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

Due to sensitivities regarding the memorial and because it is located on relatively isolated, non-public land, those wishing to visit the site must notify the Dat Do District People’s Committee in writing by fax 3 days in advance of their visit, either individually or through a travel agent.

Local authorities recommend visitors utilise a travel agent as notification should be in Vietnamese language and should include names and passport numbers of visitors, as well as their intended day/time of visits to the LTC. For individuals wishing to notify directly, please download a bilingual standard notification form.

The fax number for Dat Do District People’s Committee is:
+84 64 3688 245……. From outside Vietnam
064 3688 245…………From inside Vietnam

In recognition of sensitivities associated with the LTC, visitors should conduct themselves with appropriate decorum and observe the following protocols in order not to jeopardise continued access to this important site:

• No medals or military uniforms to be worn
• No flags to be raised or displayed
• No music to be played
• Any speeches made at the site to be low key and short

Official Services at the Long Tan Cross

In recognition of the importance of the LTC to veterans and others who wish to recognise Australians who served in Vietnam, local authorities permit the Australian Consulate-General to organise two annual official commemoration services at the LTC on behalf of the Australian Government:

1. Anzac Day Dawn Service on 25 April, commencing 5:15am
2. Vietnam Veterans’ Day Service on 18 August, commencing 3:30pm.

Travel Agents in Ba Ria-Vung Tau (for reference)

• OSC Vietnam Tours
  9 Le Loi Street, Ward 1, Vung Tau City
  Tel: +84 64 3852008 or 3810515 or 3254008
  Fax: +84 64 3852318
  Email: osc-tours@hcm.vnn.vn
• Vung Tau Tourist Corporation.
  29 Tran Hung Dao Street, Vung Tau City.
  Tel :+84 64 3857527 or 3511043
  Fax : +84 64 3852284
  Email: vungtautour@hcm.vnn.vn
• Another suggested operator (used by this webmaster) 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 access and the guides are knowledgeable about the past Australian presence in what was then called Phuoc Tuy Province.

Some local bar operators in Vung Tau also offer tours. These are unofficial tours and it is your responsibility to ensure they seek the required permissions on your behalf. In the past some unofficial operators have not followed the protocols and subsequently 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

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. 

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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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