ITINERARY (As at 12 September 2017)

Transcription

1 ITINERARY (As at 12 September 2017) DECISIVE BATTLEFIELDS OF VIETNAM: THE LONG TAN TREK DEPARTING 13 OCT DAYS/6 NIGHTS LED BY BATTLE of LONG TAN VETERAN - DAVE SABBEN MG THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE BATTLEFIELD TOUR OF VIETNAM DAY 1. SAT 13 OCT Depart Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne on Singapore Airlines. Please check in 3 hours prior to departure. Price on application from other cities. Melbourne passengers SQ 238 Depart 1030 Arrive Singapore 1620 Brisbane passengers SQ 256 Depart 0910 Arrive Singapore 1530 Sydney passengers SQ 212 Depart 0755 Arrive Singapore 1415 On arrival into Singapore please transfer to the correct gate lounge for SQ 186 to HCMC and join passengers from other cities. CONFIRMED FLIGHT SINGAPORE AIRLINES SQ Oct 18 Sat Depart Singapore 1735 Economy/Coach 13 Oct 18 Sat Arrive Ho Chi Minh City 1840 Non-stop Page 1 of 10 pages

2 WELCOME TO VIETNAM On arrival at Ho Chi Minh City Airport (Tan Son Nhat Airport) we will be met and transferred to our hotel for two nights. ACCOMMODATION: GRAND HOTEL SAIGON 8 Dong Khoi St, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City Tel: In: 13 Oct 2018 Out: 15 Oct 2018 Dinner own arrangements on arrival day 13 th Oct. The Grand Hotel, Saigon (HCMC) HCMC by night - on the Sai Gon River... DAY 2 HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON) Early Morning Call (EMC) 0600; SUN 14 OCT Breakfast (BFAST) 0700; Be on the bus (BUS) 0800 Please meet in the Grand lobby at 0745 for an 0800 departure & commence a sightseeing tour by coach of Ho Chi Minh City to include the Presidential Palace and it s command bunkers for 1.5 hours, the Central Post Office (with an explanation of the architecture), the Notre Dame Cathedral, then to the War Remnants Museum for 1.5 hours closing midday. The War Remnants Museum can be very confronting but is worth a visit... We conclude the tour at the Ben Thanh market with the afternoon free. If you wish you may like to try the Restaurant Pho 2000 for lunch opposite the market, or the rooftop at the Rex for a drink or lunch where the war news reporters held their 5 O clock Follies, or stay on the bus and return to the hotel. Meet Dave for an optional Coral Balmoral Presentation Venue TBA. Then please meet in the hotel lobby at 1830 for a short walk to the restaurant for our Welcome Dinner at Vietnam House. Breakfast, and Welcome Dinner included on the 14 th. Lunch is your own arrangements. Page 2 of 10 pages

3 DAY 3 HCMC BALMORAL CORAL BIEN HOA VUNG TAU MON 15 OCT EMC 0600: BFAST 0700: BUS 0800 Please bring luggage to the foyer this morning. We depart at 0800 to the FSB Balmoral. View the many B52 bomb craters and have the layout of the forward lines explained. Afterwards we travel 10 klms South to the site of FSB Coral where we will inspect the VC Memorial and Shrine. The B52 craters are 50 years old but still impressive... The NVA/VC Memorial......and the Shrine on the Coral battlesite... We then travel to the Dong Nai Museum to view the original Long Tan Cross and to see the Outdoors weapons display. Here six of the Delta Coy, 6RAR men who fought at Long Tan stand beside the original cross, placed in the rubber plantation in Aug 1969, by 6RAR second tour. Set menu lunch on arrival in Bien Hoa. We then travel by coach to Vung Tau arriving 1700, where we will stay for the next 3 nights. Six Long Tan Vets at the original cross in the Dong Nai museum (2016) 1800 Optional 1 hour Long Tan presentation with Dave before dinner Set Menu dinner tonight at the hotel. T ACCOMMODATION: THE PALACE HOTEL OR THE GRAND HOTEL 1 Nguyen Trai 1 TP Vung Tau City 2 Nguyen Du Str Vung Tau City Tel: (84-64) Tel: (84-64) Fax: (84-64) Fax: (84-64) In: 15 Oct out 18 Oct 2018 In: 15 Oct out 18 Oct 2018 Breakfast and Set Menu Lunch and Dinner included on the 15 th. Page 3 of 10 pages

