Vietnam Battlefield Tour

Thursday, 24 September – Hanoi Arrival

Airport transfers included. Settle into Hanoi and take in your first impressions of this remarkable city. The pace here is gentle yet full of life, with wide tree lined streets, peaceful lakes and a mix of French era architecture and Vietnamese character.

If time allows, we will take a short cyclo ride through the old quarter. The narrow streets are named after the traditional trades once found here and it is a lively way to ease into the rhythm of Hanoi.

At sunset we will gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese dishes. It is a relaxed chance to meet the group and set the tone for the days ahead.

The evening is yours to unwind, explore nearby streets or rest.

Meals:

• Dinner

Additional Notes:

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the hotel and nearby streets

• Light comfortable clothing for warm weather

• Bring a small daypack for essentials

• Keep some local currency on hand for small purchases or snacks

• Charge devices and have a power bank ready for the first day

Friday, 25 September – Hanoi War History Tour in Private

Breakfast at your hotel.

We start early this morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, a place of deep national reverence. Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Mondays, Fridays, and the entire month of November), where the preserved body of Vietnam’s beloved leader rests. Continue to Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, a simple yet symbolic residence nestled in a quiet garden, offering insight into his modest lifestyle. Nearby, admire the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a lotus-shaped structure with centuries of spiritual and architectural significance.

Next, travel to Huu Tiep Lake, a quiet neighbourhood hiding a powerful remnant of war—the wreckage of an American B-52 bomber shot down during the 1972 Christmas Bombing campaign. Just a short drive away is the B-52 Museum, showcasing the air war over Hanoi through aircraft remnants, photographs, and historical exhibits.

After that, we visit the Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” where both Vietnamese revolutionaries and American POWs were once held. The museum offers a sobering glimpse into the hardships endured during both the French colonial period and the Vietnam War.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant before heading to the Vietnam Military History Museum in the afternoon. Here, a fascinating collection of war relics, including captured military hardware, documents, and photographs, chronicles the country's long and resilient history of resistance and independence.

Meals:

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Additional Notes:

• Early start at around 7:00am

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking

• Light clothing suitable for warm weather

• Bring a small daypack for essentials

• Carry a refillable water bottle for morning visits

• Take sunscreen and a hat if spending time outdoors

Saturday, 26 September – Hanoi to Hue – Hue City Tour in Private

At leisure this morning until transfer to Hanoi domestic airport for your flight to Hue, the former Royal City of the 13 ruling Nguyen dynasties.

FLIGHT TRANSFER
Estimated: VN1541 | Vietnam Airlines | Hanoi – Hue | 6:00 – 7:15am

Upon arrival, begin your exploration with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, the former seat of Nguyen Dynasty emperors and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip along the Perfume River to visit the riverside Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s oldest and most beautiful religious sites. Continue to the tranquil mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, set among gardens and lakes, showcasing intricate architecture and striking statues. A short drive brings you to the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the serene Tu Hieu Pagoda.

The day also includes a walk through the bustling Dong Ba Market, where a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts are on display. Along the way, pass many fantastic eating spots ideal for sampling local delicacies.

Meals:

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Additional Notes:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for the

• Imperial Citadel and other sites

• Light layers for the flight and cooler river breeze during the Perfume River boat trip

• Bring a small daypack for essentials

• Ensure cameras or phones are fully charged for photography

• Take sunscreen and a hat for outdoor activities

Sunday, 27 September – Hue to Khe Sanh – Vinh Moc – Hue in Private

Breakfast at your hotel.

Today we journey to explore the historic battlefields of the former DMZ. Visit former American bases including Rock Piles, Camp Carroll and Khe Sanh, and take a short walk along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, now being developed as a second trans-Vietnam route. Along the way, view the war-torn ruins of Quang Tri Church and the wreckage of an American tank, remnants of the fierce battles that took place here.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore the Vinh Moc tunnels, an underground village dug to protect residents from American air raids. Stop for a photo at Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River, once the dividing line between North and South Vietnam, and pass the former Doc Mieu artillery base on the way to Dong Ha. We return to Hue in the evening, reflecting on the history witnessed along the way.

Meals:

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Additional Notes:

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking and light clothing for warm weather

• Bring a small daypack for essentials

• Take sunscreen and a hat for outdoor visits

• Bring snacks and water for the longer drives

• Prepare for short walks at the tunnels and battlefield ruins

Monday, 28 September – Hue to Hoi An via Danang

Breakfast at your hotel.

We leave Hue this morning and travel along the scenic coastal route to Hoi An, passing through Danang, Vietnam’s fourth-largest city and once a key strategic location during the Vietnam War. Along the way, we stop at My Khe Beach, known to American soldiers as “China Beach.” This white sand stretch was the landing point for the first U.S. combat troops in 1965, marking the beginning of major American involvement in the Vietnam War. Today, it offers a peaceful moment to reflect on its wartime legacy.

