Long Tan Cross Memorial
Long Tan Cross Memorial
Long Tan Cross Memorial
Long Tan Cross Memorial
An important site of historical memory regarding the Battle of Long Tan, significant for Australian veterans.
Ba Ria-Vung Tau
Memorial
History
The Long Tan Cross Memorial is a place of remembrance dedicated to the battle that took place on August 18, 1966, between Australian troops and Viet Cong forces. It is the only foreign military structure permitted by the Vietnamese government on the country's territory, emphasizing its status as a symbol of reconciliation and respect for historical memory.
- Visit duration
1–2 hours
- Admission
Official permit required
- Best months
Oct – Apr
- On-site language
Vietnamese, English
What you need to know
Battle History
On August 18, 1966, 105 Australian soldiers and 3 New Zealanders engaged in an unequal battle against Viet Cong units numbering over 2,000 in the rubber plantations near the village of Long Tan. This clash became the bloodiest engagement for Australians throughout the entire Vietnam War.
The Memorial
The first cross was erected here in 1969. The original is now kept in the Dong Nai Museum, while a replica, completely restored in 2002 with the support of the Association of Vietnam Veterans Rangers (AVVRG), stands at the battle site.
Important
Visiting requires prior arrangement. A written notification in Vietnamese must be sent 3 days prior to the visit to the Dat Do District People's Committee (fax +84 64 688 245), specifying the passport details of all group members. Local tour agencies can assist with document processing.
The dry season is the ideal time to visit the Ba Ria-Vung Tau region.
On site
- Getting there
Car or motorbike (110 km from Ho Chi Minh City)
- Protocol
Prohibited: uniforms, flags, music. Restraint in speech is mandatory.
- Ceremonies
ANZAC Day (April 25) and Vietnam Veterans' Day (August 18)