Exhibition Hall "17th Parallel and the Desire for National Unification" – Evoking a Tragic and Proud Historical Era

The "17th Parallel and the Desire for National Unification" Exhibition Hall is a destination rich in historical value within the Hien Luong - Ben Hai River Banks Special National Relic Complex, Vinh Linh District, Quang Tri Province. The site was built to preserve, display, and honor valuable documents, photographs, and artifacts reflecting the period when the country was temporarily divided at the 17th parallel following the 1954 Geneva Accords until the country was reunited in 1975.

More than just a historical display space, this site contributes to educating patriotic traditions, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the nation's arduous years of struggle. Through an authentic system of artifacts, images, and documents, the exhibition hall vividly recreates the lives of people on both sides of the demarcation line, the pain of separation lasting over two decades, as well as the resilient spirit and burning aspiration for peace and national unification of the Vietnamese army and people. This is a meaningful stop for anyone wishing to learn about history and better appreciate the value of peace today.

The 17th parallel was chosen as the temporary military demarcation line after the Geneva Accords signed on July 21, 1954. The Ben Hai River and Hien Luong Bridge became symbols of the pain of division for 21 years (1954-1975). This area witnessed countless heroic struggles, including the "loudspeaker war", "flag war", "paint color war", and immense sacrifices by the people living on both banks.

The exhibition hall was constructed under the restoration and enhancement project of the Hien Luong - Ben Hai River Banks relic site (around 2005), located in a strategic position along the Ben Hai River. It is one of the key items aimed at preserving and promoting historical values and educating future generations in patriotic traditions. The hall is part of a complex that includes the demarcation flagpole and the "Aspiration for Unification" monument, helping visitors vividly imagine the overall historical picture.

The entire complex is divided into two main areas, helping to vividly recreate the story of a period when the country was divided and the struggle toward the aspiration for national reunification:

• Reception Hall: Features a statue of President Ho Chi Minh backed by a relief sculpture, symbolizing the desire for unification under the leadership of the Party and Uncle Ho.
• Main Exhibition Hall: Divided into 4 major themes:
  • The Geneva Accords and the temporary military demarcation line.
  • The indomitable spirit of the Vinh Linh people in the battle to defend the demarcation frontline.
  • The people south of the 17th Parallel fighting for the aspiration of unification.
  • The 17th Parallel after the liberation of Quang Tri in 1972.

In addition, the Traditional House of Border Guard Post 204 (lower level of a two-story building) displays 92 documentary photos and 60 artifacts related to the history of the struggle since 1954. The space recreates the image of a Vinh Linh mother mending the national flag and tunnels dug during the war, providing a visual look into life during the period of division.

The exhibition hall preserves over 50 valuable artifacts and documents, reflecting the pain of division and the aspiration for unification. Highlights include:

• A replica of the 500W loudspeaker used in the "sound war" across the river – symbolizing the fierce propaganda battle.
• Photos and documents about the "flag war" and "paint war" – uncompromising confrontations on Hien Luong Bridge.
• A photograph of Ms. Hoang Thi Cham and her comrades raising the flag at the Doc Mieu military base during the liberation of Gio Linh in 1972.
• Artifacts recreating life on both banks, stories of mothers on the two sides of the Ben Hai River, and documents regarding joint briefing meetings of the Joint Commission between the two zones.

These artifacts serve not only as historical evidence but also evoke deep emotions regarding the sacrifices made for national unification.

Visiting the "17th Parallel and the Desire for National Unification" Exhibition Hall is an emotional journey taking you back to heroic history. The relic site is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an all-inclusive entrance ticket of 50,000 VND per adult, which includes Hien Luong Bridge, the demarcation flagpole, the Aspiration for Unification Monument, and the exhibition hall.

Special experiences:

• Walking across Hien Luong Bridge: The restored 183.65m Erythrophleum fordii wooden bridge, marked with a paint line denoting the boundary, evokes poignant feelings as you imagine the era of division.
• Admiring the flagpole and monument: The 28m high flagpole with the flying flag, and the "Aspiration for Unification" monument complex (a Southern mother standing 7.7m tall embracing her 5.5m tall son), symbolizing the yearning for reunion.
• Exploring the loudspeaker system and joint house: Recreating joint briefings and the "sound war".
• Ideal time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the sun, wearing polite attire out of respect for the site.

Many visitors, such as Ms. Pham Thao from Hanoi, share that this site offers an unforgettable experience that stirs national pride. If you visit Quang Tri, do not miss this location to better understand Vietnamese history.

The "17th Parallel and the Desire for National Unification" Exhibition Hall is truly an indispensable destination in your historical exploration of Quang Tri. It offers not only knowledge but also profound feelings about a period full of hardship yet filled with immense pride.

To make your journey exploring the "land of fire" Quang Tri complete, convenient, and guided by professionals—helping you gain a deeper insight into the 17th Parallel, Hien Luong Bridge, Ben Hai River, along with many other famous historical and cultural sites along the legendary Route 9—let Sovaba Travel accompany you. With specially designed Hien Luong Bridge - Ben Hai River tours, Sovaba Travel will bring you the most meaningful, memorable, and complete trip. Contact Sovaba Travel today to start your journey!