4 The Palace Hotel or The Grand Hotel..... Have your kit ready for the Long Tan Trek tomorrow. We suggest you bring extra batteries for cameras etc, together with a spare set of clothes. We have access to the bus so no restriction on extra shoes and clothes just in case it purs. Your Tour Dossier offers some helpful hints. DAY 4. NUI DAT - TREK - LONG TAN BATTLEFIELD TUE 16 OCT EMC 0530: BFAST 0630: BUS 0730 Today will be a long day. Please be in the Hotel Lobby at 0715 for an 0730 departure. We travel along the New Highway to Nui Dat SAS HILL with half hour stop at a supermarket and arrive at 0845 approx Dave explains the lay-out of the Nui Dat base and enemy intentions in August Part of the Trek Group with the Nui Dat Kindy kids... Start of Trek - Nui Dat 2 is in left background Page 4 of 10 pages 0945 we then move by bus to the KINDY at Nui Dat (one of the AVVRG projects that this Tour supports) Move to the area immediately behind the original Delta Company, 6RAR Nui Dat base lines for a pre-trek briefing Allow 1.5 hours for the LONG TAN TREK. We will walk as near as possible the same route that Delta Company walked from the base to Long Tan on 18 Aug 1966.

5 Individual packed picnic lunch on plastic chairs and ground sheets at Western edge of the rubber plantation or a wetweather alternative with toilet facilities Walk the Battlefield. This 4-hour walk will trace the movements of each of the three Platoons and Company HQ during the course of the battle. Part of the 2014 Trek group at the Long Tan cross... There s a step-by-step narrative, in 10-minute intervals As the original battle lasted 3.5 hours, today s walk will be virtually a real time recreation of the start, development and conclusion of the battle Time at the LONG TAN CROSS. A wreath will be laid and joss sticks lit. Then time for group & private photos 1730 Depart Long Tan Cross back to Vung Tau via the New Highway arriving at the Hotel approx Dinner own arrangement tonight. Breakfast and Picnic Lunch included on 16 th. Dinner own arrangement. Page 5 of 10 pages

6 DAY 5 DAT DO - HORSESHOE MINEFIELD FRANKIES LZ CHOPPERS - WED 17 OCT MINH DAM - LONG HAI HILLS CRUISE BARIA/CAT LO VUNG TAU EMC 0600; BFAST 0700; BUS 0800 Please be in the Hotel Lobby at 0745 for an 0800 departure. We travel to DAT DO to the The Horseshoe feature is now a working quarry... Horseshoe for a few minutes. As this is a working quarry, we can not gain access. However, we will stop on the roadside, view the feature and have its importance explained. Then we ll stop on a site where part of the Minefield was. Approx 20 minutes. This will also reveal another view of the Horseshoe. Then next to the area of the Mine incident sung about in the Redgum song I was only 19 This will also give you an idea about some of the bush we had to operate in. We go to the area of the "Frankie" mine incident... The Aug RAR extraction helipad is now a suburb... On our way to lunch, we ll have a quick stop at the spot where 7RAR was airlifted out of Operation Ulmarra in August The area is now built up and on the outskirts of the fishing village of Lang Phuoc Hai. Just a photostop.. Lunch will be at the TROPICANA BEACH RESORT beach restaurant overlooking the sea, after which we will then travel to the Minh Dam temple a VC sanctuary in the Long Hai Hills Brave souls may venture into some VC caves. A small torch would help. The Minh Dam pagoda sits on the southern slopes of the Long Hai range... Page 6 of 10 pages

