When people think of Quang Binh, they usually picture its stunning caves, unspoiled beaches, or the charming Nhat Le river. However, not many know that the province's capital, Dong Hoi city, is also called the "City of Roses." Dong Hoi is a picturesque and romantic city with simple yet enchanting rural beauty that shines bright and beautiful.

Dong Hoi City is situated between National Highway 1 and Ho Chi Minh Road, and it's on the North-South railway line. The city's main station is Dong Hoi, which is located 500 km north of the Hanoi capital and 267 km south of Da Nang city. Dong Hoi is also 1,220 km south of Ho Chi Minh City. The city is located along the Nhat Le River, which flows through it. Geography location:

• The north and west border Bo Trach district

• The south borders Quang Ninh district

• The east borders the East Sea with 12 km of white sand beach

Dong Hoi City has an area of 155.87 km², population in 2020 is 136,078 people. Population density reaches 873 people/km².

Dong Hoi is situated near the mouth of the Nhat Le River. The city's fresh water supply is sourced from Bau Tro, a freshwater lake that also houses many artifacts of the Bau Tro culture. Dong Hoi boasts 12 km of coastline with stunning beaches such as Nhat Le, Bao Ninh, and Quang Phu. The Nhat Le River flows through the city, formed by the confluence of the Kien Giang River and the Long Dai River, and is a picturesque waterway.

The Natural legacy Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park from Dong Hoi about 45 km about north-west direction. Recognized as a heritage site in 2003, Phong Nha-Ke Bang is famous for its magnificent cave system, poetic rivers, rolling limestone mountains, and lush primeval forests. This place is a popular tourist destination that attracts a large number of visitors from all over the world.

The story of the name “City of Roses”

In 1967, Blaga Dimitrova, Bulgaria's famous poetry prodigy and international journalist, visited Vietnam during a brutal war. She stayed at a social guesthouse on Duc Ninh hill in Quang Binh.

Every morning, when she wakes up, she sees a small glass vase on the table, containing a few beautiful little roses. During the war, that image evoked a lot of emotions in her. One day, she asked the room attendant about the flowers and learned that they were cut from a rose bush left next to a ruined wall. Dimitrova asked the waitress to show her the place, and to her surprise, a brilliant rose bush was blooming amidst the ruins. She exclaimed, "Oh, my Rose City!"

Mr. Tran Su, who was then a lieutenant colonel and captain of Quang Binh province, shared a story about how they welcomed and protected Dimitrova during the war. He instructed the leaders of the guest house to ensure that there were always flowers on the table each morning, and that meals included bread and butter at all costs. He personally checked to make sure that this was being done. He still remembers the story of the rose tree blooming amidst the ruins and the words that Dimitrova spoke later. It was he who often referred to Dong Hoi as the Rose City, even when it was still just a town.

Coming to Dong Hoi, visitors will be immersed in a romantic space with bright rose streets. Along the banks of Nhat Le River, rows of blooming roses create a poetic and lyrical scene.

Top tourist destinations in Dong Hoi City

Nhat Le Beach

A highly favored destination among tourists visiting Dong Hoi. This beach is situated in the center of the city and is renowned for its natural beauty, making it one of the most picturesque beaches in Vietnam. When you visit this place, you can bask in the clear blue waters and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze, which is sure to rejuvenate your senses.

Bao Ninh Beach

A beautiful and unspoiled beach that is not too crowded or busy like other popular beaches. It boasts endless stretches of smooth white sand and is located in Quang Binh. Bao Ninh Beach has great potential to become a beach with international standards in the future.

Dong Hoi Market

The largest commercial center in Quang Binh, located next to the picturesque Nhat Le River. It is also renowned for being a seafood market. If you ever visit Quang Binh, make sure to visit this place and savor the seafood delicacies.

Me Suot Monument

A famous monument of hero Nguyen Thi Suot, located in Bao Ninh. During the resistance war against America, Mother Suot used to transport food, weapons, and ammunition across the river fearlessly, regardless of bombs, rain, or sun. When you visit the Me Suot monument, you will witness the heroic historical period of the nation and see the sacrifices made by our predecessors who contributed to the nation's peace and independence that we enjoy today.

Quang Binh Gate

A fortress located in the Luy Thay system, known for its strength and significance in the Dang Trong area. Its construction dates back to 1639, and it has since become a highly valued historical and cultural relic in Quang Binh province - a testament to the region and the country's rich history. Despite being destroyed several times in the past, the fortress has been restored and stands almost intact today.

Tam Toa Church Relics

A popular historical attraction located in the heart of Dong Hoi city that attracts tourists from all over the world. This church is one of the oldest in Quang Binh and is situated on Nguyen Du Street, Dong Hai Ward, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province. It used to be the church of Tam Toa parish, and was considered one of the most beautiful churches in Vietnam. Unfortunately, during the Vietnam War, the church was destroyed by American bombs and now only ruins remain. However, the ruins have been preserved as a war remnant and serve as a reminder of the devastating impacts of war.

Ho Chi Minh Square

Amemorial in Quang Binh that serves as a testament to the gratitude of the people towards President Ho Chi Minh. If you are planning a trip to Quang Binh and want to pay homage to the leader who dedicated his entire life to his country and people, then this is a must-visit destination.

>>>See more: Dong Hoi City Tours