The Vietnam War (known as the American War in Vietnam), which lasted from 1955 to 1975, left a profound impact on the country and the world. From underground tunnels to memorial museums, here are nine of the most interesting Vietnam War sites. 

1. Cu Chi Tunnels 

About 40 miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels played a critical role during the Vietnam War. This extensive underground network served as living quarters, supply routes, and hideouts for the Viet Cong forces. Many of our guests choose to explore sections of the tunnels, some of which have been widened to accommodate tourists. Your experienced local guide will provide insights into the ingenious methods used by the Viet Cong to evade detection, including booby traps and underground kitchens.  

2. War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City 

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US Army helicopter displayed at the War Remnants Museum

One of the most visited attractions in Vietnam, the War Remnants Museum in HCMC provides a sobering look at the impact of the Vietnam War. Exhibits include photographs, artifacts, and military equipment, such as tanks and aircraft. Particularly moving are the sections dedicated to the effects of Agent Orange and other chemical defoliants used during the war. While the museum’s perspective is understandably focused on the Vietnamese experience, it serves as a powerful reminder of war’s human cost. 

3. DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) 

Straddling the 17th parallel, the DMZ was the dividing line between North and South Vietnam during the war. This area saw some of the fiercest battles, and today, it’s a must-visit for history buffs. Key sites include the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where entire villages lived underground to escape bombings, and the Hien Luong Bridge, a symbol of Vietnam’s division.  

4. Hoa Lo Prison, Hanoi 

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“Maison Centrale” translates to Central House in French.

Known to American POWs as the “Hanoi Hilton,” Hoa Lo Prison was originally built by the French in the 1890s to house Vietnamese political prisoners. During the Vietnam War, it became infamous as a detention center for American pilots, including Senator John McCain, who spent more than five years there. Today, the prison is a museum encompassing both the French and American Wars. Your guide will take you into the cells, and show you artifacts including the flight suit McCain was wearing when he crash-landed in Truc Bach Lake and the guillotine used by the French.  

5. Khe Sanh Combat Base 

Located near the Laos border, Khe Sanh Combat Base was the site of one of the war’s most intense battles. The base was under siege for 77 days in 1968, as North Vietnamese forces attempted to overrun it. Today, the site features a small museum displaying military artifacts, photographs, and vehicles. The surrounding terrain, with its rugged hills and coffee plantations, gives an idea of how tough conditions were for both sides. 

6. Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh City 

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With impressive architecture by Ngô Viết Thụ, the Reunification Palace stuns above ground while concealing secret bunkers below.

Also known as Independence Palace, this trippy 1960s masterpiece was the official residence of the President of South Vietnam. It gained worldwide recognition when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the war. The palace has been preserved as it was during that historic moment, complete with war rooms, telecommunications equipment, and vintage furniture. It’s a fascinating snapshot of a moment in time – both politically and architecturally. 

7. My Lai Memorial, Quang Ngai Province 

The My Lai Massacre is one of the darkest chapters of the Vietnam War, where over 500 civilians were killed by U.S. troops in 1968. The My Lai Memorial honors the victims and serves as a reminder of the atrocities of war. The site includes a museum, a memorial garden, and preserved foundations of the original village. Visiting My Lai is a somber but essential experience. 

8. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park 

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Photos don’t do these fascinating caves justice!

While primarily known for its stunning caves (one cave is so enormous a Boeing 747 could take off and land inside it) and all-round natural beauty, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Central Vietnam also played a significant role during the Vietnam War. The Ho Chi Minh Trail, once a vital supply route for the North Vietnamese army, runs through this area. While most visitors are drawn to the stunning formations of Paradise Cave and the cavernous expanses of Hang Son Doong, war buffs will not want to miss Hang Toi (Dark Cave), which was used as a hideout and storage area during the war.  

9. Con Dao Islands 

The Con Dao Islands, located off Vietnam’s southern coast, were used as a prison complex by both the French and the South Vietnamese government. Thousands of political prisoners were held here under brutal conditions. Today, visitors can tour the prisons, including the infamous “tiger cages,” and learn about the resilience of the inmates. Fortunately, the islands also boast stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs and lush landscapes, so you can make a tropical holiday out of the experience.