Memories of I-Corps
02 June - 16 June, 2019
15 Days
Price: $3,895.00
Tour Reference: VN-19061
Ground Only Price is: $2,900.00 *
Deadline for registration is February 2, 2019
* Tour Registration Closed *
Marines advancing up a hill with supporting fire.
Daily Itinerary

Day 1 & 2: (Sunday - Monday, 02 June - 03 June 2019) – Enroute

Report to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) by 8:00 p.m. and proceed to ticketing counter.  Depart Los Angeles, CA on our flight to Taipei.  Lose one day crossing the International Dateline.

Day 3: (Tuesday, 04 June 2019) – Taipie to Ha Noi

After a short layover in Taipei where we endure the Big Speech, we depart for Vietnam.  We land at Noi Bai Airfield (heavily bombed during the American War) and proceed through immigration, retrieve our bags, clear customs, and board our waiting motorcoach.  We then cross the Red River and its dikes to explore the Ha Noi environs.  Ha Noi is an ancient city that was founded in 1010, nearly 500-years before America was discovered.  We visit Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) and stop at the John McCain Monument, located by the lake where he parachuted into and was captured.  Tonight we enjoy our Welcome Dinner.

Meals: B (in flight) /L/D

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 4: (Wednesday, 05 June 2019) – Ha Noi to Hue

This morning we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ho Chi Minh House, the One Pillar Pagoda and the War Museum.  We then dine at the fabulous Lotus Buffet.  Later this day, we head back to Noi Bai to catch our flight to Phu Bai Airfield.  Upon landing, we travel north on Highway 1 and enter Hue City (the old Imperial Capital of Vietnam).  Our hotel was the ARVN BOQ during the war and is located on the southern bank of the Perfume River.

Meals: B/L/D

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 5: (Thursday, 06 June 2019) – Hue

This morning we begin our study of the 1968 Tet Offensive battle for Hue.  The Battle of Hue was one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the war, and we spend our afternoon visiting strategic sites in the fighting to retake the southern city.  We follow the actions of 1/1 and 2/5 covering, among others, the Shell Gas Station, Football Stadium, the former MACV Compound, Tran Cao Van Street, Joan of Arc Girl's High School, Hue University, Treasury, Public Health Building, Provincial Capital Building area, and the Church of the Redemptress.  Famous for its university, this town, known for open and radical thinking, is also home to Quoc Hoc High School that graduated Ho Chi Minh, General Giap, and President Diem.  We enjoy a relaxing Dragon Boat cruise up the beautiful Song Huong (Perfume River) to Thien Mu Pagoda.  It was from this pagoda that in 1963, Monk Thich Quang Duc was driven to Saigon where he immolated himself in protest to the SVN government's oppressive treatment of the Buddhist people.  After lunch, we enter the Citadel with its ramparts and towers, and visit sites specific to the northern battle, including the Chuck Meadows and Dong Ba Gates and Phase Line Green.  We finish at the Imperial Palace gate blown by L/3/5, which allowed the ARVN to enter and lower the NVA flag that had flown from the main flagpole for 24 days.  We then visit the Forbidden City, home to the ancient emperors.

Meals: B/L/D

 
Class II Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 6: (Friday, 07 June 2019) – (Choose One)

GROUP 1: Hue

Today is a free day to relax by the pool, explore on your own, or to shop till you drop.  Today, lunch and dinner are on our own.  You may want to grab a pizza or a burger at the DMZ Bar, just a short walk from our hotel.

