My Lai Memorial & Village Experience
Local Taxes and Service Charges
Sightseeing & Excursions
Transportation
Drinking Water
Entrance Fees
Meals as stated
From Price per person
price based on 2 persons travelling or
per person for join-in tours.
$101
Excursion Highlights
- Explore the poignant history of My Lai, a pivotal site in the U.S.-Vietnam War.
- Engage with local villagers and gain unique insights into their experiences.
- Visit the museum dedicated to the events of March 16, 1968, and reflect on its lasting impact.
My Lai Memorial & Village Experience
My Lai, located in the central Vietnamese district of Son My, represents a significant chapter in the narrative of modern American combat and a turning point in the public's perception of the U.S.-Vietnam War. On March 16, 1968, the men of Charlie Company from the 11th Brigade, American Division, entered this village under the guise of a 'search and destroy' mission. What unfolded was a tragic event that led to the massacre of 503 unarmed civilians, including 182 women, 172 children, and the elderly. Under the orders of Lt. William Calley, the soldiers entered the village firing, with no opposing fire reported. This day trip provides a profound opportunity to visit the museum dedicated to these events, where you can immerse yourself in the history of this seminal conflict. You will also have the chance to meet local villagers, who share their stories and perspectives, enriching your understanding of the impact of this tragedy. Before concluding your visit and returning to Hoi An, enjoy a late lunch, allowing for reflection on the day’s experiences.
Destination Information
My Lai
My Lai is a rural area in Quang Ngai Province marked by a quiet landscape of rice paddies and small villages, reflecting the agricultural rhythms that shape daily life here. The surroundings are modest and unassuming, with simple homes and fields that speak to a community closely tied to traditional farming practices. This setting contrasts with the weight of history embedded in the area, where visitors encounter sites that bear witness to the Vietnam War’s impact. The My Lai Massacre Memorial and the nearby ruins of Son My Village offer tangible reminders of the events that unfolded here, providing a solemn context to the otherwise tranquil environment. The Vietnam War History Museum further situates these experiences within the broader narrative of the region and country. Together, these elements create a place where the quiet persistence of local life exists alongside memorials that invite reflection. My Lai’s character emerges from this blend of everyday rural activity and the enduring presence of historical memory within the landscape.Travel Notes
- The My Lai Memorial site includes a museum that provides detailed historical context about the events of March 16, 1968. It is advisable for clients to allocate sufficient time to explore the exhibits.
- Visitors will have the opportunity to meet local villagers, which can provide a deeper understanding of the community's resilience and recovery post-conflict. Encourage clients to engage respectfully with the locals.
- As this tour involves walking around the village, clients should be prepared for uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Lunch is included after the village tour; clients should inform the guide of any dietary restrictions in advance to ensure appropriate meal arrangements.
- It is important to maintain a respectful demeanor while visiting the memorial and interacting with the villagers, as the site holds significant emotional weight for many.
- Clients should be aware that the tour may involve discussions of sensitive historical topics. It may be beneficial for them to familiarize themselves with the background of the My Lai incident prior to the visit.
- Travelers should be prepared for potential heat and humidity typical of central Vietnam, especially during the summer months. Staying hydrated is essential.
- Ensure clients are aware of the tour's start and end times, as well as any specific meeting points, to avoid delays.
Included Services
- Transportation as outlined in the itinerary
- Services of a local guide in the selected language (where applicable)
- Sightseeing and excursions as specified in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to sites and attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
- Drinking water during touring where provided
- Applicable local taxes and service charges
Excluded Services
- International and domestic flights unless specifically stated
- Travel insurance
- Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses of any kind
- Gratuities and tips for guides, drivers and other service providers
- Any items not specifically mentioned under "Included in Your Excursion"
