1. What is Khe Sanh?
Khe Sanh Combat Base is known worldwide for the epic battle at Khe Sanh in 1968. During the Vietnam War, this place was famous as a fierce battlefield that marked many glorious victories for the Vietnamese army. The battle of Khe Sanh was so fierce that it was called “the second Dien Bien Phu” or “the gate to hell” by the US Marine Corps.
2. Where is Khe Sanh?
Khe Sanh Combat Base is located in Central Vietnam, in the town of Khe Sanh, Huong Hoa District, Quang tri Province. The Base is approximately 20 miles east of the Lao Bao border gate and 63 kilometers from the city of Dong Ha. From 1965 to 1966, both the United States Army and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam meticulously fortified Khe Sanh, making it the largest base along the Route 9 defense line.
Throughout its history, Khe Sanh has seen significant conflict, most notably during the Route 9 Khe Sanh Campaign of 1968 and the Route 9 Southern Laos Campaign of 1971. These battles reverberated throughout the valley, leaving a lasting mark
3. How to get to Khe Sanh?
Khe Sanh Combat Base now is a popular tourist destination for those who want to know more about the Vietnam War and its historical landmarks. There are many things for the tourists to visit and do in Khe Sanh. You will be told many stories about the Vietnam Was that you will not find on the internet.
Today, Khe Sanh is home to a small museum with some great historical photos, as well as some reconstructed American bunkers and aircraft. In particular, this museum contains many historical ruins or artifacts that need to be explored.
Although there are not as many trees and jungles as there used to be, they are still important to the Vietnamese people. This is a very important place to preserve unforgettable parts of the battles in Vietnam.
Da Nang to DMZ by Private Car for about 115 USD per 4 seat car.
Hue to DMZ by Private Car for about 65 USD per 4 seat car.
You can also request a tour guide for DMZ Tour if you want to learn more about the history.
4. Khe Sanh Combat Base and the Battle of Khe Sanh
The distance from Hue to Khe Sanh is about 133 km, so you can get to Khe Sanh by various means of road transport such as motorbike and car.
If you like to go by motorbikes and like to have the adventurous feeling, you can rent a motorbike to get to Khe Sanh or take a motorbike with a driver to take you to there.
You can also take a private car to Khe Sanh with different routes depending on your starting point. You can also ask the provider to add Khe Sanh as a destination if the program does not include it.
Here are some suggestions for your private car trip.
From Da Nang to DMZ by private car costs about 115 USD for a 4-seater car.
From Hue to DMZ by private car costs about 65 USD for a 4-seater car.
You can also ask for a tour guide to visit DMZ if you want to learn more about the history.
Particularly prominent in this land is the battle of Khe Sanh: also known as the Khe Sanh Road 9 campaign, lasting 4 main periods (based on Vietnamese history).
- Period 1 (From January 20 to February 7) The Vietnamese People’s Army destroyed Lang Vay base (a US military base stationed in the Khe Sanh area) which was known as the Battle of Lang Vay.
- Period 2 (From February 8 to March 31): Campaign to develop encirclement and attack on Khe Sanh base. Intercepting a number of other battles blocked American forces from rescuing Khe Sanh.
- Period 3 (From April 1 to April 30): American troops responded, cleared surrounding areas, destroyed traffic on Route 9.
- Period 4 (From May 8 to July 15): Block and attack US troops fleeing from Khe Sanh.
5 . What should you visit when coming to Khe Sanh?
Ta Con Airport was previously used by the US military. Currently, at Ta Con airport there is still a C130 military transport plane capable of carrying troops, equipment, and goods left behind after the US withdrawal. In addition, there is also a UH 1A helicopter used for reconnaissance, evacuation, and combat support. The Route 9 Khe Sanh Museum, houses artifacts and documents detailing the impact of the war, especially during the Khe Sanh Campaign in 1968. Finally, the mention of the leftover bombs serves as a reminder of the devastation of war.
- Open daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- The entrance fee is 40,000 VND (1.7 USD) per person, which includes access to the airport, and the museum.