7 : Cruise from Baria to Cat Lo 90 minutes. This will give you a view as seen by those who patrolled the mangrove islands from small boats. It is also the route that the tanks had to be brought from the port to Nui Dat, because the bridges couldn t take the weight of the vehicles. Bus Cat Lo to Vung Tau returning to hotel approx Then to a 1930 set menu included dinner. Breakfast, Set Menu Beach Resort Lunch, Set Menu Dinner included on the 17 th. DAY 6 VUNG TAU SAIGON THU 18 OCT MORNING FREE; BUS 1300 This morning is your own arrangements in Vung Tau. Explore Vung Tau... Climb to the top of the Christ Statue and view the old 1ALSG back Beach area Please be in the foyer at 1300 hours with your luggage and we will coach back to Saigon and check in to the Grand Hotel for 1 night. The rest of the afternoon is free in HCMC to catch up on shopping for home or to do some more independent sightseeing. This evening we will say goodbye to those departing for home tomorrow with a FAREWELL DINNER for all. ACCOMMODATION: GRAND HOTEL SAIGON 8 Dong Khoi St, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City Tel: In: 18 Oct 2018 Out: 19 Oct 2018 Breakfast and Farewell Dinner included, lunch own arrangement on the 18 th. Page 7 of 10 pages

8 DAY 7 HCMC HOME; - EMC 0800; BFAST 0900; BUS 1600; FRI 19 OCT HCMC EXTENSION TOUR; - EMC 0500; BFAST 0600; BUS 0700; For those homeward bound we will check out of our rooms at 1200hrs and have use of a share room to store luggage and freshen up till 1600 hours when we will depart for Saigon Airports (Tan Son Nhat) International terminal at 1600 to board Singapore Airlines SQ 185 departing HCMC at 1945 hours for Singapore with connections home arriving SAT 20 OCT. Those on the Decisive Battlefields Extension Tour North will transfer to Saigon Airport (Tan Son Nhat) at 0700 for a flight to Da Nang VN 120 at 1000 arriving Da Nang at Breakfast included on the 19 th (EARLY breakfast needed for those on Extn Tour) For those returning to Australia, lunch is your own arrangement, dinner in flight. For those on the Extension Tour, lunch will be set menu in Da Nang. As the Vietnamese say - CAM ON (Thank You!) CONFIRMED FLIGHT SINGAPORE AIRLINES SQ Oct 18 Fri Check in at Ho Chi Minh City 19 Oct 18 Fri Depart Ho Chi Minh City 1945 Economy/Coach 19 Oct 18 Fri Arrive Singapore 2240 Non-stop Sydney passengers: SQ Oct Singapore Depart 0045 Sydney Arrive Oct Melbourne passengers: SQ Oct Singapore Depart 2355 Melbourne Arrive Oct Brisbane passengers: SQ Oct Singapore Depart 0045 Brisbane Arrive Oct Other cities by arrangement End of Long Tan Tour Arrangements Page 8 of 10 pages

