Đồng Hới, Vietnam
Region: Quảng Bình
Geographic Coordinates: 17.483100, 106.600000
Temperature Range: 18.0°C to 35.0°C (64°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 160325
Language: Vietnamese
Dong Hoi is a coastal city located in the central region of Vietnam. It serves as the capital of Quang Binh Province and sits along the Nhat Le River. The city has a rich history dating back to the 16th century when it was known as Dong Haicheng. During the Vietnam War, Dong Hoi was heavily bombed by American forces due to its strategic location near the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Today, Dong Hoi is a bustling city with over 160, 000 people and serves as an important transportation hub for travelers heading to nearby attractions such as Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Paradise Cave. The city boasts many modern amenities such as shopping centers, Restaurants, And hotels. One of Dong Hoi’s main attractions is its beautiful beaches. There are several beaches in the area including Nhat Le Beach and Da Nhay Beach that offer visitors pristine white sand and crystal clear waters perfect for swimming or sunbathing.
Visitors can also take part in various water activities such as kayaking or jet skiing. For those interested in history and culture, There are plenty of sites to explore in Dong Hoi. One must-see attraction is Quang Binh Gate – a famous landmark that dates back to 1824 during Emperor Minh Mang’s reign – which marks the entrance into Quang Binh Province from Hue City. Another popular spot for tourists is Tam Toa Church – one of only two Catholic churches built during French colonial rule that still stands today after being bombed during wartime conflicts.
Foodies will also appreciate what Dong Hoi has to offer with its delicious local cuisine featuring fresh seafood dishes like grilled squid or fish hotpot served with rice noodles called bun cha ca. In addition to all these attractions mentioned above, There are plenty more reasons why you should visit this stunning city on your next trip to Vietnam. Whether you’re interested in history, Culture or simply soaking up the sun on a beautiful beach, Dong Hoi has something for everyone!
Important Landmarks
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Paradise Cave
- Phong Nha Cave
- Nuoc Mooc Eco-Trail
- Quang Phu Sand Dunes
- Da Nhay Beach
- Tam Toa Church
- Dong Hoi Citadel
- Quang Binh Gate
- Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum
Primary Industries
- Tourism: Due to its proximity to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Đồng Hới has become a popular tourist destination.
- Agriculture: The region is known for producing rice, cashews, and other crops.
- Fishing: The city has a fishing industry that supplies local markets with seafood.
- Textiles: There are several textile factories in the area that produce clothing and other textiles.
- Construction: With the growth of tourism in the area, there has been an increase in construction projects such as hotels and resorts.
- Manufacturing: Several manufacturing companies produce goods such as electronics and automotive parts.
- Retail: Many small businesses sell goods ranging from food to clothing to household items.
- Education: The city has several schools and universities including Quang Binh University which offers degrees in engineering, economics, law, and more.
Noteable History
- The Battle of Dong Hoi (1972): This battle was a part of the Vietnam War, fought between North Vietnamese forces and the South Vietnamese Army supported by American troops.
- Ho Chi Minh: The revolutionary leader, who led Vietnam to independence from France in 1945, visited Dong Hoi during his travels through Vietnam.
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Located near Dong Hoi, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the world’s largest caves and karst formations.
- Nguyen Du: A famous poet and writer from the 18th century who wrote The Tale of Kieu, an epic poem that is considered one of the greatest works in Vietnamese literature.
- General Vo Nguyen Giap: A military commander who played a key role in defeating French colonial forces in Dien Bien Phu in 1954 and later fought against American forces during the Vietnam War.
- Quang Binh Province Museum: This museum showcases artifacts from various historical periods, including prehistoric times, Cham culture, colonial-era artifacts, and relics from the war years.
- Truong Son Cemetery: Located outside Dong Hoi city center, this cemetery is a memorial to soldiers who died fighting on Ho Chi Minh Trail during the war years.
Museums and Things To See
- Quang Binh Provincial Museum
- Phong Nha Cave
- Paradise Cave
- Tam Toa Church
- Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum
- Nhat Le Beach
- Dong Hoi Citadel
- Dong Hoi Market
- Truong Son National Cemetery
- Da Nhay Beach
Cultural Events
- Hue Festival: Held every two years in Hue city, this festival showcases traditional Vietnamese culture through music, dance, and art performances. It also features a procession of imperial palanquins and other historical reenactments.
- Hoi An Lantern Festival: On the 14th day of every lunar month, the old town of Hoi An is illuminated by colorful lanterns as locals and tourists alike participate in cultural activities such as folk games and traditional music performances.
- Da Nang International Marathon: This annual event attracts runners from around the world to compete in a scenic course that winds through the coastal city of Da Nang.
Cuisine
- Bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancake) at Quán Bánh Xèo Lê Thị Hồng.
- Cơm gà (chicken rice) at Cơm Gà Ba Lan.
- Bún chả (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles) at Bún Chả Huế Nguyễn Ái Quốc.
- Nem lụi (lemongrass skewers) at Nem Lụi Ốc Tính.
- Phở bò (beef noodle soup) at Phở Không Tên.
- Seafood dishes at Nhà hàng Biển Đông.
- Vietnamese coffee and desserts at Café Trung Nguyên.
- Vegetarian options at Nhà Hàng Chay Thiền Viện.
- Local specialties such as bánh canh cua (crab noodle soup) and bò nướng lá lốt (grilled beef wrapped in betel leaf) can be found in many street food stalls around the city.
- Cafe Năng is a popular spot for coffee, smoothies, and light bites with a cozy atmosphere and outdoor seating area overlooking the riverfront promenade.
Parks and Recreation
- Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park is famous for its cave system, including the world’s largest cave, Son Doong.
- Nhat Le Beach is a popular beach with white sand and clear water that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Hoang Phuc Pagoda is a beautiful Buddhist temple surrounded by lush greenery.
- Dong Hoi Citadel is an old fortress built during the Nguyen Dynasty that offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s history.
- Quang Binh Botanical Garden is a lovely garden with various plants and flowers to admire while taking a leisurely stroll.
- Hon La Island is an island off the coast of Dong Hoi that offers great opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
- Tien Son Cave is another breathtaking cave located in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park that visitors can explore on guided tours.
- Tam Toa Church is a historic church built by French missionaries in the early 20th century, now a popular tourist attraction in Dong Hoi city center.
- Bo Trach District Stadium & Sports Complex is where locals can enjoy various activities such as football, volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts are available here too!