Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Vietnam allows 'restricted' access to the Long Tan site

Following consultations between the Vietnamese and Australian governments, small groups will be able to travel to the Long Tan Cross site.

The commemorations of the Long Tan battle have been cancelled.
롱탄 전투 기념식이 모두 취소됐다. Source: Getty Images

The Vietnamese government has agreed to allow restricted access to the Long Tan Cross site with strict conditions.

The planned ceremony remains cancelled, but small groups of 100 people or fewer will be able to travel to the site from Thursday morning.

The concession follows high-level consultations between the Australian and Vietnamese governments, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller website said.

Veteran's Affairs Minister Dan Tehan said it was a good outcome Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was able to negotiate.

"Obviously we were all shocked and disappointed yesterday with the news that had come from Vietnam," he told the Nine Network.

"Our hope is now that our veterans and their families will be able to travel to the site and pay their respects to the fallen and to all those who served in a very dignified way."

Mr Tehan said Australian officials will do their best to make sure everyone can get access.

Restrictions to wearing medals were consistent with past practice.

"There is still sensitivities in Vietnam regarding the war," he said.

Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia National President Ken Foster worries the news might not filter through to veterans who are busy getting ready for their own commemorations.

"A lot of them will still be very distressed at the thought that their mates that are over there at the moment won't be able to visit the site," he said.

"So there's going to be potentially some fallout from this."

He reminded veterans in Australia and those returning from Vietnam counselling services are available for them.


2 min read

Published

Updated



Share this with family and friends


Follow SBS Korean

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

Korean News

Watch it onDemand

Stream now