13 Day Fully escorted Battlefield Tour
1 – 13 July 2023

Twin Share – $4,550 per person
Single Room – $5,450

Escorted by Australian military history expert and battlefield guide, Mick Kelly.

Our expert military historian will share his unique expertise and authoritative knowledge, to guide you on an extraordinary battlefield tour and the journey of a lifetime. Our 13 day in depth tour of Vietnam will appeal to anyone who wishes to explore a part of Australia’s rich military history and enjoy the history, culture and sites of an exciting and colourful land.

It offers the opportunity to travel from Ho Chi Minh City in the South all the way to Hanoi in the North, whilst providing an opportunity to explore the major Australian locations and actions. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in a country that has breathtaking natural beauty, with an incredible heritage that is utterly compelling.

The itinerary is designed in-conjunction with the most experienced and respected historians and curators in Australia, having travelled to, and extensively researched the battlefields so important to Australia’s history. In fact, we’re the only battlefield tour operator in the country that provides Australian battlefield guides for all of our tours!

The tour will begin in the bustling eclectic city of Ho Chi Minh on the afternoon of Saturday 01 July. From there, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels before travelling onto Ba Ria – Vung Tau to explore Nui Dat and the 1ATF base, Bunh Ba, site of the major 5RAR action during Operation Hammer in June 1969, and to the infamous rubber plantation and the site of the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966 to pay our respects at the Memorial Site.

It’s then onto the UNSECO world heritage listed old town of Hoi An with its well preserved architecture, north to Marble Mountain, a cluster of 5 limestone and marble hills named after the five elements to Hue and learn about the intriguing histories of Vietnam’s emperors and the restored Citadel so severely damaged in fighting during the Tet Offensive in 1968.

From there travel west to visit former US Marine Corps combat base at Khe Sanh, site of the famous seventy-seven day siege in 1968, Vinh Moc tunnel complex and the crossing point on the Ben Hai River marking the original Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between North and South Vietnam. The tour concludes in Hanoi with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda and the “Hanoi Hilton” during the war, Hoa Lo prison.

We are pleased to advise that this tour will be escorted by one of our most experienced Australian military historians, Michael Kelly. Michael has worked at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) since 2004 beginning as an assistant curator in Military Heraldry and Technology and then the Military History Section as a post-1945 conflicts historian, specialising in Australia’s involvement in the Korean War. Michael enjoys sharing his passion for Australian military history with like-minded travellers.

Should your tour be of a personal nature, our expert military historian invites you to advise of any subject of particular interest, such as relatives who had fought (and sometimes died) during the conflict. He will then research the request to ensure, where possible, we visit the particular site and that detailed information on the actions there are provided for further discussions throughout the days touring.

Our battlefield tours are both a commemorative and educational journey into our past and, for some, a personal pilgrimage.

Vietnam In Depth Battlefield & Cultural Tour Highlights:

• The high-octane Ho Chi Minh City. It is a place of stark contrasts, from the classiest of restaurants to the tastiest of street stalls, the choicest of boutiques to the scrum of the markets. Enjoy a guided walking tour of historical landmarks of this fabulous city: the former Presidential Palace the War Remnants Museum and a walking tour around the Opera House, Notre Dame and City Hall
• Củ Chi, where an immense network of connecting underground tunnels provided a Viet Cong base close to Saigon.
• Battlefield Touring with your expert Australia guide in Vung Tau, Phuoc Tuy Province, Nui Dat, Binh Ba, Long Tan, The Horseshoe, Long Hai Hills
• Hoi An – Guided walking tour to around this 16th Century merchant town
• Free time to relax at the beautiful beach in Hoi An
• Visit to Marble Mountain
• Hue – Guided tour of Hue’s ancient Citadel and Forbidden Purple City
• Battlefield Touring of Khe Sanh and the complex Vinh Moc Tunnels
• Hanoi – sightseeing including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and the infamous ‘Hanoi Hilton’ (Hoa Lo Prison)

Your Vietnam In Depth Battlefield & Cultural Tour Includes:

• Fully escorted by Australia military history and battlefield specialist, Mick Kelly.
• All meals as listed on the itinerary, which have been specially selected to enable you to experience the best local cuisine.
• All battlefield excursions, scenic drives and sightseeing as described in the itinerary.
• Plenty of Free Time. We understand that you might want to have a break occasionally.
• Accommodation is in 4 and 5 Star hotels, or the best available accommodation in a town.
• Services of a local English speaking guide throughout your tour.
• Ground transport.
• All entrance fees as per the itinerary.
• Boronia Travel cap, ticket wallet and luggage tags.

