Dong Ha is the capital of Quang Tri Province, and is about 7km from the beaches. However, we were advised not to walk on any of the beaches near Dong Ha, because of mines. Unexploded ordnance can still be found in this area.
Walking in the city is said to be impractical given the long, dusty, hot roads. It is true that 33degC felt like 40deg plus, nonetheless we walked around the side streets just as the local people do.
Thach Han River - rubbish littering the bank at a Storm water outfall.
Huge reservoir near The Mine Action centre.
The Quang Tri Province was the most heavily bombed part of Vietnam during the American War and to-day remains the most contaminated area with ordnance.
This very worthwhile, well-organised Mine Action Visitor’s Centre provides an excellent historical overview, with photographs that include the destruction of the citadel of Quang Tri in 1972 and local farming people attempting to deactivate mines with bamboo sticks.
Information panels (in English and Vietnamese) detail the grim reality for locals: cluster bombs caused 46% of incidents, of which 80% were fatal. Over 7000 people have died in the Province since the war ended. Minority people are particularly vulnerable as they seek scrap metal to sell.
Kalanchoe succulent plant flowering from anti-personnel mine.
We wondered whether this was a grave marker.
The main railway line from Sai Gon to Ha Noi !
Typical guard post for the manually operated crossings in Dong Ha.
There are proposals for a high speed railway, reducing the 3 day journey to 7hrs. However recent Vietnam News talks about billions to be spend on Public/Private motorways and no mention of the high speed railway line.
Underpass graffiti
The very useful trailer.
These prayer sticks are anywhere and everywhere for observance/respect to deity.
Nice quiet side streets in Dong Ha.
Cheeky looking rubbish bins made out of conveyor belts and bicycle tyres. I want one!
Bamboo scaffolding wire tied together!
‘Sob Cakes’ Wonderful looking, highly decorated cakes for special occasions, but ..
Just fantastic ! Pumpkin,carrots, white gourd, peppers etc.
This street was noisy with terrible singers!
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