The tunnels of Cu Chi are a must-see only 25 miles NW of HCMC. The well laid-out guided tour is fascinating.
One of many entrances to the tunnel complex near Cu Chi.
The 25th Infantry Div. (Tropic Lightning) set up a large base near the city of Cu Chi with many stateside amenities. Out in the field rifle companies tried to deal with NLF and NVA units in the Iron Triangle. A 75 mile complex of tunnels dug by the NVA and NLF made the mission extremely difficult. There were mess halls, hospitals, meeting rooms, and fighting positions. A series of disguised vents, some hidden in termite mounds made them hard to detect. In 1969, the US obliterated the area with all the destructive technology available that mitigated this complex's springboard capabilities for launching NVA and NLF operations.
Getting there could be accomplished by hiring a taxi from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) at a cost of about 50 USD. Divided by 3 or 4 passengers it's not bad for riding in air conditioned comfort in a SUV (Saudi Underwriting Vehicle).
Driving from congested urban surroundings, through extended suburban commercial/residential living, to agricultural countryside, one is struck by how 20 or so divisions are just swollowed up by this unfathomable country. It would have taken 100 divisions to get anywhere near ambitious goals laid out in 1965.
Getting there could be accomplished by hiring a taxi from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) at a cost of about 50 USD. Divided by 3 or 4 passengers it's not bad for riding in air conditioned comfort in a SUV (Saudi Underwriting Vehicle).
Driving from congested urban surroundings, through extended suburban commercial/residential living, to agricultural countryside, one is struck by how 20 or so divisions are just swollowed up by this unfathomable country. It would have taken 100 divisions to get anywhere near ambitious goals laid out in 1965.
Vung Chua Mountain between Quy Nhon and Ahn Khe. Bunker on Vung Chua Mountain during monsoon.
One of several signal sites up and down Viet Nam that provided line-of-sight and other radio traffic.
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This reporter was in an infantry platoon stationed on Vung Chua Mountain. 81 mm mortar pit on Vung Chua.
The mission was to defend perimeter around Signal Corps equipment, such as VHF, UHF, and microwave capabilities. Mortar squad supported patrols and set up def cons around the mountain. Walls are ammo boxes filled with dirt and nailed together. Tent to the right was for sleeping.
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Long Binh Army Base, 10 miles from Saigon, was the largest army base in the world in 1969. Long Binh Army Base 1969.
Up to 60,000 American troops were stationed here. As far as the eye could see from its center were barracks, offices, hdqrtrs, swimming pools, a massage parlor, bars, and restaurants.
With air conditioning and amenities, it was like serving stateside. This reporter was processed thru headquarters here and shipped up country into the Central Highlands. This writer is flanked by two former National Liberation Front fighters. The US-backed South Vietnam government called the NLF a pejorative "Viet Cong," which identified them as communist. The VC, "Victor Charlie," were allied with North Vietnam Army, or NVA. Old enemies - New friends.
The host was 58 years old in 2009. Man (r) was a neighbor who joined in. A little English by taxi driver got us by. They harbor no ill-will to this former soldier who was part of an American invasion into their country.
This new and user-friendly consulate of the United States is on the same ground once occupied by the American Embassy to South Vietnam in Saigon. United States of America Consulate - Ho Chi Minh City
The austere high- rise US embassy fortress that had helicopters on the roof extracting Americans in April 1975 was razed in the '90s. Now it is a busy place since relations were restored in 1995 and many apply for visas to the USA. .
 B-52 bomb crater near the tunnels of Cu Chi.  Author (right) on patrol around Vung Chua Mountain. Charlie owned the night, but daytime was more laid back. 
Practically every weapon used by the Americans in their hapless efforts, including these jet fighters, are on display in the extensive War Remnants Museum in Saigon (HCMC).
One of many War Remnants Museum displays of United States' actions during their occupation of South Vietnam between 1965 and 1975
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 Same scene above - 40 years later. Searching Long Binh for evidence of huge base turned up absolutely nothing except old perimeter bunker. Nothing left of Long Binh Base except this forlorn bunker.
When walking around this area that is semi-rural on the outskirts of Long Binh city, a gentleman hailed me from out in front of his house and inquired what I was doing. The taxi driver who was with me told him I was an ex GI looking for the old base. He invited us into his open-air living room for tea.
Hotel Continental was the favorite bar and place to stay for the international press during the American war. Hotel Continental on Lam Son square in HCMC.
The Continental is flanked by the Opera House on the right and Eden Center to the left, forming part of Lam Son square. Eden Center had the Givral Cafe. There was lots of spying and intrigue associated with the Givral and Continental bar in the heart of Saigon. There are plans to tear down the Eden and replace it with a more modern shopping center. The Continental is beautifully appointed for a 1930's hotel. The restaurant, with a white-linen ambiance, looks out on the square. Average price per night is about 125 USD.
Road to Cu Chi traverses rubber tree plantations. Ho Bo Woods not far away. Rubber tree plantation in uncannily straight rows.
Rubber trees originated in South America. Michelin Tire brought species to Viet Nam during the French colonial times between 1885 and 1954. In US war, 25th Inf. Div (Tropic Lightning) operated in this Iron Triangle as well as the Big Red 1. Iron Triangle obliterated with bombing, bulldozers and agent orange in frustration.
 Underground meeting room in the tunnels of Cu Chi.  Author on the right practicing for fire missions on the 81 mm mortar. 
Rooftop of Presidential Palace, now Reunification Museum, displays former helicopter landing site.
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