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.
The Long Tan Cross, April 2008
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 tour operators. A suggested operator is: http://www.vn-tourism.com/ This company is based in Hanoi but has an office in Ho Chi Minh City with excellent English speaking guides.. They can arrange legal permits and the guides are knowledgeable about the past Australian presence in what was then called Phuoc Tuy Province. Beware local bar operators in Vung Tau posing as tour guides. They charge more and frequently don't follow the protocols. Many of their groups have been turned away from the Cross.
If your planned visit is likely to fall on ANZAC Day or Long Tan Day, the Australian Consulate-General assists in co-ordinating commemorative events on these two significant days. You would be well advised to contact them.
http://www.hcmc.vietnam.embassy.gov.au/
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.
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.
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: webmaster@6rarassociation.com
"Our aim is to perpetuate the camaraderie that was generated amongst us when we served."
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The Secretary
6 RAR Association
PO Box 225
Red Hill Qld 4059