Quang Tri
is located in the Central Vietnam near the crossways
between North and South Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
Several different minorities populate this province (Kinh,
Bru-Van Kieu).From 1954 until the defeat of the
Americans in 1975, Ben Hai river marked the division
of Vietnam
5km either
side of the river was declared a DMZ - a stark
contrast to what really took place in this region. In
fact, the surrounding region experienced some of the
heaviest fighting during the Vietnam War. Some areas,
such as Vinh Moc were termed Free Fire Zones, allowing
a virtual free for all without fear of future
repercussions and everything was designated a target.
As a result of this heavy fighting, there is still
heaps live ordnance lying around. There have been some
casualties as unexploded bombs blow up when farmers
are working on their lands nearby or children run up
in a play. Khe Sanh, in particular, was immortalized
during and after the conflict. Now when you catch the
train or bus from anywhere South of Dong Hoi to the
DMZ, bomb damage and craters are still evident in
paddies, beside the railway tracks and beside the
roads and bridges. As you get closer to Dong Ha you
will notice huge eucalyptus groves, themselves a
legacy of the war. These areas were completely
devastated either by relentless shelling or
defoliation during the war and were eventually
replanted with eucalyptus trees, chosen for their
durability and speedy maturity.
There are
sites nearby: Truong Son trails, Truong Son National
cementary, Vinh Moc tunnels, Khe Sanh combate base....