What is the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone)?
The DMZ, or Demilitarised Zone, was a buffer area that divided North and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, roughly following the 17th parallel. It stretched about 100 kilometers from the Laotian border to the East Sea and ran through what is now Quang Tri Province, in central Vietnam. While called a “demilitarised” zone, it was ironically one of the most heavily bombed and contested areas of the war. Today, the DMZ is a peaceful rural region, but many remnants of its turbulent past are still visible and can be visited.
History of the DMZ
French colonial times
Before the DMZ ever existed, Vietnam had already seen decades of foreign control. In the late 19th century, the French colonized Vietnam as part of French Indochina. Resistance movements grew slowly over time, especially under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh and the communist-led Viet Minh. After years of fighting, the Viet Minh finally defeated the French at the famous Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954. That victory forced the colonial powers to the negotiation table, leading to the Geneva Conference.
Genève convention and the 17th parallel
At the Geneva Conference in 1954, it was agreed that Vietnam would be temporarily divided into two zones—North and South—separated by a demilitarised buffer zone around the 17th parallel. The North would be led by Ho Chi Minh and the communist government, while the South was backed by anti-communist forces with growing U.S. support. This division was meant to be temporary, with nationwide elections planned for 1956 to reunify the country. Those elections never happened, and what was supposed to be a short-term separation became the root of a long and brutal conflict.
Start of the Vietnam War
With growing tensions between the communist North and the U.S.-supported South, the division solidified. The North pushed for reunification under communism, while the South resisted—with increasing American military and political involvement. By the early 1960s, what began as a civil conflict had escalated into a full-blown war. The U.S. began sending troops, constructing major bases in the South (including in areas near the DMZ), and launching bombing campaigns in the North. The DMZ, originally created to prevent conflict, became the fault line of one of the most intense wars of the 20th century.
War in the DMZ
Despite its name, the DMZ was far from demilitarised. In fact, it became one of the most heavily contested zones during the Vietnam War. North Vietnamese forces used the area to infiltrate the South, often through complex networks like the Ho Chi Minh Trail and underground tunnels.
The U.S. and South Vietnamese forces responded by building bases close to the zone and launching large-scale operations to try and hold the line. Places like Khe Sanh, Camp Carroll, and Con Thien saw fierce battles and relentless bombing. Today, you can still visit bunkers, airstrips, and even tunnels dug by villagers and soldiers trying to survive the constant shelling. The DMZ turned into a symbolic and literal front line—where ideologies clashed and countless lives were lost.
Vietnam War sights to visit in the DMZ
The DMZ may be quiet today, but it still carries the scars of the Vietnam War. Scattered throughout the region are war sites that once played key roles in one of the most intense conflicts of the 20th century. Some have been preserved as memorials or museums, while others have faded into the jungle or rural landscape. Below are the most well-known sights you can still visit in and around the DMZ.
1. Vinh Moc Tunnels
The Vinh Moc Tunnels are one of the most impressive and haunting reminders of the war. This network of underground tunnels was built by local villagers to escape American bombings, and unlike the more famous Cu Chi Tunnels near Saigon, people actually lived here full-time—entire families, even babies born underground. The tunnels include living quarters, wells, meeting rooms, and even a maternity area.
Today, the Vinh Moc Tunnels are open to visitors, and you can walk through sections of the original tunnels to get a feel for what life underground was like. It’s dark, damp, and narrow—but incredibly well preserved. There’s also a small museum nearby with photographs and war relics, giving deeper insight into the lives of those who survived below ground.
2. Khe Sanh Combat Base
Khe Sanh Combat Base was one of the most strategic American bases near the Laotian border, located in the mountains west of the DMZ. In early 1968, it became the site of a brutal 77-day siege during the Tet Offensive, where U.S. Marines were surrounded by North Vietnamese troops. The battle was one of the bloodiest of the war and was closely watched around the world.
Today, the former base has been turned into a small open-air museum. You can still see a few bunkers, a restored American aircraft, old shells, and rusting tanks scattered across the red clay ground. There’s also a small exhibit hall with maps and photographs that tell the story of the siege. It’s remote, but the setting and history make the visit worthwhile.
3. Camp Carroll
Camp Carroll was once a major artillery base for South Vietnam and U.S. forces, sitting just off Route 9. It was heavily armed and strategically important, but in 1972, during the Easter Offensive, it was captured by North Vietnamese troops in a major turning point of the war. The base’s fall symbolized the vulnerability of the South Vietnamese army at the time.
Today, there’s little left of Camp Carroll. The area has returned to forest and rubber plantations, and only a small victory monument marks the site. The location still offers sweeping views of the surrounding hills and old war zones, including the direction of check points like Fuller and the Rockpile. It’s more a place to reflect than explore, but it’s historically significant.
