General information
Quang Tri Province is situated in Central Vietnam and between Quang Binh and Hue city. It is the crossways between North and South Vietnam, as well as to Laos and Thailand. Quang Tri is the home of mainly Kinh people and some minority people like Van Kieu, Ka Tu, Ta Oi, Chinese, etc in the west along the border with Laos.
Not famous as other tourist site of Vietnam like Ha Long Bay but Quang Tri is famous for veteran destination in Vietnam. It was the hot spot in Vietnam-America war. Violent battles took place in Quang Tri during the war against the Americans. They are battles left revolutionary vestiges such as Hien Luong Bridge, 17th parallel, Khe Sanh, Ta Con airport, and Vinh Moc underground tunnels. It’s a great idea for visitor who like Vietnamese history.
Originally, Quang Tri was the home of Cham people therefore; there are some architectures remains now.
When to travel
The hot and dry south-west winds during the Monsoon from May to September contrast with the cooler wet weather between November until mid-March when temperatures can fall as far as 7C against an annual average of 24 °C. There are some beaches in Quang Tri and those interested in enjoying the coastline are probably best advised to avoid the cold weather.
How to get there?
Quang Tri Province is 600 km away from Hanoi in the north and 1102km from Ho Chi Minh City in the south. The National Highway No 1 through the province. Therefore, there are mainly transportations through Quang Tri. There is no airport for business in Quang Tri. As a result, visitor can take some other options to reach Quang Tri.
By train: There are many trains in and out Dong Ha Train Station daily from north and south country
By open bus
There are many open bus travel from North to South and vice versa. So it has a stop in Dong Ha town.
Attractions
Here some interesting attractions that might convince you to visit this place on your vacation
Located in the centre of Quang Tri-Town, about 2km east of NH1A. Quang Tri Citadel was surrounded by four roads: Ly Thai To (west), Phan Dinh Phung (east), Hai Ba Trung (south) and Minh Mang (north). Quang Tri ancient citadel was formerly a military stronghold of the Nguyen Dynasty. And later became the centre of the provincial capital during the French colonial period and the southern government regime.
This place used to see the general attack to liberate Quang Tri town in 81 historical days and nights in 1972. Currently, this place is historical evidence and a memorial for martyrs who fell in the 81 days and night war fight and protect Quang Tri-Town.
To visit and offer incense in Quang Tri ancient citadel, from NH1A you go down Tran Hung Dao Street. Then go through Quang Tri Town Market to Ly Thai To Street, turn right. You will reach the entrance of the Ancient Citadel.
Vinh Moc tunnels (Vinh Thach commune, Vinh Linh district) are located in a red earth hill three times on the coast. 7km from Cua Tung Beach to the North, 30km from the heroic Con Co island to the West, about 13km from Ho Xa town.
Vinh Moc Tunnel Village – a legend in the anti-American period. It’s become a lively patriotic education for young generations, is an interesting, attractive and unique tourist destination for visitors. A foreign tourist recorded: “Vinh Moc Tunnels are like an ancient castle lying dormant in the ground, hiding many wonders of its creators and the era in which it was born.”
Cua Tung Beach is located in Vinh Quang Commune, Vinh Linh District, Quang Tri Province. You have to start from Dong Ha city, follow Highway 1A and then follow Provincial Highway 70 to reach Vinh Quang commune and the people here will show the way to Cua Tung.
A tourist destination in Quang Tri attracts many tourists to have fun and swim in the summer because of the clear blue water, white sand and smooth. In addition to swimming, you can also enjoy delicious seaweed. Especially if you go in October, although the water is not very clear because there are many seaweeds, however, this season seaweed is a dish that you must enjoy when visiting Cua Tung.
From Cua Tung, you go to the West to see a beautiful island appearing in the middle of Vinh Linh sea, which is Con Co island. This island is located at an altitude of 5-30m above sea level and is less than 30km from the mainland. This is an island associated with historical events of the country during the war against the US.
