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.

See

• 1 Khe Sanh Battlefield Victory Museum (Ta Con Airport Relic Museum) (Turn off highway 9 at the large memorial near the entrance to town onto the Ho Chi Minh Highway, follow the road for around 3 kilometers there is a large blue sign on the right hand side.). In the best preserved of the DMZ bases there is a museum featuring many photos from the war with a clear air of propaganda. The old airstrip still remains and several American helicopters, a C130 transport and some North Vietnamese tanks. 50,000 dong. 

Buy

Money

ATMs can be found throughout the town.

Shopping

• 1 Khe Sanh Market (Chợ Khe Sanh) (in the special economic zone bordering Laos). The market is far bigger than it would be otherwise for a town of its size, and with few tourists prices are cheap. (updated Dec 2023)

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.

• 1 Khach San Hai Dang. Comfortable, clean and friendly hotel on Highway 9. Rooms come with fan, A/C, fridge, TV and hot shower. 200,000 dong.