Quảng Bình

QUANG BINH PROVINCE

Square: 8065,3 km2

Population: 849,3 thousands people (2010)

City: Dong Hoi City

Districts: Tuyen Hoa, Minh Hoa, Quang Trach, Bo Trach, Quang Ninh, Le Thuy.

OVERVIEW:

This province is home to the World Heritage Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The province is also home to several famous Vietnamese persons, including general Vo Nguyen Giap, the family of former South Vietnamese president Ngo Dinh Diem, poet Han Mac Tu, and writer Bao Ninh.

HISTORY:

For a long time in history, this region belonged to Văn Lang and then kingdom of Champa and then a conflicted territory between Viet the Great and Champa, it was officially annexed into Đại Việt by Lý Thường Kiệt, a general of Lý Dynasty (under the reign of Lý king Lý Thánh Tông). The site of the present Quang Binh was battlefields between Champa and Vietnam until the Vietnamese territory was expanded farther south in the following dynasties. Quang Binh emerged its importance since Nguyễn Hoàng, a prince of Nguyễn Lords was sent by Lê king to the south. He developed his manor and turned it into a strong state Dang Trong, a rival of de facto Trịnh-controlled Dang Ngoai. Quang Binh under Nguyễn Lords became an important front to defence Dang Trong from Dang Ngoai's attack. Under the French rule, this province was part of An Nam. During the Vietnam War, this province was part of communist-controlled Democratic Republic of Vietnam or North Vietnam, only 20 km from the DMZ. This province was severely devastated by bombing from U.S. B-52s.

GEOGRAPHY:

Located in North-Central Vietnam, Quang Binh Province is surrounded by Ha Tinh Province on the north, East Sea on the east, Laos on the west and Quang Tri Province on the south.

The provincial topography is narrow and sloping from the west to the east. The area is divided into specific geological zones: mountainous, hilly and midland, lowland, coastal sandy area. The seaside stretches 116km with large Gianh and Nhat Le ports.

CLIMATE:

Quang Binh belongs to the monsoon-tropical zone. The climate is divided into two seasons. Rainy season lasts from September to March next year. The annual average rainfall is 2,000-2,300mm. Heavy rains concentrate in September, October and November. Dry season lasts from April to August. Annual average degree is 24ºC-26ºC.

TOURISM:

Quang Binh is famous for many charming landscape of mountain and sea. The coast is dotted with blue water, yellow sand beaches that sparkle under forests of green willow trees.

Every year, Quang Binh attracts many visitors coming to interesting landscapes such as Phong Nha, Tien Son caves, primitive forest in Phong Nha - Ke Bang reserve, Nhat Le, Da Nhay beaches, Bang Mineral Hot Spring, etc. Among of them, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park has been recognized as the World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003.

In addition of these, Quang Binh preserves objects from Bau Tro Remains, Hoa Binh and Dong Son culture as well as historical relics like Quang Binh Gate, Luy Thay, Rao Sen... Many places related two resistance wars name Cu Nam, Canh Duong, Cha Lo, Cong Troi, Xuan Son, Long Dai and Ho Chi Minh Trail.

TRANSPORTATION:

Road, rail and shipping routes are fairly well developed. Dong Hoi City is 491km from Hanoi, 94km from Dong Ha, 166km from Hue, and 197km from Vinh. National Highway No.1A and North-South Express Train runs throw the province and stop at Dong Hoi City. Quang Binh has Cha Lo Border Gate in Minh Hoa District to Laos.