I-Corps * Emphasis on Northern I-Corps
10 March - 24 March, 2024
15 Days
Price: $4,995.00
Tour Reference: VN-24031
Ground Only Price is: $3,995.00*
Deadline for Registration is 11/11/2023
Marines assault at the Battle for Hill 881.
1967
Daily Itinerary

Day 1 & 2: (Sunday - Monday, 10 - 11 March 2024) – Enroute to Taipei

Report to Los Angeles, California (LAX) Airport 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, 12 March 2024) – Taipei to Da Nang to Hue

After a short layover in Taipei where we endure the Big Speech, we depart for Vietnam.  We land at Da Nang Airfield and proceed through immigration, retrieve our bags, clear customs, and board our waiting motorcoach.  Leaving the city, we head north on Highway 1 and stop for photos at Red Beach II, where U.S. Marines made their first amphibious landing in Vietnam in March 1965.  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 walk across the Lang Co Bridge which separates Lang Co and Dam Lap An from the sea.  After the Bowling Alley and Phu Loc, we pass by Dam Cau Hai, one of the largest lagoons in Southeast Asia, encompassing 112 square kilometers.  Our final stop of the day will be Phu Bai Airfield before entering Hue City (the old Imperial Capital of Vietnam) and arrive at our hotel (which was the ARVN BOQ during the war) on the southern bank of the Perfume River.  Tonight, we enjoy our Welcome Dinner.

Meals: L (in flight)/D

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 4: (Wednesday, 13 March 2024) – Hue

This morning we begin our study of the 1968 Tet Offensive battles for Hue.  The Battle of Hue was one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the war, and we spend our day visiting strategic sites in the fighting.  We start in 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.  After lunch, we enjoy a relaxing Dragon Boat cruise up the beautiful Perfume River to the 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 short ride from Thien Mu, we stop at the southwest corner of the Citadel Wall.  We then 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 5: (Thursday, 14 March 2024) – Hue to Dong Ha

Our first stop is Camp Evans.  Farther north, we come upon the 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 counterattack.  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).  Entering Dong Ha, we stop at the Lew Puller School.  After lunch, we 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, Dai Loc, Jones Creek, and My Loc.  Turning north again at Cua Viet, we 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 at a depth of 30m saved many villager's lives and are still in very good condition.  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.

Meals: B/L/D

 
Class II Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 6: (Friday, 15 March 2024) – Dong Ha

After breakfast, we walk the Dong Ha Bridge (destroyed by Capt. John Ripley which stopped the initial NVA advance during the 1972 Easter Offensive).  We then stop at Alpha-3, after which we visit the U.S. base at Alpha-4, better known as Con Thien (The Hill of Angels).  A-4 was the northwestern anchor of the McNamara Line.  Travelling south on the Rough-Rider Road, we cross 2/4's Bastard's Bridge (aka The Washout) and stop at Charlie-2.  Continuing south, we pass Charlie-3 and stop for photos at the 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, 16 March 2024) – Dong Ha to Khe Sanh

This morning we 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 is 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 and spend some time scouting.  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 the base.  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.  Tonight, we stay in the village Khe Sanh in somewhat Spartan accommodations.

Meals: B/L/D

 
Class II Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 8: (Sunday, 17 March 2024) – Khe Sanh to Hue

Today, we venture up to Hill 881-South to remember those brave souls who were isolated and fighting on those peaks in 1967-1968 and to recall the heroism and sacrifice of the Marines and Corpsmen who served there.  We also visit Hill 881-North to grasp the NVA perspective.  After our time on the 881's, we return to Hue.  Tonight, dinner is on our own.  We've eaten a lot of Vietnamese food up to this point, so you may want to grab a pizza or a burger at the DMZ Bar, just a short walk from our hotel.

Meals: B/L/_

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 9: (Monday, 18 March 2024) – Hue

Today is a free day to relax by the pool, go for a cyclo ride, hang out at the DMZ Bar, explore on your own, or shop all the little boutiques around town.

Meals: B/_/_

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 10: (Tuesday, 19 March 2024) – Hue to Hoi An

After breakfast, we bid Hue goodbye and head south on Highway One, stopping in the fishing village of Lang Co for a seafood lunch.  We then transit under the Hai Van Pass through the 6km-long Hai Van Tunnel.  Continuing south and through Da Nang, we arrive in Hoi An, a beautiful well-preserved ancient trading port.  It 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.

Meals: B/L/D

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 11: (Wednesday, 20 March 2024) – Hoi An

This morning, we head southwest and then parallel to the southern edge of Go Noi Island stopping at Phu Loc 6 and the south side of Liberty Bridge.  Next, we make 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 a Pho lunch, we make our way to An Hoa Regimental Combat Base.  We cross Liberty Bridge over the Song Thu Bon and turn east on Route 4 (Thunder Road) to visit Hill 55.  We then return to Hoi An.  Shopping is excellent here and is one of the best places for tailor-made clothing.

Meals: B/L/D

 
Class II Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 12: (Thursday, 21 March 2024) – Hoi An

Today we head south on Highway 1 to LZ Ross via old Route 535 through the Que Son Valley, which was the scene of Operations Swift and Essex, and where Father Capodanno received posthumously, the Medal of Honor for his heroics.  After Ross, we turn south, driving into the Valley of Death.  Moving east on old Route 534 we come upon LZ Baldy, now Vietnamese military base.  Dinner is on our own tonight.  Be sure to sample some of the many local restaurants and night spots in this fascinating little city.

Meals: B/L/_

 
Class II Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 13: (Friday, 22 March 2024) – Hoi An

Now it's time for a little R&R.  Today is 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.  Luckily for Hoi An, its importance waned long before the American War, and it was left essentially isolated and relatively untouched.  There are literally hundreds of amazing little shops in this town.  Lunch and dinner are on our own.

Meals: B/_/_

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 14: (Saturday, 23 March 2024) – Hoi An to Da Nang

After breakfast, we bid Hoi An goodbye and head north to visit the Marble Mountain complex.  This area is famous for their stone-sculpture industries.  These marble 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 monolith and explore the VC hospital area located deep within.  Next, we pass through the site of the Marble Mountain Air Facility (a U.S. helicopter base during the war).  Our last stop today will be 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' Center (Stack Arms) by U.S. troops.  We then enter Da Nang City and check into our hotel on the Han River.  The balance of our afternoon is free.  Lunch is on our own, but tonight all hands are required at our very special Farewell Dinner.

Meals: B/_/D

 
Class I Tour Day - Click for more information.

Day 15: (Sunday, 24 March 2024) – Da Nang to CONUS

After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer to Da Nang Airfield for our flight to Taipei.  Departing from Taipei, we gain a day enroute by re-crossing the International Dateline, arriving in the continental United States this same day.

Meals: B/L/D (in flight)

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

Tour Price: $4,995.00 / Per Person is based upon Double Occupancy (2 people per room)
Single Supplement is $598.00

Ground Only Price: $3,995.00 / 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.

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).
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