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DMZ - CENTRAL VIET NAM
For more than 20 years the Ben Hai River in
central Vietnam marked the political division of
Vietnam, separating the then Democratic Republic
of Vietnam (DRV, North Vietnam) from the
Republic of Vietnam (RVN, South Vietnam). The
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) itself extended 5km
either side of the River.
The DMZ was the scene of some of the heaviest
and most bitter fighting during the sixties and
seventies. Camp Carroll, the Rockpile, Khe Sanh,
Hamburger Hill, Con Thien and A Shau Valley are
names which still evoke emotions from the
American public. Virtually devestated during the
last war, today the DMZ area is home to some of
the most interesting sights Vietnam has to
offer.
A word of warning. Many places in and around the
DMZ are still littered with live and unexploded
bomb, mortar and artillery shells. Since 1975,
many thousands of Vietnamese people have been
killed or maimed in this region. While roads and
paths used by the local people are safe, if you
venture off these you may be in danger. Walk
slowly and carefully! If you do see unexploded
bombs or shells, DO NOT TOUCH! These things are
made to kill, and are not interesting enough to
take the risk !
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