6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment Association

Visiting the Long Tan Cross
 
 
 
Visiting the Long Tan Cross?   
The Long Tan Cross is one of only two memorials to foreign adversaries that have been permitted by the Vietnamese Government.  The site is not on public land and access is restricted by local authorities.  The Local authorities have appointed the AVVRG as custodians of the site.  This function is managed by  AVVRG on behalf of all veterans in agreement with the 6RAR and Long Tan Veterans Association.  The Commonwealth War Grave Commission provide a small annual stipend to AVVRG to assist in the maintenance of the memorial cross.

Rules for visiting the Long Tan Memorial Cross

Permits:
All visitors need to be registered with local authorities and hold a permit which can be arranged through a number of local tour operators. A suggested operator is: http://www.oscvietnamtravel.com/

The Australian Consulate-General also assists in co-ordinating commemorative events on ANZAC Day and Long Tan Day.

Australian Consulate-General
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

5th Floor, The Landmark Building
5B Ton Duc Thang,
District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam

Postal address: PO Box 659, Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City

Telephone +84-8 829 6035 Fax +84-8 829 6031

  

 

Protocols:
Local authorities have put a limit of  20-30 people at the site at any one time however on commemorative days AVVRG is instructed to seek permission for one larger ceremony only.

Permission must be sought 24 hours  in advance for veterans and other visitors.  For official visits and commemorative days please contact the Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City in advance for registration and timings. 

OSC Vietnam arrange tours at all times and do co-ordinate with the Australian Consulate-Generals office

Visiting groups on non commemorative days are encouraged to space their visits to the site through the day, to keep within the 20-30 maximum rule. 

Local authorities, because of local sensitivities, have asked no uniforms, medals or decorations be worn, no wreaths (Take some incense sticks instead)and that ceremonies be low key. 

LT Cross

The original Long Tan Cross (above) is housed in the Dong Nai Museum in Bien Hoa. It is about 45 to 60 minutes by motor vehicle from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City depending on the traffic, which is getting worse by the day.  Most of the signage in the museum is Vietnamese only.  Overall it is an interesting museum as it also has exhibits tracing the cultural history of Vietnam.

Dong Nai Museum
Nguyen Ai Quoc Street
(Dong Nai Province Square)
Tan Phong Ward
Bien Hoa City
Dong Nai Province

Need more information regarding a visit to the Long Tan Cross?
Contact:
Email: tourismdept@oscvn.com.vn