Ia Drang valley loop Central Highlands battlefield tour from Hoi An or Da Nang (I Corps to II Corps)
If you are really interested in the Vietnam war, this tour is a must-do as it includes a visit to the site of LZ X-ray where the most famous battle took place - battle of Ia Drang valley, this tour is a must-do. With this tour, you'll have a chance to travel from coastal area with paddy fields to the mountain area between Vietnam and Laos OR Vietnam and Cambodia to enjoy the beautiful sceneries of I Corps and II Corps. At the same time, you can follow the used-to-be Ho Chi Minh trail crossing from East Truong Son mountain range to West Truong Son mountain range to have a feel of the terrain in this border area where many CIDG camps located. You'll have a basic understanding of the war from the end of the French war (Battle of Mang Yang pass/Death of GM 100) to the very beginning of the US involvement (Battle of Ia Drang valley 1965) to the escalation of the war during the Tet offensive (My Lai massacre, Kham Duc evacation) and to the de-escalation of the war with the Paris Peace talks after the Easter Offensive 1972 (Kon Tum - Dak To - Tan Canh).
Day 1: Hoi An (or Da Nang) to Kon Tum/Pleiku
In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel going to Kham Duc where the Special Forces Camp of the same name was attacked in May 1968 in an effort to influence the Paris Peace Talks happenning at the same time. Kham Duc was the last special forces camp be overrun, marking all of the border survellance camps had been taken out of action. We will go along the then-Ho Chi Minh trail crossing Lo Xo pass before entering Central Highlands to the border intersection between Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia. Having some photo opportunites before heading to Dak To, site of one of the border battles taking place in November 1967 in order to distract American and South Vietnamese forces away from the cities towards the borders in preparation for the Tet Offensive. Continue onto Kon Tum/Pleiku. Overnight at Kon Tum city or Pleiku city.
Ia Drang valley loop Central Highlands battlefield tour from Hoi An or Da Nang (I Corps to II Corps)
Day 2: Kon Tum/Pleiku - Ia Drang valley - Quy Nhon
Pickup from hotel in Kon Tum/Pleiku going to LZ Xray and Ia Drang valley - site of the battle of Ia Drang near Cambodia border known for its first ever engagement between the regular army of North Vietnamese (NVA) and US Army and made famous in the Mel Gibson movie "We were soldiers". This battle is also notable for its first large scale helicopter air assault and also the first use of Boeing B52 Stratofortress strategic bombers in a tactical support role. You will have ample time strolling around the LZ Xray to immerse in the terrain and to have a feel of the landscape. Upon request, we can go to nearby LZ Albany where 2/7 Cavalry were ambushed on day after the events at LZ X-ray. Next stop, if time permits, we'll go to Plei Me special forces camp which plays as a prelude to the battle of Ia Drang valley. Drive all the way to Quy Nhon. En route visit site of the last battle of Indochina war or battle of Mang Yang pass which causes the death of French forces named G.M. 100 right after the battle of Dien Bien Phu. On the way to Quy Nhon, you'll pass by Tay Son, hometown of Vietnamese hero king Quang Trung - Nguyen Hue who defeated the Chinese Qing dynasty invaders in 1789. Overnight at Quy Nhon city.
Day 3: Quy Nhon - Hoi An (or Da Nang)
On this last day of the 3-day trip, you'll have a drive along Highway 1 northbound back to Hoi An city or Da Nang city. Fist stop of the day is Son My memorial (site of My Lai massacre) infamous for massacre on 16 March 1968 killing 504 unarmed civilians. Keep going north towards Nui Thanh district of Quang Nam province and turn right onto Chu Lai airport to take a look at the remnants of airbase hangars and runway left from 50+ years ago. Chu Lai is a jumping off point for the massacre at My Lai. Last stop of the day is the Statue complex of Vietnamese mother hero Nguyen Thi Thu who has 11 sons and grand children died in the French war and American war to understand the great sacrifice and grief of the Vietnamese women during the war time. Here you can also see another version of Vietnam war memorial wall inscribed with the names of the Liberation Army (North Vietnamese Army and Vietcong). Drive to your hotel in Hoi An or Da Nang. Great farewell.
Ia Drang valley loop Central Highlands battlefield tour from Hoi An or Da Nang (I Corps to II Corps)
Tour price: please contact
Inclusive: Private transport, private guide and driver, all admission and permission fees, bottled water, tolls, parking, 2 night accommodation (3 stars, shared room)
Exclusive: Personal expense, gratuity.
This tour can be arranged to have another day in Buon Ma Thuot and a drop-off at Nha Trang instead of a loop back to Hoi An or Da Nang. Please email us at vinadmz@gmail.com or call +84.947.019.119 (Whatsapp, Zalo)
Ia Drang valley loop Central Highlands tour from Hoi An or Da Nang (I Corps to II Corps)
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