Attractions & Things To See In DMZ
Hien Luong Bridge – This bridge goes across the Ben Hai River at the center of DMZ and was made in memory of previous boundary between North and South Vietnam from 1954 to 1972 when Dong Ha town was taken over by North Vietnamese Army. The Northern part is painted in two different colors, with a monument being located there.
Vinh Moc Tunnels – Between 1966 and 1972 nearly nine thousand tons of bombs were released on Vinh Moc area by US army – about seven tons per person. Nevertheless, locals did not want to leave their birthplaces or lose them. They started digging tunnels with simple tools since 1965 and completed them within two years. In total, they are around two kilometers long; six of them lead to hilltops while seven open up onto the South China Sea. Later on wells, kitchens, one room for each family and even a hospital emerged within this complex. At that time, approximately sixty families resided there with seventeen babies given birth inside these passages. Today the tunnels are popular among tourists who have booked their excursions in advance. Furthermore, they are often included into full-day trips commencing from Hue through the Demilitarized Zone as well as independent tours of tunnels. Because Cu Chi tunnels are situated in a more humid region than that where Vinh Moc tunnels can be found as well as because the latter allow even tall western visitors stand without bending forward, walking through Vinh Moc ones is much more comfortable experience.
Truong Son National Cemetery – The biggest martyr’s graveyard which possesses graves devoted to young volunteers and soldiers who constructed and defended world-famous Ho Chi Minh Trail during American War. On various hillsides throughout it there are over ten thousand burials covered by a small white stone board that has “martyr” inscription only written under them respectively. In one part you will see 13 tombstones of war heroes, including two women. All others are divided into five blocks according to their original place of birth within Vietnam with each block subdivided by provinces. Had the latter died during the conflict, they would have been buried near their death sites; later however, their remains were delivered either here or to one of four other national cemeteries. Nonetheless, many graves contain only names – a small fraction of 300000 Vietnamese soldiers missing during that time.
Camp Carroll – This was US Marine Corps’ largest fire base located southward from DMZ. There were 24 heavy guns available for Marines’ use in case of any fire support needed. It got its name from the fallen commander who unsuccessfully attacked another close ridge. Its huge 175m cannons fired at targets as far off as Khe Sanh.
Rockpile – A karst rock formation close to former South Vietnamese DMZ has an elevation reaching 240 meters (790 feet) MSL or approximately210 meters (690 feet) above adjacent lowland areas. As it could be reached only by helicopter, this secluded position served as an important lookout point and gunnery station for the US army and marines between 1966 and 1968.
Dak Rong Bridge – Dak Rong River is located at 13 km to the east of Khe Sanh bus station. It was built in the year 2001 and includes a plaque that recognises its use as a conduit for the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Previous part of trail used to be road to Aluoi that runs southeast from the bridge.
Khe Sanh Combat Base – This was an American marine corps station during the Vietnam War in South Vietnam. The runway was constructed in September 1962. Hill fighting began in late April 1967 and developped into the Battle of Khe Sanh in 1968. United States commanders thought that North Vietnamese Army would want to repeat their feat at Dien Bien Phu but it ended up with failure for NVA. During one of several climactic episodes of Tet Offensive, defense of Khe Sanh became one of war’s greatest sieges, which went on under international media spotlight. On July 5, 1968 US Army abandoned Khe Sanh due to danger from enemy’s bombardment. Closing down, however enabled 3rd Marine Division build mobile firebase operations along northern boundary. In 1971 (Operation Dewey Canyon II), US Army reactivated Khe Sanh to support Operation Lam Son 719 focused on South Vietnamese advance into Laos and then abandoned again in 1972. In March 1973, according to U.S Authorities in Saigon, North Vietnamese troops were repairing the old airport at KHE SANH for courier flights into the south.Thus military memorabilia is displayed at Khe Sanh Combat Base as per its website last updated on December 20th ,2009.most parts of former base are now covered by jungle or coffee banana plantations.
Cua Tung beach – What if you concentrate only on monuments and historical treasures without minding about “Queen of beaches” Cua Tung beach a name by which it is known among locals? This one kilometer beach is not as famous as those in Nha Trang, Quy Nhon or Phu Quoc but its attractions are clear blue and calm water and smooth sand. Sun rise and set over the orange or crimson sky as you take a walk bare footed on the beach.
