Early in the morning, the family of Nguyen Hong Nhat from Hanoi was enjoying the crystal-clear waters of Cua Viet Beach. Just over two hours later, they had arrived in the rugged mountain landscapes of western Quang Tri.

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The Hanoi family visited Ta Con Airfield, a historic site associated with the 1968 Khe Sanh campaign. Photo: Nguyen Hong Nhat.

Early in the morning, the family of Nguyen Hong Nhat from Hanoi was enjoying the crystal-clear waters of Cua Viet Beach. Just over two hours later, they had arrived in the rugged mountain landscapes of western Quang Tri.

Nhat and his wife, Kieu Phuong, are passionate travellers who regularly take their children on journeys across Vietnam. Their latest adventure was an eight-day road trip through Central Vietnam, a route they had travelled many times before.

This time, however, they discovered a side of Quang Tri they had previously overlooked.

“In the past, limited time meant we missed many of Quang Tri’s beautiful places,” Nhat said. “This trip was planned more carefully because we wanted to experience the province’s changing landscapes, from its sunny coastline to its majestic mountains.”

One of the highlights of the journey was the route linking Cua Viet Beach with Khe Sanh, roughly 80 kilometres away along National Highway 9. Although the drive takes only about two hours, the scenery changes dramatically.

The family spent the morning on the gently sloping shores of Cua Viet, known for its clear blue water. As they travelled inland, coastal views gradually gave way to winding mountain roads, dense forests and rolling hills.

During two days exploring the Khe Sanh area, including Huong Phung, Huong Lap and Lao Bao, the family visited Ta Con Airfield and Lao Bao Prison, allowing their children to learn more about Quang Tri’s wartime history.

They also stopped at Rao Quan Lake, Huong Hoa Maple Forest, Ta Puong Waterfall and the grass-covered hills of Huc Commune, all of which remain relatively untouched by mass tourism.

For photography enthusiasts, Nhat recommends visiting the wind farms in Huong Tan, Huong Linh and Amaccao, where giant turbines rise above the mountains, or exploring Lao Bao International Border Gate to experience the atmosphere of a busy frontier trading hub.

Discovering Quang Tri’s ‘Da Lat’

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The grass-covered hills of Huc Commune offer peaceful scenery, though visitors should be prepared for a short walk to reach the viewpoint. Photo: Nguyen Hong Nhat.

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Sunset over Cu Vo Hill. Photo: Nguyen Hong Nhat.

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A simple dinner enjoyed amid the mountains and wind turbines. Photo: Nguyen Hong Nhat.

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Sunrise above the clouds on Cu Vo Hill. Photo: Nguyen Hong Nhat.

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Camping at Mui Lay, one of Quang Tri’s lesser-known coastal destinations. Photo: Nguyen Hong Nhat.

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Fresh lobster purchased directly from local fishermen. Photo: Nguyen Hong Nhat.

The most memorable part of the trip was spending a night on Cu Vo Hill.

Among local travel enthusiasts, the site has earned nicknames such as “the best sunrise viewpoint in Quang Tri,” “the province’s ideal cloud-hunting destination,” and even “Da Lat in the heart of Quang Tri.”

From the summit, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Rao Quan Hydropower Lake and the distant wind farms scattered across the hills of Huong Linh.

According to Nhat, the hill is particularly suitable for camping. The terrain is relatively flat, vehicles can access the site directly, and the panoramic views create a sense of complete isolation from everyday life.

Unlike developed tourist destinations, Cu Vo offers no electricity, running water or restroom facilities. To prepare for the overnight stay, the family rented a camper van equipped with solar power, water storage and a self-contained bathroom. They also brought food, drinking water and other essential supplies.

“Unlike the hot coastal areas of Central Vietnam during summer, the hill becomes cool in the evening and noticeably chilly at night,” Nhat said. “The wind is strong and the temperature drops quickly after sunset.”

That evening, the family enjoyed dinner under the moonlight beside towering wind turbines. The following morning, they woke to clouds drifting across the hills and around the giant turbine blades.

Surrounded by mountain scenery, they prepared a simple breakfast, watched the sunrise and enjoyed a level of peace rarely found on conventional holidays.

Beyond sightseeing, Nhat recommends trying local specialties including Khe Sanh coffee, buffalo meat and dishes influenced by neighbouring Lao culture.

Another favourite destination for the family was Mui Lay, a rocky headland extending about 500 metres into the sea, located roughly seven kilometres north of Cua Tung Beach.

Above the headland lies a broad grassy area, while below are white-sand beaches, unusual black rock formations and clear blue waters stretching toward the horizon.

The beach is clean and peaceful, with gentle waves and shallow waters frequently visited by local residents. Along the rocky shoreline, visitors can find shellfish, crabs and fish, creating opportunities for hands-on coastal experiences.

“Fishing boats usually return around 10 or 11 in the morning,” Nhat said. “If you time it right, you can buy freshly caught seafood directly from the fishermen. The lobsters are especially fresh, firm and reasonably priced.”

The family ended their coastal adventure with a memorable seafood lunch featuring freshly steamed lobster overlooking the sea.

Linh Trang