Minh Dam Mountain: Military Base & Temple Tour
Duration: 1 day
Size: max 10 persons
Time: 8am – 1pm OR 1pm – 6pm
Price: from $19 pp
Itinerary
- Minh Dam Base (Khu Căn Cứ Minh Đạm): Explore the former Viet Cong base nestled in the forested hills of Long Hai, which served as a critical hideout and operational command during the Vietnam War.
- Walk along natural forest paths to discover stone shelters, command posts, and caves used by resistance fighters.
- Gain insights into jungle warfare and the daily lives of guerrilla soldiers who fought to defend their homeland.
- Visit the iconic seaside temple, the Cô Palace (Dinh Cô), dedicated to Lady Cô, a legendary young woman believed to safeguard fishermen and bring peace to the sea.
- Admire the grand architecture and soak in the serene atmosphere by the beach.
- Learn about the Lễ Hội Dinh Cô (Dinh Cô Festival), one of southern Vietnam’s largest spiritual festivals, drawing believers from across the region.
Book this tour
| Guests | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost pp | $169 | $85 | $57 | $47 | $38 | $31 | $27 | $24 | $22 | $19 |
| Total | $169 | $170 | $171 | $188 | $190 | $186 | $189 | $192 | $198 | $190 |
This tour can be booked up to 1-day in advance.
Long Hai Military Base and Co Palace Temple Tour
Your journey into Vietnam’s past begins with a visit to the Minh Dam Base, also known as Khu Căn Cứ Minh Đạm. Tucked away in the dense hills of Long Hai, this former guerrilla base was a hub of Viet Cong resistance during the prolonged conflict. Here, you will walk along forested trails dotted with remnants of stone shelters and hidden caves, stepping into command posts and gathering places that tell stories of bravery, endurance, and strategic resilience.
The terrain surrounding Minh Dam Base was intentionally rugged, providing cover and protection for Viet Cong soldiers engaging in guerrilla warfare tactics. Your knowledgeable guide will connect you with local history, revealing insights into the harsh jungle conditions the villagers and fighters endured, as well as the pivotal role the base played in the broader war effort within the region.
Transitioning from the war-torn past to a place of spiritual sanctuary, the tour moves to the revered Cô Palace, known locally as Dinh Cô. Situated on the southern coast near Long Hai town, this temple is dedicated to Lady Cô, a mythical figure celebrated for protecting fishermen and ensuring their safe return from the sea. The temple’s architecture is a blend of traditional Vietnamese and coastal design, featuring intricate carvings, vibrant statues, and a calm courtyard facing the ocean.
The Dinh Cô Festival, held annually, is a vibrant spiritual event attracting thousands of devotees who come to honor Lady Cô through colorful ceremonies, prayers, and offerings. Visitors to the temple can learn about these unique cultural expressions that intertwine faith, local legend, and communal identity.
This tour offers a distinctive combination that juxtaposes the determined spirit of wartime resistance with the enduring cultural traditions that continue to define the coastal communities around Long Hai.
Included
- Round-trip transportation from Vung Tau, Ba Ria, or Ho Tram.
- Knowledgeable English-speaking guide specializing in war history.
- All entrance fees to sites and memorials.
- 1 x bottle mineral water.
Excluded
- Additional drinks.
- Food & snacks.
- Gratuities.
For more adventures in Vung Tau, take in Long Tan Battlefield, our history tour, city sights, or recharge on our popular food tour.
For tours in other regions, check out our trips to the Mekong Delta, tours in and around Saigon, the coastline of Mui Ne, or our 4 and 5-day package tours. And if you’re sailing into Vietnam as part of a cruise, we also run tours from Phu My Port.