Geography

Quang Tri contains most of the area called DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) during the Vietnam War (or American War). It was heavily destroyed and sprayed in the war. There were brutal battles in most areas of Quang Tri during the war which caught the attention from the whole world once...

The idyllic countryside of Quang Tri Province - Vietnam

The terrain of Quang Tri includes mountainous land (80%) to the west, flat plains (11.5%) in the middle and sand dunes (7.5%) to the east. It is higher to the west and lower to the east. The terrain is dissected by a complicated river network. Apart from the island, Quang Tri also has an offshore island, Con Co Island.

There are 12 rivers in Quang Tri belonging to 3 main rivers all of which are short and steep in gradient.

- The Ben Hai River (65km) originates from the western mountains of 1,257m above sea level flowing eastwards and discharging its water into the East Vietnam Sea via Cua Tung Estuary.

- The Thach Han River (155km) originates from the western mountains at Dakrong and Huong Hoa flowing southeastwards and then northeastwards and discharging its water into the East Vietnam Sea via Cua Viet Estuary,

- O Lau (or My Chanh) with 65m in length comprising the My Chanh tributary to the north and O Lau tributary to the south. The My Chanh River discharges its water into the East Vietnam Sea via Tam Giang Lagoon in Thua Thien Hue Province.

There are minor legs of tributaries of the Mekong River to the west of Quang Tri which flow into Laos and later join the main tributary of the Mekong: the Sepon River and Se Banghiang River.

Weather and Climate, Best Time to Visit Quang Tri

Quang Tri has a tropical monsoon climate. The temperatures range from below 10oC to above 40oC. The mountainous region to the west has lower temperatures than that in the lowland and along the coast. The rainy season is long from July through November, and the most rainy time is during September-November; the summer is from May through October and the winter is from December through February. The annual rainfall is from 2,200mm-2,500mm. The average humidity is 83-88%.

There are 2 main monsoons in Quang Tri: north-westerly in the winter and south-easterly in the dry season. The latter causes dry air and intense heat which makes the temperatures reach 40-42oC.

The best time to visit Quang Tri is from January to early March.

The ancient citadel of Quang Tri

Quang Tri Travel Guide, What To See, Tourist Attractions in Quang Tri

Traveling to Quang Tri, you will travel back in time to the most fierce battles and enjoy the blue sea with white sand beaches of Cua Tung, Cua Viet and My Thuy… From the north to the south, the historical tourist attractions in Quang Tri include:

1/Vinh Moc Tunnels and the Underground Villages of Vinh Linh

Here you’ll visit tunnels which accommodate locals during the war.

2/The Ben Hai River and Hien Luong Bridge along the 17th parallel

This was the Demarcation Line between North and South Vietnam during the war.

3/The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)

The zone is where to recall many fire-points and fierce battles: Con Tien, Doc Mieu, Gio Linh…

4/The McNamara Line

The line was 500m wide stretching for about 100km from the East Vietnam Sea to Laos. The barrier line utilized the most sophisticated technology such as heat-detecting & acoustic sensors, different types of mines,.. trying to block infiltration from North Vietnam into South Vietnam during the war.

4/Route 9 to South of Laos

The route was a strategic route south of the 17th parallel with several fire-points Rockpile, Dakrong Bridge,...

5/Khe Sanh Combat Base (Ta Con Airfield, Huong Hoa Fire-point, Lang Vay)

This is where to recall the Battle of Khe Sanh in 1968, Lang Vay and the Battle of Lang Vay.

6/Quang Tri Ancient Citadel

This is where to recall the 81 days and nights (28June-16September1972) the Battle of Quang Tri.

The ancient citadel of Quang Tri

Quang Tri Museum

Battlefield Tours, Historical Tours and Beach Vacations, Things to do in Quang Tri

From Hue you can have a day trip to the DMZ and come back to Hue for the night. Please refer to our DMZ section for further details on traveling in Quang Tri and DMZ.

Paradissa organize various military historical tours to the DMZ. While it is possible to day-trip to the DMZ from Hue, it is recommended you take full battlefield tours hosted by Paradissa which feature different battles which are arranged in a very easy to understand way, so that you have a full understanding of the piece of the history back that time.

Paradissa’s military tours are escorted by knowledgeable tour guides who will assist you in analyzing the facts and figures, hence the conclusions yourself.

Where To Stay, Hotels in Quang Tri

There are 4-star hotels in Dong Ha City and there are hotels with basic facilities in almost every town and city of the province. Luxury travel is not yet available on the beaches of Quang Tri Province.

How To travel to Quang Tri and How To Get Around

1/ By road

Quang Tri is 600km south of Ha Noi, 100km south of Dong Hoi and 75km north of Hue.

Quang Tri has an international border crossing with Laos at Lao Bao (Quang Tri, Vietnam) and Danvavan (Savannakhet, Laos). Lao Bao Border Check Point is 80km west of Dong Ha City.

2/ By railway

You can take an overnight train from Ha Noi to Dong Ha Town which will be used as the base for your tour around Quang Tri and the DMZ.

Getting around Quang Tri

Quang Tri can only be explored thoroughly by car, by bicycle or by motorbike.

Dong Ha Average Monthly Rainfall and Temperatures