4. Hien Luong Bridge
The Hien Luong Bridge spans the Ben Hai River and symbolically marked the dividing line between North and South Vietnam. The bridge was painted two colors—blue on one side, yellow on the other—to reflect the division, and it became a powerful symbol of the separation of the country. Loudspeakers once blasted propaganda across the river in both directions.
Today, the bridge has been preserved as a memorial. You can walk across it, see the old border markings, and visit a nearby museum and flag tower. The area feels quiet now, but it’s easy to imagine the tension that once filled this narrow crossing point. It’s one of the most accessible and symbolic sights in the DMZ.
5. Mine Action Visitor Center
Located in Dong Ha, the Mine Action Visitor Center highlights a lesser-known but ongoing legacy of the war—unexploded ordnance (UXO). Quang Tri Province was one of the most heavily bombed areas in Vietnam, and even decades later, large amounts of bombs and mines remain buried in the ground, posing a serious risk to local communities.
At the center, you’ll find exhibits explaining the scale of the bombing and the continuing efforts to clear mines and educate local people. It’s small but informative, with real examples of bombs and touching stories about victims and clearance teams. A visit here gives a more human perspective on the long-term consequences of war.
6. Truong Son National Cemetery
The Truong Son National Cemetery is the final resting place for tens of thousands of North Vietnamese soldiers who died along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Built after the war, it’s the largest war cemetery in Vietnam and an important site of remembrance for the country. The graves are organized by province, and many remain unnamed.
As a visitor, the scale of the cemetery is striking. Rows of simple tombstones stretch across the hills, shaded by pine trees. There’s a solemn atmosphere here, and while it’s not a typical tourist attraction, it’s a meaningful stop if you want to understand the human cost of the conflict. The site is well maintained and occasionally visited by families and veterans.
7. The Rockpile
The Rockpile is a steep, isolated limestone hill that once served as a U.S. observation post, due to its high vantage point over the surrounding valleys. It was considered inaccessible to the enemy, so helicopters were used to supply troops and rotate personnel. From here, the U.S. could monitor movements along nearby trails and infiltration routes.
Today, the Rockpile is visible from the road but not accessible for climbing. It’s surrounded by dramatic landscapes and makes for a good photo stop if you’re driving through Route 9. Knowing its former role as a watchtower in the middle of a warzone adds weight to the otherwise quiet scenery.
8. Ho Chi Minh Trail
The Ho Chi Minh Trail was not a single road, but a vast network of jungle paths and hidden routes used by North Vietnamese forces to move troops and supplies from the North to the South. It ran through Laos and Cambodia, but parts of it cut directly through the DMZ region, especially near the Dakrong Valley.
While much of the original trail has disappeared into the forest, you can still explore sections near the DMZ, including the scenic Dakrong Bridge area. It’s a peaceful drive today, winding through remote hills and villages. For many travelers, this part of the trail offers an off-the-beaten-track ride with the added weight of history.
9. Quang Tri Town
Quang Tri Town was once a stronghold of the South Vietnamese government and home to an impressive ancient citadel. In 1972, it became a key target during the North Vietnamese Easter Offensive. After a fierce siege and heavy bombardment, the town was nearly wiped off the map. Reports say the destruction matched the force of several nuclear bombs.
Today, Quang Tri has been rebuilt, but signs of the past remain. The old citadel walls and moat are still visible, along with cannons and a small museum. Nearby, the ruins of Long Hung Church stand as a stark reminder of the devastation. While not much remains to see, visiting Quang Tri offers context to the scale of destruction the DMZ once witnessed.
How to visit the Vietnam DMZ?
The Vietnam DMZ can still be visited today, and for many travelers, it’s a powerful way to learn more about the country’s wartime history. While the region is now peaceful and rural, the remains of bunkers, tunnels, and battlefields offer a glimpse into what happened here just a few decades ago. The DMZ is located in central Vietnam, mostly within Quang Tri Province, stretching from the Laotian border to the coast. It’s not a single destination but a wide area scattered with war-related sites—and there are several ways to explore it.
Nearby places
Several cities make a good base for visiting the DMZ, depending on your route and travel style. Below are the two most practical options.
Hue
Hue is the most popular base for DMZ tours and the largest city near the area. It sits just south of the former DMZ and also saw heavy fighting during the war, especially during the Tet Offensive in 1968. Beyond its war history, Hue is known for its imperial citadel and royal tombs from the Nguyen Dynasty, making it a great cultural stop as well.
Hue is well connected, with Phu Bai International Airport offering domestic flights and a train station on the main north-south railway line. From Hue, it’s easy to arrange a day trip to several DMZ sites, especially those along the coast and Route 9.
