A special ANZAC day in Vietnam by Miriam Lockwood

Yesterday afternoon we were led  by Dennis, our RSL representative, in what was the most beautiful and moving ANZAC day service I have attended in my life. We wore badges with the names of or researched Vietnam ANZAC's and had about 5 minutes of closed eyes as we listened and reflected on the song 'I was only 19'. 

As this song was playing poppies were scattered on the ground and an Australian flag with medals was displayed on the table. 

After the song we heard the ANZAC requiem, read by Alby, and a poem, written and read by Megan. Dennis then gave a moving speech about Gallipoli and how young so many of the ANZAC'S were. 

After the service we all reflected on the trip and hugged and cried as we reminisced on the time we had shared and how much we have grown over the last two weeks, not only as friends, but as individuals. 

On this trip I have met my second family and have built relationships and memories that I will truly treasure forever.

Our Journey to Lang Vay 23/4/2024, by Maria LaMontagna

This morning was an early start to the day, as a we had a jam packed day of sightseeing! 

We hopped on the bus and began our journey up north to the town of Lang Vay where we had our first stop of the day at Rock Pile mountain. Martin informed us, that the peak of the mountain was used as a US army base, and helicopters were utilised to supply aid and resources to the soldier at the time of the conflict. 

Not long after viewing the breathtaking mountain, we had a quick drive down where we reached the American airbase Ta Con airbase. Upon arrival we were met by the US GI aircraft’s which were used at the time of the Vietnam conflict. The base was equipped with a 3km runway, as part of the experience of sightseeing, we were fortunate enough to visit one part of the runway, where a US aircraft carrier was stationed. In total 197 aircraft were shot down and 11,200 people were captured during this time, surrounding the airbase. 

Whilst driving to our next destination, we were able to appreciate the wonderful sights of the North Vietnams greenery and breathtaking hillside views. Prior to lunch we stopped off at the Dakrong Bridge, which was the beginning point of the Ho Chi Minh trails. 

For lunch today we were welcomed into a restaurant where we were able to extend our taste palettes and indulge in a variety of unique foods. One of the most captivating foods were the Frog Legs. Our tour guide manger Martin informed us that the Frog would taste like chicken, and after a few nibbles Martin was correct. There were a variety of other unique dishes which many tried. 

After the conclusion of lunch, we were back on the bus for a quick 15 minute drive to the DMZ border, between North and South Vietnam. Additionally, we were able to see the Hien Luong Bridge, which visualises a white line between the borders. In 2001 the bridge was reconstructed due to bombings in 1967. Upon reconstruction it was built as a replica for tourism.

Shortly after visiting the DMZ border we were back on to the bus, to our final destination, the Vinh Moc tunnels. Once at the tunnels we were met with our local guide Ms Phuong, who has been working at the tunnel site for 17 years. Ms Phuong mentioned that in comparison to the Cu Chi tunnels these were used as permanent bomb shelters. There were over 95000 bomb shelters, within the village. Everything within the village was destroyed, however, the locals stayed in order to keep their land. The locals began building the Vinh Moc tunnels in April of 1965 and finished in June 1967. This was the most interesting part of the day as we had the opportunity to explore the underground tunnels, walking 600 metres underground from one end to another end of the tunnels. Upon our exit from the tunnels we were greeted to the captivating sights of Cua Tung beach, which some of us to the opportunity to capture images of its natural beauty. 

After a long day we were lucky enough to have a sit down meal together at a local restaurant, filled with lots of laughter and friendly conversations. Tonight’s menu included some unique artistic touches, with a variety of foods being used to create a spring rolls decorated as a peacock, chopped pork decorated as a phoenix, and finally for dessert Mung bean cake as individual tiny fruits. 

Today was a great day spent with laughter and happiness, whilst remembering our daily characteristic of respect. Just this day alone created so many memories that will last a lifetime and continue to be remembered even after the tour finishes.

Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda and Hue historical citadel, by Mehar Bains

A quick bus ride took us to the Phu Hoi region of Hue, where we boarded to take a quaint boat ride along the Perfume River while surrounded by central Vietnam’s greenery and environment under the guidance of tour guide Martin. 

A few steps took us to the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda, featuring the car used by Buddhist monk Thích Quang Ducin his fatal demonstration protest against the persecution of Buddhists in South Vietnam. 

After a tour around the site’s natural scenery and Buddhist structures, we were taken to the Hue Historical Citadel, guarding the Imperial City of Hue with its towering walls and cannons. The site served as the residence of the Vietnamese Royal Family prior to the country's Republican period, featuring dining halls, courtyards, and theatres, all utilised by the family prior to the end of the monarchy in 1945. 

