Thanh Hoa Bridge

Thanh Hóa Bridge is the first of the six initial maps in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam. It was playable in the early beta tests, and features several chokepoints and river crossings and villages.

Gameplay & Strategies

While we've yet to experience more of Thanh Hóa Bridge in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, we know from pre-release tests that it's a perfect example of what Expression Games has gone for with this game. The main bridge and other river crossings are chokepoints where much of the action can take place, but villages are also death traps and the perfect side spots to establish garrisons and small outposts as both the North Vietnamese Armies and US Armed Forces push forward and try to defend their territory.

Dense jungles and small river valleys also offer flanking opportunities on foot and quick deployment via patrol boats, so teams should be aware of their surroundings at all times. In most cases, the battles in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam aren't won by directing all soldiers and resources to a single point, and Thanh Hóa Bridge is a prime example of how this tactical FPS differs from the competition.

We'll be updating this page with more proven strategies and map-specific gameplay opportunities after launch, so stay tuned for more.

History

Pre-1945 Hàm Rồng Bridge

The Thanh Hóa Bridge (Vietnamese: Hàm Rồng Bridge) is situated 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of Thanh Hóa city, the capital of the province of the same name. Hàm Rồng is a Vietnamese name that means Dragon's Jaw. Starting in 1965, it became the objective of attacks by the US Air Force and US Navy during the Vietnam War. It wasn't destroyed until 1972 by USAF F-4 Phantoms and US Navy Vought A-7s, but it was restored in 1973. Decades later, the bridge still stands.

During the Vietnam War, this iconic location was one of the key targets of Operation Rolling Thunder – a sustained aerial bombardment campaign by the United States against North Vietnam – and part of the North Vietnamese rail system. During the conflict, the NVA set up five air defence regiments in the area. During the aftermath of its bombing, the US recognised at least 11 planes were lost during constant attacks against the bridge, with around 104 pilots shot down in the surrounding area – passing aircraft were also targeted by the NVA air defence assets.