A photo tour of the DMZ, between the South and the North

[firth1974 2,659]

The DMZ Tour.

(I would love to hear any stories of these places from any Vets that we might have on the board).

This tour i was really looking forward to. This is everything i had heard, read about and seen in movies, and it was good to actually put places to these names. It was just unlucky that it absolutely dumped it down all morning, so much so,that the rain seeped into my camera, forcing it to go tits up!!! (never really took any photos using the monitor screen anyway, so no loss to me).

Started the day with a 07.00am pick up from my hotel in Hue, then drove all the way up to Quang Tri to pick up our guide for the day.(It is actually a good 2.5 hour drive there). Drove up highway 1, stopped to have a look at The Rockpile. Then more up Highway 1, turning off onto Route 9 and to Khe Sanh. Stopped at a bridge(sorry forgot its name) which was the start of the Ho Chi Minh trail in South Vietnam. Just driving down this road, you could see just how rugged the mountains are, and wonder how anyone managed to build a secret road or build a combat base, never mind laying siege to the place!!!!

Afterwards, drove off for lunch somewhere.

After lunch, we drove back up Highway 1, into the actual DMZ(a 5km area clear of military, either side of the 17th parrallel), and over the Ben Hai river( which marked the border). Driving in this area is like driving on the moon. It is completely flat, and pock marked with bomb craters all over the place. Then drove onto the Vinh Moc tunnels, which were used by the civilian population to escape the bombings by the US. These tunnels are DEEP, and some have been widened to allow western tourists to enter, but not all of them. This place was bombed badly in the 60/70's, due to its proximity to the island of Con Co,that had a defensive position, stopping the US ships in that area from entering the Gulf of Tonkin.(the beach at Vinh Moc was were the boats to the island took men and weapons and supplies).

After the tunnels, we headed south again, over the river and stopped at the former Doc Mieu firebase, which is now an NVA cemetery. Stopped here for around 30mins, then carried on south again and dropped the guide of at Quang Tri, and headed of back to Hue and the end of very long day.

The Rockpile. One of the main observation posts overlooking the DMZ into the North.........................

This bridge now marks the start of what was once called the Ho Chi Minh Trial on Route 9..........

Looking down the Ho Chi Minh Trail................

Walking onto the Khe Sanh Combat Base....................

[firth1974 2,659]

Crossing the Ben Hai river and the 17th parallel...............................

The Vinh Moc tunnel complex..................................

[firth1974 2,659]

The former Doc Mieu firebase, now an NVA cemetery................................

The last remaining reminder that this was once a Marine base........................

[Gonzo 419]

Great picture report, firth 1974. I must put Vietnam on my to do list, before I run out of time.

[nkped 1,208]

Thanks.

 

The upkeep of the equipment displayed outside is impressive, particularly in that climate.

 

When I first saw the thread title, I thought you had made a trip to Korea, then "Oh, yeah."

[firth1974 2,659]

Thanks.

 

The upkeep of the equipment displayed outside is impressive, particularly in that climate.

 

When I first saw the thread title, I thought you had made a trip to Korea, then "Oh, yeah."

Thanks mate.

 

Not sure what they do or use to look after these old machines.

 

If it had being Korea, i would be posting from a Gulag right now!!lol

[bluechef 3]

I am a new to this site, but I have seen a few of your photo reports, good work mate, carry on, I like your style, and your camera

[Fornicator 106]

Thanks mate.

 

Not sure what they do or use to look after these old machines.

 

If it had being Korea, i would be posting from a Gulag right now!!lol

Keep the pictures coming from your trip it Vietnam. I did not mean to give you -1, I'm watching the football. Match and meant to hit the quote button.

[firth1974 2,659]

Keep the pictures coming from your trip it Vietnam. I did not mean to give you -1, I'm watching the football. Match and meant to hit the quote button.

Hmmmmmmm, I'll let you off if you vote green on one of my it her posts somewhere

[firth1974 2,659]

I am a new to this site, but I have seen a few of your photo reports, good work mate, carry on, I like your style, and your camera

Thanks Bluechef. I do what I can to keep the members happy.

 

But my camera has taken a big dump, so it might be time to upgrade soon, once I can afford it.

[bluechef 3]

yes us underpaid over worked chefs, lol

[firth1974 2,659]

yes us underpaid over worked chefs, lol

Yep, absolutely correct.

[bluechef 3]

keep up the good work, mate your photo trip reports are amazing, only ever been to Thailand, but I keep meaning to go to Cambodia, Vietnam and loas, but when I get to patts, I get in my comfort zone and can't move, Que sera sera

[Butch 3,456]

Love the history, great pics. Thanks Firth, I still need a good few hours to go thru the rest of your reports , along with a nice glass of bourbon. Relaxing and interesting reading.

 

Cheers

Butch