This is one of the rivers set amidst the most poetic and picturesque landscapes of this region.
The River Originates from the Annamite Range
Vietnam is not only famous for its beautiful beaches but also harbors majestic rivers. Among them, the Long Dai River is known as a unique river, originating from the Annamite Range in Quang Binh Province, with a basin area of up to 13,000 km2. Despite its length of only 77 km, it contains more than 100 waterfalls of various sizes.
Long Dai means “Great Dragon”, with its source located at an elevation of 1,001 meters in Kim Thuy Commune, Le Thuy District, on the western side of the Annamite Range.
The Long Dai River is a unique river. (Photo: Vinpearl).
According to Dân trí newspaper, the Long Dai River winds like a dragon, flowing into the plains through Trường Xuân, Xuân Ninh, and Hiền Ninh communes (Quang Ninh District), meeting the Kiến Giang River at the Trần Xá junction and merging with the Nhật Lệ River before flowing into the sea at Dong Hoi City.
Additionally, Quang Binh newspaper reports that Long Dai is also known by several other names such as Đại Giang and Nguồn Côộc. The locals call it Đại Giang because it is the largest river flowing through the Annamite Range, while Nguồn Côộc refers to the belief that the Côộc source is the main river, and the Trạm Kiến Giang is the tributary.
The Long Dai River is one of the major rivers in Quang Binh. (Photo: Vietgoing).
A legend associated with this river tells of its creation by two deities, Tha Xa Vắn and Thơ Ly Chăn. The formation of the river stemmed from the desire for a cool, clean water source to serve daily life and support the growth of vegetation and wildlife. Therefore, for the local people, the Long Dai River is considered sacred.
The River is 77 km Long but Has Over 100 Waterfalls
The scenery around the river remains very pristine, with rocky mountain ranges featuring many unique shapes. Many people compare the beauty of this place to a “mini Ha Long Bay” in Quang Binh.
Though only 77 km long, Long Dai boasts over 100 waterfalls of various sizes. Among them, Tam Lu is known as the highest and most beautiful waterfall. With a height of 20 meters and divided into three tiers, the waterfall constantly sprays white foam as the water rushes over the rocky layers.
Although only 77 km long, the Long Dai River has over 100 waterfalls of various sizes. (Photo: MIA).
The Importance of the Long Dai River
To preserve the environment and ecosystem, the local flora and fauna, as well as the indigenous aquatic species around the Long Dai River, no hydropower projects are permitted on the limestone mountain ranges here.
Thanks to the unique topography of the Long Dai River, an adventurous eco-tourism model has been developed. This model has attracted many tourists to experience rafting. In addition, visitors can rent boats to leisurely admire the majestic landscapes, hear about heroic historical tales, or visit the Kim Phong Pagoda on Mount Thần Đinh.
Thanks to the unique topography of the Long Dai River, an adventurous eco-tourism model has been developed. (Photo: Quang Binh Tourism)
According to Quang Binh newspaper, the Long Dai River is not just an ordinary body of water; it also carries the heroic history of the nation. During the resistance war against the French, the Long Dai River sheltered many resistance villages in the war zone.
Along the basin of the Long Dai River, after the “Hạ sơn” campaign on July 15, 1949 (75 years ago), the provincial authorities of Quang Binh moved their headquarters from Minh Cầm, Tuyên Hóa to the Bến Tiêm, Đá Một, Nước Đắng, Lùi, Hà Ổi areas to lead the resistance until victory, advancing to take control of Dong Hoi town in 1954.
During the American resistance, Long Dai was associated with the “fire coordinates”, where American bombers relentlessly dropped various types of bombs day and night to cut off the last ferry route supplying troops, weapons, and food to the southern battlefield. To maintain the ferry route, many military units and youth volunteer teams bravely held their ground. Here, many battalions of soldiers heroically sacrificed their lives. A saying, “Long Dai-long head” emerged in this fierce ferry area, which many people still recall.
The Long Dai River is not just an ordinary body of water; it carries the heroic history of the nation. (Photo: Vinpearl)
Despite being only 77 km long, Long Dai has endured countless bombs in war. The people living along its banks have a heroic tradition, with the motto “If the vehicles haven’t passed, we won’t regret it; if the roads aren’t clear, we won’t regret blood and bones.” They have sacrificed and fought to protect their water sources, land, and homeland.
Furthermore, the Long Dai River has long been a vital waterway for people from the lowlands to the highlands and vice versa, developing wood harvesting, stone mining, or transporting goods according to the needs of residents from both regions.
Come to the Long Dai River, where you will be immersed in the majestic beauty of nature, feel the sacredness, and honor the heroes who sacrificed for the country. Let Long Dai tell you stories of the past and future, of resilience and patriotism.
