The National Martyrs' Cemetery of Truong Son is located on Ben Tat Hill, Linh Truong Commune, Gio Linh District, about 38km northwest of Dong Ha City, along the eastern branch of Ho Chi Minh Road. Just leaving National Route 1A, the scenery on both sides is completely different: low hills, rubber forests, quiet and very peaceful.

The cemetery was inaugurated in 1975, serving as a gathering place for over 10,000 martyrs who sacrificed their lives on the legendary Truong Son route. The graves are divided by regions: Hanoi area, Thanh Hoa area, Nghe An area, Binh Tri Thien area, Mekong Delta area… The feeling of walking among the rows of white graves under the pine trees, with the wind blowing softly, is truly hard to put into words.

In the center, the main monument stands 14m tall facing east; surrounding it is a pond, and a spacious ceremony area for holding incense offerings. Every year on July 27, delegations from all over gather, and the cemetery is illuminated with lights and flowers — one of the most visited places for paying tribute in the country.

You can ride a motorbike or rent a car from Dong Ha; the cemetery is open for free, with no entrance fee. Attire should be respectful, speak softly, and turn off music. Wear low sandals for easy movement between the grave areas. You can combine it in the "One Day in Quang Tri" itinerary: Ancient Citadel – Hien Luong – Truong Son – Khe Sanh.

Leaving Ben Tat at noon, I sat down to drink a cup of green tea from an elderly woman selling near the gate. She said, "Anyone who comes here, I wish them a safe journey." A small wish that stayed with me throughout the journey home.

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