Chase Clouds and Admire Scenic Wind Farms Like in Movies in Quang Tri
Besides its refreshing blue beaches and proud historical sites, Quang Tri also boasts breathtaking mountain landscapes and mesmerizing sea of clouds.
Located about 600 km from Hanoi and over 1,000 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Tri is a coastal province near the southern end of the North Central Coast. In summer, it is one of the provinces with harsh climates, especially from March to September.
However, Quang Tri still has many beaches and hills with a pleasant climate, ideal for those seeking a summer getaway. Notably, the tourist spots in Quang Tri are not overly commercialized, preserving their pristine, tranquil, and fresh beauty.
Famous Scenic Views in Khe Sanh
If you are looking for a place to escape the heat and want a different experience than Da Lat, Khe Sanh is an unmissable destination. Located in the western part of Quang Tri, about 60 km from Dong Ha City, Khe Sanh is a new destination with unspoiled natural beauty that hasn't been overly exploited for tourism.
▸ Cloud Hunting at Huong Linh Wind Farm
The best time to hunt clouds is around 5-7 a.m., when the sky is clear, the clouds haven't yet dissipated, and the sunrise gradually emerges. Here, you will encounter numerous fluffy clouds drifting. In the distance, dozens of wind turbine blades appear and disappear in the mist.
Standing on the mountains, visitors can enjoy the panoramic natural beauty with lush green fields. In recent years, this wind farm has become a fascinating check-in spot for many young people.
Many tourists often choose the area under the wind turbine towers as a camping spot due to the cool and pleasant climate. Unlike the bustling city, this place is remarkably quiet. Many city dwellers spend 1-2 days of their weekend camping here with friends and family.
▸ "Chill" Scenery at Homi Cafe
Homi Cafe Khe Sanh is an ideal stop for visitors exploring the mountainous region of Quang Tri, located along National Highway 9 in Luong Le village, Tan Hop. This cafe attracts many young people due to its unique location and eye-catching design.
Homi Cafe is built using wooden materials, leveraging the natural mountainous landscape. From here, visitors can admire the peaceful beauty of the hills and lose themselves in the vast natural space. Sitting in the cafe, looking out at the natural scenery, you will see a lush green river, verdant forests, and majestic mountains that are rare to find elsewhere.
Explore Mui Treo
Mui Treo, located in Vinh Kim commune, Vinh Linh district, Quang Tri province, about 40 km north of Dong Ha City, and southeast adjacent to Cua Tung beach. It is one of the pristine and tranquil destinations, 25-30 meters above sea level. Mui Treo is special because of the perfect harmony between the forest and the sea.
You have to pass through many forests, but the road to Mui Treo is not as difficult as you might imagine. On both sides of the road are green trees and straight grass. Each turn reveals a different world, igniting the curiosity of every visitor.
Undeniably, this place is considered a gem of Quang Tri province. Below are clear blue seas, stretches of golden sand, and variously shaped rocky outcrops. This summer, the sea here is calm, and the breeze is cool, perfect for swimming. The rocky outcrop protruding about 40 meters above the sea is a prime photo spot that visitors cannot miss. Standing here, you can admire the pristine beauty bestowed by nature on this land.
Moreover, Mui Treo offers camping activities. Visitors can choose a flat spot near the sea and pitch a tent. The beach here retains its rustic, quiet charm, attracting many people. In the evening, strolling along Mui Treo beach makes you slow down to feel the essence of nature and forget the worries of life.
Travel Along Sa Mu Pass
Sa Mu Pass is one of the attractive destinations in Quang Tri, known for its pristine and majestic mountainous scenery. The pass is nearly 1,450 meters above sea level, bordering Vietnam and Laos. To reach the pass, visitors travel from Khe Sanh town along the Ho Chi Minh road towards Quang Binh, about 35 km to the foot of the pass.
The pass is named Sa Mu because it is covered in white clouds for nearly 20 km. This place is not only a challenge for travel enthusiasts but also an excellent spot for sightseeing, attracting tourists with its magnificent natural scenery and tranquility.
Starting the journey to conquer Sa Mu Pass, visitors will experience winding roads amidst the vast mountains and forests. Each turn unveils a new discovery, with clouds draping over the pristine forests of the Truong Son range. The air here is always cool and gentle, making you feel at one with nature.
Experience an Ecotourism Tour in Chenh Venh Village
Located at the foot of the pass, in Huong Phung commune, Huong Hoa district, Chenh Venh village is famous for its picturesque primary forest. The forests here are protected and cared for to develop ecotourism. Surrounding the village are pristine mountains and forests, majestic waterfalls, and local agricultural products like forest bamboo shoots, black sticky rice, and local wine.