Extras:

• Single Supplement available
• *Prices are listed as per person. Prices are based on current costs and exchange rates and are subject to change.
• Boronia Travel Centre uses Singapore Airlines for their Vietnam Tours, and have access to the most competitive discounted airfares available from Australia.
• Upgrade airfares to business and first class available upon request.

Meals Included: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 1 – On arrival into Ho Chi Minh City airport you will be met by our local guide and transferred to the hotel for check in. This Afternoon is free to relax and explore Ho Chi Minh City. Tonight you will enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Caravelle Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City  (D)

Day 2 – After breakfast we travel out of the city to the Cu Chi tunnels, the area of 1 RAR’s Operation Crimp in January 1966. Following a tour of the tunnels and lunch at a local restaurant we will return to our hotel. Later we visit the former Presidential Palace, site of the iconic photo of the North Vietnamese tank breaking through the gates in 1975, followed by a visit to the War Remnants Museum as well as a walking tour of some of Ho Chi Minh City’s Historical sites including the Opera House, Notre Dame and City Hall. Dinner own arrangements.
Overnight: Caravelle Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City  (B, L)

Day 3 – After 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. We check in to the Imperial Hotel located 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. Remainder of the afternoon is free to settle into our accommodation for the next three nights.
Overnight: Imperial Hotel, Vung Tau  (B)

Day 4 – 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 we drive, via Hoa Long, to the area of the 1 ATF base at Nui Dat.  Afterwards we head to Binh Ba, site of the major 5 RAR action during Operation Hammer in June 1969. Return to Vung Tau in the afternoon for a rest or a swim in the private beach club. Dinner own arrangements.
Overnight: Imperial Hotel, Vung Tau   (B, L)

Day 5 – Today we tour the eastern side of the Australian Task Force tactical area of responsibility.  Beginning this morning with a visit to the Long Tan Memorial Site, we then continue on to the site of the former Fire Support Base at The Horseshoe.  It’s then south through the location of the infamous Barrier Minefield, into what was the Minh Dam Secret Zone in the Long Hai Hills.  There, visit the museum and, perhaps, take the climb to the heights for a view of the surrounding area.  We Continue west, 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.
Overnight: Imperial Hotel, Vung Tau  (B, L)

Day 6 – This morning we return to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for our flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival travel south to Hoi An, a major trading centre in the 16th and 17th centuries.  After check in and a freshen up at the hotel, we take a walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage listed old town of Hoi An.  We will see traditional crafts, the Sa Huynh Museum with exhibitions from the early history of the town, and the famous Japanese covered bridge dating back to 1593.  Perhaps you might like to take the opportunity to visit one of the many tailor shops to be measured for a custom suit or dress, or have shoes made by a cobbler. Dinner own arrangements.
Overnight: Palm Garden Resort, Hoi An  (B)

Day 7 – Today is a free day to explore Hoi An, perhaps take the time to relax by the beach or take one of the famous local cooking classes.  This evening we will have dinner together at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Palm Garden Resort, Hoi An  (B, D)

Day 8 – This morning we depart Hoi An and make our way North to Marble Mountain located between Da Nang and Hoi An, overlooking the Eastern Sea. Marble Mountain is a cluster of 5 limestone and marble hills, each named after one of the five elements; metal, water, fire, wood and earth. The main Mountain of Water (Thuy Son) has many caves and pagodas dating from the early 17th century. It also offers a commanding view down the length of the beach and across the countryside. Leaving the mountain we drive to Hue, via the spectacular Hai Van Pass.  After arrival and check in we will have an orientation drive around the city of Hue. Dinner own arrangements.
Overnight: Cherish Hotel, Hue  (B, L)

Day 9 – Today we tour the former Imperial Capital of Hue and visit the remarkable Citadel, with its temples, towers and residences.  Severely damaged in fighting during the Tet Offensive in 1968, much restoration has been completed and the site makes a striking impression.  Later visit the Imperial Museum, the Minh Mang Tomb and the vibrant Dong Ba riverside market. Lunch will be a traditional Buddhist banquet at a pagoda. Dinner own arrangements.
Overnight: Cherish Hotel, Hue  (B, L)

