DMZ Day Trip from Hue: Khe Sanh, Hien Luong Bridge & Vinh Moc Tunnels
For two decades the 17th parallel split Vietnam in two. On this full day we follow the old Demilitarised Zone from the mountains to the sea: Khe Sanh Combat Base, scene of the 1968 siege; the Rockpile and Highway 9; Hien Luong Bridge on the Ben Hai River, where the country was divided; and the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where a whole village lived underground through years of bombing. A long but deeply moving day.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel in Hue city centre
- I will meet you in your hotel lobby at 6:00am with our private car and driver. The early start lets us reach Khe Sanh before the midday heat. Many hotels can prepare a breakfast box if you ask the evening before.
Departure from Hue
We drive north through Quang Tri province towards the mountains along Highway 9.
Khe Sanh Combat Base
The US Marine base besieged for 77 days in 1968. We walk the old airstrip, bunkers and the small museum, and I tell the story from both sides.
The Rockpile
A photo stop at the limestone outcrop used as a US observation post above Highway 9.
Lunch in Dong Ha
Lunch at a local rice restaurant, simple and much loved by people in Quang Tri.
Hien Luong Bridge
The bridge over the Ben Hai River on the 17th parallel, which marked the border between North and South from 1954 to 1975. We cross it on foot and visit the flag tower and small museum.
Vinh Moc Tunnels
Dug by hand by villagers who lived underground for years, the tunnels held family rooms, a well and even a maternity room. We walk through the narrow passages down to the exits facing the sea.
Ending Point
Your hotel in Hue city centre
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
* Guide fee: private English-speaking licensed guide (Ngoc) for the full day
* Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Hue city centre
* Private air-conditioned transport with a professional driver: 4-seat car (1-2 guests), 7-seat car (3-4 guests) or 16-seat van (5-9 guests)
* Gasoline, road tolls and parking fees
* Entrance tickets: Khe Sanh Combat Base, Hien Luong Bridge and Vinh Moc Tunnels
* Food and drinks: lunch at a local restaurant in Dong Ha, plus bottled water all day
* Breakfast before the 6am start: many hotels offer a free breakfast box, or about US$2-4 at a local stall
* Drinks with lunch (soft drinks, beer, coffee): about US$1-3 per drink
* Snacks and souvenirs: about US$5-20 per person, as you wish
* Tips for your guide and driver (optional): about US$5-10 per guest
* Travel insurance: please arrange before your trip (cost varies)
Tour Important Information
* This is a long day with about five hours of driving in total, broken by regular stops.
* The Vinh Moc Tunnels are narrow and low; they are not suitable for people uncomfortable in confined spaces, but you can skip any section.
* Wear comfortable shoes; the tunnels can be damp underfoot.
* Light rain jackets are useful from September to December.
* Children count as guests in the group price.
Important message from the supplier
I am a Hue-based guide but always happy to hear your request (such as whole Vietnam for 3 days)
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Ngoc L.
Working as a tour-guide in central of Vietnam since 2013 and guided thousand of people the beauty of Vietnam's culture, history and people. From 2018, I started to work independently and focused in organizing tours in my Hue city only.
Reviews
Victoria S.
“Excellent day ”
We had a great day with our guide Xi (organised by Ngoc). We changed plans and he was very flexible and rearranged us to go on the coconut boats outside of Hoi An and then Monkey mountain, Danang market and a great lunch spot! Highly recommend using him and his guides.
Gifford T.
“Imperial Citadel, Royal Tombs and guided transfer to Hoi An”
Matthew is a very knowledgeable guide about the history of Hue and very pleasant company to have over three days of tours. Everything was professionally organised. A 5 star guide; highly recommended
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Ngoc L.
Thank you very much for your compliments. I wish you both a great trip ahead! Best regards, Matthew
Catherine B.
“Wonderful guide”
We had an amazing experience with Matthew. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the Nguyen dynasty as well as a wonderful host who was patient and accommodating as we had to make some last minute changes. He is very personable and you can tell he has a great love for Hue.
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Ngoc L.
Thank you so much for your compliments on me and my tour, Catherine. That was truly my pleasure to be your guide to show you all my city today. I wish you all a great trip ahead!!! Best regards, Matthew
$335/ per group
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