Exploring Dong Hoi Ancient Citadel: Cultural and Historical Symbol of Quang Binh

Dong Hoi Ancient Citadel is located right in the center of Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. Specifically, the monument is located in Hai Dinh and Dong Phu wards, about 1,500 meters from Nhat Le sea mouth, next to the Nhat Le River and near the confluence with the Le Ky River. This location is not only close to the sea but also situated on the sole trans-Vietnam route, making it a vital choke point from North to South or vice versa.

The strategic role of Dong Hoi Ancient Citadel was extremely important throughout historical periods. Initially, it was built as part of the Luy Thay system (also known as Dinh Bac Truong Thanh), aimed at protecting the southern border of Dang Trong under the Nguyen Lords. The citadel was situated at a bottleneck position, controlling the North-South land axis and the waterway at the Nhat Le River mouth, helping to stop attacks from the North. In the context of Central Vietnam's narrow geographical width, surrounded by mountains and rivers, Dong Hoi Ancient Citadel acted as a "gateway" protecting the land of Quang Binh and the entire Central region from foreign invaders. This not only helped maintain political stability but also supported local socio-economic development through controlling traffic and trade.

The history of Dong Hoi Ancient Citadel dates back to the 17th century, when Lord Nguyen Phuc Nguyen ordered Dao Duy Tu to build the Tran Ninh rampart system in 1630-1631. Originally, this was the Dong Hai military post, part of the Luy Thay system, aimed at defending the northern border of Quang Binh garrison against Trinh troops. In 1774, Trinh forces captured the post but retained it for use.

In the 18th century, under the Tay Son dynasty (1786), Nguyen Hue captured the Tran Ninh rampart, repaired and reinforced it to strengthen the northern defense of Phu Xuan. By the Nguyen Dynasty, in 1811-1812, King Gia Long ordered renovations on the old foundation and designated it as the seat of Quang Binh garrison, calling it Quang Binh Citadel or Dinh Bac Truong Thanh. In 1824, King Minh Mang redesigned the citadel in the Vauban style, constructed with brick and stone. In 1842, King Thieu Tri ordered further repairs, making the citadel even sturdier.

Through various periods, the citadel continuously evolved from a simple earthen fort into a solid military fortification, reflecting advancements in construction techniques and military strategy of the nation.

The architecture of Dong Hoi Ancient Citadel changed over time, reflecting a combination of tradition and Western influences:

• Initial phase (17th century): Built of earth, with a rampart system 12 thuoc high and 10 miles long, stretching from Dau Mau Mountain to the Nhat Le River mouth.
• Minh Mang Reign (1824): Built with bricks and stone in the Vauban style (French architecture), shaped like a starfruit with 4 large lobes and 4 small lobes. Perimeter of 1,860 m, walls 4 m high, base 2 m thick, moat 28 m wide. There were 3 main gates: North, East, South, each featuring an eight-roof watchtower and an arched brick bridge.
• Thieu Tri Reign (1842): Further renovated, using mortar made of molasses mixed with sand to enhance durability.

Over time, the architecture evolved from simple to complex, emphasizing defensive capabilities.

Currently, after being destroyed multiple times, Dong Hoi Ancient Citadel has about 1,087 m of wall remaining with 15 star-shaped sections. The southern section is relatively intact (2/3), featuring 3 East gates and a deep moat. The East Gate is located on Le Duan Street, next to the Nhat Le River, restored between 2002 and 2009 with new bricks. Quang Binh Quan was also restored, despite controversies over its authenticity. Quang Binh Province invested 31 billion VND in preservation starting in 2005.

To visit Dong Hoi Ancient Citadel, tourists can conveniently travel from the city center via various means such as electric cars, taxis (Mai Linh, Dong Hoi Taxi), rental motorbikes at prices around 120,000–500,000 VND/day, or a 10-minute walk from the Tam Toa Church area along the Nguyen Du – Quach Xuan Ky route. The relic site is open for free with no entrance fee, and the ideal time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy beautiful lighting.

Here, visitors can explore the star-fruit shaped architecture of the ancient citadel, stroll around the moat, and take photos at the East Gate and Quang Binh Quan (about 600 m away). The sightseeing itinerary can be combined with Mother Suot Monument, Quang Binh General Museum, or extended to famous attractions such as Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave. After sightseeing, do not forget to enjoy local specialties such as tapioca dumplings (banh bot loc) and rice noodle soup (chao canh). 

Having gone through historical ups and downs, Dong Hoi Ancient Citadel still stands tall as an immortal epic, where the soul of Quang Binh land is preserved intact. Every brick and every remaining trace is eloquent evidence of the resilient willpower, deep patriotism, and loyal spirit of generations of ancestors. Exploring Dong Hoi Ancient Citadel is not only a journey back to the roots but also an opportunity for you to deeply appreciate the value of peace and independence today. For a complete journey to explore the historical heritage and beautiful landscapes of this land, do not miss the Quang Binh tours by Sovaba Travel, where you will be guided through vivid historical stories and experience the charming beauty of this heritage land.