Quang Tri: Preserving and promoting cultural heritage for sustainable development

With its rich natural landscape and dense system of historical and revolutionary relics, Quang Tri Province possesses a strong foundation for tourism development, contributing meaningfully to its overall socio-economic progress.

Quang Tri’s historical legacy, shaped by its role in Vietnam’s past conflicts, has left the province with a remarkable system of over 500 classified heritage sites. These include four special national relics (with 28 components), 20 national relics (57 components), and 476 provincial-level relics. Together, they vividly illustrate Quang Tri’s contributions to Vietnam’s long-standing journey of territorial expansion, state-building, and national defense.

The Lao Bao Prison Relic Site. Photo: M.L

Beyond physical monuments, the province is also home to diverse intangible cultural heritage. Traditional festivals such as the Bich La Communal House Market, Whale Worship Festival, National Reunification, the Lantern Festival on the Thach Han River, and A Rieu Ping of the Pacoh’s ethnic group, among others. These unique traditions enhance the tourism appeal, support job creation, and stimulate local economic growth.

Recognizing the strategic value of its cultural assets, Quang Tri has integrated heritage preservation with tourism development. This aligns with Resolution No. 08-NQ/TW (January 16, 2017), which identifies tourism as a key economic sector and potential spearhead industry.

Currently, 11 major historical sites are receiving investments from both state and private sources as part of the province’s “Master Plan for Investment in Embellishment of Historical and Cultural Relics.” Key projects include the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, Vinh Moc Tunnels, the relic site of Hien Luong - Ben Hai Riverbanks, the Provisional Revolutionary Government Headquarters, General Secretary Le Duan Memorial Site, Ta Con Airport, and others.

Notably, in 2021, central government funding was approved to invest over VND100 billion (US$4 million) into upgrading the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel Exhibition House, Le Duan Memorial Site, and the historical site of Vinh Moc Tunnels. In 2022, the Citadel and Hien Luong - Ben Hai Riverbanks were included in the national heritage promotion program with an investment of VND170 billion (US$6.8 million). Additionally, T&T Group funded a VND65 billion (US$2.6 million) lighting project for these relics.

Quang Tri Province’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism is spearheading initiatives such as the proposed National Museum project “Memories of War and Aspiration for Peace.” Pending government approval, the province will also develop detailed plans for the site of Hien Luong - Ben Hai Riverbanks and Dong Ha Military Port special national relics.

Further efforts include restoring the Vinh Moc Tunnels and surrounding tunnel village systems, and planning the preservation of the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel and associated 81-day battle memorial sites from 1972.

To improve heritage management, the Provincial People’s Committee has issued new regulations decentralizing the oversight of relics, empowering local authorities to create annual preservation plans within budget constraints. These reforms aim to streamline protection, restoration, and community participation in safeguarding cultural assets.

In tandem with physical conservation, the province emphasizes intangible cultural heritage. The “Project on the Conservation, Restoration, and Promotion of Traditional Intangible Cultural Heritage of Quang Tri (2020–2030)” aims to safeguard traditions through community engagement and government support. The province also benefits from national programs focused on ethnic minority development and rural revitalization.

A cultural highlight in 2024 was the Festival for Peace, which honored Vietnam’s enduring desire for peace and shared that message with a global audience. The festival underlined Quang Tri’s unique position as a former battlefield transformed into a symbol of reconciliation and hope.

Looking forward, Quang Tri has outlined clear goals to ensure heritage plays a central role in socio-economic development. These include recognizing heritage preservation as a collective responsibility with the State at the core, mobilizing diverse resources, and encouraging public involvement in protecting and promoting cultural values.

The province is also working to enhance public awareness, improve coordination among local authorities and organizations, and foster a healthy cultural environment. It is committed to strategic planning aligned with tourism development to ensure long-term sustainability and avoid unregulated or damaging construction around heritage sites.

Quang Tri continues to welcome partnerships with domestic and international stakeholders to fund preservation efforts. Public-private partnerships are especially encouraged for investment in high-potential heritage sites. Through these efforts, Quang Tri aims not only to protect its cultural legacy but also to leverage it for inclusive, sustainable growth.

Minh Long - Jenna Duong