Ta Con Airport Relic Museum: Witness to the Battle of Khe Sanh
The Ta Con Airport Relic Museum (Sân bay Tà Cơn) is not merely an airport; it is the former central airbase and core stronghold of the Khe Sanh Combat Base. Located strategically near the Laotian border in Quang Tri’s mountainous western region, the site became the epicenter of the brutal 170-day Siege of Khe Sanh in 1968. Today, this open-air museum invites visitors to actively walk through a preserved battlefield and grasp the scale of this pivotal confrontation.
History: From Strategic Base to Museum
Ta Con Airfield served as a vital American logistics and combat hub for operations along Route 9 and the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
The Strategic Role: The base, initially built by the French and later heavily fortified by the US military between 1966 and 1968, supported airlifts of troops and supplies. Consequently, the surrounding perimeter became the focus of intense siege warfare.
The Siege of 1968: The base endured a massive, prolonged assault by North Vietnamese forces from January to July 1968. This battle, often compared to the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu, resulted in catastrophic destruction and significant loss of life on both sides. The US forces ultimately abandoned the base shortly after the siege ended.
Preservation and Memorial: Authorities have since transformed the area into a historical relic. They actively restore bunkers and trenches while placing authentic war remnants around the site. Therefore, the location stands as a powerful symbol of military conflict and the resilience of the local people.
What Visitors Experience
The site is designed to immerse visitors in the atmosphere of the wartime airfield.
Outdoor Exhibits: Visitors immediately see the large metal-sheet runway, which remains a key feature. Scattered across the grounds are static displays of military hardware, including American-made tanks (like the M41 and M48) and aircraft wreckage, notably a C-130 transport plane and a helicopter.
The Museum House: A small but important indoor museum displays archival photographs, maps, weapons, and personal items. This comprehensive collection provides historical context for the Route 9 – Khe Sanh Campaign and the lives of those who fought there.
Restored Bunkers and Trenches: Military installations, including restored underground bunkers and perimeter trenches, allow guests to walk through the actual defenses. These reconstructions vividly recreate the living conditions and defensive structure of the former combat base.
Visitor Information and Accessibility
Ta Con is a necessary stop on any DMZ tour and is easily reached via National Highway 9.
Address: Tân Hợp, Hướng Hóa, Quảng Trị, Vietnam. (It is about 3 km from Khe Sanh town).
Admission Fee: The entrance fee for an adult is typically around 30,000 VND to 50,000 VND (Note: Prices are subject to change). This fee supports the maintenance of the historical relics.
Operating Hours: The museum and relic site are generally open every day from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Culture and Surroundings: The site sits in the beautiful, cool highlands, offering a striking contrast between the peaceful scenery and its violent past. Furthermore, the region is famous for its coffee, offering an opportunity to try local Khe Sanh coffee nearby.
