Day 1 & 2: (Sunday - Monday , 5 – 6 March) – Enroute
Report to Los Angeles International Terminal. Depart Los Angeles on our flight to Hong Kong. We lose one day crossing the International Dateline.
Day 3: (Tuesday, 7 March) – Ha Noi
After a short layover in Hong Kong, we depart for Vietnam. Arriving at Ha Noi’s Noi Bai Airfield (heavily bombed during the war) we proceed through immigration, retrieve our bags, clear customs, board our motorcoach, and cross the Red River and its dikes to explore the Ha Noi environs. We visit the Ho Chi Minh House, the One Pillar Pagoda, the fascinating War Museum, the Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton), and the John McCain Monument. This evening we enjoy a visit (mission permitting) to the Marine House, home of the U.S. Marine Corps Security Guard responsible for the protection of the U.S. Ambassador and the American Embassy (mission responsibility permitting). Afterwards we enjoy our Welcome Dinner.
Meals: B (in flight) /L/D Hotel: Thuy Tien
Day 4: (Wednesday, 8 March) – Ha Noi to Hue
On the way to the airport we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Continuing on to Noi Bai Airfield, we catch our Vietnam Airlines flight to Phu Bai Airfield. We transfer to our hotel on the southern bank of the Perfume River in Hue (the old Imperial Capital of Vietnam). After lunch we study the 1968 Tet Offensive battles for Hue. We will walk the southern battle areas. We follow the actions of 1/1 and 2/5, covering among others, the former MACV Compound, Tran Cao Van Street, Old Prison, Girl's High School, ARVN BOQ, Hue University, Treasury, Public Health Building, Provincial Capital Building area, and the Church of the Redemptress. After dinner, you can roam the fascinating shops on Le Loi Street until late at night.
Meals: B/L/D Hotel: Huong Giang
Day 5: (Thursday, 9 March) – Hue
This morning we take a relaxing cruise up the beautiful Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Tu Duc Tombs. We return to lunch and use the balance of the afternoon to explore the Citadel with its ramparts and towers, and visit sites specific to the northern battle, including the Chuck Meadows and Dong Ba Gates and the phase lines. We finish at the Imperial Palace gate blown by 1/5, 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 Hotel: Huong Giang
Day 6: (Friday, 10 March) – Hue to Dong Ha
Early this morning we head north on Highway 1 toward Dong Ha, stopping at sites along the way, such as Quang Tri City, the Ai Tu Airfield, and the Lew Puller School. We then head east to get a look at the old Cua Viet base area on the South China Sea. After lunch we explore Leatherneck Square including the Cam Lo Bridge, Con Thien (the Hill of Angels), Gio Linh FSB Forward (Alpha 2), and the Bridge at Dong Ha. We will also visit the Peace Bridge over the Song Ben Hai, the river that was the only true physical demarcation between North and South Vietnam.
Meals: B/L/D Hotel: Hieu Giang
Day 7: (Saturday, 11 March) – Dong Ha to Khe Sanh to Hue
After breakfast we head west on Route 9. Our first stop is Camp Carroll, the Marine artillery plateau. We continue on to the Rockpile for a short hike to the Razorback. Along the way we will come upon other sites that were of military importance during the war, including the Four Gates to Hell, the Khe Gia Bridge, Vandergrift Combat Base (LZ Stud), Ca Lu, the Da Krong Bridge, and the Hairpin. After stopping for lunch in the village of Khe Sanh, we continue almost to the Laotian border to the Lang Vei Special Forces Camp, overrun in the first ever NVA tank assault. Co Roc Mountain soars to the heavens just across the border. After Lang Vei, we turn back to Khe Sanh village where we head north to the Khe Sanh Combat Base where we will spend ample time to search the base. We return to Hue for the evening.
Meals: B/L/D Hotel: Huong Giang
Day 8: (Sunday, 12 March) – Hue to Da Nang
This morning we drive south on Highway 1. We stop at interesting sites along the way including the Hai Van Pass with a stop at the Pass to explore old French bunkers and take in a view of Da Nang and the bay. Continuing down the Hai Van, we visit Nam-O Bridge and Red Beach II. We then enter Elephant Valley to view Hill 868 where members or 3rd Recon were overrun in the incredible: "Battle of Dong Den." Finally, we pass through Dog Patch as we enter Da Nang City, and check into our hotel. After lunch, we visit a marble carving shop and climb Marble Monutain and explore the VC Hospital area located deep within. Afterwards, we can go for a swim in the South China Sea at China Beach. Tonight we are on our own to sample the local restaurants and night spots offered in the Da Nang area.
Meals: B/L/_ Hotel: Bamboo Green
Day 9: (Monday, 13 March) – Da Nang
Today we head southwest. First stop in the village of Hong So'n (1) just off Thunder Road Highway 4. From there we continue west to Hill 55, then Hill 37, and Hill 65. Also included is a visit to the northern end of the Liberty Bridge area. The balance of the day is reserved for relaxation or personal exploration in the Da Nang area. Again, we are on our own for dinner.
Meals: B/L/_ Hotel: Bamboo Green
Day 10: (Tuesday, 14 March) – Da Nang to Quang Ngai
Leaving our hotel early, we head south on Highway 1 stopping at interesting sites along the way including Chu Lai Airfield, Ky Ha, and Hill 43. A bit further south, we visit the villages of Than Tra 1 & 2. We settle into our hotel in Quang Hgai for the night.
Meals: B/L/D Hotel: My Tra
Day 11: (Wednesday, 15 March) – Quang Ngai to Hoi An
This morning, we return north after exploring Duc Pho, Nui Dau and Nui Cau. We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner and a chance to shop in the ancient port town of Hoi An, formerly known as Faifo. Here you can roam the streets of this old port-of-call where ancient Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese traders once walked.
Meals: B/L/D Hotel: Hoi An
Day 12: (Thursday, 16 March) – Hoi An to Da Nang
After breakfast, we visit a woodcarving and silk factory, and bid Hoi An goodbye. We head west for a trek up Hill 119. Continuing west, we explore the An Hoa Regimental Combat Base, the German Hospital Complex, and the southern end of the Liberty Bridge area. We will also head into the deep foothills of the Que Son Mountains to the ancient capital of Trakieu at the My Son Holyland, site of Cham Dynasty ruins that date back to the 7th Century in the foothills of the Que Son Mountains. Tonight we gather for a very special Farewell Dinner at the most famous restaurant in Da Nang, the Kim Do.
Meals: B/L/D Hotel: Bamboo Green
Day 13: (Friday, 17 March) – Da Nang
Today is a free day devoted to shopping, exploring on your own, or for just relaxing. You are your own for lunch and dinner.
Meals: B/_/_ Hotel: Bamboo Green
Day 14: (Saturday, 18 March) – Da Nang to Ha Noi
After breakfast, we head to Da Nang Airfield for our flight to Ha Noi. Arriving at Noi Bai Airfield, we head to our hotel to prepare for the journey home and more last-minute shopping. This evening, we enjoy a performance of the world-famous Ha Noi Water Puppet Theater.
Meals: B/L/D Hotel: Thuy Tien
Day 15: (Sunday, 19 March) – RETURN to CONUS
After breakfast, we head to Noi Bai Airfield for our flight to Hong Kong. Departing from Hong Kong, we gain a day enroute to the continental United States by re-crossing the International Dateline, arriving in Los Angeles at 12:50 this same day.
Meals: B/L/D (in flight)