9 2018 DECISIVE BATTLEFIELDS TOUR COST: $ 3,799 AUD per person including taxes and fuel levies of $ 570 AUD, based on twin share accommodation & economy class air fare with Singapore Airlines ex Mel, Syd or Bne. Please ask Judi for fares from other cities, & for business class surcharges if wished. Single supplement $ 564 AUD per person. Prices are based on 2017 rates by providers and rates of exchange on day of itinerary preparation and are subject to change and/or currency fluctuation for Air taxes and fuel levies are subject to change at time of ticket issue. A deposit of $500 AUD per person (non-refundable) is required within seven days of booking confirmation. Balance (final payment) will be due on Fri 6 July Tour costs subject to achieving 15 passengers. Cost may vary if numbers are not achieved. FITNESS: Those intending to do the Trek must be able to walk independently about 5Km in under 2.5 hours over relatively flat but unpaved ground. An option will exist to bus to the Trek destination. Some hardships exist, climbing in and out of fishing boats, tunnels, caves, steps to caves, rough tracks, weather conditions. All are achievable for a moderately fit person. TRAVEL INSURANCE is compulsory. Where2/travel will require a copy of a valid policy prior to ticket issuance please. We d also be happy to quote on a policy for you. TOUR INCLUSIONS: - Singapore Airlines fare from Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City & return Economy Class. Please ask where2/travel re departure from other cities. - Accommodation including current local taxes as specified in the itinerary or similar. HCMC: Grand Hotel Saigon 4 star hotel junior deluxe rooms & use of 1 room 19 Oct till 1600 hours. Vung Tau: Palace Hotel 4 star Deluxe Rooms OR Grand Hotel 4 star Superior Pool View & Deluxe rooms - Breakfast daily, - Set menu lunch Bien Hoa Day 3-1 picnic lunch at Long Tan Day 4-1 beach restaurant lunch Day 5 Tropicana Beach Resort.. - Welcome Dinner Day 2 Vietnam House - Set menu dinner Day 3, 5 - Farewell dinner Day 6 HCMC Viet Village Rest - Entrance fees to sightseeing venues. - Services of local English speaking guides. - Transportation and transfers in exclusive air-conditioned vehicles as specified in itinerary. - Sightseeing tours & excursions as per the itinerary. - Fishing Boat Cruise from Baria to Cat Lo Wharf (or near). - Permission fees to Long Tan - Nui Dat area, Long Hai Hills, Coral and Balmoral. - 3 bottles mineral water & cold tissues per passenger per day - Personalised Tour Certification Plaque with a photo of the cross??? - A tour dossier will be provided with the documentation. - Bus on days 3, 4, 5 to have loo and microphone. - Private conference room with screen and projector for Audio Visual presentations evenings of day 2 & 3 - Prepaid Group Gratuities EXCLUSIONS: - Domestic flights used to join Singapore Airlines in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne. - Travel Insurance is mandatory Where2/travel will be happy to assist. - Passport & Visa Fees. Vietnam visa is required on Australian passports. Where2/travel can assist. - Meals not specified. - Beverages (including at meals) - Optional touring not listed in itinerary. - Any services not specifically mentioned. - Items of a personal nature. EMC = early morning call - BFAST = breakfast - BUS = bus will depart at this time Page 9 of 10 pages

10 All set menus will include at least 1 rice, 1 vegetable, 1 beef, 1 chicken and 1 fish dish plus other dishes which could include pork, duck or seafood. Each group/table of four will receive one of every dish. Drinks at meals will be your own expense, very affordable in Vietnam. Singapore Airlines will weigh your carry on bag, total permitted 7 kilos and they are usually very strict. This is in addition to your handbag or your camera case. BOOKINGS: Please read the Tour Terms and Conditions and complete the attached booking form which can be found on the where2/travel website or can be sent to you on request, and return to Judi at where2/travel with the non-refundable deposit. We do reserve the right to amend the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances and local conditions. Every effort will be made to operate the tour as shown. Times mentioned in the land and boat arrangements are a guide only and are subject to conditions at the time. The tour rates quoted are based on 2017 rates by providers and exchange rates as at the date of itinerary preparation. Where2/travel reserve the right to amend the tour cost should there be a change by providers and/or a fluctuation in the currency for The Tour departure is subject to achieving 15 passengers. Contact Judi at where2travel Telephone: (03) Fax: (03) judi@where2travel.com.au to make a booking or for further details. Or call Di Sabben on disabben@oz .com.au All photos in these itineraries were taken by guests on our previous Tours. If your itinerary copy is in B&W, you can download colour versions from the LONGTANTREK website. While on the web, check out the Tour Reports for our previous Tours 2010 thru 2016: Go to and select one of the REPORT options. Who will forget the traffic in Ho Chi Minh City...? Page 10 of 10 pages