Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
The Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone was established in July 1954 at the end of the first Indochina War, as a result of which Vietnam was divided into two countries: North and South Vietnam. During the Vietnam War (1955-1975), it played a major role in separating North and South Vietnamese areas. Although the area remains dangerous from unexploded ordnance, on July 2, 1976, this killing zone ceased to exist with Vietnam reunited.
This line divided North and South Vietnam for 76.1 kilometers (47.3 miles) along an east-west axis represented by present-day Qung Tr Province in Vietnam. It originated at Laos’ tripoint with its westernmost point and then went horizontally eastward until it reached Ban Ho Su village situated near Ben Hai River. Thereafter, it followed Bo Hi River’s meandering course heading towards Tonkin Gulf northeastwards; while at that time a DMZ was created on both sides of the river line such that a buffer zone about six to ten miles (4-6 mi) wide existed between them. The border was technically supposed to run “on” the seventeenth parallel but this phrase did not accurately describe how it moved across that latitude.
To venture inside the Demilitarized Zone there are currently various daily tours running either from Huế or Đà Nẵng cities. On one day journey accompanied by local guides tourists visit famous war sites like Ho Chi Minh Trail, Khe Sanh Combat Base, Doc-Mieu-Station, The Rockpile and tunnels Vinh Moc as well.
Even though decades have passed since the end of the hostilities, walking off marked paths may still be unsafe due to presence of explosive remnants.
Though Ben Hai is considered real boundary yet most historic sites (e.g., American bases) are found off Highway 9 lying several kilometers south parallel to it. It runs until it reaches Lao border.
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DMZ Travel Guide
How To Travel To DMZ
Dong Ha, which is the only important city in the region, is situated on the coast. It can be accessed via Highway 1 by people from Da Nang and Hue.
For approximately between US$15-17, DMZ Tours (which are located along Le Duan street) can offer you tour services from Dong Ha. The trip to tunnels, bridges over Dakrong river, rockpile and Khe Sanh begins with a bus picking up from Hue. The enjoyable journey has an entertaining guide (some propaganda), but it does not include Camp Carol, Con Tien or food/water.
There are many travel agencies in Hue that organize day trips by bus. They range from about $10-$15 per person but note that you have to wake up early as the journeys often begin at 06:00 am. Expect to reach Hue late in the evening between 18:00 and 19:00. You will also see other passengers who will be too slow coming back to bus for next stop. Vinh Moc Tunnels could get congested if your group of buses is big enough.
Attractions & Things To See In DMZ
Hien Luong Bridge – This bridge spans across Ben Hai river; it was made to commemorate the former boarder between North Vietnam and South Vietnam from 1954 to 1972, when the North Vietnamese Army took Dong Ha town in the 1972 Easter Offensive and shifted the border to Thach Han River in Quang Tri town, some twenty miles south. The color of the paint changed twice on this bridge when Vietnam was divided into two parts. A statue stands on its northern side.
Vinh Moc Tunnels – Between 1966 and 1972, Vinh Moc was destroyed by a total of about nine thousand bombs dumped by American Army which gives an average of seven metric tons per person. But still villagers did not want to leave their homelands. They began digging these tunnels in 1965 with rudimentary tools before completing them within two years. The tunnel system is approximately two kilometers long overall having six vents that reach hilltops as well as seven entrances to the East China Sea. Later on many other structures like wells, cooking sites and individual rooms for each family happened in here together with some medical facilities.
