Exploring Dong Nai through the stories of historical relics

Amid today’s vibrant pace of life, many former revolutionary resistance sites in Dong Nai quietly preserve the heroic memories of a bygone era of “fierce yet glorious” wartime.

Veterans and students in the province during their Back to Roots tour at the Tan Hiep Prison historical site, Tam Hiep Ward, Dong Nai Province. Photo: My Ny

Eighty years after the triumph of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2), these traces not only recount glorious victories but also tell stories of human spirit - of how a land strives to preserve memory and pass on tradition to future generations.

Living memories from ‘red addresses’

In mid-August, many students and young people across the province made their way to the D War Zone - the cradle of the revolution in the Southeastern region. Along the red- soil road leading into the war zone, laughter and chatter blended with the guide’s narration echoing beneath the canopy of the old forest. The area is home to numerous relics such as the Suoi Linh Tunnels (Tri An Commune), the Base of the Eastern Nam Bo Regional Party Committee (Tri An Commune), and the Base of the Central Office for South Vietnam (Phu Ly Commune). These sites are inseparably linked with the revolutionary struggles of Dong Nai’s army and people, standing as silent witnesses to countless fierce in the two resistance wars against France and the US.

Every stop along the journey carries its own story. It may be the 70 nameless, ageless symbolic graves lying side by side at the Ma Da Martyrs’ Cemetery, near the Base of the Central Office for South Vietnam; the wooden houses roofed with forest leaves; or the winding trails and trenches leading to meeting halls and the living quarters of revolutionary officers and soldiers. It may also be the Hoang Cam stoves, or the images and artifacts that vividly recreate the daily life and struggles of revolutionary activists in years past.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Tuyen, a Youth Union member from Long Binh Ward, shared: “Being able to visit these sites, hear accounts of the battles, and see firsthand artifacts such as sand-table models, Hoang Cam stoves, and soldiers’ backpacks, I can truly feel the hardships endured by previous generations. This makes me value today’s life even more.”

Further away stands the Tan Hiep Prison historical site in Tam Hiep Ward - a stark testament to the atrocities of war. During the resistance against the American imperialism, this was where revolutionary fighters and patriotic compatriots were imprisoned. In addition to a memorial shrine to martyrs and a traditional activities house, the site includes an exhibition hall displaying historical documents, revolutionary relics, and images of the Party Committee of the prison. Today, it has become a destination for educational visits and “return-to-the-roots” journeys, drawing large numbers of people, particularly young students and veterans.

Nguyen Van Chuong, a veteran from Tan Trieu Ward, shared that every year he and other fellow local veterans visit the Tan Hiep Prison historical site to offer incense in honor of fallen heroes and martyrs. For him, this act is not only an expression of gratitude and remembrance but also a reminder to himself and to younger generations of the value of peace and independence today - achievements paid for with the blood and courage of countless generations.

Beyond the D War Zone and Tan Hiep Prison, Dong Nai Province is home to numerous other “red addresses” of revolutionary history, such as the Special National Relic of the Headquarters of the Liberation Army of South Vietnam (Loc Thanh Commune), the Nhon Trach Tunnels (Phuoc An Commune), the Bien Hoa Provincial Party Committee Base U1 (Bau Ham Commune), and the Phu My Communal House (Nhon Trach Commune). Each of these sites represents a slice of history, a chapter of heroic memory, contributing to the immortal epic of resilience and revolutionary spirit of the people and armed forces of Dong Nai in particular, and of the Southeastern region in general.

Preservation, promotion, and linkage underway for tourism development

To further preserve and enhance the value of historical and revolutionary sites, Dong Nai has been implementing a range of conservation and restoration projects, while also integrating heritage visits with traditional education. Local authorities have applied technology by installing QR codes at many sites, along with information boards and guided narration systems, allowing visitors easier access to historical stories. Many schools across the province have also introduced “learning history at heritage sites” into extracurricular programs, reflecting the principle of “when drinking water, remember its source” and helping younger generations gain a deeper understanding of national history and cultural roots.

According to Dr. Phan Dinh Dung, lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture, relying solely on revolutionary sites and their associated legends will not be sufficient to attract the public - particularly young people and international visitors. Therefore, the trend of integrated tourism development is receiving growing attention, linking revolutionary heritage with other forms such as cultural tourism, ecotourism, adventure and experiential tourism. This approach not only diversifies tourism products but also creates sustainable appeal for destinations.

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2, Dong Nai is organizing many photo exhibitions and activities at historical and revolutionary sites. Many sites have been renovated to welcome the footsteps of today's people following in the footsteps of the previous generations, so that the revolutionary spirit is not only in the pages of history, but also lives forever in the hearts of the people.

By: My Ny

Translated by: Thu Cuc - Thu Ha