Day 10 – Following check out we head north to Dong Ha, capital of Quang Tri Province.  From there, we travel west on Route 9 to visit the former US Marine Corps combat base at Khe Sanh, site of the famous seventy-seven day siege in 1968.  We also visit the Vinh Moc tunnel complex, where a whole community moved underground for refuge from the heavy bombing during the war.  Afterwards return to Dong Ha via the crossing point on the Ben Hai River, at the 17th Parallel, marking the original Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between North and South Vietnam.  Dinner own arrangements.
Overnight: Saigon – Dong Ha Hotel, Dong Ha  (B, L)

Day 11 – Early departure this morning to Hue Airport for our flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel for check in and lunch. This afternoon we visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his former home, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo prison (the “Hanoi Hilton” during the war).  This evening is free to explore the many colourful sights of Hanoi.
Overnight: Golden Silk Hotel, Hanoi   (B, L)

Day 12 – Today is free for personal sightseeing & exploring the sights of Hanoi. Then this evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Hanoi.
Overnight: Golden Silk Hotel, Hanoi  (B, D)

Day 13 – After Breakfast, This morning our tour ends with a transfer to Hanoi airport for your onward flight.  (B)

*Itinerary subject to change according to prevailing circumstances.

The Caravelle Hotel

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.

The Imperial Hotel

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.

Palm Garden Resort, Hoi An

Located along Cua Dai Beach, Palm Garden Resort is set amid 5 hectares of beautiful landscaped gardens. It features a spa and 42 m outdoor pool. Resort-style rooms come with a balcony and free WiFi. Views of the garden or sea can be enjoyed from each room, which offers classic wooden furniture. Tea and coffee-making facilities, a safety deposit box and cable TV channels are a standard in all rooms. Guests can enjoy massages and body treatments at Palm Spa. Beach activities like volleyball and snorkeling are also available. Dining options consist of 3 restaurants and 2 bars. Other amenities include a private beach area, an outdoor pool and a gym, plus a game room and a tennis court. There’s also a spa with a sauna, a steam room and a hot tub. Highly recommended on TripAdvisor.

Cherish Hotel, Hue

Surrounded by casual eateries, this informal hotel with elegant touches features city views, the airy rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini fridges and safes. Upgraded rooms add balconies. Suites come with living areas and whirlpool tubs. Other amenities include a bar and 3 restaurants; 1 has floor-to-ceiling windows and city views. There’s also a gym, an outdoor plunge pool and a spa. Highly recommended on TripAdvisor.

Sai Gon – Dong Ha Hotel

Sai Gon Dong Ha is a quietly sophisticated hotel offering understated elegance and unparalleled service in an intimate, home-away-from-home atmosphere. This deluxe hotel, provides sophistication and comfort through every amenity with modern and contemporary design, 3 restaurants and bars, a modern and sophisticated health club and spa. Highly recommended on TripAdvisor.

Golden Silk Hotel

Set on a street lined with silk and boutique shops, this polished hotel is an 8-minute walk from the Temple of the Jade Mountain on Hoàn Kiếm Lake and 2 km from the Ho Chi Minh Museum. The warmly decorated rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and marble bathrooms, as well as minibars, safes, and tea and coffeemakers. Room service is available 24/7. The use of a spa’s steam room, sauna and hot tub are complimentary. There’s also a laid-back restaurant serving international meals. Highly recommended on TripAdvisor.

Our tour members depend on us to provide a once in a lifetime battlefield experience combined with exceptional customer service. We do our best to meet and exceed their high standards, which is what you’d expect from Australia’s leading battlefield tour company. Here’s what our past passengers say about our efforts…

“What a great tour it was! It’s taken me a while but just wanted to says thanks, and to let you know how fantastic the tour to Vietnam was. The organisation was incredible, everything ran like clockwork. We got to see amazing sights, enjoy amazing company, and at the same time we were able to get an insight into the Vietnam war, Ho Chi Minh, and the Vietnamese culture. The hotels were all great, and the food was sensational.

Our tour guide did an amazing job and didn’t miss a beat. The Vietnamese guides were great, especially Chi who took us to a rooftop bar on the last day to try the most amazing Vietnamese coffee. Once again thanks to the team.”
Kay and John Woolnough

“It is extraordinary to find someone who is so experienced, helpful and willing to offer assistance…”
C Kelly, Aspley

“Our battlefield trip was wonderful and will stay in our minds forever.”
A Griffiths, Farrer

“We had a wonderful time with lots of interesting and enjoyable stories to tell…”
G Hickingbotham, Gisborne

“It was everything I had hoped for and more.”
I Surplice, Middle Dural

“Thank you for your organisation of the best, and I do mean the best tour I’ve ever been on.”
R Thompson, Stradbroke Island

To view all of our testimonials please click here.