Excursion to the DMZ

Today’s tour will begin at 07:30. Depart from tranquil Hue and head to Vietnam’s Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for an insightful tour of the country’s wartime past.

Make a stop at La Vang Cathedral, a site damaged by war but still an important pilgrimage site for Vietnam’s Catholics. Carry on to what is left of Quang Tri Citadel, where in 1972 a fierce battle raged for 81 days. Visit the museum where photographs, war remnants and artillery can be seen.

Continue up Highway 1 across the Hien Luong Bridge, and over the Ben Hai River which demarcated North and South Vietnam. This area saw some of the heaviest fighting during the Vietnam-America war. Nearby is Doc Mieu Firebase, which lies just north of here. The base played a pivotal role in the South's defence and, for a while, was the command post for calling in airstrikes along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Journey off the main highway, pass through quaint villages and skirt along Cua Tung Beach on the way to Vinh Moc. The village found itself tragically positioned in one of the most heavily bombed areas of Vietnam.Visit the 2.8-kilometer network of underground tunnels where more than three hundred people lived intermittently from 1966 to 1971.

Before departing the DMZ, make a final stop at Truong Son National Cemetery. Wander amid the tombstones marking the final resting place of some 15,000 Vietnamese soldiers and civilians who perished during the war.

Wrap up this sombre Hue DMZ day tour driving back to Hue with a late afternoon arrival. (L)