From Center to South: Journey to American war sites in Vietnam

Destination

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Duration
9 Days 8 Nights
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Tour Type
Mini Adventure
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Group Size
8 Persons
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Tour Guide
English-speaking tour guides
Mekong Delta, South Central Coast, Southern Vietnam

From Center to South: Journey to American war sites in Vietnam

Embark on a remarkable journey through the historical landscapes of Vietnam, which used to be American war sites in Vietnam. You’ll encounter the pivotal remnants of battles that shape the war that Americans call the Vietnam War – while our Vietnamese honour it as the Resistance War Against America to Unify the Country. Your adventure includes:

  • The battlefield of Ia Drang (1965)
  • The significant grounds of Dak To Tan Canh (1967 & 1972)
  • The strategic site of Khe Sanh (1968)
  • The infamous A Biah Hill, known as Hamburger Hill (1969)

Along the way, you will pause at Son My, reflecting on the My Lai massacre – a heartbreaking chapter in history that ignited the powerful anti-war movement in the United States.

Concluding your journey in the vibrant south, you’ll explore Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), where tales of resilience echo through the historic Cu Chi tunnels and the Xeo Quyt camp. Your adventure will wrap up with a serene walk in nature, embraced by the warmth and friendliness of the southwestern people! This journey is not just a trip through history road – American war sites in Vietnam; it’s a profound connection to history and culture that you won’t want to miss!

Battlefields at Ia Drang, Central Highlands of Vietnam | Photo: Horst Faas

Highlight

  • Experience insightful visits to the sites of the most significant battles in the American War;
  • Learn about the people’s war strategy that enabled Vietnam to triumph over the American Empire;
  • Enjoy a relaxing journey through the Mekong Delta’s natural landscapes and warm hospitality.
Hien Luong Bridge — historic dividing line between North and South Vietnam from 1954 to 1975 | Photo: Báo Dân Việt
Destination Hue – Hoi An – Central Highlands – Ho Chi Minh City
 Included
  • Accommodation, as mentioned in the program;
  • Meals as specified in the program;
  • Travel in an appropriate air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver;
  • The services of an experienced English-speaking guide in each part;
  • All entrance fees & permission.
 Excluded
  • Beverages, gratuities and personal expenses;
  • Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, etc…);
  • Individual Insurance;
  • VAT and other taxes.
 Travel With Private Car

What to bring

  • Sun & rain gear (including sun scream and brimmed hat)
  • Insect repellent
  • Walking shoes/sandals
  • Original passports

Discount for larger group is available; please contact our travel consultants at:

 lam@dcttravel.vn  or send us inquiry through the contact form

Details

Meal: Lunch | Accommodation: Crown A Luoi At 8:00 AM, you will be picked up by a private car from your hotel in Hue. You will meet your knowledgeable guide and experienced driver before heading to Dong Ha city. Dong Ha was the northernmost town of South Vietnam and played a crucial strategic role in establishing the rear base and organizing attacks for the US Army. If time permits, you will make a brief visit to the Quang Tri Museum in Dong Ha city to gain an overview of this strategic location and the intense battles that took place there. North - South boundary - Hien Luong Bridge

North-South boundary on Hien Luong Bridge

As you journey along Highway 1 (HW1), you'll be immersed in the history of the Vietnam War, visiting sites of great significance such as Doc Mieu Base, the McNamara Fence, the 17th parallel at the Hien Luong Bridge, and the Ben Hai River. The famous Vinh Moc Tunnel offers a unique perspective on the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. The surviving portion of the underground village system, once home to the residents of Vinh Moc village, serves as a poignant reminder of the past. Located near the DMZ area, this site was a key target for US naval ships and aircraft, forcing residents to live underground from 1965 to 1972. At around 1 PM, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on Cua Tung Beach, where you can savor delicious local delicacies, including fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Aircraft artifacts in Ta Con airport Takon Airport | Báo Kinh tế & Đô Thị

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Khe Sanh Base Camp and Takon Airport, famous for the 1968 Khe Sanh Route 9 battle, also known as the Second Dien Bien Phu battle, and the 1971 South Laos Route 9 battle. Along the way, you will make several stops, including Rock Pile, an observation post; Camp Carroll, an artillery base; and the opportunity to experience the unique culture of a village of the Bru ethnic minority (also known as the Van Kieu ethnic group). At the end of the afternoon, drive on Highway 14 to A Luoi, where you will check into your hotel and unwind in the tranquil surroundings.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: An Villa After breakfast at the hotel, you will trek to Hamburger Hill, a 937-meter peak where the infamous battle took place in May 1969. During your visit, you will see the Helicopter Crash Site, NVA foxholes, the Hamburger Hill Memorial, and the People's Army of Vietnam tunnel. This controversial battle in the US Congress marked a turning point that forced the US to reevaluate its strategy in South Vietnam and ultimately led to the decision to withdraw the first expeditionary force in 1969.

