This two day tour covers the two famous battlegrounds of Vietnam War; Ashau valley and the DMZ where most of bloody actions of Vietnam War took place. This tour is designed for those who are interested in the military history of the conflict. We will walk on the ground that the Screaming Eagles charging up Hamburger Hill, follow the Marines holding out in the siege of Khe Sanh and walk into the ground where the Vietnamese lived for years during the Rolling Thunder bombing.
Hamburger Hill tour from Hue
Hamburger Hill tour from Hue
Day 1: Hue - Hamburger Hill - Khe Sanh
We meet you up at your hotel in Hue at 8.00am then head out to the Ashau valley - one of the strategic focal points of Vietnam War. Located in western Hue city, the narrow 35 kilometer long valley was an arm of the Ho Chi Minh Trail funneling troops and supplies toward Hue and Danang. At the northern end of the valley was the major North Vietnamese Army (NVA) staging area known as Base Area 611. Because of its strategic location, the Ashau valley became a major battle ground from the earliest days of the U.S involvement in South Vietnam. We have 3 stops along the way to visit the important fire support bases of the US Army the 101st Airborne including Birmingham, Bastogne and Vehgel.
After that, keep following a long route 547 to the valley. On arrival in the valley, have a coffee break at a commanding high ground in the Aluoi town where we can see the overrall view of the Hamburger Hill at the distance. Then, head west towards Hamburger Hill ( hillHamburger hill after the battle in 1969 937 or Abia Mountain ) where the the last major battle between the U.S Army's 101st Airborne and the NVA troops in May 1969. The battle took place on Abia mountain or Hill 937, located in the rugged, jungle-shrouded mountains near the Laotian border. After 10 day battle ( from May 10 to May 20 1969 ), the U.S 101st Airborne Division took the hill but abandoned it 3 weeks later. Due to the severity of the fighting, Hill 937 was dubbed "Hamburger Hill.
We spend about 3 hours walking on the hill; put your footsteps on the hilltop and walk down the northwestern ridge where the Rakkasans came up and explore a well hidden tunnel of the NVA on the hill. Down the hill and head north a long route 548 through the scenic country to Khe Sanh town.
Overnight at Khe Sanh.
Hamburger Hill tour from Hue
Day 2: Khe Sanh - the DMZ - Vinh Moc tunnels - Hue
8.00am start the day tour visiting the DMZ area. The first stop is Lang Vei Sepacial Forces Camp near the Laotian border which was attacked by the North Vietnamsese Army tanks for the first time. The major site of our trip today is Khe Sanh combat base - a largeAerial view of Khe Sanh combat base in 1968 Marines base camp which was beseied by a massive forces of the North Vietnamese Army in 77 days in early 1968, where we will spend ample time exploring the base camp and learn about and the siege history.
Then, head down route 9 to to the coast. Stop enroute to visit the Rockpile ( or also known as Elliot combat base ), an importan look-out and a fire support base of the Marines south of the DMZ. We will view the old tactical area where the Marines fought in the famous operations Hastings and Prairie during 1966-1967. After that drive back to Dong Ha for lunch break. Then, head north to the former Demilitarized Zone ( the DMZ ). We briefly stop at the southern edge of the DMZ to visit Gio Linh ( Alpha 2) fire support base - an important military installation of the anti-infiltration Mc Namara Line. After this, we drive into the former DMZ to visit the former border crossing between North and South Vietnam from 1954 to 1972; the Freedom bridge or the so-called the Bridge of no Return over the river of Ben Hai - the former Military Demarcation Line between the 2 Vietnams. We will visit the DMZ museum and take a walk on this historic bridge. Then we head to the coast for the last stop of the day; Vinh Moc tunnels - an underground refuge of the fishing village of Vinh Moc, located above the DMZ. In early 1965, America began a massive bombing campain against North Vietnam with code name " Rolling Thunder ". The area above the DMZ became the most heavily bombed single piece of land on earth. Unable to live on the ground, the local inhabitants had to dig and move their homes into the ground. Vinh Moc tunnels is the best example of the tunnels system in the DMZ area. We visit the museum then walk underground, starting with an entrance on top of the clay cliff and finishing with an exit overlooking a wild beach.
We will have a scenic drive along the coastline back to Quang Tri city before joining the Highway 1 to return to Hue.
Hamburger Hill tour from Hue
Price: $350
The price quoted is for 1-2 person(s). First extra person: $100, further extra person: $70
Included features:
• Private transfer ( 7 seater SUV cars or 15 seater minivans )
• English speaking guide.
• Entrance & permit fee for all sites.
• One night accommodation at Khanh Phuong Luxury ( 3 star hotel ) at Khe sanh based on double or twin sharing. Excluded features:
• Meals
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