Khe Sanh

Khe Sanh is a small city in Central Vietnam. The area surrounding it saw some of the fiercest fighting during the American War.

Understand
Khe Sanh marine base features one of the best museums in the DMZ area.

The Americans made the same mistake at Khe Sanh that the French had at Dien Bien Phu about fifteen years earlier; they built a large base isolated in an area where the enemy controlled much of the surrounding countryside. In both cases, the Vietnamese attacked vigorously, wound up controlling the ground, and claimed they had won a major victory. However, the French at Dien Bien Phu surrendered, while the Americans at Khe Sanh only withdrew.

Get in
Mini buses depart Dong Ha for the border frequently, stopping at Khe Sanh on request.

Money
ATMs can be found throughout the town.

Eat

 * Khe Sanh Market – Head to stalls at the lower end of the market a rice dish with all the fixings for around 20,000 dong.

Sleep
There are quite a few hotels on the main street.