Meals: B/_/_

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

GROUP 2: Hue to Dong Ha

Very early this morning we head north on Highway 1.  Our first stop is the Camp Evans.  Continuing north, we come upon My Chanh Bridge.  It was here that the ARVN held the line against invading NVA forces during the 1972 Easter Offensive and from which they launched their counterattack to drive Ho's forces back toward the DMZ.  North of here is the section of Highway 1 known as the 'Highway of Horror.'  During the NVA's 1972 Easter Offensive, thousands of local refugees - most of which were old people, women, and children trying to flee south - were mercilessly slaughtered by communist NVA troops and artillery.  The north side of the bridge is where the worst of the massacre occurred.  Massive numbers of people were trapped because the downed bridge prevented escape.  Soon thereafter we enter Quang Tri City where we visit La Vang Basilica (site of a 1798 appearance of the Blessed Virgin), passing through the LZ Sharon, LZ Nancy, and LZ Ann areas.  Returning to Highway 1 we stop at Long Hung Church, a Catholic Church in which ARVN troops sought refuge during the 1972 Easter Offensive invasion from the North and in which NVA troops sought refuge as they retreated during the ARVN counter-attack.  The church has been left as it stood after the battle, with scars from grenades, rockets, and bullets.  We also visit Bo De School, which provides a shocking and violent reality of the 'Battle of 81 Days and Nights' for the city and its Citadel.  The battle is infamous for the huge amount of ordnance fired by both ARVN and NVA forces.  We then cross the Quang Tri Bridge, stopping at the Ai Tu Airfield (Quang Tri Airbase).  Next is a quick stop at the Lew Puller School.  After lunch, we walk the Dong Ha Bridge (destroyed by Capt. John Ripley which stopped the initial NVA advance during the 1972 Easter Offensive).  We then travel east on the north side of the Song Bo Dieu and Song Cua Viet passing just north of the village of Dai Do, site of the Battle of Dong Ha fought by The Magnificent Bastards of 2/4 in May 1968.  We continue east, past Mai Xa Chanh, My Loc, Jones Creek, and My Loc.  Turning north again, head up the new beach road along the Tonkin Gulf.  We then cross the Song Ben Hai (this river was the only true physical demarcation between the North and the South).  Now in North Vietnam, we explore the tunnel complex in the artillery village of Vinh Moc.  The Vinh Moc Tunnels are an incredible complex of tunnels that were dug by local people to evade the constant US counter-battery bombing of the area.  The tunnels include kitchens, wells, and a 'hospital,' as well as living quarters for roughly 60 families.  The tunnels, which are still in very good condition, are at a depth of 30-meters.  We then head west and south, crossing the Hien Luong Bridge (better known as the Peace Bridge).  Back in South Vietnam, we proceed to FSB Gio Linh (Forward) which overlooks the DMZ from the Republic side.  We then stop pass through Alpha-3, and visit the U.S. base at Alpha-4, better known as Con Thien (the Hill of Angels).  A-4 was the western anchor of the McNamara Line.  Travelling south on the Rough-Rider Road.  After crossing 2/4's Bastard's Bridge (aka The Washout) and passing through Charlie-2 and Charlie-3, we stop for photos at Cam Lo Bridge.  We then return to Dong Ha on Route 9.  Today we have traversed the four quadrants of Leatherneck Square: Dong Ha, Gio Linh, Con Thien, and Cam Lo.

Meals: B/L/D

 
Class II Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 7: (Saturday, 08 June 2019) – (Choose One)

GROUP 1: Hue

Today is another free day to relax by the pool, explore on your own, or to shop.  Again, lunch and dinner are on our own.

Meals: B/_/_

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

GROUP 2: Dong Ha to Hue

We rise very early again and head west on Route 9 (the main U.S. supply route from the coast to Khe Sanh).  Vietnam is a very long, thin country, and we traverse it from the coast all the way to its border with Laos.  Our first stop Camp Carroll (the joint-forces artillery plateau).  After walking across the Khe Gia Bridge, we stop at the Rockpile where we gear up and hike to the northeast side of the Razorback.  Back on Route 9 we come upon other sites that were of military importance during the war, including Vandergrift Combat Base (LZ Stud), where we visit the airstrip.  Passing through Ca Lu and crossing the Hairpin we enter Khe Sanh Village, where we stop for lunch.  Next, we venture north to Khe Sanh Combat Base where we spend ample time exploring.  Under JFK, Khe Sanh Combat Base was a U.S. jungle outpost close to the border with Laos.  The area grew into a major military base and airstrip under LBJ and was the scene of a 77-day siege in 1968, as well as many vicious hill battles in 1967-68.  Our last stop is Lang Vei Special Forces Camp, overrun in the first-ever NVA tank assault.  Co Roc Mountain soars to the heavens just across the border.  We return east on Route 9 for a short while, stopping at a Montagnard tribal village and then head south, deep into the Da Krong and A Shau Valleys.  Just before A Loui we stop for the difficult hike to the summit of Hamburger Hill.  Later, we continue south through the town of A Loui before turning east on Highway 547.  Passing FSB's Bastogne and Birmingham, we finally arrive back in Hue.  Tonight, dinner is on our own.

