Main Attractions at Hien Luong - Ben Hai Both Banks Monument Complex

Hien Luong Bridge, spanning the Ben Hai River at the 17th parallel, is a prominent symbol of the monument complex. Built in 1928 and renovated by French colonialists in 1950, the bridge was once the boundary dividing North and South Vietnam after the Geneva Accords (1954). During the war, the bridge was painted in two colors: blue in the North and yellow in the South, symbolizing political division.

Hien Luong Bridge witnessed many historical events, from political struggles to sound battles between the two sides. Although collapsed by US bombs in 1967, the bridge was restored to its original state in 2001. With a length of 183.65m and a deck paved with ironwood, this is an unmissable attraction where visitors can feel the pain of division and the nation's desire for unification.

Ben Hai River originates from the majestic Truong Son range, flowing through many lands of Quang Tri before merging into Cua Tung Sea. With a length of over 100km, this river is associated with a special historical period when it was chosen as a temporary military demarcation line under the 1954 Geneva Accords, marking the boundary between South and North Vietnam for over two decades. Not only having geographical value, Ben Hai River is also a symbol of the aspiration for peace and national unification. The river once witnessed painful years of separation, the partings of countless families, and the resilient will of the army and people on both banks of the line. Today, Ben Hai River possesses a peaceful beauty, becoming a meaningful attraction in the journey to learn history, helping visitors deeply feel the value of peace and national unity.

Located on the Southern bank of the Ben Hai River, the "Aspiration for Unification" monument group is an artistic and historical highlight of the site. Built on an area of 2,700m² during the 2005 restoration project, the monument consists of two main parts:

• Pedestal section: Assembled from multiple stone blocks with relief panels depicting water coconut leaves, a symbol of the South.
• Statue section: Statues of a mother (7.7m high) and a son (5.5m high), made from Thanh Hoa bluestone, depicting the image of a wife and son looking out for their husband and father in the North, symbolizing the yearning for reunion during the years of national division.

The monument is not only a work of art but also a symbol of fierce faith in the day of national unification. This is a place where visitors often stop to take photos and deeply appreciate the historical significance.

The Exhibition House "17th Parallel and Aspiration for Unification" is a place preserving and vividly recreating the history of the Hien Luong - Ben Hai monument complex. Divided into two main halls:

• Reception hall: Where the statue of President Ho Chi Minh stands along with his famous saying "The South is in my heart", expressing Uncle Ho's deep affection for the Southern compatriots.
• Exhibition hall: Consisting of 53 documents and artifacts categorized under 4 themes:
  • Geneva Accords and the temporary military demarcation line.
  • The unsubmissive spirit of the Vinh Linh people in the battle to protect the demarcation line's frontier.
  • The struggle of the people south of the 17th parallel for the aspiration of unification.
  • The 17th parallel after the liberation of Quang Tri in 1972.

Notably, preserved here is a replica of a 500W loudspeaker used in the "sound battle" between the two sides from 1954-1965. Visitors can better imagine the tense years when both sides used loudspeakers for propaganda and moral encouragement.

Hien Luong Flagpole, located on the North bank of Ben Hai River, is a highly symbolic attraction. From 1954-1967, this was the site of the "flagpole battle" between the two sides, with each side upgrading the height of their flagpole and size of their flag to show indomitable will. The North's final flagpole, built in 1962, was 38.6m high with a 134m² flag, becoming the tallest flagpole on the demarcation line.

Currently, the flagpole has been restored to a height of 28m, with the red flag with a yellow star flying proudly. This is the venue for the solemn flag-raising ceremony in the National Unification Festival held annually on April 30th.

Hien Luong Police Post, near the North bank of Ben Hai River, is one of four police posts built according to the Geneva Accords (along with Cua Tung, Xuan Hoa, and Cat Son). The post consists of three V-shaped buildings (A, B, C), with building A as the meeting hall, building B as soldiers' quarters, and building C as logistics warehouse. The post was restored according to its original design from 1955-1967, featuring the Border Guard emblem on the roof.

This place was once a security center witnessing many struggles to protect the flagpole and the red flag with yellow star. Today, the police post is an attraction helping visitors learn more about the resilience of the police forces along the demarcation line during the war.

The Hien Luong - Ben Hai monument complex is not only a tourist destination but also a place preserving invaluable historical and cultural values of the Vietnamese nation. If you are looking for a meaningful journey to explore and gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's history, let Sovaba Travel accompany you. Book a tour to visit the Hien Luong – Ben Hai monument complex today to fully experience the cultural depth and relive the nation's heroic history right where history once divided the country into two parts.