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- Destinations
- Asia
- Vietnam
- Hué
- DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) and Vinh Moc
DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) and Vinh Moc
Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was split into North
and South along the 17th parallel. The Ben Hai River was selected
as the temporary demarcation line. A three-mile (5km) strip of
no-man's land on either side of the border was known as the DMZ, or
Demilitarised Zone that was bombed into a desolate wasteland,
riddled with land mines and surrounded by barbed wire during the
war. The area surrounding the DMZ and the land in between was the
worst affected, and the amount of explosives, napalm and chemicals
used, including Agent Orange, has left the once heavily forested
land with stunted growth and infertile soil. Historical sites and
landmarks include the Hien Luong Bridge spanning the river, entry
to the Ho Chi Minh Trail that bypassed the border, the American
firebase at Con Thien, U.S Marine base at Khe San, and the Truong
Son War Martyr Cemetery dedicated to the thousands who died on the
Ho Chi Minh Trail. A guided tour is strongly recommended as there
are no signs and the area still contains unexploded landmines. Vinh
Moc is known for the extraordinary complex of tunnels constructed
by the villagers as an underground village in which to shelter from
the American bombardments. Faced with the total destruction of
their village in 1965, they dug an underground network consisting
of three layers starting at a depth of 33ft (10m) with room for 300
people, including wells, a school, clinics, storerooms, observation
posts, ventilation shafts and a maternity room where 17 babies were
delivered during the war. A section has been restored and is open
to visitors and there is a small museum at the entrance.
Information & Facts
Language
The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. Some
Chinese, English and French are spoken. Tour guides can also speak
Russian and Japanese. Numerous ethnic languages are also spoken in
parts.
Money
The official currency is the Dông (VND). There are no smaller
denominations. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de
change, hotels and on the black market. Visa, MasterCard and
American Express are becoming more widely acceptable, particularly
in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but it is best not to rely on them
elsewhere. It is recommended that visitors bring travellers cheques
in US Dollars, which can be cashed at major banks in the main
cities and tourist areas. US currency acts as unofficial tender and
is useful as a back-up when banks won't cash travellers cheques
outside the main cities, but notes must be relatively new and
unmarked. Dông can be withdrawn from ATMs, which are becoming more
widespread.
Time
Local time in Vietnam is GMT +7.