Nowadays, Con Co has been greatly upgraded to attract a larger number of tourists to visit the tourist attraction in Quang Tri with attractive tourist services or open up easier means of transportation for tourists approach. Visiting Con Co, you will truly be immersed in a peaceful and wild space of nature.
This is like Ly Son on the mainland of Quang Tri. Discovered and introduced by a group of locals. This place is considered to be an unspoiled discovery spot. You have to wade through a small, slippery road in the middle of the forest to get to the destination. Mui Treo owns a pristine beach, white sand, blue sea away from the hustle and bustle of the outside. And it also owns a snout stretching out to sea enough to give you virtual live photos to show off to your friends.
Since it is located far away from the residential area, the way to get there is difficult to find. You should ask the people along the road to get there. You can ask for directions about Vinh Moc tunnels and from there to Mui Treo.
Located nestled on the gentle river Hieu, next to Dong Ha Bridge. Dong Ha Market is a place for trading and trading goods not only in Dong Ha City but also in Quang Tri province.
It sells local products as well as goods imported from Laos and Thailand. From a distance, Dong Ha market with typical architectural features, the whole block of architectural space is like sailing boats. This place is not only a place to do business but also a place to visit, shop, enjoy local dishes. Dong Ha Market is divided into two separate areas: the shopping area and the dining area (called Dinh). After shopping in the market, you can go to the back of the market where the dining area is located to enjoy local dishes. Such as Filter cake, turmeric noodles, duck soup or other dishes with bold Quang Tri style.
Located on NH1A, the historical relic of Hien Luong, Ben Hai River is the place that witnessed the division of the two regions. And historical events associated with the process of national liberation and national reunification our people in the anti-American period. Hien Luong – Ben Hai Double-shore Relic Cluster is located in Vinh Linh district (communes Vinh Thanh, Vinh Giang, Vinh Son, the town of Cua Tung) and Gio Linh district (Trung Hai commune), Quang Tri province.
Come here, besides visiting, you will also learn more about the history of fighting and defending our country. Understand the divided pain of the two regions of the country. Because it is a relic cluster located on NH1A, it is very convenient for you to visit and learn.
Nestled under the Sa Mu pass in Huong Phung commune, Huong Hoa, Quang Tri. Chenh Venh waterfall is a place that should not be missed. Since the waterfall is located near West Ho Chi Minh Road, it is very easy to find it. From the triumphal intersection of Khe Sanh. Then follow the West Ho Chi Minh road to reach Huong Phung market through the end of the market for about 2km. You will come to the foot of Sa Mu Pass, where the Chenh Venh waterfall is hidden.
If you want to enter the waterfall, go to the gate of production group 5 and ask the road workers and ask to visit the waterfall. To reach the waterfall you have to walk about 500m and have to climb over a large rock between the waterfall and the stream. The water of the waterfall in 4 seasons is clear and cool for you to the freedom swim …
On the same way to Chenh Venh waterfall, you pass Sa Mu pass to reach Ta Puong village, Huong Lap commune, Huong Hoa. The way down to the waterfall is a bit difficult and slippery, so prepare yourself for high-grip shoes. If you’re not confident enough to explore, ask the kids in the guide. You pay them with candy or cake packages and they are happy enough. After about 30 minutes of walking through the forest, the waterfall with white water will erase your fatigue immediately.
From Quang Tri Citadel, you follow NH1A to the South, cross the White Bridge and turn right, there will be a road leading you to Our Lady of La Vang. Our Lady of La Vang is located in Hai Phu commune, Hai Lang, Quang Tri. This is considered the national Holy Mother centre of the Vietnamese Catholic Church. It is believed by Catholics to be the place where Mary made an epiphany.
Currently, based on the Blessed Mother, there are still many old buildings that have been stained with the time standing next to the newly built and more spacious ones. On August 14 and 15, Catholics from all parts of the country return to Our Lady of La Vang to attend La Vang. And every 3 years there will be 1 big palanquin.