While having sustained serious damage in the war against the French and the Vietnam War, the citadel has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, securing the future of the infinitely impressive site. 

After a hot and long day, we visited a local restaurant for lunch and took some time to relax and recharge in our hotel.

To me, today has been significant in reminding me of the non-human casualties of fighting and warfare. 

Environmental suffering mirrors human suffering too; when we engage in needlessly fatal combat, the structures and land around us fall into disrepair, losing potentially hundreds of years of history.

In visiting these monumentally significant sites, this has been clearer than ever, for all of us on this trip.

Street foods and night markets, by Megan Allen

On Day 6 we travelled to Hoian, staying at the Historical Hotel. That night we enjoyed street food and explored the surrounding markets. 

The streets were lit with lights and lanterns, music was played and exotic smells lingered.

For the video above, as we placed the lanterns into the river you would make a wish, and the river would carry it away. 

We were able to shop stall from stalls, using our newly gained bartering skills, finding the best buy. 

Overall it was an amazing experience , nothing like I have ever experienced in either the markets at Ho Chi Min or in Australia.

Our orphanage visit

So much gratitude for our visit to the children’s orphanage and old people’s home. The images certainly tell the story!

Long Tan, a reflection by Lara Davis, supervising teacher

As our wheels turn towards Long Tan, images flood my mind of high school textbooks filled with young men surrounded by mates, but not on a footy field, instead, a field filled with bloodshed. Their bodies strong and their spirit stronger, as they faced unthinkable atrocities. 
The heat showed us no sympathy, nor did it for our brave soldiers. We dressed in black pants and formal t-shirts with sunglasses in hand. 

Our only struggle was to hide from the sun's ferocity in the shadow of trees. This, in stark contrast to diggers weighed down by uniform, guns and fear. Hiding from the heat of the tenacious enemy.

Together our shoes disturb the earth beneath our feet. New footprints reach for old ones, in the hope of creating a stronger connection between our world and theirs.

In the lush, green plantation of Long Tan, 28 people gathered in hushed tones around the memorial cross of our fallen heroes. Returned soldier Dennis led us through a moving ceremony while taking us on an emotional journey through time. We laid our flowers at the base of the white cross and said out loud the name of our solider, as tiny glowing fireflies danced around us. 

Leaving today we take with us not only the memories of this humbling and unique experience but more importantly the compassion, resilience, courage, integrity, endurance, trust, humour and mateship  our diggers embodied. Wrapping these qualities up in gratitude we too can endeavour to implement these attributes in our own lives and best honour their sacrifices. We Never forget!

The locations and the stories no longer remain locked in the textbook pages.

It was a privilege to visit and will forever be a treasured experience.

Rest well 

Phouc Thuy Province by Gaby Elias

There was a lot of deep reflection within the group following our adventures yesterday. We embarked on a bus ride to the former Phuoc Tuy Province with our local tour guides Tony and Martin. 

We were able to walk in the footsteps of the Australians who served as we visited the 1 Australian Task Force - its both eye-opening and unsettling. In particular, the hand-dug bunkers metres deep were striking, as we climbed down into them we reflected on the combination of the burning sun, overwhelming fear and hard labour these men would have faced. 

For me, this brought the south-australian serviceman I researched to life, Peter Allan Chant. He was sadly killed in action at the Task Force Base at Nui Dat when the 9th battalion overran a communist supply dump. Consequently the company came under heavy rocket fire, machine guns and small arms when following the VC to their supplies. He became real to me as I recognised the significance of the fact that I am watching his story come to life. 

I am excited and grateful to continue to discover his story, delving into the history of the Vietnam War.

Cu Chi and art

 What an amazing day yesterday. We spent a couple of hours at Cu Chi tunnels, part of an underground network that spanned over 250kms. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American and ARVN forces, and helped to counter the growing American military presence.

We all spent time underground and were surprised with how small the tunnels actually are and how they could very easily be hidden from the American soldiers.

Back in Hi Chi Minh City, our group participated in a canvas painting class at an art school. We did not realize we had so many talented artists amongst us!

We’re not in Kansas anymore

 What a whirlwind opening for our trip!

The experience of international travel followed by being welcomed into our guide Martin’s family!

Today we have been blown away by the energy and history of Ho Chi Minh City, a city of over 9 million people, formally known as Sai Gon. 

The sites, sounds, tastes and fragrances have been so different from what we experience in Adelaide. Senses in overdrive!

Destinations today included the former Presidential Palace (now known as Reunification Palace), the underground weapons storage bunkers, Father Tam’s Catholic Church and the sobering War Remnants Museum.

We also experienced the art of “negotiating a sale” at the bustling Ben Thanh Markets.