Dong Ha is a gateway to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), which divided the North and South during the Vietnam War. Thought-provoking sights like the Vinh Moc Tunnels and Khe Sanh Combat Base offer a unique perspective on this chapter in Vietnamese history.
Things to do in Dong Ha
Guided tours of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) offer unique insight into the country’s turbulent past. The zone once divided North and South Vietnam and is dotted with sights and landmarks that recall this chapter in Vietnamese history. Visit the Khe Sanh Combat Base set up by the US Marine Corps and walk a section of the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail, which served as an important supply route for North Vietnamese forces.
Descend into the Vinh Moc Tunnels and explore a network of secret bomb shelters used to protect Vietnamese civilians. They were dug between 1966 and 1967 and feature three levels - the deepest is 23 metres below ground level. A small museum offers more information on the underground village and the people who once lived there.
Visit the Truong Son National Cemetery and pay your respects to the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. The poignant cemetery is dotted with thousands of white tombstones and is the final resting place of more than 10,000 North Vietnamese heroes.
Getting around Dong Ha
Parts of Dong Ha are pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Taxis and tuk-tuks are a fast and affordable way to get around and visit surrounding sights and attractions. The city is in Quảng Trị Province, a 3.5-hour drive from Hội An. Trains connect Dong Ha Railway Station with other cities along the coast. Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is an 11-hour drive north.