The appearance of the Hai Van Frontier Post relic site after restoration (Photo: Nguyen Phong)

Known as the “Thien ha de nhat hung quan” (“The world’s most heroic Frontier Post”), the Hai Van Frontier Post historical relic is located on the top of Hai Van Pass - on the border between Hue and Da Nang. This relic was built in 1826 under the reign of Emperor Minh Mang. It was a place of an extremely important strategic and military position during the Nguyen Dynasty.

Before 2021, the components of this famous relic site were in a state of serious degradation. Thua Thien Hue Province and Da Nang City agreed to allocate 42 billion VND from their budgets to restore this national historical site, the only one in Vietnam under the management of the two localities.

After more than two years of restoration, the Hai Van Frontier Post relic site has been opened to visitors for free, starting on August 1. On the first day of opening, Hai Van Frontier Post welcomed hundreds of visitors, who came to visit and admire the relic site located on the top of the majestic Hai Van Pass.

A large number of visitors came to visit on the first day the site was opened

According to Deputy Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center, Mr. Phan Van Tuan, Hai Van Frontier Post relic site will be opened for free until the two localities agree on a suitable ticket price. During this time, both sides will also gather public opinions to finalize the plan and complete service facilities to ensure the best safety for visitors. “Currently, Hai Van Frontier Post is still lacking infrastructure to serve tourism. We will try to overcome these shortcomings to better serve visitors,” said Mr. Tuan.

The restoration work on the historical site has so far basically ensured the restoration and renovation of some of the original structural elements of the site, such as the “Thien ha de nhat hung quan” gate (facing Da Nang), the Hai Van Frontier Post gate (facing Thua Thien Hue), and the systems of blockhouses and fortifications.

Hai Van Frontier Post is located at the top of the Hai Van Pass, on the border between Hue and Da Nang

“Based on survey records and archaeological documents, the unit has developed a suitable restoration plan for the existing structures to preserve the historical, military, and architectural values of the Hai Van Frontier Post relic. For those structures without existing documentation or on-site research, a restoration plan will be developed at a later stage.

The materials here are mainly bricks and stones. During the restoration process, we have actively sought out these materials in nearby localities to ensure the overall harmony, adhering to the regulations and principles of preserving and restoring historical relics. As the weather and climate here are very complicated, the public infrastructure and water supply have not been provided. We have had to use spring water for the restoration activities. If the Hai Van Frontier Post relic site is to be opened for tourism, a comprehensive infrastructure design project, including parking lots and restrooms, etc., is necessary to ensure a good experience for visitors,” said Mr. Phan Van Tuan.

During her family's journey through Vietnam, Ms. Thanh Ha, a visitor from Nha Trang, felt fortunate to be one of the first visitors to visit the Hai Van Frontier Post relic site after its long period of restoration. Ms. Ha shared that the Hai Van Frontier Post offered a broad view, from which visitors could admire the breathtaking scenery of the Hai Van Pass, as well as the blue sea between Hue and Da Nang.

Hai Van Frontier Post, which was recognized as a National Heritage site in 2017, is located in Lang Co town, Phu Loc district (Thua Thien Hue) and Hoa Hiep Bac ward, Lien Chieu district (Da Nang City). It is approximately 90 kilometers south of Hue City center, and about 28 kilometers north of Da Nang City center.