Introducing Dong Ha
Like Dong Hoi to the north, Dong Ha awoke in 1954 to find that it had moved from the centre of the country to the edge of a heavily militarised border. There’s still an element of the Wild West to Dong Ha. It’s not a particularly friendly or attractive place, and the scramble for tourist dollars borders on aggressive.
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The capital of the reconstituted Quang Tri province, Dong Ha is at the busy intersection of Hwys 1A and 9. Dong Ha served as a US Marine Corps command and logistics centre from 1968 to 1969. In the spring of 1968 a division of North Vietnamese troops crossed the DMZ and attacked the city. Later it was the site of a South Vietnamese army base.
Today there is no conceivable reason to visit, save as a base to explore the DMZ or a stop on the way to the Lao border. Hwy 1A traffic thunders through town, dust blowing and horns blaring, and almost all the hotels are close by. The public loudspeakers start their broadcasting at 5am.
Last updated: Jul 22, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: DMZ 2 or 3 day,s
by Bambooboy 20 May 2012
If you are especially interested in military history then 2 days is good but you will need to find good guide. Most tours are only one…
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Vietnam to Laos through Lao Bao
by melich 21 April 2012
Hello, in Hoian booking travel to Laos. Hotel suggested camel travel, tour bus to Savannakhet. First to Hue (I will spend a night or…
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bus ticket from Hue to Savannakhet-don't buy from Sinh Tourist, overcharge!
by clover26 09 March 2012
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Hotels & Hostels in Dong Ha
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DMZ Café
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Mekong Hotel
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Thuy Dien Guesthouse
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