Following your requested time, our experienced driver will pick you up from your hotel or homestay in Hue, and we will begin a memorable half-day round-trip excursion from Hue to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) by private car. During the journey, we will explore several key historical landmarks that tell the story of Vietnam's turbulent past, particularly the aftermath of the Vietnam War.
1. Hien Luong Bridge: A Symbol of Peace and Division Our first stop will be at the Hien Luong Bridge, which stands as a poignant symbol of Vietnam's longing for peace and reunification. Built across the Ben Hai River, this bridge became the dividing line between North and South Vietnam following the Geneva Accords of 1954. The agreement, which came after the pivotal Battle of Dien Bien Phu, resulted in the temporary division of Vietnam at the 17th parallel. The Hien Luong Bridge witnessed the separation of families and the beginning of a long period of conflict.
2. Ben Hai River: The Heart of Division Next, we will visit the Ben Hai River, which played a crucial role in the separation of the country during the Vietnam War. The river, located in central Vietnam, formed the boundary of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which was established as part of the 1954 Geneva Accords. The DMZ was a five-kilometer-wide strip on either side of the Ben Hai River, serving as a buffer between North and South Vietnam. The region remains a stark reminder of the country's division and the intense military confrontations that occurred here.
3. Vinh Moc Tunnels: The Underground Village of Resistance A highlight of our DMZ tour is the Vinh Moc Tunnels, located in Quang Tri Province. These tunnels are a testament to the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people during the war. In 1965, the village of Vinh Moc was heavily bombed and destroyed by US forces as part of their relentless campaign to disrupt North Vietnamese operations. In response, the villagers dug an extensive network of tunnels, creating an underground village where families could live, work, and survive the constant bombardment. The Vinh Moc Tunnels serve as a symbol of the unyielding spirit of the Vietnamese people, who refused to be defeated by the devastation surrounding them.