Meals: B/L/_

 
Class II Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 8: (Sunday, 09 June 2019) – Hue to Hoi An

After breakfast, we bid Hue goodbye and head south on Highway 1.  We pass by Dam Cau Hai, one of the largest lagoons in Southeast Asia, encompassing 112 square kilometers.  Father south we enter the Lang Co fishing village where we walk across the bridge separating Dam Lap An from the sea.  We then head up the breathtaking Hai Van, stopping at the Pass of the High Clouds to take in a view of Da Nang and her bay.  The Hai Van Pass had been a vital strategic military foothold for the Chinese for centuries and was used by the French during France's Indochina War and by the U.S. in America's Vietnam War.  Bunkers and fortifications dot the hillsides here.  Continuing down the Hai Van to sea level, we cross Nam O Bridge and stop at the Song Cu De where we board our boat for our venture upstream deep into Elephant Valley.  Upon our return, we visit Red Beach II, where U.S. Marines made their first amphibious landing in Vietnam in March 1965.  We then enter Da Nang City.  After lunch, we stop for photos at My Khe Beach on the South China Sea.  My Khe was better known as "China Beach," which was used as an in-country 'R&R' by U.S. troops.  A little farther south we pass through the site of the Marble Mountain Air Facility (a U.S. helicopter base during the war).  Our last stop of the day is a wood-carving and silk shop as we arrive in Hoi An.  Hoi An, a beautiful well-preserved ancient trading port, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Its temples and architecture show the different cultural influences of its time and its lovely Japanese covered bridge is unique to this town.  Luckily for Hoi An, its importance waned long before the War, and it was left essentially isolated and relatively untouched.

Meals: B/L/D

 
Class II Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 9: (Monday, 10 June 2019) – Hoi An (Choose One)

GROUP 1:

Today is a free day.  You can relax by the pool, or you may want to roam by yourselves the streets and shops of this ancient port city, formerly known as Faifo, where Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese, and Japanese traders once walked.  The town ceased to be an important trade harbor when its inlet shoaled, and the port was moved north to Da Nang.  Shopping is excellent here and is one of the best places for tailor-made clothing.  There are literally hundreds of amazing little shops in this town.  Lunch and dinner are on our own today.  Be sure to sample some of the many local restaurants and night spots in this fascinating little city.

Meals: B/_/_

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

GROUP 2:

This morning, we head southwest and then parallel to the southern edge of Go Noi Island stopping for a hike up Hill 119, the 1st Recon Outpost.  At the south side of Liberty Bridge.  Next, we make our way to An Hoa Regimental Combat Base.  We then enjoy a special visit to the My Son Holyland located deep in the foothills of the Que Son Mountains.  My Son is the site of Trakieu, the ancient capital of the Cham Kingdom, and contains ruins dating back to the 5th Century.  After lunch, we cross the Song Thu Bon via the new Liberty Bridge and through the city of Dai Loc and Hill 37.  Turning east on Thunder Road (Highway 4) we stop at the village of Cam Van(3), followed by a visit to Hill 55.  Tonight, dinner is on our own.

Meals: B/L/_

 
Class II Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 10: (Tuesday, 11 June 2019) – (Choose One)

GROUP 1: Hoi An

Today is a free day.  Lunch and dinner are on our own.

Meals: B/_/_

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

GROUP 2: Hoi An to Quang Ngai

This morning, we head south on Highway 1 turning southwest for a stop at LZ Ross.  We return to Highway 1 via the Que Son Valley road.  At Tam Ky we travel southwest to LZ Bowman (Hill 218) where we stop for a visit.  Back on Highway 1, we stop at Chu Lai Airbase and the old Ky Ha Helicopter and Logistics facility.  After a seafood lunch on Crescent Beach, we continue south to Duc Pho.  Tonight, we stay in Quang Ngai City.

Meals: B/L/D

 
Class II Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 11: (Wednesday, 12 June 2019) – (Choose One)

GROUP 1: Hoi An

Today is a free day.  Lunch and dinner are on our own.