Continue the journey with a visit to Marble Mountain, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills named after the five elements. Climb the stone steps to explore Am Phu Cave, also called the "Hell Cave," which illustrates Buddhist notions of karma and the afterlife and once served as a hiding place and field hospital for Vietnamese soldiers.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, arrive in the charming ancient town of Hoi An. Check into your hotel and take time to rest, enjoying the tranquil riverside atmosphere of this heritage town.

Meals:

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Additional Notes:

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking and climbing Marble Mountain

• Light clothing suitable for warm weather
  Bring a small daypack for essentials

• Take sunscreen and a hat if spending time outdoors

• Have swimwear handy for possible stops at An Bang or My Khe Beach

• Bring a camera or phone for photography along the scenic route

Tuesday, 29 September – Hoi An: Rest and Recovery

Breakfast at your hotel.

Today is yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace. Explore Hoi An Ancient Town with its charming streets, historic buildings, and riverside ambience. Choose from a variety of activities including spa treatments, tailoring, cooking classes, walking tours, or simply unwind at An Bang Beach.

Meals:

• Breakfast

Additional Notes:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing

• Bring a small daypack for essentials

• Take sunscreen and a hat if spending time outdoors

• Consider using a local laundry service to refresh your clothes

• Use the free time to reorganise your gear for the days ahead

Wednesday, 30 September – Hoi An to My Lai – Ancient Town Walking Tour in Private

Breakfast at your hotel.

This morning we depart Hoi An, heading south along the coastal highway toward Quang Ngai Province. Along the way, pass the former Chu Lai Air Base, once one of the largest U.S. military installations in central Vietnam. Though little remains today, the area still holds echoes of its strategic role during the Vietnam War.

Continue to My Lai, the site of one of the most tragic events of the Vietnam War—the My Lai Massacre. On 16 March 1968, over 500 unarmed civilians, mostly women, children, and the elderly, were killed. The My Lai Memorial and Museum stands today as a solemn reminder of these events, documenting them through photographs, survivor testimony, and preserved village remnants.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

After lunch, return to Hoi An for a guided walking tour through the streets of Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit key landmarks including the Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient merchant houses, a Chinese Assembly Hall, and the lively local market. Learn about the town’s multicultural history and its role as a major trading port, and enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the Thu Bon River.

Meals:

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Additional Notes:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing

• Bring a small daypack for essentials

• Prepare for some walking and short boat trip along the river

Thursday, 1 October – Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, transfer to Danang Airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you will be met by our guide and driver and transferred to your hotel to check in

If time permits, we will explore some of the city’s key historic landmarks. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, retains much of its wartime character while being a bustling metropolis full of motorbikes, shops, and street cafes. Visit the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, built on the site of the former Norodom Palace. Continue to the site of the former U.S. Embassy and admire the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, a striking example of French colonial architecture

Meals:

• Breakfast

Additional Notes:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for city exploration

• Light clothing suitable for warm weather

• Bring a small daypack for essentials

• Have your camera or phone ready for photography

• Carry some local currency for snacks, drinks, or small purchases

• Prepare for some walking if sightseeing after the flight

Friday, 2 October – Ho Chi Minh City War History Tour in Private

Breakfast at your hotel

Begin the day with visits to key historic landmarks of the former South Vietnamese capital. Explore the former Presidential Palace, a powerful symbol of the end of the Vietnam War, then stop at the site of the former U.S. Embassy, and admire the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, a striking example of French colonial architecture

Have lunch at a local restaurant

In the afternoon, continue with a visit to Father Tam’s Church before making your way to the War Remnants Museum. This museum offers a powerful and deeply moving look into the Vietnam War through photographs, exhibits, and preserved materials. Many displays focus on the civilian impact of the conflict, including the effects of Agent Orange and other wartime tragedies

End the day at Ben Thanh Market, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most vibrant landmarks, ideal for souvenirs and sampling local street food

Meals:

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Additional Notes:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for city sightseeing

• Light clothing suitable for warm weather
  Bring a small daypack for essentials

• Carry local currency for small purchases and market visits

Warning:

• The War Remnants Museum contains graphic war photography and sensitive content
  Some displays include images of casualties, preserved remains, and Agent Orange, related exhibits

• Guests may choose to move through the museum at a slower pace or step outside if needed

Friday, 3 October – Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi and Ben Duoc Tunnels

Breakfast at your hotel

Depart the city and travel northwest toward the Cu Chi region, a former Viet Cong stronghold during the Vietnam War
Receive a historical briefing along the way on key military operations in the area including Operation Crimp and the significance of the Iron Triangle

Arrive at the Ben Duoc Tunnels, the more authentic and less visited section of the Cu Chi network
Explore the narrow passages, command bunkers, and concealed entrances used by guerrilla fighters

