The DMZ lays at the 17th parallel and was created by an agreement known as the Geneva Agreement. In reality, the DMZ extended 10 km on either side of the Ben Hai River and ran west to east from the Laotian border to the South China Sea. The DMZ was breached by the North Vietnamese Army when they constructed the Ho Chi Minh Trail that allowed for the transport of troops and supplies to the National Liberation Front in the south. The U.S, in an attempt to stop the flow of troops and supplies, built a series of fire suport bases including Camp Carroll, Fuller, The Rockpile, Con Tien, Vandergrift, Khe Sanh Combat Base, Lang Vei Special Forces Camp…. along Route 9, about ten miles south of and parallel to the DMZ. The series of bases became known as the “McNamara Line,” so named for Robert S. McNamara”, then U.S. secretary of defence. Some of the war's fiercest fighting and bloodiest battles occurred along that line. Such areas as Khe Sanh, Con Tien, Hambuger Hill… are forever etched into the minds of the soldiers who fought there and survived.
If you are heading south from Hanoi, Ninh Binh or Phong Nha, get drop off in Dong Ha for this tour for less drive.
The DMZ tour from Dong Ha.
The DMZ tour from Dong HaDMZ area map
At 8.30 am we meet you up at your hotel or Dong Ha railway station. Then, head west along the colonial route 9 and pass by a series of the old U.S Marines military installations including Camp Carroll, Fuller, Razorback, Vandergrif....The first stop is the Rockpile, an importan look-out and firebase 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. Our next stop is Dakrong Bridge - the starting point of one of the main branches of the legendry Ho Chi Minh Trail leading to the infamous A Shau Valley and the Hamburger Hill. From the bridge, we can see the overview of nearby Shepherd firebase.Then, continue toKhe Sanh Combat Base - a large Marines base camp which was beseiged by a massive forces of the North Vietnamese Army in early 1968, forcing the Marines to abandon after the fiece 77-day battle. We we will spend ample time strolling the base area and visit the museum to learn about the battle.
Vinh Moc tunnelsAfter that, head back to Dong Ha for lunch break. After lunch, head north to the former Demilitarized Zone ( the DMZ ), the old de-facto border between North and South Vietnam for 18 years. Enroute, briefly stop at Gio Linh ( Alpha 2) firebase - an important fortified base of TheMcNamara Line. Then continue to the former DMZ where we will take a walk on theFreedom bridge across theBen Hai River - the former physical demarcation line between the two Vietnams. The last stop of the day is Vinh Moc Tunnels, an underground refuge of some 300 north Vietnamese refugees during Rolling Thunder bombing operation against North Vietnam. Then, head back to Dong Ha. End of the trip.
The DMZ tour from Dong Ha Price: $120
The price quoted is for 1-2 person(s). First extra person: $30, further extra person: $20
Included features:
• Private transfer ( 7 seater SUV cars or 15 seater minivans )
• English speaking guide.
• Entrance fees for all sites. Excluded features:
• Lunch
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