Overview

On Ben Tat Hill, within the solemn silence of Vinh Truong commune in Gio Linh district, Quang Tri, lies a sacred land where more than ten thousand fallen heroes rest in eternal peace. This is the Truong Son Martyrs’ Cemetery – the largest memorial of its kind in Vietnam, a place of return where one bows in gratitude and listens to the echoes of the legendary Truong Son mountains.

More than a cemetery, it has become a “red landmark” of memory and patriotism, a spiritual destination on the journey back to one’s roots, where every step feels lifted by the soul of the mountains and rivers, and by the eternal spirit of those who gave their lives for the nation.

Meaning

The cemetery was begun in 1975 and completed two years later, like a great incense offering from the nation to its children who had become one with the motherland.

From the battlefields of Truong Son, from the Central Region to the Central Highlands, tens of thousands of graves were brought together here, creating a sacred space of memory. The cemetery is not only a resting place but also a symbol of the profound gratitude of the Party, the people, and the army toward a generation who gave their lives for independence and freedom.

Each year, on July 27, the cemetery is illuminated by tens of thousands of candles. Every pilgrimage of students, veterans, and visitors keeps this place alive in the nation’s collective memory, making it both solemn and deeply human.

Architecture and Layout

Spanning an area of about 140,000 square meters, the cemetery is arranged with solemn order while blending harmoniously into the natural landscape.

At its heart rises a 32.4-meter-high memorial tower, built of white stone and shaped like a three-pointed star — a symbol of eternal light. Surrounding it are more than ten thousand graves, divided into ten sections by provinces and cities. The most silent corner belongs to the 68 nameless martyrs, whose unmarked tombs stand as a poignant reminder of countless others whose identities remain unknown.

The entire space is embraced by whispering pine forests, by flowers blooming in every season, and by clean stone pathways that lead visitors as though they were walking into a tranquil realm of memory.

Within the grounds are also a Memorial House dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, steles engraved with the names of martyrs, the Truong Son Temple, and other supporting structures that serve those who come to pay their respects.

Spiritual Experience

Stepping into this sacred ground, visitors often pause for a long moment before the graves, lighting incense and offering flowers as a gesture of reverence. Right from the entrance, incense sticks and blossoms are prepared, so that each step of remembrance may be accompanied by a quiet act of devotion.

The cemetery’s management provides a modern system to help families and visitors trace information about the martyrs. For groups wishing to understand more deeply, guides are always ready to recount the stories of the Truong Son trail and the silent yet monumental sacrifices that were made.

Beyond the act of paying respects, this is also a place to learn, to reflect, to let the truth sink in — that the road we walk today has been paved with blood and sacrifice.

Annual Events and Activities

Every year on July 27th, the cemetery glows with the Candlelight Gratitude Ceremony. Thousands of flickering flames illuminate the entire space, stirring profound emotions in the hearts of all who gather.

Schools, organizations, and veterans’ associations frequently organize pilgrimages here, considering it an essential stop on the journey back to their roots. On national holidays and the Lunar New Year, groups of visitors from across the country and abroad come to pay tribute, bringing with them affection, gratitude, and a deep sense of pride.

Practical Travel Information

The cemetery is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with free admission for all visitors.

It is located on Ben Tat Hill, Vinh Truong Commune, Gio Linh District—about 25 km from Dong Ha, 120 km from Hue, and roughly 95 km from Dong Hoi (Quang Binh).

Travelers can reach the site by private car, coach, or motorbike tours. The spacious grounds include ample parking for large vehicles.

Facilities are well arranged for visitors: flower and incense stalls at the entrance, an electronic system to search for martyrs’ information, guided tours available upon advance request, as well as resting areas and clean restrooms.

Visitor Guidelines

When entering this sacred space, visitors are expected to dress respectfully and modestly. Please maintain a solemn atmosphere—avoid speaking loudly or making lighthearted jokes.

Equally important, help preserve the environment: do not litter, break branches, or pick flowers, so that the cemetery remains a place of peace and reverence for generations to come.

Tour Connections and Suggested Itineraries

The Truong Son National Martyrs’ Cemetery is often visited together with other historic landmarks in Quang Tri, creating a profound “Journey to the Roots.” Travelers may combine their visit with the Road 9 National Martyrs’ Cemetery, the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel—where 81 days and nights of fierce battles once raged—or the sacred Thach Han River, forever marked by sacrifice and remembrance.

This is not merely a sightseeing trip; it is a journey of listening, of remembrance, of nurturing patriotism, and of inspiring resilience in the younger generations.

The Truong Son National Martyrs’ Cemetery is more than a grand memorial. It stands as an eternal symbol of Vietnam’s indomitable will and enduring spirit. A visit to Quang Tri—this heroic land—would not be complete without pausing here: to bow in reverence, to touch history, and to let one’s heart be illuminated by timeless values.

Why You Should Visit Truong Son National Martyrs’ Cemetery

To set foot in Truong Son National Martyrs’ Cemetery is not merely to visit a destination, but to step into the living soul of Vietnam’s history. Here, every pine tree seems to whisper, every stone path echoes with footsteps of generations who once carved their way through the mountains for independence.

It is a place where time slows down, where silence carries the weight of sacrifice. Over ten thousand young lives rest beneath the earth, yet their spirit rises with the wind, illuminating the memorial tower like an eternal flame. For travelers, it is more than a stop along the journey—it is an awakening.

Visiting this sacred ground means bowing not only to the fallen but also to the values they upheld: courage, unity, and the unyielding will of a nation. It is a journey that nourishes gratitude, deepens understanding, and reminds us that peace is never free—it is inherited from generations who gave everything.

To come here is to let your heart listen, to let your steps connect past and present. In Quang Tri, a land etched with memory, the Truong Son Cemetery stands as both a solemn resting place and a shining beacon that guides every soul back to its roots.

Contact Information

For more details, guided tours, or travel assistance related to Truong Son National Martyrs’ Cemetery and other historical sites in Quang Tri, please reach out to:

Phong Nha Viet
📍 Address: 46 Ba Trieu Street, Dong Hoi, Quang Tri, Vietnam
📞 Phone: +84 911 367 789
📧 Email: phongnha.vie@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://phongnhaviet.com

👉 Our team is always ready to assist you in planning meaningful heritage journeys, connecting Truong Son Cemetery with other historic landmarks such as the Quang Tri Citadel, Road 9 National Martyrs’ Cemetery, and the sacred Thach Han River.