Meals: B/_/_

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

GROUP 2: Quang Ngai to Hoi An

This morning, we visit My Lai(4).  This is the location of the infamous massacre that took place on 16 March 1968, lead by Lt. William Calley.  We then return to Hoi An.  The balance of the day is free.  Dinner is on our own.

Meals: B/L/_

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 12: (Thursday, 13 June 2019) – Hoi An to Da Nang

Departing early, we head north to the Marble Mountain area and stop at a marble carving shop.  This area is famous for their stone-sculpture industries.  These mountains are visually-striking monoliths that rise from the flat coastal plain and are home to Buddhist shrines and numerous caves.  We climb to the top of the largest mountain and explore the VC hospital area located deep within.  After lunch, we venture to the top of Ba Na Mountain (Hill 1467), site of a Recon Radio Relay Station.

Meals: B/L/D

 
Class II Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 13: (Friday, 14 June 2019) – Da Nang

Today is our last free day in Vietnam.  Lunch is on our own, but tonight all hands are required at our very special Farewell Dinner at the most famous restaurant in Da Nang, the Kim Do.

Meals: B/_/D

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 14: (Saturday, 15 June 2019) – Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

After breakfast, we head Da Nang Airfield for our flight to Saigon.  No lunch today, but if you have the urge, you can grab a burger at the Da Nang Burger King franchise at the airport.  Landing at Tan Son Nhat Airfield (once the busiest airport in the world), we board our waiting motorcoach.  We visit sites in Saigon to include Reunification Hall (Old Presidential Palace); Norte Dame; and the Old Post Office.  We finish our city tour at the US Embassy compound (now the US Consulate) to see the place where Viet Cong sappers blew a hole in the compound wall and gained access to the Embassy grounds during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

Meals: B/_/D

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 15: (Sunday, 16 June 2019) – Saigon to CONUS

Today we bid goodbye to our friends who have opted for one of our fabulous post tours.  The rest of our group will then transfer to the international terminal for our flight to Taipei.   Departing from Taipei, we gain a day enroute to the continental United States by re-crossing the International Dateline, arriving in Los Angeles (LAX) at approximately 4:30 p.m. this same day.

Meals: B/L/D (in flight)

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.
Tour Pricing Information

Tour Price: $3,895.00 / Per Person is based upon Double Occupancy (2 people per room)
Single Supplement is $598.00

Ground Only Price: $2,900.00 / Per Person is also based upon Double Occupancy (2 people per room)
Single Supplement is $598.00

Tour Price Includes:

  1. International roundtrip airfare from our Los Angeles, California (LAX) gateway.     Alternative Gateways
    • Ground Only Tours - International roundtrip airfare is not included.
  2. Air-conditioned motorcoach transportation.
  3. Vietnam airfare.
  4. Vietnam Visa Processing and fees.
    • Ground Only Tours - Vietnam Visa Processing and fees may or may not be included.
  5. Hotel Accommodations throughout tour.
  6. Virtually all meals, as indicated in itinerary.
  7. Historical Trip information packet, containing maps and other information pertaining to your tour.
  8. Admission fees to all sites, museums and special attractions listed.
  9. Services of our experienced Directors & English--speaking local guides.
  10. Gratuities (NOTE: VBT American guides are prohibited from accepting tips.)
  11. Bulk-baggage handling.
  12. Emergency Medical, Evacuation, Repatriation and Hospitalization Insurance included in each tour.

Why choose Vietnam Battlefield Tours?
Here's just a few reasons:
  • VBT - We use only highly-experienced U.S. Marine Corps & U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran guides.
  • VBT - Runs 15-day tours which ensures unrushed touring.
  • VBT - Has virtually all-inclusive pricing. (Beware of hidden charges forced on you by other tour operators).
  • VBT - Gets you to places other companies cannot access.
  • VBT - Our tours are designed for customization based on participant's requests (no off-the-rack tours).
VIETNAM Battlefield Tours   -    5150 Broadway St. #473   -    San Antonio, TX 78209-5710   -    Phone: 1-210-568-9500   -   Toll Free: 1-877-231-9277
Copyright © 2006 - 2021      VIETNAM Battlefield Tours      All rights reserved.