Overview
On the 18th of August 1966, a rifle company of the 6th Battalion of the
Royal Australian Regiment was pinned down in rubber plantation in Xa Long
Tan by a North Vietnamese regiment and a provincial battalion attached
to the 5th Viet Cong Division. Outnumbered, drenched by tropical downpours
and under sustained attack, Delta Company was involved in a battle of epic proportion.
The battle of Long Tan is arguably the most famous battle fought by the Australian Army in Vietnam and has been cemented into Australia's war history, perhaps not in size but in courage, endurance
and duty.
Earth Sea Sky's Beyond Long Tan Trek promises a challenging and emotional
journey as trekkers retrace in part the route of Delta Company from Nui
Dat to Long Tan. After months of painstaking research and planning, Earth
Sea Sky Director David Armstrong and Vietnam Veteran Dave Sturmer successfully
located the 21 July Mine Incident Site in February 2008. This famous and
significant site once inspired the emotional "anthem" "I was
only 19" and now Earth Sea Sky's Beyond Long Tan exclusive itinerary includes
a return visit to this site location, where you to will be inspired. A
truly remarkable and moving adventure experience that should be shared
by every Australian.
The ESSential Difference
Why should you choose ESS Beyond Long Tan?
As well as the exceptional features that ESS incorporates into all its adventures,
each venture also has its own unique experiences and services. Browse a
couple of the exclusive highlights that distinguishes ESS Long Tan Trek
from all others.- True accounts, accurate and in depth battle briefs are given at different
stages along the track. All accounts are given by experienced trek leaders
and associates (Personal accounts - will depend on who attends each
trek but the premise is the same)
- ESS is proud to collaborate with surviving Vietnam veterans in planning
and conducting the Beyond Long Tan Trek. This collaboration has enabled
ESS to locate and gain preferential access to many sites that will be
of special interest to veterans, military researchers and government
agencies as well as the broader community. Additionally, ESS has been
granted exclusive access to many historically significant sites by local
landholders in Nui Dat, Baria and Dat Do the former Australian Task
Force Base.
- In recognition and appreciation of the relationship ESS has developed with the Vietnamese people and Vietnam war veterans, ESS will donate a percentage of proceeds from the Beyond Long Tan Trek to specific local projects along the route in Baria and Vung Tau provinces. ESS also looks forward to expanding our contribution to the ESS Leadership and schools education programs and projects.
- Earth Sea Sky designed and developed the original concept for a return visit to the famous 21 July mine incident site, and as such we are the only adventure provider granted exclusive access to the site location based on our meticulous research, planning, development, training and knowledge. Unfortunately there are unprofessional, unsafe providers operating within the travel industry, who believe they can simply duplicate itineraries without first conducting the research and training required to ensure client safety. For this reason and to ensure enjoyment and peace of mind, Earth Sea Sky does not recommend travelling to this location unless escorted by an ESS adventure specialist. Although the 21 July Mine Incident Site is safe, our extensive research indicates other areas to be unstable.
Cost, Dates & Inclusions
Costs$5500.00 Inc of GST (Ex Melbourne)
Doestic flights can be arranged on behalf of remotely trained participants.
Dates:
- Long Tan Day Trek - 14th - 21st August 2009
(Training commences 20th May 2009)
(Departure dates and times are subject to change and are dependant on flight availability)
Inclusions provided by ESS:
- ESS 12 week preparation training program
- Domestic and international flights
- All transfers between airports and hotels in Vietnam
- 2 Nights Accommodation in The Majestic Hotel in Saigon and The Grand Hotel
in Vung Tau, including all meals.
- Entry to all museums
- Individual tent
- Personal sleeping bag with liner, mat, pillow and pillow slip.
- Trek ration packs
- Trek dinner ware and cutlery
- Camelbak (2L Hydration System)
- ESS Trek shirt, polo shirt and hat to keep as a memento of the trek.
- Sunscreen, hand wash and insect repellent
Not Included: (Personal Items to be provided by clients)
- Personal Travel Insurance (For more information on travel insurance click
here - ? consistency as to how this is referred to).
- Boots
- Socks and sock savers (gators)
- Trek Shorts
- Loose long sleeved nightwear Shirt
- Skins (Half Tights)
- Head Torch
- Towel
- Personal clothing, toiletries
- Prescribed medications. Please note: a valid prescription (and repeats if
necessary) may be needed for any medications.
- Camera
- Some clients may prefer the extra comfort of using trekking poles and Thermarests (Self inflating Mattress). The benefits or all theses items will be discussed on the first night of pre-adventure training.
Equipment
ESS staff will advise clients re appropriate equipment, clothing early in the training program. Additionally, some clients may prefer the extra comfort of using trekking poles and Thermarests (Self inflating Mattress). The benefits of all these items will be discussed during training.All equipment can be purchased through Earth Sea Sky.
Click here for information about ESS equipment and suppliers.
Training
This adventure includes the ESS 12 week preparation program which has been specifically designed for trekking through Vietnam. Designed by Wayne Rodgers and ESS Principal David Armstrong this program will ensure clients can safely and comfortably complete their chosen adventure.Click here for more information regarding
the ESS specifics of training options.