Long Tan is a location in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, etched into history as the site of the Battle of Long Tan, which took place on August 18, 1966. This fierce engagement involved D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) encountering a significantly larger Viet Cong force within a rubber plantation during a monsoon rain. The battle holds major significance in Australian military history due to the intensity of the fighting and the eventual outcome against considerable odds.
Today, the primary point of interest at the site is the Long Tan Cross Memorial. This memorial cross stands on or near the location where an earlier cross was erected by Australian soldiers in 1969 to commemorate the battle. The current cross serves as a simple, poignant memorial dedicated to remembering the soldiers from both sides who lost their lives during the conflict. The surrounding area remains largely rubber plantations, evoking the setting of the original battle.
Visiting the Long Tan Cross Memorial site is primarily an act of remembrance and historical reflection, particularly meaningful for Australian and Vietnamese visitors interested in war history. Access to the memorial, especially for commemorative services around ANZAC Day (April 25th) or the anniversary (August 18th), has varied over the years and may require prior arrangements or be facilitated through specialized tours originating from Vung Tau or Ho Chi Minh City. Respectful conduct is essential when visiting this solemn historical site.