Visitors release floating lanterns on Thach Han River
The pilot tour was organised on the evening of July 12 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the 81-days of continuous combat to protect Quang Tri Citadel and the 75th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day on July 27.
The tour first called at Quang Tri Citadel where visitors participated in a requiem to commemorate and pay tribute to fallen soldiers who died in Quang Tri Province during the resistance war against the US.
Quang Tri Citadel and Thach Han River are regarded as a cemetery for thousands of martyrs who died during the fierce 81-day-and-night battle of the anti-American War during the summer of 1972. An estimated 328,000 tonnes of bombs were dropped on the old citadel and the town.
Visitors were then guided to Thach Han River which lies just some 500 metres from the citadel. Here many soldiers and residents were killed by the US troops while crossing the river to join in the protection of the citadel.
Visitors to Thach Han River now usually take boat tours to release floating lanterns and flower banquets to pay tribute to the dead.
Leaving the river, visitors walk along the river bank where they could try local foods or buy some local specialities or souvenirs. They could also watch historical films at Giai Phong Square.
Director of the Quang Tri Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Le Minh Tuan, said that the department co-operated with local agencies to design the pilot night tour.
"We’re still trying to complete the tour with better products and services to attract more visitors," he said.