Day 1. Thursday 11 August
For those members travelling on our group flights you will be met by our local guide at Ho Chi Minh City Airport and transferred to the hotel for check in. Tonight join your fellow tour members for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Caravelle Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
The Caravelle Hotel is one the first luxury hotels to reopen its doors in post-war Saigon, and is Ho Chi Minh City’s landmark 5-star address located right in the heart of the business, shopping and entertainment district. The rooftop Saigon Saigon Bar is a spectacular spot for a cocktail. Highly recommended on TripAdvisor.
Day 2: Friday 12 August
Begin today with a guided walking tour of nearby historical landmarks: the Opera House, City Hall, the Post Office and Notre Dame Basilica. Stroll down Dong Khoi Street (originally the Rue Catinat; Tu Do Street during the war) to the river. Lunch at the Majestic Hotel. This afternoon visit the former Presidential Palace, site of the iconic photo of the North Vietnamese tank breaking through the gates in 1975. The remainder of the day will be free to explore Ho Chi Minh City. Dinner own arrangements. (B, L)
Overnight: Caravelle Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3: Saturday 13 August
This morning we take a coach tour through the wider city area of Ho Chi Minh City, before visiting the War Remnants Museum. Following lunch, we visit the bustling Ben Thanh Market with its wide range of clothing and souvenirs. The remainder of the day free will be free for shopping and sightseeing. Dinner own arrangements. (B, L)
Overnight: Caravelle Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
Day 4: Sunday 14 August
After breakfast we travel to the Cu Chi tunnels, the area of 1 RAR’s Operation Crimp in January 1966. Following a tour of the Cu Chi tunnels and lunch at a local restaurant we will return to our hotel. The remainder of the day free for personal sightseeing and preparation for our departure to Vung Tau tomorrow. Dinner own arrangements. (B, L)
Overnight: Caravelle Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
Day 5: Monday 15 August
After an early breakfast, we drive south to Vung Tau, wartime site of the 1st Australian Logistic Support Group and an R and C location familiar to many. Check in to the Imperial Hotel, on the site of the former Badcoe Club at Back Beach. Then tour the town of Vung Tau, including a cable car ride to the top of the former Radar Hill for a panorama of the area and a visit the White Palace, former summer residence of the French Governor-General. Remainder of the day is free. This evening Dinner will be at the hotel. (B, L, D)
Overnight: Imperial Hotel, Vung Tau
The Imperial Hotel is the only 5 Star hotel in Vung Tau City. Located only 150 m from Bai Sau Beach, it features 6 dining options and free Wi-Fi. Guest rooms at Vung Tau Imperial Hotel overlook the ocean, pool or city. Each well-furnished room is equipped with a TV with cable channels, and private bathroom with a bathtub. Recreation facilities include a beach club, 3 swimming pools and a luxurious spa. Highly recommended on TripAdvisor.
Day 6: Tuesday 16 August
This morning tour the western area of the former Phuoc Tuy Province. First visit Ba Ria, capital of the now Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province. Then drive, via Hoa Long, to the area of the 1 ATF base at Nui Dat. Later drive north to Binh Ba, site of the major 5 RAR action during Operation Hammer in June 1969. Return to Vung Tau in the afternoon. Dinner own arrangements. (B, L)
Overnight: Imperial Hotel, Vung Tau
Day 7: Wednesday 17 August
Today we tour the eastern side of the 1 ATF tactical area of responsibility. Beginning at the site of the former Fire Support Base at The Horseshoe. Then drive south through the location of the infamous Barrier Minefield, into what was the Minh Dam Secret Zone in the Long Hai Hills. Visit the museum and, perhaps, take the climb to the heights for a view of the surrounding area. Continue south, through the area of 6 RAR’s Operation Bribie in February 1967, on the way back to Vung Tau. Lunch at Long Hai beach. Dinner own arrangements. (B,L)
Overnight: Imperial Hotel, Vung Tau
Day 8: Thursday 18 August
Today we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the battle of Long Tan.
This morning is free for local sightseeing in Vung Tau. Following lunch, drive to Long Tan for the 50th Anniversary Service, expected to commence at 3.30 pm. After the completion of the service, we will return to our hotel for a group dinner.
Please Note: There are various restrictions in place for services at Long Tan – No Medals or military uniform can be worn, No flags can be raised, No music can be played and Speeches must be kept low key and brief. Final arrangements are to be advised once all details of the day’s activities are known, and are subject to change by the Australian and Vietnamese governments. (B, L, D)
Overnight: Imperial Hotel, Vung Tau
Day 9: Friday 19 August
Following Breakfast we drive to My Tho at 10.00am, a provincial capital and important market town founded in the 1680’s in the Mekong Delta. Lunch is on route. Check into the Forever Green Resort this evening is free to relax at the resort. Dinner own arrangements. (B, L)
Overnight: Forever Green Resort, My Tho
Forever Green Resort is the ideal base to discover nearby Vinh Trang Temple and the Rach Mieu Bridge, as well as everything the local area has to offer. It is a beautiful complex with restaurants, ecological gardens, and entertainment areas including a spa, karaoke rooms and bars. Highly Recommended on Agoda.
Day 10: Saturday 20 August
This morning at 8:00am we begin exploring the Mekong Delta considered the rice bowl of Viet Nam, We commence the day exploring My Tho province. Travelling by boat exploring the mighty Mekong, observing river life and sampling many local delicacies, including the elephant ear fish, for lunch. Travel on wide and narrow tributaries, visit orchards and local produce farms. A chance to experience local life in a small village including a horse and cart ride. After a relaxing and indulgent day we return to Ho Chi Minh City. Dinner own arrangements. (B, L)
Overnight: Caravelle Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
Day 11: Sunday 21 August
After Breakfast we bid farewell to our fellow tour members. Those departing back to Australia will be transferred to Ho Chi Minh airport for their onward flight. Those taking the option of the northern extension tour will transfer to the airport for the flight to Danang. (See the Northern Extension itinerary.) (B)
Please note: Itinerary subject to change according to prevailing circumstances.
