Martyrs' Memorial Temple by Long Dai Ferry Terminal - Quang Binh

Before 1965, Long Dai Ferry Terminal was located on National Route 15A (now the Eastern Branch of the Ho Chi Minh Highway), managed by the Quang Binh Department of Transport. The ferry terminal was located in Long Dai village, Hien Ninh commune (North bank) and Xuan Duc village, Xuan Ninh commune (South bank), Quang Ninh district, Quang Binh province (now partly belonging to Truong Ninh commune after administrative merger). Its strategic location at Km 1004 + 810 made this place an important river crossing point on the Truong Son – Ho Chi Minh Trail.

When the US escalated bombings in the North (from 1965), the ferry terminal became a key target. It was handed over to the Quang Binh Provincial Military Command, later belonging to Group 500 of the General Department of Logistics. The C16 Engineering Unit (Station 16) stuck to the post day and night, repairing pontoon bridges, ensuring smooth traffic to supply weapons, food, and troops to the South. This unit was awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces in 1969. Both riverbanks were densely packed with anti-aircraft battlefields. Soldiers, militia, youth volunteers, and frontline laborers fought bravely under the slogan “All for the front line! All for our beloved South!”. Many soldiers fell, but the ferry terminal remained open, making an important contribution to the nation's overall victory.

"That moonlit night

we marched across Long Dai ferry

where enemy bomb fragments were thicker than pebbles

Where frontlines and rear handed over their duties."

Those poetic lines perhaps depicted part of the fierce scene at the Long Dai ferry terminal in the past. In those historical pages tinged with war smoke, Long Dai Ferry Terminal forever engraves the unforgettable losses of the Youth Volunteers. On the night of June 16, 1972, 15 youth volunteers from Nghe An (aged 18-20) sacrificed their lives while assembling for flag salute to prepare for march, under a heavy bombardment. Just three months later, on September 19, 1972, 16 youth volunteers from Thai Binh (7 females, 9 males, aged 17-20) heroically fell during rescue operations after an attack; a bomb hit their shelter, 15 died on the spot, and one passed away on September 23.

Those painful events became unhealing scars in historical memory, serving as eloquent proof of the courage and noble sacrifice of the young generation of Vietnam in the great national defense war. Here, enemy bomb fragments thicker than pebbles were soaked with the blood of Vietnamese children, so that today, the memorial temple stands tall like a fragrant incense stick, honoring the immortal souls.

To commemorate and pay tribute to the heroic martyrs who heroically sacrificed their lives on the Truong Son trail, the Truong Son Martyrs' Memorial Temple – Long Dai Ferry Terminal broke ground in 2011 and was completed in July 2013, with a total budget of about 10 billion VND. The project was spearheaded by the Quang Binh Provincial Youth Union, with Saigon Giai Phong Newspaper mobilizing resources, alongside sponsorship from Vietcombank and many philanthropic organizations and individuals.

Located on the hill slope north of the Long Dai River, the temple complex features architecture harmoniously blending traditional and modern styles, covering an area of about 1,600m² within a vast, serene space.

Key features include:

• Main Temple: A sacred space honoring and commemorating over 1,000 martyrs who sacrificed their lives at Long Dai Ferry Terminal and along the Truong Son route.
• Gratitude Tower & Bell Tower: Symbols of deep gratitude, echoing as a reminder for future generations.
• Historical Stone Stele & Green Campus: Creating a quiet space blended with nature.

Near the temple complex is the 178m-long Long Dai Railway Bridge, which was once the longest railway bridge in Southeast Asia in the 1970s, now becoming an ideal stopover with picturesque mountain and river scenery.

Starting the pilgrimage journey to the historical land of Quang Binh, the Truong Son Martyrs' Memorial Temple – Long Dai Ferry Terminal is a meaningful stop for those seeking to return to the heroic memories of the nation.

Location & Transportation: The temple complex is located in Truong Ninh commune (formerly Hien Ninh), Quang Ninh district, about 30km south of Dong Hoi center. Visitors can easily access it via the Eastern Branch of the Ho Chi Minh Highway.

• Motorbike/private car: Travel along National Route 1A, then turn onto Ho Chi Minh Highway.

Ideal Time to Visit: The temple complex is open free of charge from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. On occasions such as July 27, April 30, or September 2, solemn memorial activities often take place here, attracting a large number of visitors and locals.

Visiting Tips

• Dress politely and maintain a respectful attitude when offering incense.
• Spend time reading the stone steles and learning about the historical stories at the temple complex.
• Combine your visit with sightseeing at Long Dai Railway Bridge and enjoying the views of the Long Dai River.
• Prepare drinking water and sunscreen; the dry season is more convenient for travel.
• Combine with exploring Than Dinh Mountain, Non Pagoda, or other historical sites along the Ho Chi Minh Highway.

This is not only a sightseeing destination but also a quiet space that helps everyone better understand and appreciate sacred historical values.

The memorial temple is not only a space of gratitude for heroic martyrs but also a "red address" of great value in educating traditions for the younger generation. Coming here, visitors do not just stop at enjoying the scenery, but also have the opportunity to pause and reflect on the value of peace, gratitude, and the traditional moral principle of remembering one's roots. The project is a vivid testament to the noble Vietnamese tradition of "When drinking water, remember its source".

In the journey to explore Quang Binh, combining natural experiences in Phong Nha – Ke Bang with historical and spiritual tourism in the Long Dai area will offer a complete, deep, and meaningful trip.

Coming to Long Dai, people not only find peace in their souls but also relive heroic pages of history. Visitors can light a fragrant incense stick at the main temple, read poems engraved on stone steles, and listen to stories of wartime years. Stepping outside, the poetic scenery of Long Dai River and the ancient railway bridge will bring contemplative emotions. From Long Dai, visitors can also extend their journey to the sacred Than Dinh Mountain, ancient Non Pagoda, or other relics on the legendary Ho Chi Minh Highway, such as Truong Son Martyrs' Cemetery, to gain a deeper understanding and love for the nation's heroic history.

The Martyrs' Memorial Temple by Long Dai Ferry Terminal is not only a place to remember heroic martyrs but also a symbol of gratitude and the spirit of "drinking water, remembering its source." With its sacred space, poetic landscape, and moving historical depth, this is an indispensable stop for those eager to learn about the nation's journey of defending the country and preserving its soul.