The highlight of Chenh Venh village is the ecotourism tour. This tour opens the opportunity to explore the rich culture of the Bru Van Kieu community, offering visitors a unique cultural experience. This tour not only helps develop the forest but also helps visitors understand more about the lives of ethnic minorities.
During the tour, visitors will have their horizons broadened when visiting Sa Muoi hill, also known as the "fog hill." This is where locals raise livestock and cultivate crops, with a vast grassland of over 20 hectares, more than 1,000 meters above sea level. This is also an ideal cloud-watching spot amid majestic mountain peaks.
Notably, traditional stilt houses of the Van Kieu people have been selected as rest stops, renovated into unique homestays to cater to visitors' accommodation needs, providing a warm and close feeling.
At night, guests will enjoy traditional dishes like sticky rice, grilled chicken, grilled pork, forest vegetables, and boiled bamboo shoots. All are meticulously prepared to serve the guests. Additionally, guests have the unique option of sleeping overnight in stilt houses or tents on the top of Sa Muoi hill, where they can watch a beautiful sunrise.
Moreover, Chenh Venh waterfall will be a resting stop to dispel fatigue after a journey under the scorching summer sun. Standing among the pristine rocks, you can admire the wild beauty of the mountains and forests, listen to the sound of water flowing, and the birds singing in the clear blue sky.
Beat the Heat at Ta Puong Waterfall
Located in western Quang Tri, about 90 km from Dong Ha City, Ta Puong waterfall is in Huong Viet commune, Huong Hoa district. Ta Puong waterfall includes two main areas: the "upper waterfall" or Ta Puong 1, located in the higher region, and the "lower waterfall" or Ta Puong 2, in the lower region.
Here, visitors will feel the overwhelming wilderness, with steep slopes making the journey to the waterfall a bit challenging. On the way to the waterfall, you will marvel at the ancient forest landscape with towering trees, creating a sense of being embraced by the whole forest. The sound of the wind rustling through the leaves, the birds singing, and the distant waterfall echoing, all blend to create a natural symphony. Along the way, rocks of various shapes create a beautiful scenery. And when you reach the final point, you will be amazed by the majestic beauty of Ta Puong waterfall.
Ta Puong waterfall is about 20 meters high, with a pool area at the base covering 200 square meters and a depth of 7 meters. The waterfall flows over steep cliffs, creating a majestic white ribbon in the old forest. Various large and small pools and naturally shaped rocks form a unique landscape around the waterfall.
The powerful flow of the waterfall creates white foam, and the sound of nature makes your soul more relaxed than ever. The pools with clear, cool water make this an ideal spot to escape the blazing summer heat.
In the lower waterfall area, the water in the pool is crystal clear to the bottom. From afar, the water's surface has a mesmerizing emerald green hue. Here, visitors can engage in activities like swimming, rafting, and photography. Ta Puong waterfall retains its wild and mysterious beauty due to minimal human impact.
Heroic Historical Sites
▸ Quang Tri Citadel
Quang Tri Citadel is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about national history and the Vietnam War. Located in Quang Tri town, Quang Tri province, the citadel is not only a symbol of courage and sacrifice but also a testament to the extraordinary strength of the Vietnamese people during historical moments.
The architecture of Quang Tri Citadel resembles a military fortress with a square shape, walls over 4 meters high, and a perimeter of over 2,000 meters. The four corners are four bastions protruding outwards, creating a majestic and sturdy image. During the general offensive and uprising in 1972, the citadel became a symbol of resilience witnessing the fierce 81-day-and-night battle. Today, the citadel still stands strong as a historical hero, a place to remember and honor those who sacrificed for the nation's independence and freedom.
Visitors can admire the unique architecture, historical structures, and century-old bastions. Additionally, at night, the site offers spiritual experiences that attract both domestic and international visitors, evoking past memories or providing deeper insights into the nation's history. Admission is free, and the site is open from 7a.m. to 5p.m daily.
▸ Vinh Moc Tunnels
Another historical site demonstrating the indomitable spirit and extraordinary creativity of the Quang Tri people is the Vinh Moc Tunnels. Hidden underground in Vinh Moc village, Vinh Thach commune, Vinh Linh district, Quang Tri province, this tunnel is part of a complex underground system built during the resistance war against the U.S.
This system includes many branches connected through a main axis 870 meters long, with a total length of 2,034 meters. The tunnel has 13 entrances, 6 leading to the hills, and 7 leading to the sea. Notably, the tunnel includes living quarters, meeting rooms, and even a birthing room, where 17 babies were born during the war. The main activities here are sightseeing and learning the historical stories of each area.