If your cruise ship is docking at Phu My Port (Ba Ria – Vung Tau) and you want to explore Australia and New Zealand’s military history, a pilgrimage to the Long Tan and Nui Dat battlefields is a must. On August 18, 1966, the rubber plantations of Long Tan became the site of the most significant ANZAC engagement of the Vietnam War
Located roughly 45 to 50 kilometers east of Phu My Port, these historic sites are easily reachable within a 1-hour drive. Booking a private car hire or taxi transfer from Phu My Port with an experienced driver ensures you beat the large cruise tour buses, enjoy a deeply personalized itinerary, and return to your ship comfortably ahead of all-aboard time.
Why Book a Private Taxi or Car from Phu My Port?
Cruise ship schedules leave very little room for error. Opting for a dedicated private vehicle offers critical logistical advantages over crowded ship excursions or standard port taxis:
Punctual Back-to-Ship Guarantee: Your private vehicle is reserved exclusively for your party. Drivers synchronize their schedules with your cruise line’s arrival and departure times, getting you back to the dock at least one to two hours before sails drop.
Tailored Port Pick-Up Options:
- Standard Pick-Up: Walk 15-20 minutes (or take a quick port shuttle) to the main port exit gate where your driver will be waiting with a personalized name placard.
- Inside Dock Pick-Up: Opt for a pre-arranged Port Permit Service. For a minor add-on fee, your driver can bypass security and meet you right at the ship’s gangway.
Strategic Sightseeing Control: Large tour buses spend hours organizing groups. A private car allows you to explore solemn historical landmarks at your own pace, take reflective photos without crowds, and skip unnecessary commercial souvenir stops.
Historical Landmarks Along the Route
A comprehensive private day trip typically includes stops at several interconnected military landmarks scattered throughout the Ba Ria countryside:
The Long Tan Cross Memorial: A deeply moving, sacred white cross tucked inside a peaceful rubber plantation, commemorating the 18 Australian soldiers and local forces who fell during the historic battle.
Nui Dat Task Force Base (SAS Hill): The former headquarters perimeter of the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF). Though largely reclaimed by nature and local farming, key markers like the Luscombe airstrip and the old helipads are still traceable.
The Long Phuoc Underground Tunnels: An intricate, restored underground network used by local forces to move securely through the tactical operational area.
Horseshoe Hill (Fire Support Base Gia Quy): A strategic elevated artillery position providing panoramic views over the surrounding valley.
Fleet Selection & Transparent Excursion Rates
Modern, air-conditioned vehicles are meticulously kept to accommodate independent couples, families, or small groups of veteran friends traveling together.
The table below outlines standard all-inclusive round-trip pricing (Phu My Port $\rightarrow$ Long Tan/Nui Dat $\rightarrow$ Phu My Port):
| Vehicle Category | Passenger Capacity | Best Suited For | Estimated Round-Trip Price |
|
4-Seater Sedan (Toyota Vios / Hyundai Accent) |
Up to 3 passengers | Couples, solo historians, independent travelers |
From $75 USD
(approx. 1,850,000 VND) |
|
7-Seater SUV (Toyota Fortuner / Innova) |
Up to 5 passengers | Small families, passengers wanting extra legroom |
From $85 USD
(approx. 2,100,000 VND) |
|
16-Seater Van (Ford Transit / Hyundai Solati) |
Up to 12 passengers | Small travel groups, veteran reunions, families |
From $110 USD
(approx. 2,700,000 VND) |
|
9-Seater Luxury Limousine (Premium DCar Cabin) |
Up to 8 passengers | VIP travel, maximum executive comfort |
From $145 USD
(approx. 3,600,000 VND) |
Important Note on Travel Permits: The Long Tan Cross is located within a respectful local area. While access is open, certain dates or large veteran groups require regional travel permits. When finalizing your booking, confirm whether your service operator coordinates these local clearances in advance.
Step-by-Step Excursion Timeline
Planning your day ensures a stress-free journey through the countryside. Here is how a seamless private transfer unfolds from dock to return:
1.Disembarkation & Port Welcome:Match your ship’s docking time.
Walk off the ship at your preferred time. Meet your professional driver at the dockside or outside the main exit gate, immediately boarding your private vehicle.
2.Transit to Long Tan & Nui Dat:1-hour drive through Ba Ria countryside.
Travel seamlessly past rural villages and expansive agricultural landscapes. Your driver will make a brief stop if necessary to secure required entry permits.
3.Explore the Battlefield Memorials:Flexible pace at your command.
Spend 2 to 3 hours visiting the Long Tan Cross, SAS Hill, and the local underground tunnels. Take all the time you need for commemoration and reflection.
4.Lunch Break in Ba Ria Town:Authentic local cuisine.
Enjoy a relaxing lunch featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine or international dishes at a highly-rated restaurant in nearby Ba Ria town before heading back.
5.Safe Cruise Ship Return:Arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before sail away.
Your driver navigates back to Phu My Port ahead of schedule, dropping you off safely with plenty of time to spare before your ship departs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if our cruise arrival is delayed?
Private transfer services monitor real-time ship docking logs. If your cruise ship is delayed arriving at Phu My Port, your pickup window automatically shifts accordingly. Your driver will be waiting exactly when you disembark.
Does the price include an English-speaking tour guide?
Standard car rentals provide a professional, safe driver who knows the routes but speaks basic operational English. Because these locations are highly historical, it is strongly recommended to request an optional English-speaking historical guide during checkout to narrate the battlefield logistics.
Is it necessary to pay for the inside-port vehicle permit?
It is not mandatory, but highly recommended for convenience. Without it, you will need to walk approximately 1 kilometer from the ship to the main gate. The inside-port permit allows the vehicle to wait directly at the ship’s gangway, which is a massive relief on hot or rainy days.
Secure Your Private Long Tan Shore Excursion Today!
Make the most of your short window in port with a reliable, historical journey tailored around your schedule. Contact our customer support team via WhatsApp / Zalo or use our fast online booking form to reserve your private vehicle from Phu My Port to Long Tan today!
