Top 15 Famous Tourist Spots in Quang Tri Province

Hien Luong Bridge spans the Ben Hai River at kilometer 735 in the Hien Luong village, Vinh Thanh commune, Vinh Linh district, Quang Tri province, connecting National Highway 1A. This bridge became a symbol of the division between North and South Vietnam during the over 20 years of the Vietnam War.

Ben Hai River originates from the Dong Chan Mountain in the Truong Son mountain range and forms the border between the Vinh Linh and Gio Linh districts of Quang Tri province. This small river stretches nearly 100 km, with the widest section measuring around 200 meters and the narrowest between 20-30 meters. At the location of Hien Luong Bridge, the riverbed is about 170 meters wide.

The original wooden bridge built in 1922 was meant for pedestrians and was destroyed by American bombs. In 1952, the French reconstructed the bridge, making it 178 meters long, consisting of 7 spans, 894 wooden planks, and reinforced concrete pillars. When Ben Hai River became the dividing line, the bridge was split into two parts, each 89 meters long, with different color paint on each side, and a 1 cm-wide white line marked the exact border between the two regions.

Tan So Citadel is located in Mai Dan and Cam Chinh communes, Cam Lo district, Quang Tri province. It is the last military fortress of the Nguyen Dynasty, marking important historical events during the Can Vuong movement, which opposed French colonialism in the early 20th century. Tan So is situated in the red soil region of Cua, a strategically significant area far from the plains, surrounded by a series of mountains offering natural protection to the fort. Using this advantage, soldiers and locals worked tirelessly to dig and plant bamboo to create a stronghold.

The citadel is rectangular, measuring about 548 meters in length and 428 meters in width, covering a total area of 22.9 hectares. Tan So Citadel consists of four gates: Front, Rear, Left, and Right, made of solid earth, surrounded by sharp wooden stakes and a deep moat 2 meters wide and 10 meters long. The site is notable for several significant historical events, particularly the 1885 proclamation by Ton That Thuyet calling for the Can Vuong movement to rally the people against French rule.

Although Tan So Citadel has been partially destroyed by time and war, it remains a historic landmark, attracting history enthusiasts and standing as a source of pride for the people of Quang Tri.

Khe Sanh is a town located in the Huong Hoa district of Quang Tri province, famously known as the "Second Dien Bien Phu Battle." Situated in a red soil valley 400 meters above sea level, Khe Sanh became the largest military outpost along the Route 9 defense line, one of the three key components of the McNamara Line, which also included Khe Sanh, Lang Vay, and Ta Con. The region experiences a typical tropical monsoon climate, with hot and humid conditions year-round.

In addition, Khe Sanh is frequently mentioned in Vietnamese songs and serves as the title of a song describing the hardships endured by Australian soldiers at this military base, despite the relatively small number of Australian troops stationed here.

Truong Son Martyrs' Cemetery is located at the eastern foot of the Truong Son mountain range, near the Ho Chi Minh Trail and approximately 400 meters from Ben Tat Bridge, in the Ben Tat Hill area, Vinh Truong commune, Gio Linh district, Quang Tri province. This cemetery is the final resting place for soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving along the Ho Chi Minh Trail during the Vietnam War.

The cemetery was established in October 1975 and completed in April 1977. It is the largest martyrs' cemetery in Vietnam, containing over 10,000 graves of fallen soldiers, divided into 10 main sections. The site stands as a symbol of the deep gratitude and respect from the Communist Party, the state, and the people of Vietnam for those who gave their lives in the fight for national liberation and the reunification of the country.

Cua Tung Beach is located in the Vinh Linh district of Quang Tri province, adjacent to the Vinh Moc Tunnels and the Ben Hai River. This is the most beautiful beach in Quang Tri, known for its flat coastline, fine white sand, and crystal-clear waters. It has earned the title of the "Queen of Beaches."

