Background: The road to the Tet Offensive
Context of the Vietnam War
By 1968, the Vietnam War had become a prolonged and bloody conflict, with the US heavily involved in supporting South Vietnam against the communist forces of North Vietnam and the Viet Cong. While US forces had superior firepower, the guerrilla tactics of the Viet Cong and the determination of North Vietnamese troops made the war far from a decisive victory. Public support for the war in the United States was beginning to waver due to mounting casualties and a lack of clear progress.
The Tet Holiday
Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam, symbolizing a fresh start and family reunions. Traditionally, a ceasefire was observed during Tet, allowing soldiers and civilians alike to celebrate in peace. In early 1968, both sides had agreed to such a ceasefire, reinforcing the belief that fighting would pause during the festivities.
North Vietnamese strategy
Using the Tet holiday as cover, North Vietnam and the Viet Cong planned a surprise offensive to destabilize the South Vietnamese government and provoke an uprising among the population. The goal was to shift the balance of the war by demonstrating their strength and eroding US and South Vietnamese confidence. The element of surprise was central to their plan, aiming to catch their opponents off guard when they least expected it.
US and South Vietnamese Expectations
The South Vietnamese government and US military believed that the Tet holiday would bring a temporary lull in the fighting. Many American and South Vietnamese soldiers were given leave to celebrate the holiday, and military operations were scaled back. This complacency created the perfect opportunity for the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces to launch their bold and coordinated attacks.
Key players in the Tet Offensive
North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong
The North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and the Viet Cong worked together to execute the Tet Offensive. The NVA provided large-scale military strength and logistics, while the Viet Cong, operating within South Vietnam, carried out guerrilla attacks on cities, towns, and military bases. General Vo Nguyen Giap and Le Duan were the primary architects, aiming to deliver a psychological blow to US forces and incite rebellion among South Vietnam’s population.
US and South Vietnamese Forces
US forces, led by General William Westmoreland, were initially unprepared for the scale and coordination of the Tet Offensive. South Vietnamese forces (ARVN), under President Nguyen Van Thieu, played a critical role in defending key cities and bases. Together, they mounted counterattacks, regaining lost territory but at a heavy cost to morale and public perception.
Timeline of the Tet Offensive
January 30–31, 1968: Initial Surprise Attacks
The Tet Offensive began with a series of coordinated surprise attacks by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army on over 100 cities, towns, and military installations across South Vietnam. Major targets included Saigon, Hue, Da Nang, and key provincial capitals. The timing during the Tet holiday, traditionally a period of truce, caught US and South Vietnamese forces off guard.
Battle of Hue (January 31–February 24, 1968)
In Hue, the communist forces launched one of the fiercest battles of the offensive, capturing most of the city. Intense urban combat ensued, lasting nearly a month. During their occupation, the Viet Cong and NVA conducted mass executions, resulting in the Hue Massacre, where thousands of civilians and officials were killed.
Saigon Assault (January 31, 1968)
In Saigon, the Viet Cong targeted key sites, including the US Embassy. A squad of guerrillas breached the embassy compound, creating a symbolic blow to US prestige. Despite their initial success, US and ARVN forces quickly repelled the attackers.
February 1968: Counteroffensive
By early February, US and ARVN forces launched a coordinated counteroffensive to reclaim lost territory. Cities like Hue were recaptured, but at a high cost in casualties and destruction. The communists failed to achieve their strategic objectives, but the scale and intensity of the attacks shocked the world.
The Tet Offensive became a defining moment in the Vietnam War, marking a psychological turning point despite the heavy losses for the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces.
Outcomes and impact of the Tet Offensive
Military outcome
The Tet Offensive resulted in significant casualties for the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces, with estimates of 50,000 soldiers killed or wounded. Despite the losses, they demonstrated their ability to strike deep into South Vietnam, undermining claims of US and South Vietnamese progress. For the US and ARVN forces, the offensive was a tactical victory as they regained control of most of the attacked areas, but it came at a high cost in resources and lives.
Psychological and political impact
The offensive shocked the American public and shattered the perception that the US was winning the war. Graphic media coverage, including images of the Saigon Embassy attack and the Battle of Hue, fueled anti-war sentiment.
President Lyndon B. Johnson faced mounting criticism, leading him to announce he would not seek re-election. Trust in the administration eroded as Americans questioned the government’s optimistic assessments of the war.
Global perception
The Tet Offensive reshaped international views on the Vietnam War. Allies began doubting the US’s ability to secure a victory, while the communist forces gained moral and symbolic support globally. The offensive exposed the prolonged and brutal nature of the conflict, deepening global calls for a resolution.
Historical sights of Tet Offensive you can visit
For travelers interested in the history of the Tet Offensive, Vietnam offers a range of destinations where you can explore its legacy. Instead of focusing solely on individual sights, here’s a guide to key destinations tied to the Tet Offensive and their historical significance:
1. Hue: The Imperial City and the Battle of Hue
Hue, Vietnam’s imperial capital, was a major battleground during the Tet Offensive. The Battle of Hue resulted in extensive destruction, including damage to the historic Imperial City and tragic civilian massacres by communist forces.
What you can see today:
- Imperial City: While much has been restored, parts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site still bear scars from the conflict.
- Memorials: Visit sites commemorating those lost during the battle.
2. Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): Ground Zero of the North-South divide
Located near the 17th parallel, the DMZ was a focal point of the war, including during the Tet Offensive. The Khe Sanh Combat Base, a strategic US stronghold, was part of the broader campaign.
What you can see today:
- Khe Sanh Combat Base: Learn about its role in the Tet Offensive through preserved bunkers, aircraft, and exhibits.
- DMZ tours: Explore other wartime remnants like Vinh Moc Tunnels and Truong Son Cemetery.
3. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): A city under siege
Saigon was a primary target during the Tet Offensive, with the attack on the US Embassy becoming a symbol of the conflict.
What you can see today:
- War Remnants Museum: A comprehensive look at the Vietnam War, including exhibits on the Tet Offensive.
- US Embassy Site: The original embassy building no longer exists, but the site can still be visited. Guided tours provide context to this pivotal event.
4. Central Highlands: Covert operations and base camps
Areas like Kon Tum and Pleiku saw significant activity during the Tet Offensive, serving as key locations for both Viet Cong operations and US military bases.
What you can see today:
- While many former bases are now reclaimed by nature, guided tours can provide insight into the region’s wartime history.
5. Da Nang: A strategic hub
As a major US military base, Da Nang faced coordinated attacks during the Tet Offensive.
What you can see today:
- While little remains from the Tet Offensive specifically, Da Nang serves as a gateway to exploring other wartime sites in the region.
For a broader exploration of Vietnam War sites across the country, check out our detailed guide: Vietnam War Sights.
