Location and the Path to Memory

The Martyrs Memorial Temple is located in Long Dai Village, Hien Ninh Commune, Quang Ninh District, right on the banks of the river bearing the same name. From the center of Dong Hoi City, visitors can reach the site after a 30-kilometer drive along National Highway 1A and the Eastern branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road. From Phong Nha, the journey is slightly longer—over 50 kilometers—but can easily be combined into a one-day excursion. For travelers arriving by train or plane, the temple is only about 40 minutes from Dong Hoi Railway Station or Dong Hoi Airport, along the route once known as one of the fiercest “coordinates of fire” in Central Vietnam.

Long Dai Ferry – Where Fire and Bullets Turned into Immortality

During the resistance war against America, Long Dai Ferry was the vital gateway linking the two banks of the river, serving as a lifeline for transporting weapons and supplies to the Southern battlefield. From 1965, it became one of the most heavily bombarded targets, enduring millions of tons of explosives. It was here that the first American bomb fell on North Vietnam, marking the beginning of a tragic yet heroic chapter in the nation’s history.

Blood and tears were shed into the waters of the Long Dai River. Hundreds of soldiers, militia, and young volunteers sacrificed their lives to safeguard this lifeline. Especially memorable were the sacrifices of fifteen young volunteers from Nghe An in June 1972 and sixteen from Thai Binh in September of the same year, whose bravery became an immortal epic. Long Dai Ferry forever stands as a symbol of the indomitable spirit: “Determined to die so that the Fatherland may live.”

The Memorial Temple Amidst the Vast Forests of Quang Binh

Construction of the temple began in 2011 and it was inaugurated in July 2013, on the occasion of Vietnam’s War Invalids and Martyrs Day. Built on an area of 1,600 square meters with a total investment of 10 billion VND, the project was supported by Vietcombank and the “Truong Son Gratitude” program.

The temple’s architecture harmoniously blends tradition and modernity. The Main Sanctuary serves as a solemn place of worship; the Bao An Tower rises high like a candle of gratitude; and the Bell Tower resounds with solemn chimes, reminding future generations of the sacrifices made by their forefathers. Each morning, the bell echoes across the Long Dai River and the surrounding mountains, bridging past and present with its sacred sound.

The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, welcoming all visitors. Entrance, incense offerings, and guided visits are completely free of charge.

The Harmony of History and Modernity

At Long Dai Ferry, visitors can witness a striking harmony between historical relics and the vibrant pace of today’s development. Adjacent to the memorial site stands the Long Dai Railway Bridge, once considered the longest in Southeast Asia during the 1970s, over which countless trains carried the lifeblood of the homeland to the frontlines. Today, the North–South Expressway with its new Long Dai Bridge stretches alongside the old ferry and railway bridge, creating a unique scene where the artery of transportation flows seamlessly from the heroic past into a prosperous present.

Experiences for Visitors

Upon arriving, visitors can respectfully offer incense and listen to the poignant stories of sacrifice, allowing their hearts to be filled with gratitude. The temple’s architecture, the serene riverside scenery, and the Long Dai Bridge create perfect spots to pause and capture memorable photographs. With the guidance of the site’s staff, visitors can enjoy detailed historical explanations and relive the smoke-filled days of the Truong Son trail, gaining a deeper appreciation for the peace we enjoy today.

Tourism and Educational Value

The Long Dai Ferry Memorial Temple is not only a spiritual destination but also an open-air classroom, where the revolutionary spirit is passed on to younger generations. It offers a journey for each visitor to deeply understand the priceless sacrifices of their ancestors, fostering pride and a profound awareness of preserving peace and independence. For travelers, it is a poignant stop that enriches the humanistic meaning of a Quang Binh itinerary, complementing the province’s world-renowned natural wonders.

Connecting Journey to Other Sacred Sites

From the Memorial Temple, your journey can continue toward Mount Than Dinh, regarded as one of Quang Binh’s most sacred places, or pause at the serene Non Pagoda nestled on the hillside. A little further lies Hang Tam Co, where the poignant sacrifices of youth volunteers on the Truong Son trail are eternally remembered. Along the coastal route, the tomb of General Vo Nguyen Giap at Vung Chua – Dao Yen welcomes countless visitors who come to pay their respects. Returning to Phong Nha – Ke Bang, travelers will encounter a sublime harmony between history and nature, between the memories of war and a world heritage legacy.

Conclusion

A visit to the Long Dai Ferry Memorial is more than a journey; stepping through the temple gates, one can almost hear echoes from the past, the bell tolling across the skies of Quang Binh, reminding us that the blood and sacrifice of our forebears have forged the peace we enjoy today. This is not merely a tourist destination, but a voyage into the heart and conscience, inspiring resilience and pride in every visitor. The Long Dai Ferry Martyrs’ Memorial – an immortal ode along the Truong Son trail – remains a sacred rendezvous for those seeking to explore, remember, and pay homage.

Contact Information

For a meaningful and convenient visit to Long Dai Ferry, travelers can reach out directly to Phong Nha Viet, a professional partner specializing in historical and cultural tours in Quang Binh:

Phong Nha Viet
📍 Address: 46 Ba Trieu, Dong Hoi, Quang Tri, Vietnam
📞 Hotline: +84 911 367 789 – +84 889 690 777
✉️ Email: phongnha.vie@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://phongnhaviet.com

Visitors can book tours combining Long Dai Ferry – Chi Huy Cave – Hang Tam Co – Phong Nha – Ke Bang, or take advantage of services such as guided tours, shuttle transport, and meal arrangements in the area, ensuring a smooth and enriched travel experience.