500 tons of bombs drooped on A Biah hill in 1969500 tons of bombs drooped on A Biah hill in 1969 | Photo: Secret Indochina

Afterwards, you will return to A Luoi town for lunch. You will continue along Highway 14 in the afternoon to Hoi An. On the way, you will stop at A Sho Airport, a field airport established by the US in 1960 to control the strategic corridor west of the Truong Son mountain range, which was crucial for the North Vietnamese army. This airport was also a site where Agent Orange was gathered, which the US sprayed on central Vietnam from August 1965 to December 1970. Currently, the area is undergoing treatment for remaining dioxin contamination by the Chemical Command.

A Sho Airport and dioxin contamination treatedA Sho Airport and dioxin contamination treated | Photo: VOV

Our journey will then take us through the A Shau Valley, a significant battlefield in the American War. This valley was the site of a fierce battle in 1966 between the US Army and the South Vietnamese Liberation Army. After crossing this historic valley, we will continue our journey to Da Nang, a young and vibrant city with a rich trade and cultural exchange history, and Hoi An, a well-preserved ancient town that UNESCO Heritage recognised. Check in at your hotel, a rustic retreat, and indulge in its comfort and serenity.
Meal: Breakfast| Accommodation: Accommodation: An Villa A relaxing day to enjoy Hoi An's old town and beach.
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch | Accommodation: Xa Nu hotel Today, you will leave the Central Coast and travel to the Central Highlands. Your journey will begin along the coast, heading from Hoi An to the Son My Relic site in Quang Ngai City. This memorial site honours the 504 victims of the My Lai Massacre, which occurred on March 16, 1968, in Son My, Vietnam. Initially, the massacre was depicted as a victory until American soldiers who were involved confessed, leading to its exposure as a crime committed by the American army.

My Lai MassacreMike Hastie, a veteran and war correspondent, took this photo at the An Khe battlefield in 1971. It features the word "Why," painted by American soldiers on a helicopter to show their anger at being misled about the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War | Photo: VNExpress

In the afternoon, you will follow Highway 24 through the scenic Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, passing through Mang Diang town until you reach Kon Tum City. Upon arrival, you will check in at Xa Nu Hotel, a clean and comfortable accommodation in Kon Tum City. Here, you can unwind and recharge after a long day of traveling.
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch | Accommodation: Diora Hotel Pleiku After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you can begin your day by exploring Kon Tum City. Highlights of your visit will include the Wooden Church, Thua Sai Seminary, and Konktu H’ngo village. This unique cultural experience will allow you to discover the rich heritage of the Bahnar ethnic minority while helping you recover from the long transfer from Hoi An.

Dak To Tan CanhDak To Tan Canh Victory Monument

Next, you will take Highway 14E to the Dak To Tan Canh Battlefield, the site of two significant battles in 1967 and 1972. The second battle was pivotal and ultimately led to the 1973 Paris Agreement, which marked the war's end in Vietnam. While at Tan Canh, you will visit key historical sites such as the Phoenix airstrip, Charlie Hill, the Dakto monument, and the 601 historical relics, all of which played vital roles in these historic events. Afterward, you will transfer directly from Tan Canh to Pleiku. On your way, make a stop at Sea Lake, a natural lake located at the mouth of a million-year-old volcano. You should arrive in Pleiku City by the end of the afternoon. Finally, check in to your hotel in Pleiku and take some time to relax.
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch | Accommodation: Duc Vuong Hotel The last day of your Central Highlands tour begins with breakfast, followed by some time to explore Pleiku City. You can visit Pleiku Market, Minh Thanh Pagoda, and the Pleiku Ethnological Museum, where you'll learn about the culture of the unique indigenous peoples and their significant contributions to Vietnam's national liberation.

