Happy TravellerWelcome to Đông Hà, the capital of Quảng Trị Province in Vietnam. Situated at the crossroads of National Highway 1A and Route 9, Đông Hà is a bustling city that lies on the North-South Railway and is served by Đông Hà Railway Station. The city is also part of the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC), an economic development program that includes northeast Thailand, Southern Laos, and central Vietnam. With a rich history and a tropical monsoon climate, Đông Hà is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
History:
Đông Hà was initially part of Champa until it was conquered by the Qin Empire, who were in control of most of Vietnam at the time. During the 14th and 15th centuries, ethnic Vietnamese gradually replaced the Cham inhabitants. During the Vietnam War, Đông Hà was the northernmost town in South Vietnam and was the location of a strategically important United States Marine Corps Đông Hà Combat Base, to support Marine positions along the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). During the so-called Easter Offensive in 1972, the town was the scene of a ferocious battle between the South Vietnamese army and invading North Vietnamese armored forces. The North Vietnamese army captured the town on 28 April 1972, and it was never regained by the South Vietnamese. Nowadays, tourists come to Đông Hà, especially ex-servicemen from the U.S. and Vietnam, who nearly always include a DMZ tour in their programs. The contemporary Vietnamese singer Như Quỳnh was born in Đông Hà in 1970.
Climate:
Đông Hà has a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen Am). There is a wet season due to the northeast monsoon between August and December, peaking in October with around 629.7 millimeters or 25 inches of rain and frequent typhoon landfalls. The dry season lasts from January to July, though there is a secondary rainfall peak in May.
Things to do:
– Visit the Đông Hà Museum to learn about the city’s history and culture.
– Take a DMZ tour to see the remnants of the Vietnam War.
– Explore the Vinh Moc Tunnels, a complex of tunnels used by North Vietnamese soldiers during the war.
– Visit the Cồn Cỏ Island, a beautiful island located off the coast of Đông Hà.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Đông Hà has something for everyone. Come and experience the beauty and charm of this vibrant city for yourself!