Dong Ha
Dong Ha is the capital of Quang Tri Province and sits right within the DMZ area. It’s a small, functional town without many sights of its own, but it’s geographically the closest urban base to many war-related locations.
There’s no airport in Dong Ha, but it does have a train station and lies along Highway 1, so buses and cars from both the north and south can stop here easily. Many tours from Hue pass through Dong Ha before continuing to places like Khe Sanh or the Vinh Moc Tunnels.
DMZ tours
Most tours to the DMZ depart from Hue and vary in length depending on how many sites are included. Shorter tours typically focus on the Vinh Moc Tunnels and Hien Luong Bridge, while longer ones may include Khe Sanh Combat Base, the Truong Son Cemetery, and more.
You can choose between group tours (usually in shared limousine buses) and private tours by car. Private tours cost more but give you the flexibility to visit less-visited locations such as The Rockpile. For something more adventurous, there’s also the Easy Rider option—where a local guide drives you by motorbike through the DMZ and even off the beaten track, offering a more raw and up-close experience of the region.
Renting car with driver
If you prefer to go at your own pace, renting a private car with a driver is another option. You can plan your own route and visit the places that interest you most. Keep in mind that the DMZ covers a wide area, and some sites are hours apart, so be sure to plan for travel time.
It’s also important to know that most drivers are not licensed guides. Their English may be good enough for basic directions, but if you want deeper explanations, you can either hire a separate guide or use local site guides—places like the Vinh Moc Tunnels often have guides available at the entrance for a small fee.
Tip: sightseeing transfer between Hue and Phong Nha
If your trip includes both Hue and Phong Nha, you can combine your journey with a sightseeing transfer through the DMZ. Instead of just traveling from A to B, this option lets you stop at key sights along the way—especially the Vinh Moc Tunnels and Hien Luong Bridge, which are more or less on the route.
Other places like Khe Sanh or The Rockpile require detours and can make the day much longer, but if you don’t mind the driving time and have a strong interest in the Vietnam War, it’s a great way to turn your transfer into a meaningful experience.
Travel tips for visiting the DMZ
With a bit of planning and these practical tips, visiting the DMZ can be a smooth and meaningful experience. From safety to what to wear, here’s what you should know before heading into this historically rich part of central Vietnam.
Is the DMZ in Vietnam safe?
If you’re visiting the main sights mentioned in this guide and sticking to marked paths, there’s no need to worry—these places are completely safe for tourists. Sites like Vinh Moc Tunnels, Khe Sanh, and the cemeteries have been cleared and are regularly maintained.
That said, it’s true that Quang Tri Province is still dealing with the legacy of war. During the Vietnam War, more bombs were dropped on this province than all the bombs used by all countries in World War II combined. It remains the most heavily bombed area in Vietnam. Even today, over 50 years later, efforts to clear unexploded bombs are still ongoing every day, often led by NGOs and local authorities.
What to wear
At the Truong Son National Cemetery, there’s no strict dress code, but it’s a place of remembrance, so it’s respectful to dress modestly. Avoid wearing tank tops, short skirts, or flashy clothes when visiting this war cemetery.
For Vinh Moc Tunnels, while you don’t need to crawl like in the Cu Chi Tunnels, the walkways are still narrow and can get muddy—especially during the rainy season. Wear comfortable shoes and avoid your best clothes, as it’s easy to get a bit dusty or dirty underground.
Other sights combined with the DMZ
Some tours in the DMZ region include stops at La Vang Sanctuary, a Catholic pilgrimage site located near Dong Ha. It’s believed to be the place where the Virgin Mary appeared to local Christians during a time of persecution in the late 18th century. A large basilica now stands on the site, and it draws religious visitors from across Vietnam.
Another lesser-known spot is Bich La Ancient Village, one of the oldest villages in Quang Tri Province. While there’s not a lot to see for the average traveler, it holds cultural value and is sometimes visited during local heritage tours.
There are also beaches in this region, particularly near Cua Viet and Cua Tung, but they’re not major tourist destinations. If you’re looking for a beach break, it’s better to head a bit further south to Da Nang or Hoi An, which have more facilities and better swimming conditions.
Staying around the DMZ0
For most travelers, a day trip from Hue or a sightseeing transfer from Hue to Phong Nha is more than enough to see the key DMZ sights. There’s no real need to stay overnight in the area unless you have a specific interest.
That said, towns like Dong Ha and Quang Tri do have basic hotels and guesthouses. If you’re a history enthusiast, war researcher, or veteran returning to visit old battlefields, staying a bit longer could make sense—especially if you want to explore lesser-known locations or take your time.