Ia Drang ValleyIa Drang Valley

Next, you'll drive to Camp Enari, the former headquarters of the 4th U.S. Infantry Division. Along the way, you'll stop at the Catecka plantation, which was once the operational area of the 4th Division. From there, you'll continue to Camp Pleime to visit the site of the former U.S. Special Forces and take in views of the Ia Drang Valley, the location of the famous Ia Drang battle. This battle marked the first significant clash between the U.S. Army and the main forces of the People's Army of Vietnam, following the deployment of 3,500 U.S. troops to implement Joint Warfare in South Vietnam. The Ia Drang battle was important for both sides. The U.S. mobilised the 1st Air Cavalry in this engagement and utilised many of their most advanced weapons. At the same time, the People's Army of Vietnam developed effective fighting strategies to counter U.S. firepower and air support. This historical context will undoubtedly intrigue you. After visiting L.Z. X-Ray and LZ Albany, you will leave the Ia Drang Valley to return to Pleiku. Enjoy a coffee and take a moment to reflect on your journey with your guide and driver. After saying goodbye to them, you'll take your flight to Saigon at 6 PM. Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, your driver will be waiting for you to ensure a smooth transition to your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast| Accommodation: Duc Vuong Hotel Free day to relax and explore the country’s most vibrant city at your own pace.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner| Accommodation: Homestay in An Binh island, Mekong Delta Your tour guide and driver will pick you up at 8 a.m. and take you further south to the Mekong Delta. Before that, we will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Located 69 km northwest of Saigon, the Cu Chi Tunnels are an underground village that rivals the Vinh Moc Tunnel in scale. This site features about 250 km of tunnels forming a complex network, including trenches, mounds, fighting nests, and various living and storage areas. The tunnels are a fascinating testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people.

Cu Chi tunnelsCu Chi Tunnels | Photo: Một thế giới magazine

Once a legendary base for the Saigon-Cho Lon-Gia Dinh Military Region Command, the Cu Chi Tunnels withstood numerous American attempts to destroy them. The Americans employed various methods, including water pumps, dogs, and tanks, but the tunnels' resilience prevailed. This serves as a testament to the determination and ingenuity of the Vietnamese forces. Lunch at a local restaurant in Cu Chi. You will leave Cu Chi at around 1 p.m. and travel to Xeo Quyt in Cao Lanh province. This site served as one of the revolutionary bases of the Liberation Army of South Vietnam from 1960 to 1975. It spans 50 hectares, including 20 hectares of cajuput forests, which are home to around 200 species of wildlife.

Xeo Quyt - one of the revolutionary bases of the Liberation Army of South Vietnam from 1960 to 1975Xeo Quyt - one of the revolutionary bases of the Liberation Army of South Vietnam from 1960 to 1975 | Photo: Vietnam Tourism Board

As part of your visit, you will take a boat ride and walk through this historical site, where you can explore the meeting, working, and living areas of the Liberation Army of South Vietnam. This is where soldiers strategize, trained, and lived during the war. At the end of the afternoon, you will be taken to Vinh Long City, where you will board a boat to your charming homestay. Your host family will delight you with a delicious dinner and provide an authentic taste of local culture. Enjoy the unforgettable experience of an overnight stay on a picturesque island in the Mekong Delta.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Not included Enjoy a peaceful morning and breathe in the fresh air of the Mekong Delta. After breakfast, you will start a leisurely day trip to discover the daily life of the Mekong Delta people by a scenic boat ride along the Long Ho Canal to Mang Thit, also known as the Red Kingdom. Here, you'll embark on a bike tour (or rickshaw ride) to explore the tranquil villages and breathtaking scenery of hundreds of ancient brick kilns along the canals. We'll take a break and visit a local family, where you'll have the unique opportunity to learn about their traditional crafts, such as brickmaking, floor laying, bamboo weaving, basket crafting, and fabric weaving. This is a rare chance to witness and appreciate the authenticity of these local traditions. Lunch will be served in a family setting, allowing you to immerse yourself in local life while indulging in Vinh Long's delicacies, such as Cá Kho Tộ (caramelized fish in a clay pot) and Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese pancake). Your next stop is the Brick Kilns, where you can see how the locals make beautiful pottery from clay. Many products from these kilns are exported around the world. You'll make the final stop in Vinh Long market, a bustling hub where locals exchange diverse products such as shrimp, crabs, fish, snakes, hamsters, and tropical fruits and vegetables. This vibrant scene is perfect for photo enthusiasts!

Mang Thit village official photo on SignerMang Thit - Red Kingdom in Mekong Delta

After leaving Vinh Long, you will drive to Sa Dec and walk along the riversides to delve deeper into the pace of life of the Southern flower and ornamental garden. The villagers  supply ornamental plants and flowers for all provinces of South Vietnam. Come back to Sai Gon. The trip is expected to finish at 6 pm. End of our service!

Book the Tour

Base Price 17,155,000 VNĐ

Private tour


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