OVERVIEW

The Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) was the site of some of the fiercest and bloodiest battles during the American War and a tour through this historic region is an informative glimpse in to the war time history. Visit underground tunnels and bunkers, cross infamous battle sites, and pass tranquil villages as you discover the checkered past of the DMZ.

PROGRAM DETAILS

0800 depart from Hue Airport or your hotel in Hue. Drive north and stop at La Vang Cathedral which despite years of turmoil remains an important pilgrimage site for Vietnam’s Catholics. Carry on to what is left of Quang Tri Citadel, where in 1972 a fierce battle raged for 81 days, and visit the museum where photographs, war remnants and artillery can be seen.

Continue up Highway 1 across the Hien Luong Bridge, and over the Ben Hai River which demarcated North and South Vietnam, this area saw some of the heaviest fighting during the war. Doc Mieu Firebase, which lies just north of here, played a pivotal role in the South's defence and for a while, this was the command post for calling in airstrikes along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

The journey from here to Vinh Moc Tunnels is scenic after you leave the main highway, pass through quaint villages and skirt along Cua Tung Beach. The village of Vinh Moc found itself tragically positioned in one of the most heavily bombed areas of Vietnam. In order to escape this bombardment, the villagers constructed approximately 2.8 km of underground tunnels which they used as a refuge to survive the bombings. Three hundred people lived intermittently in the tunnels from 1966 to 1971.  

From Vinh Moc drive to Truong Son National Cemetery where the remains of some 15,000 Vietnamese soldiers and civilians have been laid to rest, sadly many tombstones bear no name.  

Continue southwest to Khe Sanh where one the most important battles of the Vietnam War took place; the former base has bunkers, helicopters and a museum on display. Along the way pass by ‘Rockpile’ which is a high, isolated mount that was an important lookout point by the Americans and Dakrong Bridge, where access points once ran into the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Towards the end of the afternoon drive back to Hue where you will arrive late this afternoon, or early evening.

PRICING: in US Dollars per person
Rates are valid until 30 September 2012

Our Services Include:

• English or French speaking guide
• Lunch
• Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicles
• All entrance fees as mentioned in the program

Our Services do not Include:

• International and domestic flights
• Visas
• Travel insurance
• Drinks and meals not mentioned in program
• Tips and personal Expenses
• Airport taxes
• Any other service not mentioned