Cambodia and Vietnam - Part 6

An Khe

We were up at 2:00 to catch an early flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Qui Nhon. We had planned a side trip to An Khe in the Central Highlands where Jim was stationed in 1966-67 as a Medivac helicopter pilot with the First Air Cavalry Division. We were glad to be on our own for a couple of days, but also a bit nervous leaving the safety of the tour group.

Our flight was delayed in HCMC for three hours due to bad weather in Qui Nhon according to the announcement at the airport. We subsequently heard from three different people that the weather was fine and the plane or airport was probably needed for something else. The airport in Qui Nhon is also used by the Vietnamese Air Force, and the airport is frequently closed-no warning, no explanation. An omen perhaps?

We had been told we would be met by a guide and a driver to take us to An Khe, but only the non-English speaking driver was there, and we left in a beat-up old van for our trip to An Khe to meet up with Nathan our Engish speaking guide. After a couple of hours of driving,  meeting “sketchy” Nathan from California, lunch, making the decision not to attempt a visit to the now Communist Base that Jim used to call home, and a return trip in a “breaking down” car, we were ready to  collapse at our Qui Nhon hotel run by a Minnesotan (trustworthy for sure!). Oh, the relief to hear that Midwest accent.   

Jim recognized a particular hill near An Khe and many of the other hills and terrain that he had flown over and around. He enjoyed seeing that part of the world which he had experienced in an important year of his life, and had never expected to see again. His life there was not without danger, but he had an easier time than most and doesn’t have the emotional scars than many vets have. Despite the crazy and uncertain trip, we were glad we had come. 

The hill that Jim remembered in the background. An Khe in the foreground

It wasn't just the Minnesota accent. This is truly a beautiful place.You can see Jim swimming in the South China Sea.

The next day we set off with our English speaking guide who was an employee of the hotel, a good driver, and a new and reliable car for our all day trip to Da Nang where we would rejoin the tour group. We made several stops along the way and saw a part of Vietnam that many tourists don’t see. That will be another blog.