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Quang Tri Province lies in the sunny and windswept land of Central Vietnam, yet history has carved painful scars upon it. With memories of war etched into its every corner, Quang Tri truly is a destination for visitors who wish to explore the essence of the Vietnamese spirit.
A maple leaf forest in Quang Tri is surprisingly similar to those found in Europe
Despite its turbulent past, Quang Tri has become a captivating ecotourism hub and a highlight of any Central Vietnam tour. Join Asia King Travel as we take you on a journey through this remarkable destination in the following Vietnam travel guide.
From the 1,000 years of Northern domination in Vietnam until the 11th century, the land belonged to Lam Ap, the predecessor of the Champa Kingdom. In 1069, King Rudravarman III ceded the territory that now comprises Quang Tri Province to the Ly Dynasty as atonement. In the 14th century, King Sinhavarman III granted additional land around Hue as a wedding gift to Princess Huyen Tran.
Princess Huyen Tran is revered for her act of sacrifice that led to the country’s territorial expansion
During the French colonial period, this province was combined with Quang Binh to form Binh Tri Province. Following the 1954 Geneva Accords, the Ben Hai River became the temporary demarcation line dividing Vietnam into two parts. However, the unified election that had been promised never took place, and the country endured a 20-year war before achieving reunification.
After reunification in 1975, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien Hue were merged to form Binh Tri Thien Province. In 1989, they were separated again into three provinces. In 2025, Quang Binh and Quang Tri were once more merged to form a new Quang Tri Province, while Thua Thien Hue was transformed into Hue City, now a centrally administered municipality.
Quang Tri served as the gateway to the South, controlling part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which was the North’s vital supply route for troops and materials. As a result, the province became a fiercely contested target throughout the war.
The ruined scene of Quang Tri Town in 1972
One of the most significant battles took place at Quang Tri Citadel. “Meat grinder” is perhaps the most accurate description of this clash. Eighty-one days and nights of fighting inside the citadel claimed the lives of more than 10,000 soldiers from both sides.
The Battle of Khe Sanh, fought in 1967-1968, was another major conflict. U.S. Marines and their South Vietnamese allies endured a grueling 77-day siege by the North Vietnamese Army at Khe Sanh Combat Base. To the Vietnamese, Khe Sanh became the “second Dien Bien Phu.” In the United States, this battle fueled the anti-war movement.
A soldier prayed in front of La Vang Church
Today, Quang Tri still preserves many relics of the war. Each site stands as evidence of fierce battles and soldiers’ sacrifices. In addition to the citadel and Khe Sanh, other notable destinations include Hien Luong Bridge at Ben Hai River, Highway 9, and the Vinh Moc Tunnels.
Quang Tri is situated in the north-central region of Vietnam, roughly halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It borders Laos to the west and has a long coastline along the East Sea. To the north, it borders Ha Tinh Province, and to the south, it borders Hue City.
Suggested for you: Center Vietnam Tour 7 days
Its location in the north of central Vietnam makes Quang Tri Province a less popular destination, but one well worth discovering. If you are already traveling through Vietnam, an open bus ticket is a cheap and flexible option, with major north-south routes stopping in Dong Ha and Quang Tri Ward.
Cam Lo - La Son Expressway connects Dong Ha City in the north to Hue in the south
For a more comfortable experience, you can book a private car transfer from Da Nang or Hue. Although this option is more expensive, it provides door-to-door service. Having your own vehicle also gives you much more freedom to explore lesser-visited sites.
In many Vietnam travel guide entries, you’ll see advice that taking the train is one of the best ways to cross the country from end to end. Dong Ha Station serves 11 trains daily, connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as well as important stops such as Hue City and Dong Hoi Ward.
Quang Tri has a tropical monsoon climate. The dry season runs from March to August and is considered the peak tourist season, despite the extreme heat. This is due to it being the ideal time for exploring the cave systems, doing some trekking, and enjoying the beaches. Temperatures often soar above 35°C, especially between June and August.
Cua Tung Beach attracts visitors every summer
Many travelers prefer visiting during the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-November. During these months, you can avoid the heat while still there are still plenty of sunny days.
The rainy season in this region lasts from September to February, bringing cooler temperatures but also humidity. September is particularly pleasant, as the rains help the greenery flourish after the scorching summer.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is world-renowned for its stunning karst landscapes and vast cave systems. With spectacular sites such as Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave, Phong Nha - Ke Bang is a must-visit on any Central Vietnam tour, especially for adventure-driven travelers.
Located inside Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Son Doong is currently holding the title of the largest cave in the world. It is extremely famous worldwide, having been featured by outlets such as National Geographic, BBC, CNN, and other major travel media. Due to its unique conditions, access is very limited, but its prestige compels many travelers to book years in advance for the chance to explore this magnificent natural wonder.
Son Doong Cave is among the most beautiful underground attractions in the world
Vinh Moc Tunnel is a historic war site and an iconic Central Vietnam tour destination for international visitors interested in Vietnam War history. It was a military-civilian collaboration project built by North Vietnam in Central Vietnam to withstand attacks from the United States and its allies. Along with Khe Sanh, it is one of the most visited cultural and historical sites in Quang Tri.
Tourists visiting Vinh Moc Tunnels
Mussel vermicelli traces its origin to the famous Mai Xa Village. The mussels are sautéed with onion, then water is added and seasoned to make the broth. Chefs often add a slice of ginger to enhance the flavor. When eating, you can add plenty of chili to experience the bold, spicy taste of Central Vietnam.
Quang Tri Province specializes in making dishes from mussels
Trong leaves grow abundantly only in Quang Tri, making this dish a local specialty. The leaves have a slightly spicy and pungent flavor. Buffalo meat with trong leaves can be either grilled or stir-fried. If you want the fragrant and spicy kick of the leaves, go for the grilled version. The stir-fried dish, on the other hand, really brings out the juicy richness of the meat.
A plate of stir-fried buffalo meat with trong leaves
Local people always include banh it on their ancestral altars. When enjoying it, you can savor the soft, chewy texture, the aroma of dong leaves, and the sweet filling of mung beans and sticky rice. A touch of ginger will add a little spicy kick to the taste.
No matter how much you eat, it still feels like too little
Quang Tri Province is an off-the-beaten-path destination that packs a serious punch. With affordable accommodation, friendly locals, and numerous attractions, there's no reason not to go. Contact our team of experts at Asia King Travel, and you’ll have a journey lingering in your heart and mind long after you’ve left.
Suggested for you: Center Vietnam Tours
