New vitality in War Zone D

More than half a century after national reunification, War Zone D is undergoing a strong transformation, gradually “changing its appearance,” and becoming an attractive destination for Dong Nai on the map of ecological, historical, and cultural tourism.

Students from Ho Chi Minh City join a “return-to-the-roots” trip to the Central Office for South Vietnam Base Relic Site, Phu Ly commune.

Along with economic development, traditional cultural values continue to be preserved and promoted, affirming their role as a "red address" in educating traditions for generations, creating a solid foundation for sustainable development.

Pride in an 80-year tradition

Over 80 years of formation and development, the War Zone D base area has consistently received attention and joint efforts from the Party, authorities, and people of Dong Nai in socio-economic development. The material and spiritual lives of residents, especially ethnic minorities, have steadily improved. Infrastructure systems such as electricity, roads, schools, and healthcare facilities have been synchronously invested in, while ethnic cultural identities have been revived and strongly promoted.

Notably, a part of the former War Zone D forest land, submerged deep beneath the Tri An hydroelectric lake, has been transformed into electricity illuminating the entire Southeast region, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. This is not only an economic transformation but also a symbol of the upward striving spirit of the war zone land.

According to Nguyen Thuc Quan, Vice Chairman of the Phu Ly Commune People's Committee, to date, all nine hamlets in the commune have maintained the title of cultural hamlet, with 2 hamlets continuously maintaining it for 20 years. Many effective production and business models have contributed to changing the rural landscape and improving people's lives. Typical examples include households such as Ha Thang (Ly Lich 2 hamlet), Nguyen The Duyen (Bau Phung hamlet), and Nguyen Van Sua (hamlet 4), with flexible methods suitable for local conditions.

In addition to economic development, Phu Ly Commune has invested significantly in cultural and sports infrastructure, including football fields, volleyball courts, and multi-purpose halls. Cultural, arts, and sports clubs operate actively, attracting widespread participation of local residents. Morning walking and cycling have become popular habits, contributing to improved community health. The commune currently has three model residential areas.

In Tri An Ward, efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage have also been emphasized. The area is home to several historical sites, including the Southeast Regional Party Committee Base, Suoi Linh Tunnel, Suoi Linh archaeological site, the Southeast Region Security Committee Base (managed by the Dong Nai Nature–Culture Reserve), and the Air Defense Hill archaeological site (managed by the locality).

The movement of sports and physical training socialization in Tri An Ward has been widely implemented, with many typical examples emerging. Notably, Nguyen Anh Hung invested nearly 600 million VND to build two badminton courts on his family's land, creating a free training space for the people. He has also directly coached and financially supported young athletes to participate in competitions, contributing to bringing many proud achievements to the locality.

Le Thi Mai, a resident of Ma Da neighborhood, Tri An ward, shared: "In the past, life was difficult, and travel was arduous. Now, the infrastructure has been invested in magnificently, making travel more convenient, children can get a full education, and people's lives are increasingly improving. People have the conditions to develop the economy, actively participate in movements to build cultural life, and maintain security and order. Everyone is excited and believes in the changes of their homeland, War Zone D today."

The year 2026 marks 80 years since the establishment of War Zone D (1946-2026) and 65 years since the establishment of the Central Office for South Vietnam (1961-2026). This is an occasion for the Party Committee, government, and people of Dong Nai to deeply express their gratitude for the sacrifices and contributions of generations of cadres, soldiers and people in the arduous yet heroic Eastern region. Thereby, efforts will be strengthened to effectively implement the conservation and promotion of the cultural and historical values of War Zone D and develop sustainable tourism.

Spreading historical and cultural values

Today, War Zone D is part of a complex of national-level historical relics, including the Southeastern Regional Party Committee Base, the Central Office for South Vietnam Base and Suoi Linh Tunnel, which hold significant value not only for Dong Nai but also for the entire Southeastern region. In recent years, Party Committee, government, and people in Dong Nai have focused on restoration, preservation, and landscape improvement in a way that balances conservation and promotion to create a green, educational, and experiential space for visitors.

In addition to preserving the original state of the relic sites, many cultural activities have been organized, from specialized talks, exhibitions, to literary and artistic competitions on the theme of War Zone D, and the publication of works... These activities are regularly implemented, helping to "revive" heroic memories in a more accessible and vivid way. Among them, the field of fine arts has made an impression with dozens of sculptures displayed and introduced to the public at the Ecological - Cultural - Historical Center of War Zone D.

Choro people, Phu Ly commune engage with students at War Zone D.

Artist Dao Tan Hung, Fine Arts Division, Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association shared: "For artists, War Zone D is not only a source of creative inspiration but also a space of emotional memories, deeply connected to the nation's history. The works displayed and introduced right in this land are not only the result of artistic labor but also a way for artists to pay tribute to the past and spread traditional values to the public. I will continue to explore the theme of War Zone D from many new perspectives through sculpture and ceramic paintings, contributing to enriching the spiritual and cultural life of the people."

According to Nguyen Hoang Hao, Director of the Dong Nai Nature–Culture Reserve, the reserve, in recent years, has intensified and embellishment of historical relics, and effectively preserved heritage values. At the same time, the reserve coordinates with relevant units and localities, gradually innovating its approach, closely combining visits to relics with practical experiences and traditional education, with the goal of turning each trip back to the source into an activity, an emotional journey, especially for young people.

Thanks to this approach, the number of visitors to War Zone D for sightseeing and studying has increased significantly in recent times. Delegations of students, veterans, and people come here not only to offer incense but also to directly feel the underground current of history through each forest canopy, each section of tunnel, each artifact, image... These trips have become a bridge to foster national pride and a sense of responsibility towards the homeland in today's generation.

Currently, the Reserve and Dong Nai Museum are actively applying technology to promote the image of War Zone D through social media and official websites. Notably, the , the Central Office for Southern Vietnam Base Relic Site is expected to be proposed by the Dong Nai Museum in coordination with the Reserve for special national relic status, which will further enhance its historical value and attract more visitors.

By Cam Thanh-Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha