Australian Veterans Vietnam Return Tour: 21-Day Remembrance Journey
A trip to Vietnam is not just a holiday for some! For some Australians, it's a long awaited journey back for remembrance.
Whether an Australian served in Vietnam himself, or watched it all on the news. Memories of Vung Tau, Nui Dat and Long Tan, will be brought back to life through this 21 day itinerary.
Starting your journey in Hanoi to put together the whole jigsaw of the war. Here you will visit the new Vietnam Military History Museum and Hoa Lo Prison. After some sightseeing and exploration, you will then head to Hue & the DMZ. Hoi An is a must to enjoy relaxation in a romantic setting by the river. To then finally reach the areas where Australians are best known for their time during the American War, Vung Tau.
This is a chance for Australians to honour their past but also see the country through new eyes. Vietnam has come a long way since then and it is those extra parts of the trip to Halong Bay, Hoi An and Saigon. That will transform this remembrance trip to a whole new level.
Lets hope you won't leave it too long till your next visit!
If you don't have 21 days to visit Vietnam, don't worry, we can organise shorter versions of this trip. Pick and choose from the itinerary below and contact us with your dates.
The 21 day Australian History Trail
Days 1 - 3: The Hanoi Hilton & The B-52!
Hoa Lo Prison - You will begin your journey through Vietnam with a trip to Hoa Lo Prison, in the heart of Hanoi city. The most popular of the preserved war sites and a testament to what the prisoners went through during the American War. Originally built by the French but famously housed the American POWs and nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton. You can still see the original cells which housed the downed American pilots, most notoriously John McCain.
B-52 Memorial Lake - Huu Tiep Lake is famous for preserving a part of a B-52 bomber which crashed here in 1972. This has been recently renovated to show off this memorial to the fullest.
New Vietnam Military History Museum - This Military museum used to be located next to the Hanoi Flag Tower in central Hanoi. This has now been relocated to a massive new site (around 39 hectares) about 12 - 15 km from Hanoi. The new place is now much bigger and able to show off the captured planes, helicopters & weaponry from many years of war through the ages.
Days 4 - 6: Relaxation & Emerald Cruising
Aside to the war history tour, you now have chance to enjoy free time in Hanoi and a cruise on the less touristy Lan Ha Bay.
Hanoi - Free time to explore the busy capital on your own. Take an open top bus around the city, ride on a cyclo around the Old Quarter. Or enjoy an egg coffee, Hanoi street food and much more.
Lan Ha Bay - Enjoy a luxury cruise to take your mind off the history for a moment. Glide through the emerald waters of the bay, visiting the archipelago that is absolutely exquisite. Enjoy cocktails or cold beers on the rooftop terrace or on the balcony of your private cabin and watch the world go by.
Days 7 - 9: Hue and the battle for the Citadel!
Hue - After an overnight train in your very own stylish private cabin with snacks and drinks. You will arrive in Hue City, home to one of the bloodiest battles of the 1968 TET Offensive. Here you will visit the Citadel which was home to the Nguyen Dynasty many years ago. It also was the location of intense urban fighting. You will also visit areas around the Perfume River, taking in a dragon boat ride along the way.
With side visits to see the Royal Tombs of the imperial dynasties, private street food tour and your own free time to explore the riverside promenade and Dong Ba Market. A visit here must take in a lunch where Anthony Bourdain enjoyed some street food. Simon and his family enjoyed the very same thing, but in the next stall...incredible food. Check out our video!
Days 9 - 11: The DMZ & Khe San
Khe San Combat Base - From Hue you will enjoy a full day visiting the area around the DMZ, starting with Khe San. A vital site for history buffs, visiting Vietnam during a 21 day War History tour. In 1968, this base was under a 77 day siege but today it is home to the old airfield, museums and old relics from the war. On a tour with us, you will be guided by a Vietnam War Veteran, who can tell you stories about his time on the other side.
Vinh Moc Tunnels - Simon's visit to these tunnels was very memorable. He was shown around by a deaf and dumb man, who was born in the tunnels. Shocking to see but they shouldn't be missed. Unlike the Cu Chi Tunnels these were developed by the civilians to live & hide from the bombing during the war.
Hien Luong Bridge - Walk across the bridge what formerly spanned the 17th Parallel. This was the physical divide between north and south Vietnam.
Days 12 - 16: Ancient Streets & Riversides
Hoi An - Time for a break from the history of the war and a chance to relax in Hoi An. This is a beautiful romantic ancient town with riverside cafes, restaurants and bars to help unwind and chill by people watching through the day. This is a time to also get some tailoring done by our very friendly tailor.
Tam Thanh - This is another side visit as part of the history tour of the American War. Located on the coast, south of Hoi An, is a delightful fishing village which is home to many houses with murals on their walls. A visit here, the beach, the hidden tunnels of Ky Anh & the Mother of souls Monument. All gels together the different parts of the war not seen by many.
Danang - Once the busiest airport in the world during the conflict, now a busy hub for tourists coming to enjoy the new Danang. You can visit such places like Son Tra peninsula (nicknamed Indochina's Eye), where important radar and communications were set up. China beach, now My Khe beach, once an R & R spot for soldiers, now a beautiful beach for sunbathers. Marble mountain, Red Beach and much more.
Days 17 - 21: Saigon & Home from home!
Saigon - Starting in the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, you will enjoy some free time before heading out to visit some sights near your hotel. Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum and more, all the while be taken around by military jeep to bring back a bit of nostalgia. From here you will also visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, the most famous of the tunnels in Vietnam and the most popular too. You will travel by speedboat to see Cu Chi Tunnels which is by far the best way to travel. It's faster, more exciting & means skipping the queues and hordes of people travelling by bus.
Nui Dat & 1ATF - Heading out to the Ba Ria province to take in the pinnacle of the tour which is where Australians were based during the war. Here you will visit Nui Dat Task Force base area, Luscombe airfield, SAS hill & the 1st Australian Task Force Flag Pole. A memorable day which will culminate in Nui Dat kindergarten, built by the Aussie veterans for the local children affected by the war. Its then an overnight stay in Vung Tau to enjoy the evening by the beach or local bars.
Long Tan & Long Hai - A morning at Long Tan Memorial Cross to pay your respects before heading to Horseshoe Fire Support Base & Long Phuoc tunnels. Now you will visit the secret base of Ming Dam before staying another night in Vung Tau.
Vung Tau: The R&R Hub - Today is a morning to visit the Robert Taylor Museum, Vung Tau War Heroes Shine or Whale Temple. Then it's an afternoon of relaxation on Back Beach and Front Beach which were popular R&R spots during the war. Its then back to Saigon to finish off your epic Australian War History tour through Vietnam.
