Historical sites in Vietnam by motorbike trip: Best guide

15 Jan

Historical Sites around the HCM trail by Motorbike 2024: A best guide travelers

What are some historical sites in Vietnam by motorbike ? Vietnam – a Southeast Asian country that is not only known for its beautiful natural landscapes, but also for its fierce wars that lasted for thousands of years. HCM trail – a network of roads and trails that ran from North Vietnam to South Vietnam through Laos and Cambodia during the Vietnam War witnessed many battles and wars in the past. Therefore, if you are interested in culture and history, riding motorbike on HCM trail deserves to be on your bucket list to do. Join Vietnam Biker Mates to learn about the famous historical places in Vietnam that you should visit when traveling by motorbike here.

1. Long Tan Cross

The Long Tan cross is a memorial that was erected by the Australian soldiers of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, on 18 August 1969, to mark the site of the Battle of Long Tan, which was fought three years earlier during the Vietnam War. The battle was one of the most intense and costly engagements of the war, with 18 Australians and more than 200 Vietnamese killed. The cross is made of concrete and stands about 2 meters tall, with a plaque that reads: “In Memory of those members of D Coy 6 RAR and 3 Tp 1 APC Sqn who gave their lives near this spot during the Battle of Long Tan on 18th August 1966. Erected by 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Bn 18 Aug 69”.

Long Tan cross – Historical sites in Vietnam by Motorbike ( Source : Internet )

The Long Tan cross is located in the Long Tan rubber plantation, about 5 km east of the town of Ba Ria in Vung Tau province. To get there, you can take Highway 51 from Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Ria, and then follow the signs to the cross. The road is paved and well-maintained, but you may encounter some traffic and checkpoints along the way. The cross is open to visitors from 8 am to 4 pm daily, but you need to obtain a permit from the local authorities before you go. You can also join a guided tour that will take you to the cross and other nearby attractions, such as the Nui Dat base and the Long Phuoc tunnels.

This historical site is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Vietnam War ( Source: Internet )

The Long Tan cross is a solemn and moving site that pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Australian and Vietnamese soldiers who fought and died there. It is also a place of reconciliation and friendship, as the former enemies have come together to honor the fallen and to promote peace and cooperation. The cross is surrounded by lush greenery and rubber trees, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. You can also see some remnants of the battle, such as bullet holes, shell casings, and barbed wire. The cross is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Vietnam War and the Australian involvement in it.

2. Khe Sanh Combat Base

The Khe Sanh combat base was a US Marine Corps outpost in the northwest of Quang Tri province, near the border with Laos. It was the site of the longest and most controversial siege of the Vietnam War, which lasted from 21 January to 9 July 1968. The base was surrounded and attacked by a large force of North Vietnamese troops, who subjected it to constant artillery, mortar, and rocket fire, as well as several ground assaults. The US forces defended the base with the help of massive air support and resupply, and managed to hold out until a relief operation broke through the enemy lines. The siege was a major media event in the US, and became a symbol of the stalemate and futility of the war. After the siege was lifted, the US decided to abandon and destroy the base, as it was deemed too costly and risky to maintain.

Historical sites in Vietnam by Motorbike : Khe Sanh combat base ( Source: Internet )

The Khe Sanh combat base is located about 60 km west of the city of Dong Ha in Quang Tri province. To get there, you can take Highway 9 from Dong Ha to the town of Khe Sanh, and then follow the signs to the base. The road is mostly paved, but some sections are rough and bumpy, so you need to drive carefully. The base is open to visitors from 7 am to 5 pm daily, and there is no entrance fee. You can also join a guided tour that will take you to the base and other nearby attractions, such as the Rockpile, the Lang Vei Special Forces Camp, and the Ta Con Airfield.

Khe Sanh – The historical site to learn about Vietnam War ( Source: Internet )

The Khe Sanh combat base is a fascinating and impressive site that showcases the scale and intensity of the siege and the war. You can see the remains of the bunkers, trenches, artillery positions, and airstrip that were used by the US forces, as well as some of the weapons, vehicles, and equipment that were left behind. You can also visit the museum, which displays photos, maps, documents, and artifacts related to the siege and the base. The museum also has a replica of the Khe Sanh Peace Monument, which was erected by the Vietnamese government in 1998 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the end of the siege and the war. The monument features a statue of a woman holding a baby, symbolizing peace and reconciliation. The Khe Sanh combat base is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Vietnam War and the US involvement in it.

Don’t miss this site to discover about history in Vietnam ( Source: Internet )

3.Ho Chi Minh Trail

The Ho Chi Minh trail was a network of roads and trails that ran from North Vietnam to South Vietnam, through Laos and Cambodia. It was used by the North Vietnamese to infiltrate troops and supplies into South Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos during the Vietnam War. The trail was named after Ho Chi Minh, the leader of North Vietnam. The trail was one of the greatest achievements of military engineering of the 20th century, as it was able to sustain a large-scale guerrilla war in the face of the most intense air interdiction campaign in history. The trail was constantly expanded and improved, and by the end of the war, it could accommodate heavy trucks and even tanks in some sections. The trail played a vital role in the success of the North Vietnamese forces, especially in the Tet Offensive of 1968 and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign of 1975.

historical sites in Vietnam by motorbike

HCM trail – Historical site played a vital role in the success of the North Vietnamese forces ( Source: Vietnam Biker Mates )

The Ho Chi Minh trail is not a single route, but a complex system of multiple routes that span thousands of kilometers across rugged mountains, dense jungles, and remote valleys. To get to the trail, you can take Highway 9 from Dong Ha to the Lao Bao border crossing, and then follow the signs to the trail. The road is mostly paved, but some sections are unpaved and steep, so you need to have a good motorbike and some experience in off-road driving. The trail is open to visitors from 7 am to 5 pm daily, and there is no entrance fee. You can also join a guided tour that will take you to the trail and other nearby attractions, such as the Dakrong Bridge, the Khe Sanh combat base, and the Vinh Moc tunnels.

HCM trail shows the most scenic and diverse landscapes and ethnic villages ( Source: Vietnam Biker Mates )

The Ho Chi Minh trail is a remarkable and adventurous site that reveals the ingenuity and determination of the North Vietnamese forces and their allies. You can see the traces of the trail, such as the roads, bridges, tunnels, and caves that were used to transport and hide men and materiel. You can also see some of the remnants of the war, such as bomb craters, unexploded ordnance, and war memorials. The trail is also a place of natural beauty and cultural diversity, as it passes through some of the most scenic and diverse landscapes and ethnic villages in the region. The Ho Chi Minh trail is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Vietnam War and the Ho Chi Minh legend.

4. NOTES to visit at historical sites in Vietnam by motorbike

When visiting historical sites in Vietnam, it is important to respect the local culture and customs.
Some sites may have dress codes or require visitors to take off their shoes before entering.
It is also advisable to avoid touching or taking photos of any religious objects or statues without permission.
Additionally, visitors should be aware of the opening hours and entrance fees of the sites, as well as the availability of guides or audio tours.
Visitors should be mindful of the environmental impact of their visit and avoid littering or damaging the sites. By following these simple tips, visitors can enjoy the historical sites in Vietnam and learn more about the country’s rich and diverse history.