January
20.6°C ~ 69°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River
The bridge over the Ben Hai River that marked the 17th parallel between north and south.
- Location
- Quang Tri
- Time needed
- 20 – 40 min
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best months
- Feb – Apr, Jul – Aug
Overview
From 1954 to 1975 the Ben Hai River marked the line between North and South Vietnam along the 17th parallel, and the Hien Luong Bridge crossed it. Today you can walk across the bridge and see the memorial site and small exhibits on both banks. The bridge sits on Highway 1, in Hien Luong village in Vinh Linh.
It is a short stop of 20 to 40 minutes. The place makes more sense when you combine it with the Vinh Moc Tunnels, which are about 15 km to the east, and with Cua Tung beach. Many visitors see it as part of a DMZ day from Dong Ha or Hue.
Highlights
- Walk across the bridge over the Ben Hai River
- See the memorial and small exhibits on both banks
- Imagine the border that divided the country for 21 years
- Combine with Vinh Moc Tunnels
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daytime. Exact hours not confirmed. |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free to walk across the bridge. Check for any fee at the museum. |
| Time needed | 20 – 40 min |
| Best time of day | Morning |
| Good for | History lovers, photographers |
| Accessibility | Flat |
| Facilities | Small museum and stalls |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Quang Tri by month.
February
21.3°C ~ 70°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
24.2°C ~ 76°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
27.1°C ~ 81°F
11 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
28.9°C ~ 84°F
18 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
June
30.6°C ~ 87°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
July
29.6°C ~ 85°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
August
29.4°C ~ 85°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
September
27.6°C ~ 82°F
22 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
October
25.3°C ~ 78°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
November
23.8°C ~ 75°F
24 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
December
21.2°C ~ 70°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
How to get there
- From Quang Tri centre
On Highway 1 in Vinh Linh, Quang Tri, about 20 km north of Dong Ha. Most visitors stop on a DMZ day trip.
- Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River
Tips before you go
- Stop here on the way to or from the Vinh Moc Tunnels
- Go in the morning, as there is little shade
- Traffic on Highway 1 is heavy, so watch for vehicles
- Read the signs for the history of the 17th parallel
Location
Vinh Linh, Quang Tri
More attractions in Quang Tri
FAQs
Why is the Hien Luong Bridge famous?
It crossed the Ben Hai River at the 17th parallel, which divided North and South Vietnam from 1954 to 1975.
Can I walk across?
Yes, on foot.
How long do I need?
About 20 – 40 minutes.