July 2022 marks the 60th anniversary of Australia’s first involvement in the Vietnam War, with the arrival of the Commander of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, Colonel Ted Serong, in Saigon on 31 July 1962, and shortly after ‘The Team’ of 30 soldiers comprised of 15 officers and 15 non-commissioned officers (warrant officers/sergeants). From 1962 to 1973 about 60,000 Australians served in defence of South Vietnam, of whom 521 were killed and more than 3000 were wounded. Many more returned home to face condemnation for their involvement in this controversial war and to encounter the demons of post-traumatic stress disorder.
To commemorate the Vietnam war and in honour of the soldiers who served, Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has launched a special Vietnam Past & Present 2023 tour, led by Vietnam veteran and Military Cross recipient Gary McKay.
Historian and founder of Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours, Mat McLachlan said: “In the company of historian Gary McKay, who served as a platoon leader in Vietnam and was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during the Battle of Nui Le, this tour allows you to follow in the footsteps of the thousands of Australian troops – many of them national servicemen – who served during the Vietnam war. The itinerary takes in all the key Australian sites plus some American and Viet Cong sites, as well as allowing you to discover Vietnam’s vibrant culture and cuisine.”
Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours’ 12-day Vietnam Past & Present tour departs Ho Chi Minh City on 12 March 2023. The itinerary has been designed by Mat McLachlan to include both South and North Vietnam, encompassing both Vietnam war sites and cultural treasures. Highlights of the itinerary include exploring the Cu Chi tunnels and underground villages, walking the site of the Battle of Long Tan, commemorating the soldiers who served with a private and discreet service at Long Tan or Nui Dat, meeting and interacting with local people – including former Viet Cong soldiers, visiting Vietnam’s UNESCO world heritage sites and more.
An optional 3-day Halong Bay extension tour is also available, including additional cultural experiences and a 2-day cruise across emerald waters through the incredible limestone islands.
ABOUT YOUR VIETNAM HISTORIAN – GARY McKAY
Gary McKay served as a rifle platoon commander in Vietnam and was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry for his actions in the Battle of Nui Le. During his service in Vietnam, Gary was shot by enemy fire and was airlifted from the battlefields to undergo a long road to recovery. After 30 years military service, Gary retired from the army. He has continued to share his experiences and provide support to other veterans and their families through his work as a battlefield guide leading tours to Vietnam, and as historian and non-fiction writer. In his latest book, After the Blood Cools – The Warrior’s Dilemma, Gary tells his full story in vivid colour and considers the dilemma that our warrior’s face, asking the essential question – how can we better support our frontline fighters?
TOUR DETAILS
VIETNAM PAST & PRESENT 2023
DURATION: 12-days
DEPARTS: 12 March 2023 from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
PRICE: $3599pp twin share
TO VIEW THE FULL ITINERARY AND BOOK, CLICK HERE>>
HALONG BAY EXTENSION
DURATION: 3-days
PRICE: $700pp twin share
All tour prices listed are per person, twin share. Single supplements apply. Bookings for the Vietnam Past & Present tour require a $1000 non-refundable deposit and are subject to Terms & Conditions.
For more information, to view detailed tour itineraries and to book visit www.battlefields.com.au, or contact our team by email: [email protected] or phone 1300 880 340.
To follow in the footsteps of the Anzacs from home, connect with Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours on Facebook @BattlefieldTours, tune into the BattleWalks podcast (available on all streaming platforms), or follow Mat McLachlan’s Living History YouTube channel.