Visit Ben Duoc Temple, built to honor the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in the region

Return toward Ho Chi Minh City with views of significant wartime sites including Phu Loi Base and Ben Cat
Lunch at a local restaurant
Arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals:

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Additional Notes:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven ground

• Light clothing recommended due to warm conditions

• Bring insect repellent
  Carry a small daypack for water and essentials

Warning:

• The tunnels include confined spaces and can feel tight or claustrophobic

• Guests may choose to stay above ground or limit time inside tunnel sections

• Some historical displays include war related themes that may be sensitive for some travellers

Saturday, 4 October – Ho Chi Minh City to Long Tan, Nui Dat & Vung Tau

Breakfast at your hotel

Meet your driver and guide and depart Ho Chi Minh City for Vung Tau
Enjoy the drive through Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province toward Long Tan Commune

Arrive at Nui Dat SAS Hill
View the former helicopter landing zones and the layout of the Nui Dat base
Gain an overview of the 4km defensive perimeter
Continue through the rubber plantations and pass Mong Ngua Mountain, once used as a shelter by Vietnamese forces

Visit the Long Tan Cross Memorial
Pause to reflect on the Australian and Vietnamese soldiers who lost their lives
Continue to the Long Phuoc Tunnels, used by the Viet Minh and Viet Cong for shelter and combat operations

Drive back to Ba Ria for lunch at a local restaurant

In the afternoon, transfer to Vung Tau
Check in to the Grand Hotel Vung Tau, a heritage hotel that during the Vietnam War served as a rest and convalescence centre for Australian and allied troops. For many veterans the Grand Hotel is a place steeped in memory, even immortalised in the song “I Was Only 19” by Redgum.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, relax by the beach, stroll the seafront promenade, or discover local cafés and restaurants

Overnight in Vung Tau

Meals:

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Additional Notes:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven ground

• Light clothing recommended for warm conditions

• Bring water, sunscreen, and a small daypack

• Carry local currency for small purchases along the way

Warning:

• Battlefield sites may include sensitive or emotional historical content

• Some locations involve walking on uneven ground or through warm, exposed areas

• The Long Phuoc Tunnels contain confined spaces that may feel tight for some travellers

• Guests are welcome to stay above ground or opt out of any sections if preferred

Monday, 5 October – Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast at your hotel

Spend the morning exploring Vung Tau, a coastal town used as a rest and recovery destination for Australian and allied troops during the Vietnam War. Stay at the Grand Hotel, historically used by Australian soldiers for rest. Walk along the seaside promenade, explore local streets, or visit colonial-era buildings

Transfer from Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City

In the evening join the Farewell Cultural Dinner on a river cruise
Pick up from your hotel 6:30 – 6:45pm
Board the boat around 7:15pm to enjoy Saigon by night with riverside views, traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and live music and dance
Return to your hotel by 9:30pm

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals:

• Breakfast

• Dinner

Additional Notes:

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking or seaside strolls

• Light clothing suitable for warm weather

• Bring swimwear and sunscreen if visiting the beach or hotel pool

• Carry local currency for any extras

Tuesday, 6 October – Ho Chi Minh City Departure or Extension

Breakfast at your hotel.

Meet as a group mid-morning around 10am for farewells and a brief debrief of the journey. Share reflections and highlights from the tour before guests prepare for departure or continue their travels in Vietnam.

Guests transferring to the airport will be assisted with private airport transfers from the hotel to Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

For those extending their stay, hotel checkout can be arranged according to individual plans.

Meals:

• Breakfast

Additional Notes:

• Ensure all luggage is packed and ready for departure

• Confirm airport transfer times with your hosts

• Keep important documents, passports, and tickets accessible

• Guests extending their stay should coordinate with the hotel for check-out and additional accommodation arrangements

• Accommodation for 12 nights with daily breakfast three star for most nights and five star for the final night

• Services of a driver and private air conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers

• Domestic airfares in Economy Class for Hanoi to Hue and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

• All private tours as indicated in the itinerary

• Experienced English speaking guide during day tours

• Entrance fees for all visits mentioned in the itinerary

• Meals as indicated in the itinerary

• Two bottles of mineral water per person per day on days of sightseeing

• Welcome dinner and Farewell Cultural Dinner on a river cruise in Ho Chi Minh City

• Exclusive Rob Coad Adventures Vietnam Battlefield Tour performance T shirt for every guest

• Two Australian hosts providing historical insights, reflections, and daily group discussions

• Private WhatsApp VIP support group for all guests to ask questions, connect, and share excitement before the trip

• Small group experience with limited spaces for a personal and immersive adventure

• Government’s tax

• International flights to Vietnam (can contact us for assistance)

• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

• Visa requirements for Vietnam

• Tips and gratuities

• Travel insurance, compulsory for all participants