Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River are two important historical sites that should not be missed when visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Quang Tri Province. These sites are steeped in history and offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s past struggles. Located on Highway 1A, Hien Luong Bridge crosses the Ben Hai River. This iconic bridge straddles the 17th parallel, a line that once symbolized the division between North and South Vietnam. During the years of the Vietnam War, from 1954 to 1976, the bridge served as a symbolic boundary between the two regions. Visiting these sites provides you a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history and the resilience of its people.
1. Overview of Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River
Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River, located on the 17th parallel, are silent witnesses to the heartbreaking separation of many families during a turbulent historical period. The harsh reality of war forced husbands and wives to live apart, one in the North and the other in the South, causing immense suffering. Children lost their fathers, and wives grieved for the absence of their husbands. These two landmarks symbolize the enduring pain experienced by countless individuals.
- Ben Hai River
The Ben Hai River is nearly 100 km long, less than 200m wide at its widest point. The river originates from the majestic Truong Son mountain range, a land famous for its rugged beauty. From there, the river meanders along the 17th parallel, flowing from the west to the east coast. Finally, the river flows into the East Sea through Cua Tung. This river is not only a natural landmark but also an important geographical feature of historical and cultural importance.
- Hien Luong Bridge
Hien Luong Bridge across Ben Hai River at Km 735 on National Highway 1A, connecting Vinh Linh and Gio Linh districts of Quang Tri province.
In 1928, the bridge was built by Vinh Linh district with the assistance of local residents, the original Hien Luong Bridge was a modest structure. The bridge is 2m wide, made of wood, with iron pillars, just enough for pedestrians to cross.
In 1950, Hien Luong Bridge was built by the French with reinforced concrete, 162 m long, 3.6m wide, and a load capacity of 10 tons.
In May 1952, the French army rebuilt the new bridge. The bridge has 7 spans, 178m long, reinforced concrete pillars, steel beams, and a pine-paved bridge deck. The bridge deck is 4m wide, with 1.2m high on both sides.
In 1954, the Geneva Agreement temporarily divided Vietnam into two regions, with the 17th Parallel, where the Ben Hai River flows through Do Linh and Vinh Linh, serving as the boundary.
From 1955 to 1975, Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River were “historical witnesses” of the division of the country into two regions, North and South. Hien Luong Bridge was divided into two parts, each 89 meters long and painted a different color.
Today, the new Hien Luong Bridge stands on National Highway 1A, while the old bridge remains a relic for tourists to visit.
2. The entrance fee:
Visiting the historic Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River offers a unique opportunity to explore significant landmarks and deepen your understanding of the area’s rich history.
- Entrance fee:
- Adult: 50,000 VND (approximately $2 USD)
- Child: 20,000 VND (approximately $1 USD)
The admission ticket includes the North Bank Flagpole, the Exhibition House “The 17th Parallel and the Aspiration for Unification,” Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River.
3. How to get there?
Hien Luong bridge – Ben Hai River are located in Quang Tri province, approximately 90 kilometers from Hue City and 120 kilometers from Phong Nha Town.
Visitors have many suitable means of transport to visit Hien Luong bridge – Ben Hai river. You can choose to travel by taxi, motorcycle, private car or even take a bus for a more leisurely journey.
 Huracars provides private cars with experienced and professional drivers who can speak English. Our drivers are not only skilled in driving but also knowledgeable about local routes, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Huracars is committed to providing top notch service tailored to your needs. Booking now:Hue to Phong Nha by private car Hue to DMZ tour by private car
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4. Travel tips to Hien Luong bridge – Ben Hai river
Your visit to Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River will be more complete with some of our tips. These insights will help you fully experience these iconic landmarks.
4.1 When is the best time to visit Hien Luong bridge – Ben Hai river
The best time to visit Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River is during the dry season, which lasts from April to September. This time offers the most favorable conditions for visitors. Creating a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. Moreover, during the dry season, traveling and exploring the surrounding area is much easier and more convenient for visitors.
4.2 Extra tips for your best trip
- The ideal time to visit Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River is during the early morning or afternoon when the weather is cooler and more pleasant, providing a more comfortable, enjoyable and relaxing experience for visitors.
- Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture special photos here
- To protect yourself from the sun, bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- There is no dress code, so visitors are free to choose clothes made from breathable fabrics, along with sandals or sneakers, which are essential for a pleasant day
5. Other works at Hien Luong bridge – Ben Hai river
- Flagpole: The current flagpole is 38.6m high, with a pedestal underneath to honor the victory. With the flag battle taking place for many years between the two governments, the red flag with yellow star still proudly flies. Therefore, when coming to the Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai river relic site, you cannot miss the moment to capture the beautiful image of this flagpole.
- Loudspeaker System: A fierce battle for loudspeakers between the North and the South. With 5 loudspeaker clusters distributed along the 1,500 meter length towards the south bank, they brought the voices of the State and the people of the North to the people of the South every day. However, the government on the south bank also had large capacity loudspeaker clusters that broadcast very loudly, overwhelming the loudspeakers of the North, broadcasting continuously for 14 to 15 hours a day. A tense and fierce competition ensued, involving content, technology, delivery, and political purposes.
- The 17th Parallel Demilitarised Zone: The 17th Parallel Demilitarized Zone was the temporary military boundary between North and South Vietnam established by the Geneva Accords of 1954. The demarcation line ran along the Ben Hai River in Quang Tri Province. In 1976, when Vietnam was reunified after the withdrawal of US forces and the surrender of the South Vietnamese government, this demarcation line no longer existed.
6. Some nearby tourist attractions:
- Vinh Moc tunnel: Vinh Moc tunnel is an extremely impressive tunnel complex, not only ensuring safety and maintaining life for the people but also playing an important role in the initial combat work, serving the combat, and the southern battlefield, contributing to defeating the US destructive war. More than 90 families lived underground to cope with the bombing. The tunnel consists of three floors spanning nearly 2 kilometers, and is fully equipped with facilities such as meeting rooms, notice board, maternity wards, wells, toilets, surgery station, native station, kitchen,…
- La Vang church: La Vang Church is a famous tourist attraction for visitors to Vietnam. It is also a significant religious site, especially Catholics. Catholics come here to worship, make pilgrimages and pray for the best things in life.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Hien Luong bridge – Ben Hai river to understand more about Vietnamese history and experience the pride and aspirations of the Vietnamese people at that time.