Surrounded by the coastal villages of Vinh Quang, Cua Tung is nestled amidst lush green landscapes, with abundant peppercorn fields, tea plantations, and casuarina forests throughout the year. This location is not only a famous tourist destination but also a significant historical site in Quang Tri province. Visitors to Cua Tung also explore nearby landmarks like the Vinh Moc Tunnels, the 17th Parallel, the Hien Luong Bridge, the Ben Hai River, and the Truong Son Martyrs' Cemetery—names that are etched into the history of Vietnam's heroic past.

Dakrong Scenery refers to a majestic natural area located in Dakrong District, Quang Tri Province. It is a key point along the Ho Chi Minh Trail and Route 9, situated on the East-West Economic Corridor with a border gate linking to Laos. The area is home to 28 historical sites and over 10 caves, making it an ideal location for tourism development.

In addition, the beautiful Dakrong River hides many epic legends and stories, while the graceful Dakrong Bridge stretches across the clouds. The unique forest ecosystem here is rich in diverse and rare flora and fauna, making it a great destination for eco-tourism and nature exploration.

Bich La Ancient Village, located in Triệu Đông Commune, Triệu La District, is a 500-year-old settlement known for its rich cultural heritage. It is the birthplace of many prominent figures in Vietnam's history, including the revolutionary leader Lê Duẩn. Visiting Bich La, you will uncover fascinating stories and discover things that are not found in books or newspapers. Additionally, the Bich La Festival, held on the second night and early morning of the third day of Tết, is a cultural event worth exploring.

Beyond its historical significance, Bich La is also a remarkable tourist destination in Quang Tri, with a collection of unique monuments that differ from other ancient villages in Vietnam. The village is surrounded by sacred architectural sites. Every year, the 500-year-old village hosts a famous temple fair, attracting visitors from all over to celebrate the Lunar New Year, enjoy the festivities, and participate in traditional games like bài chòi, bình thơ, and thư pháp (calligraphy).

Located in Hải Phú Commune, Hải Lăng District, Quang Tri Town, La Vang Sanctuary is the national center of Marian devotion for the Catholic Church in Vietnam. The name 'La Vang' originates from a fascinating story about the persecution of Catholics during the reign of King Cảnh Thịnh, in the Tây Sơn dynasty. To escape the harsh treatment, Catholics in Quang Tri sought refuge in this remote area, where they would communicate by shouting to each other, and the sound of their voices would echo through the land.

Situated in the Dinh Cát region, which was once under the rule of Lord Nguyễn Hoàng, La Vang Sanctuary is considered the most significant Marian pilgrimage site in Vietnam. From Hue, traveling along National Highway 1A heading north, two signs can be seen after approximately 5 km in Hải Phú, one reading 'La Vang 4km' and another 'La Vang Sanctuary 2km'. This road leads pilgrims to the sacred site, where it is believed that the Virgin Mary appeared in 1798. Today, it is a major destination for Catholic pilgrims from all over the country during important religious events.

Located on either side of Road 9 and Road 14, the towering Talung and Klu Mountain ranges create a majestic and awe-inspiring landscape. These mountain ranges are home to some of the rarest and most valuable forests left in Vietnam. The forest is rich in biodiversity, with trees of various sizes and species, the majority of which have diameters ranging from 0.5 to 0.7 meters. Visitors to this area can enjoy eco-tourism in one of the last remaining ancient forests in the country, while also learning about the fascinating historical legends tied to this place.

The Talung and Klu mountains stand tall along the Đakrông River, flanking both Road 9 and Road 14, creating a mountainous landscape that rises and falls through the mist, casting their shadows over the river. These mountains feature towering cliffs and are among the few places in Central Vietnam that still preserve pristine old-growth forests. The forest here is home to a wide variety of tree species, with many trees approaching a meter in diameter. Visitors come not only to experience eco-tourism and explore the ancient forests but also to walk the legendary paths created by our ancestors as they marched south to defend against the American invaders.

Cửa Việt Beach is located in Tan Loi village, Gio Viet commune, Gio Linh district, about 15 km southeast of Dong Ha city and approximately 1 km north of the Trans-Asia Road. The beach stretches over 1 km from Cua Tung to Mui Hau. Cua Viet Beach is known for its long, smooth, and flat sandy shores, bordered by lush green nipa palm trees.

The environment of Cua Viet Beach is quite ideal, offering easy access: it is close to the city, the Trans-Asia road, and the port. Therefore, the beach attracts a large number of visitors every year for sightseeing and relaxation. With its vast open space, visitors not only come to swim but also enjoy exciting and engaging sand activities.

Nhi Ha Golden Sand Dunes are part of a series of sand dunes stretching from Gio Thanh to Trung Giang in Gio Linh district, Quang Tri province. These dunes rise to about 30 meters in height and are made up of numerous tall hills standing next to each other, resembling a strong, natural wall that protects local residents from sandstorms and monsoon winds.

What makes these dunes special is their location in the middle of the plains, which offers visitors a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery. Early mornings provide a perfect view of the sunrise over the sea, while in the evening, the sunset over the mountains is equally stunning.

As you step onto the soft, beautiful sands of the Nhi Ha Golden Sand Dunes, you'll experience a host of exciting and surprising moments. However, the best time to witness the dunes' beauty is during sunrise or sunset, when the sun emerges, casting a glow that makes the dunes shimmer, rising and falling with the breeze.

Quang Tri Ancient Citadel is located in Ward 2, Quang Tri Town, Quang Tri Province, about 2 km east of National Highway 1A. It is historically known for the fierce 81-day-and-night battle to defend the citadel during the Vietnam War. The citadel served both as a military stronghold and as the administrative center for the Nguyen Dynasty from 1809 to 1945. Today, it has become a significant landmark and memorial site, where the fallen soldiers who gave their lives for the country rest in an unmarked grave.

This fortress features a square layout in the Vauban style, surrounded by a moat and protected by defensive walls. Each of the four gates is connected to the exterior by an arch bridge that spans the moat. On the western side of the citadel, there is now a park and public square, which links the citadel with the Thach Han River. The area has become a national heritage site, with notable features such as the Bell Tower, Memorial House, and Flower Lantern Dock, making it an important educational site for patriotism and a popular tourist destination.

The Vinh Moc Tunnels are a unique historical site located in Vinh Thach Commune, Vinh Linh District, Quang Tri Province. This area was once known as the 'land of fire' due to being a target for enemy destruction. Despite this, the Vinh Moc Tunnels became a life-saving refuge for countless locals during the war.

The tunnel system consists of three levels, each serving different purposes:

• Level 1: 12-15 meters deep, used for temporary shelter and defense
• Level 2: 18 meters deep, serving as a residential and living area for the people
• Level 3: 22 meters deep, functioning as a storage area for supplies and support for the island of Con Co.

Visitors to the site can gain a deeper understanding of the hardships and resilience of the soldiers and civilians during the resistance years. The Vinh Moc Tunnels stand as a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit and desire for peace, serving as a proud symbol of the Vietnamese nation's courage and perseverance.

Brai Cave is located near the Vietnam-Laos border, in the A Soc Village, Huong Lap Commune, Huong Hoa District, Quang Tri Province. Known for its untouched natural beauty, it has become a popular destination among adventurous travelers. The cave is renowned for its stunning stalactite formations, some of which are hundreds of years old.

During the intense years of war, Brai Cave served as a shelter for both civilians and soldiers, providing protection from bombings. Today, it stands as a unique tourist attraction in Quang Tri. Visitors are often mesmerized by the cave's pristine beauty, especially as they venture deeper inside. The large stalactites come in various shapes and colors, such as orange, white, and yellow, and the small streams and rock formations inside add to the cave's enchanting charm.