Dong Hoi – a city near the coast - Northern Vietnam 6-03-2015

Following the 1954 partition, Dong Hoi and its southern neighbour Dong Ha went from being at the centre of the country to frontier towns.
Both suffered more than any other city during the American War –There are still ruins and bomb craters throughout the Quang Binh Province despite rebuilding much of Dong Hoi and Dong Ha cities since reunification. 
During our train journey from Dong Ha to Dong Hoi, we saw bomb craters (overgrown with vegetation) separated by lush green paddy fields and small market gardens.

Citadel West Gate one of only two Gates that remain – The Citadel Buildings were destroyed by intense bombing during the American war.

Orchids-so many different varieties and extremely popular here.

Citadel Moat still intact or restored.

Women outside the People Committee Hall       High School children going home at 11.30 for lunch?


The Citadel East Gate.

One of many fishermen huts for operating huge nets, on the Nhat Le River.

Fishing vessels on the Nhat Le River.

Monument beside the Nhat Le River commemorating a war heroine called  Nyguyen Thi (1908-1968)

Nyguyen Thi worked on rowing boats for a living, by ferrying people and produce across this river.

In 1964 when the bridges were destroyed, she volunteered to ferry people, including wounded soldiers and weapons across the river she knew so well. This brave Ferry-woman continued sculling across the river despite fierce bombardment during the war.  It is estimated that Nyguyen Thi managed to make 1400 crossings annually from 1964 until 1967. She was killed in 1968.