Vĩnh Linh

Vĩnh Linh is a rural district in northern Quảng Trị province that spans roughly 620 square kilometers (240 square miles) along the coast and contains three townships with nineteen communes. The land combines rice fields, coastal areas, and forest zones across its geography.

The Ben Hai River divided the district along the 17th parallel, serving as the border between North and South Vietnam from 1954 to 1975. This split shaped the experiences of local residents across two decades.

During wartime, residents built 114 underground tunnels, including the 1,701-meter Vĩnh Mốc complex, to sustain community life. These tunnels reflect the determination of local people to remain connected and survive in their homeland.

The district is known for agricultural production including rice, pepper, rubber, prawns, mahogany, and hardwoods spread across varied landscapes. When visiting, keep in mind that economic activity varies significantly between coastal fishing and inland farming.

Local defense forces recorded downing 293 aircraft and damaging 69 ships during conflict, including hits on the 100,000-ton USS New Jersey. This striking military record often stays in the background compared to the region's better-known division.