Khe Sanh Combat Base in Quang Tri (located in Huong Hoa, Quang Tri) is situated 63 km west of Dong Ha and 20 km east of the Lao Bao border gate and located about 23km south of the DMZ (the 17th parallel). During the resistance war against the US to save the country, it was a fierce battlefield, marked by the glorious feats of our army and people.
Khe Sanh Combat Base is in a red-soil valley located 400 meters above sea level. At the beginning of the Vietnam War, the US Military found out the important position of base de Khe Sanh. It is situated on No.9 Road – a strategic road in the north of South Vietnam. This road has led to both Laos and the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail.
In 1965-1966, the US Military and South Vietnam Government constructed Khe Sanh as the largest stronghold on the No.9 Road. This is one of the three significant bases, including Khe Sanh, Lang Vay, and Ta Con, of the McNamara electronic fence. It was built with the aim of preventing reinforcements from the North reaching the South of the Vietnam People’s Army and dividing the Ho Chi Minh trail. Khe Sanh was the site of significant battles during the No.9 Road -Khe Sanh campaign in 1968 and the No.9-South Laos campaign in 1971.
Khe Sanh Combat Base (Vietnam War)
Khe Sanh became known worldwide in early 1968 when our troops and people launched No.9 Road -Khe Sanh road campaign, dragging thousands of US Marines into the forest and confusing the American rulers. US President – Lyndon B. Johnson had to set up a “Situation Room” in the White House and placed a model of the Khe Sanh Combat Base Map there.
After 170 days and nights of fiercely fighting, the US Marines withdrew from Khe Sanh Base. On July 9th, 1968, Khe Sanh Base was completely liberated. Huong Hoa district is the first district of the South to be completely liberated. Khe Sanh is also a land of heavy failure and complete collapse of Lam Son 719 campaign of American imperialism.
Khe Sanh is proud to contribute to the army and people to mobilize people, the strength of the campaign, serving the campaign to contribute to the successful victory of Quang Tri – Hue and completely liberated the South.
At Khe Sanh Combat Museum, you can know more about history while contemplating historical pictures and weapons. Besides, there are also C-130, Boeing CH-47 Chinook, Bell UH-1 Iroquois, artillery and armor, restored bunkers, and portions of the airstrip.
Khe Sanh Combat Base Today
Nowadays, Khe Sanh Town has become a highlight of Huong Hoa District, Quang Tri Province. Visitors coming here will be surprised with a Khe Sanh Combat Base town on its way to development. Today, the site is occupied by a small museum, which contains some fascinating old photographs, plus a few reconstructed bunkers and American aircraft. Most of the area is now planted with coffee, and vendors offer high-grade local Arabica beans for sale at the entrance.
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