, with a maximum of 10 travelers, fostering a friendly, intimate atmosphere. Many reviewers mention guides like Ken and Jimmy, who are praised for their extensive knowledge and warm hospitality. Having an English-speaking guide helps turn a potentially complex history lesson into a personal, engaging story.

Transportation & Timing

The day begins early, with pickup between 8:00 and 8:30 AM, and ends back at your hotel around 5:00 PM. Expect about 5 hours at the key sites, which includes the visit to the Nui Dat base, Long Tan Cross Memorial, and the tunnels and museum in the afternoon. The return trip is roughly two hours—so be prepared for a full day of sightseeing but also a comfortable, air-conditioned ride.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Morning – The Battle of Long Tan & Nui Dat

Your first stop is the Nui Dat Task Force Base, an important site for understanding Australian military history. Although access to some areas (like the Horseshoe Location) is restricted, you’ll get a good view from a distance and plenty of context from your guide. The highlight is the Long Tan Cross Memorial, which you’ll visit to pay respects—flowers and incense are provided, making it a solemn but touching experience. As one reviewer put it, “Flowers and incense sticks will be provided for those who wish to pay their respects,” and many find this moment quite emotional.

Afternoon – Tunnels, Museums & Vung Tau

Post-lunch, the tour shifts to exploring the Long Phuoc Tunnels, a strategic Viet Cong stronghold with insightful displays on wartime tactics. This is a rare chance to see underground tunnels and imagine the conditions soldiers endured. The Robert Taylor Museum of Worldwide Arms then offers a fascinating collection of military uniforms and weapons from around the globe, adding a broader context to the Vietnam War.

Several reviewers mention the guides’ depth of knowledge. For example, Ken was praised for his “friendly, informative” approach, and Alex was seen as “very knowledgeable” about the Australian involvement. The museum and tunnels deepen your understanding of the war’s complexity, beyond just the battle sites.

Authentic Experiences & Emotional Impact

Many travelers describe the experience as “very moving” and “emotional,” especially when paying respects at the memorial and walking through the tunnels. One reviewer shared, “Some of it very emotional. Finding out how the Aussies helped the Vietnamese after the war was truly amazing,” highlighting that this isn’t just a sightseeing trip—it’s a chance to connect with history on a personal level.

The tour also has an element of cultural exchange; lighting joss sticks and placing flowers at the memorial, as requested by guides, makes the experience quite personal and respectful. Reviewers appreciated these gestures, considering them meaningful and authentic.

The Guides – The Heart of the Experience

Multiple reviews sing the praises of guides like Ken, Jimmy, Alex, and Ben. They’re described as “friendly,” “knowledgeable,” and “motivated,” making the experience both educational and entertaining. Jimmy, in particular, is noted for his “friendly and accommodating” approach, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and engaged.

One reviewer said, “Jimmy explained how the day would progress and his knowledge of Vietnam’s history is amazing,” which reflects the importance of a good guide in elevating the experience.

Food & Hospitality

Lunch is a local Vietnamese meal, described as “authentic” and tasty, providing a much-needed break and a chance to reflect on the morning’s sights. Bottled water and tissues are provided throughout the day, adding to the comfort. The thoughtful inclusion of flowers, incense, and sometimes lighting joss sticks turn what could be a simple tour into a respectful homage, which many travelers find touching.

Practical Considerations & Value

While the tour is quite comprehensive, it does involve significant travel time, so travelers should be comfortable with long hours in a vehicle. The small group size enhances intimacy and allows for flexible stops—many review comments mention being able to stop when desired, which is a plus for those wanting a personalized experience.

At $155, the tour includes many extras: all entry fees, permits, a guided commentary, and meaningful gestures. Considering the depth of history covered, the emotional weight of visiting memorials, and the comfort of the transport, it’s a solid investment for those interested in Vietnam’s wartime history.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers with a genuine interest in the Vietnam War, especially Australians wanting to see where their troops served. It’s also good for history enthusiasts who prefer a respectful, fully guided visit that combines education with emotional resonance. The inclusion of tunnels and a museum makes it appealing for those who like to understand wartime tactics and military equipment.

Because it involves a full day of travel and site walking, it’s best for those in good health and comfortable with long hours. If you appreciate authentic cultural experiences, meaningful memorial visits, and expert guides, this tour hits the mark.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For anyone keen to explore Vietnam’s WWII history from an Australian perspective, this tour delivers a mix of educational content, emotional moments, and cultural respect. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and inclusive features like flowers and incense make it more than just a sightseeing day — it’s a heartfelt journey through history.

You’ll love the way the tour balances moving memorial visits with engaging museums, all in a comfortable setting. The value is clear when you consider that all entry fees and permits are included, plus a delicious local lunch. Whether you’re a veteran, a history buff, or someone simply looking to deepen their understanding of the Vietnam War, this experience offers genuine insight and a chance to pay respect.

It’s a day that leaves a lasting impression, perfect for travelers who want authenticity, depth, and meaningful connections — with history that still echoes today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early does the tour start?
Pickup is scheduled between 8:00 and 8:30 AM, ensuring you beat the midday heat and have ample time for the full day’s activities.

What is included in the price?
The $155 fee covers comfortable air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking guide, all entrance fees and permits, lunch at a local restaurant, bottled water, tissues, and meaningful gestures like flowers and incense sticks at the memorial.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 9 to 10 hours, with about five hours spent visiting key sites in the morning and afternoon, plus travel time.

Is the group size small?
Yes, the tour caps at 10 travelers, which fosters personalized attention and flexibility during stops.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A private air-conditioned car or minivan ensures a comfortable ride throughout the day.

Are there any emotional moments?
Yes, many travelers find moments at the memorial and tunnels quite moving, especially with the guided explanations and ceremonies like lighting joss sticks.

Can I pay respects at the memorial?
Absolutely. Flowers and incense are provided, and guides often arrange respectful ceremonies, making it a meaningful experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it suitable for older children and teenagers, particularly those interested in history. Be aware that some sites involve walking and tunnels, so please consider your child’s comfort level.

This detailed, authentic tour offers a respectful, comprehensive look at Australia’s involvement in Vietnam, with guides dedicated to making the experience educational, emotional, and memorable. Perfect for history lovers, veterans, or anyone interested in understanding a significant chapter of Vietnam’s past.