Central
Quang Tri
Sovaba.travel
Updated at: 24/09/2026Quang Tri is a land steeped in history with famous landmarks such as Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River, Vinh Moc Tunnels, and many beautiful beaches such as Cua Tung and Cua Viet. This is an ideal place to learn about national history, enjoy nature, and savor exquisite cuisine. With a duration of 3 days and 2 nights, you can fully explore historical sites, scenic spots, and local cultural experiences.
Below is a 3-day 2-night Quang Tri exploration itinerary designed to be neat, easy to follow, suitable for groups of friends, families, or anyone who loves to travel without too much fuss.
Morning: Depart from Dong Hoi or Hue - Vinh Moc Tunnels - Hien Luong Bridge
6:30 - 7:30: Start the journey from Dong Hoi (Quang Binh) or Hue, two common starting points to get to Quang Tri. If traveling from Dong Hoi, you can take a bus or hire a private car (about 60km, taking 1-1.5 hours). From Hue, the distance is about 70km with a similar travel time.
8:30 - 10:30: Visit Vinh Moc Tunnels (Vinh Linh district), a unique historical relic located deep underground. The tunnel system is nearly 2km long with 3 levels and 13 entrances, which served as a "steel fortress" during the resistance war against the US. Visitors will hear stories about the resilient spirit of the people of Vinh Linh.
11:00 - 12:00: Continue to Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River, the symbol of the division between North and South Vietnam for 21 years (1954-1975). Don't forget to visit the 17th Parallel Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the history here.
Noon: Lunch in Dong Ha
12:30 - 13:30: Have lunch at a local restaurant in Dong Ha city.
Afternoon: Quang Tri Ancient Citadel - Truong Son Martyrs Cemetery
14:00 - 15:30: Visit Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, a special national relic associated with the 81-day-and-night battle in 1972.
16:00 - 17:30: Continue the journey to Truong Son National Martyrs Cemetery, the resting place of over 10,333 martyrs.
Evening: Discover Dong Ha by night
18:30: Return to Dong Ha, check in to hotel (suggestions: Muong Thanh Quang Tri Hotel, Sai Gon Dong Ha, or budget guesthouses from 500,000 VND/night). Have dinner with local specialties such as My Chanh clear tapioca dumplings or Bau Trang jumping shrimp salad. Afterwards, you can take a walk around Dong Ha city.
Morning: Cua Viet Beach - Con Co Island
6:30 - 7:30: Breakfast at hotel and depart for Cua Viet Beach (17km from Dong Ha). Cua Viet Beach is famous for its gentle sandy shores and clear blue water, making it an ideal place to relax and take photos.
8:00 - 9:00: Board the boat at Cua Viet port to Con Co Island, a pristine island about 30km from the mainland. The tourist boat (80 seats) takes about 60 minutes to reach the island. On the way, you can admire beautiful sea views.
9:30 - 12:00: Visit Con Co Island, once a resilient outpost during the anti-American resistance war. Highlights include the Con Co Flagpole, the Island District Traditional House, and intact systems of tunnels and bunkers.
Noon: Lunch on Con Co Island
12:30 - 13:30: Enjoy lunch with fresh seafood dishes such as Con Co rock crab (around 200,000 VND/kg), steamed fish, or grilled shrimp.
Afternoon: Explore Con Co Island - Return to Dong Ha
14:00 - 16:00: Continue exploring the island trails, admire the 200-year-old square Barringtonia tree, or participate in activities such as kayaking (if available). Then, board the boat back to the mainland.
17:30: Arrive in Dong Ha, rest at the hotel or enjoy free shopping at Dong Ha Market.
Evening: Cuisine and overnight stay
19:00: Have dinner with specialty dishes. Afterwards, you can visit coffee shops along the Thach Han River to relax. Overnight in Dong Ha.
Morning: Tram Tra Loc Ecotourism Area - Lao Bao Border Gate
7:00 - 8:00: Breakfast at hotel and depart for Tram Tra Loc ecotourism area (Hai Lang district, about 20km from Dong Ha). This is a 10-hectare wetland area surrounded by primeval forest with over 100 rare plant species. You can take a boat ride, enjoy natural scenery, or savor rustic dishes such as steamed fish wrapped in rice paper, grilled buffalo meat wrapped in truong leaves, or chao ca vat giuong (flat rice noodle soup with fish).
9:30 - 11:30: Continue moving to Lao Bao Border Gate (Huong Hoa district, about 80km from Dong Ha). This is a bustling international border gate where you can shop for duty-free goods, souvenirs, or explore Vietnam - Laos cross-cultural heritage.
Noon: Lunch in Lao Bao
12:00 - 13:00: Have lunch at a restaurant near the border gate with highland specialties such as grilled chicken with mac khen spices or highland sticky rice.
Afternoon: Bich La Ancient Village - End of journey
13:30 - 15:00: Visit Bich La ancient village (Trieu Dong commune, Trieu Phong district), a village over 500 years old and the hometown of the late General Secretary Le Duan. The ancient village is famous for religious architecture, village communal houses, and a cultural space steeped in Central Vietnam's identity. This is an ideal destination to learn about Quang Tri's history and culture.
15:30 - 17:00: Return to Dong Ha, shop for specialties such as soft dried sweet potatoes, shrimp paste, or leaf-yeast wine as gifts. Then, take a bus/car back to Dong Hoi or Hue, ending the trip.
This itinerary is neither too packed nor too superficial—just enough to feel, to understand, and to bring back a few stories after the trip. You can totally adjust it flexibly depending on your preferences, but hopefully, this will be a worthwhile suggestion for you to start your journey to the land of sun and wind.
Before packing your backpack and setting off, you should keep in mind a few things to make your 3-day 2-night trip in Quang Tri more complete. Below are some small but useful notes to help you avoid feeling confused when arriving at the land of sun and wind, and enjoy your trip in the most comfortable and smooth way.
3 days and 2 nights is not too long, but enough for you to listen to a land that once braced itself amid smoke and fire, now gradually putting on a coat of peace and simplicity. Quang Tri is not noisy, doesn't try to hold people back with ostentatious things, but retains you with true stories, real people, and genuine emotions. If you are in need of a journey to look back, to better understand the country, or simply to slow down amidst busy days, do not hesitate. Book a Quang Tri tour with Sovaba Travel so that each destination is not just a place you pass through, but a place that leaves something in your heart.