Historical Monument Cluster: Hien Luong Bridge - Ben Hai River

The Hien Luong Dual Historical Site has become an unmissable destination on the tourism journey through Quang Tri for both domestic and international visitors. Hãy nghe Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh) một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River are part of the Hien Luong historical site, located at the intersection of National Highway 1A and Ben Hai River. The northern part belongs to Hien Luong village, Vinh Thanh commune, Vinh Linh district; the southern part belongs to Xuan Hoa village, Trung Hai commune, Do Linh district, Quang Tri province. These are two "historical witnesses" bearing the pain of the country's division into North and South Vietnam for over 20 years.

Image source: Collected

Ben Hai River originates from Dong Chan Mountain in the Truong Son range, flowing along the 17th parallel from west to east before emptying into the sea at Cua Tung Beach. Ben Hai River has a total length of nearly 100 km, with its widest point approximately 200m and its narrowest point between 20-30m, serving as the boundary between Vinh Linh and Gio Linh districts of Quang Tri province.

Initially named Minh Luong, Ben Hai River was renamed Hien Luong during the reign of King Minh Mang due to a taboo on using the word "Minh" in local names (as "Minh" sounds similar to a word meaning taboo). Hence, both the village and the river were renamed Hien Luong. Locally, Ben Hai River is also known as Ben Hoi; the word "Hoi" in the local dialect means a small river, with "Ben Hoi" phonetically transforming into "Ben Hai".

Hien Luong Bridge was originally built in 1928 under the administration of Vinh Linh Prefecture, utilizing local labor contributions. Initially constructed from wood with iron piles, the bridge was 2 meters wide, sufficient only for pedestrians. In 1931, it was widened through repairs by the French, but vehicles still had to use ferries to cross the river. By 1943, further upgrades enabled small motor vehicles to traverse the bridge. In 1950, the French constructed a concrete and steel-reinforced Hien Luong Bridge, measuring 162 meters in length, 3.6 meters in width, and capable of bearing loads up to 10 tons. Two years later, the bridge was destroyed by our forces to impede enemy advances into the North.

Image source: Collected

In the battles at Hien Luong, perhaps the "Flagpole Contention" was the most intense and resolute conflict throughout the 14 years of division. Since the demarcation line was established, the height of the flagpole continuously increased, as our flag could not be lower than the enemy's flag.

The 21-year resistance on the banks of Hien Luong was a struggle against America to save our nation, marked by immense sacrifice and hardship endured by our military and people. The reunification of our country in peace, with those lost and those remaining, bears witness to the heroic and vivid past of this region. Since December 1986, the Hien Luong dual historical site has been classified as a national heritage site. In 2001, Hien Luong Bridge was restored to its original design, spanning 182.97 meters with 7 sections, featuring teak wood decking numbered sequentially on each plank.

On September 17, 2003, restoration and embellishment works officially began at the historical site of Hien Luong Bridge. By March 2014, Hien Luong Bridge was fully restored to its original appearance with two colors: green and yellow, reminiscent of its historical existence.

The Hien Luong Dual Historical Site includes: Hien Luong Bridge, Ben Hai River, the flagpole on the North bank, the Reunification Hall, the Border Guard Station, the loudspeaker system, the Unity Aspiration Sculpture Cluster on the South bank, and the 17th Parallel Museum.

The current flagpole is a replica modeled after those erected by the government and military of the Republic of Vietnam in the past. Standing at 28 meters tall, it is constructed from 6 interconnected steel pipe segments. At the top of the flagpole flies the golden five-pointed star flag. The flagpole shaft is equipped with rectangular steel bars for climbing. It also features a system of cables, pulleys, and winches to facilitate flag-raising. The circular base of the flagpole is adorned with images depicting revolutionary history.

Image source: Collected

The "17th Parallel and Reunification Aspiration" exhibition house (in Vinh Thanh commune) consists of two sections. The main section houses the statue of President Ho Chi Minh. The exhibition section showcases 53 documents and artifacts directly related to our military and people's struggle on both sides of Hien Luong - Ben Hai during the resistance against America to save the nation.

The Hien Luong Dual Historical Site has become an unmissable destination on the tourism journey through Quang Tri for both domestic and international visitors. Travelers come here to reminisce about a period when our country endured division, gaining insight into the strength of a nation deeply committed to peace, and understanding the determination and aspirations for independence and freedom. It serves as a place to appreciate a Vietnam that is as vibrant and beautiful as it is today.

Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh)