Impressive destinations in Dong Nai’s border regions

Dong Nai province, situated in the Southern key economic region of Vietnam and at a vital transportation hub connecting the North–South axis and the Central Highlands, holds a strategic position. In addition to its strengths in industry and agriculture, Dong Nai also has significant potential for development in the service and tourism sectors.

Phat Quoc Van Thanh Pagoda (located in Binh Long ward) is home to the tallest seated Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. Photo: Ngoc Lien

Within the broader landscape of Dong Nai’s tourism, the northern region of the province promises to be one of the most captivating destinations, offering rich cultural, historical, and spiritual value. Notable sites include the Ta Thiet base - the Special National Historic Site of the Command Headquarters for the Liberation Army of South Vietnam in Loc Thanh commune, the Giao Te (Deplomacy) House historical site, Loc Ninh Airfield in Loc Ninh commune; the VK98 fuel depot in Loc Quang commune, and Phat Quoc Van Thanh pagoda in Binh Long ward, home to the tallest seated Buddha statue in Southeast Asia.

Journey to a former revolutionary base

For those choosing to explore Dong Nai along National Highway 13 toward the border region, the journey offers more than just scenic landscapes, opening the door to immersive experiences and powerful stories of Vietnamese resilience, strategic brilliance, and revolutionary spirit through historic sites and former resistance bases.

Located in Loc Thanh commune, Dong Nai province, amid more than 3,000 hectares of forest bordering Cambodia, the Ta Thiet base is a striking destination for visitors. Here, guests can explore key moments in Vietnam’s revolutionary history through stories about the operations of the Southern Command Headquarters, the central command organ directing the southern revolution. Ta Thiet is often referred to as the "brain" of the Southern battlefield during the resistance war against the U.S.

A visit to the Ta Thiet base takes visitors through historically significant sites where key revolutionary leaders once lived and worked, including the residences and offices of Colonel General Tran Van Tra, General Le Duc Anh, and Major General Nguyen Thi Dinh. Guests can also explore the unique Hoang Cam kitchen system, command bunkers, trench networks, and narrow forest trails. Each site and stop within the base tells a vivid historical story, offering insight into the arduous yet heroic lives of earlier generations. The experience also partially recreates the harsh conditions and resilient spirit that shaped Vietnam’s path to independence.

Tran Van Hoang, a resident of Tan Trieu ward, Dong Nai province, shared his reflections during a visit to Ta Thiet base: “Since the administrative merger of the province, this is my second time visiting Ta Thiet with my family and colleagues. At every stop, through the words of the local tour guide, I feel deeply moved and proud of the unity, bravery, and strategic ingenuity of Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers in the fight for national independence.”

Thanks to its immense historical and cultural significance, the Ta Thiet base was officially recognized as a Special National Historic Site in 2012.

Leaving Ta Thiet, visitors can continue their journey along National Highway 13 to visit the Giao Te (Diplomacy) House, another nationally recognized historic site located in Loc Ninh commune. According to historical records, on April 7, 1972, Loc Ninh became the first district in the South (formerly part of Binh Phuoc province) to be fully liberated. It then became a key location for the political, military, and logistical operations of the revolutionary movement.

The Giao Te House served as the headquarters of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam. It functioned as a diplomatic center where the government received both domestic and international delegations. This site bears witness to the courageous and astute efforts of Vietnamese forces, not only on the battlefield but also in the realm of diplomacy, during the struggle for national independence and unification. Notably, the Giao Te House was the venue for Four-Party Joint Military Commission (FPJMC) meetings addressing the terms of the Paris Peace Accords (1973), which aimed to end the war and restore peace in Vietnam.

Tourists visit Ta Thiet base in Loc Thanh commune

Exploring the cultural and spiritual landscape of northern Dong Nai

A visit to the northern region of Dong Nai offers tourists more than just a journey through revolutionary history at well-known “red addresses.” This area also features rich cultural and spiritual landmarks that reflect the deep-rooted traditions and beliefs of the local people.

One of the most notable and increasingly popular destinations in recent years is Phat Quoc Van Thanh pagoda, located by the serene Cha La lake in Binh Long ward, Dong Nai province.

Phat Quoc Van Thanh pagoda stands as a prominent spiritual landmark of the former Bonh Phuoc region and is a source of pride for the local community. The pagoda was honored by the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations with a Golden Certificate, recognizing it as a tangible cultural heritage site and home to the tallest seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in Southeast Asia.

Visitors to Phat Quoc Van Thanh pagoda can not only make pilgrimages and pay homage but also immerse themselves in the peaceful, green natural surroundings. The tranquil atmosphere offers a unique blend of spiritual reverence and natural beauty, providing a sense of calm and serenity to all who visit.

According to Tran Trong Hieu, a resident of Dong Xoai ward, Dong Nai province, the northern area of the province is an ideal destination for exploration enthusiasts, especially those passionate about "phuot" travel. In addition to visiting culturally, historically, and spiritually rich sites, travelers can also explore key border crossings such as the Hoa Lu International Border Gate. For those with more time, other notable destinations include the S’tieng Ethnic Cultural Preservation Area in Bom Bo commune, Bu Gia Map National Park in Bu Gia Map commune, Ba Ra Mountain in Phuoc Long ward, and the Bu Lach Grassland in Tho Son commune.

Having previously conducted field surveys and helped develop tourism destinations across Dong Nai, Tran Thi Thu Trang, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Center for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion, affirmed the unique appeal of the province’s northern region. She noted that the cultural, historical, and spiritual sites in the north of Dong Nai offer a distinct experience compared to the southern part of the province. In the near future, the center will work to link these sites together, aiming to create a comprehensive northern Dong Nai tour route that connects with key southern destinations and Long Thanh International Airport. Looking ahead, Trang expressed optimism that, with the strategic advantage of Long Thanh Airport and the proximity to the vibrant tourist market of Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai’s tourism products have the potential not only to reach more domestic travelers but also to attract international visitors.

By Ngoc Lien – Translated by Hong Van, Minho