Eight Ladies Cave is located approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Dong Hoi City at Km16 on the 20 Quyet Thang Road, in Tan Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province. This site commemorates the heroic sacrifice of 8 martyrs during the resistance against the United States. In 1986, the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Tourism designated Eight Ladies Cave as a national historic site. The cave is 20 meters deep and 10 meters wide, providing a suitable shelter for soldiers and Youth Volunteers during the war.
The legend of Eight Ladies Cave has become a story passed down through generations. It serves both as a renowned spiritual tourist destination in Quang Binh and as a significant site for educating the younger generation about patriotic traditions.
Why does Eight Ladies Cave attract tourists?
Situated near the Vietnam-Laos border, amidst dense forests and surrounded by towering mountains, Eight Ladies Cave’s story has been featured in various media outlets, making its history well-known. Many visitors come here to respectfully offer incense, express gratitude, and commemorate the immense contributions of the 8 Youth Volunteers, aged between 18 and 20, who bravely sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Visiting this site allows one to grasp the harsh and brutal realities of war that claimed numerous lives of soldiers and civilians, and to understand the resilience and profound patriotism of the Vietnamese people. Here, you can also experience the intriguing story of Eight Ladies Cave and sense the sacredness of this historical site.
The story of Eight Ladies Cave
Delving into the story of Eight Ladies Cave, one cannot help but feel a sharp sense of sorrow due to the heroic sacrifice of the 8 Youth Volunteers of Squad 8. They were young men and women, consisting of 4 males and 4 females from Hoang Hoa, Thanh Hoa Province, who dedicated their youth to the fight for independence and freedom. They undertook tasks such as cutting through mountains to build roads, filling bomb craters, and clearing roads for vehicles heading to the front lines at the critical point of Km16 on the 20 Quyet Thang Road, now part of Tan Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh.
On the afternoon of November 14, 1972, American bombs struck the 20 Road, where a team of Youth Volunteers and an artillery squad were stationed. The Youth Volunteer team comprised 8 individuals, 4 males and 4 females. The oldest was 37 years old, while the remaining seven were between 18 and 20. A torrential rain of bombs from enemy aircraft poured down, shattering the sky with deafening roars, leaving the Km16 route devastated. To avoid the American bombardment, the 8 Youth Volunteers took refuge in a mountain cave right beside the road. The mountain masses trembled, with soil and rocks falling chaotically. When the dust settled and the enemy aircraft noises faded, nearby units discovered a large rock, dislodged by the bombing, had fallen and sealed the cave entrance, blocking the exit. Faint cries for help from the Youth Volunteers could still be heard behind the rock.
After the bombing, those outside discovered the cave but were unable to clear an entrance due to the massive rock blocking it. They attempted various methods, such as using tracked vehicles to pull the rock away or employing explosives to blast open the cave entrance, but none of these approaches succeeded. They could only use long bamboo poles inserted through a small gap to provide drinking water and rations to those inside. Simultaneously, they used hoes and shovels to dig through the earth and rocks, hoping to rescue their comrades, but all efforts were in vain.
After 9 days and nights of holding out, the faint cries for help from the 8 Youth Volunteers gradually diminished and then ceased. The last words heard by the rescuers from their comrades were, “Mother, please save us; brothers and sisters, please help us.” The 8 Youth Volunteers, sadly, succumbed to death in the cave, behind the rocks.
After 24 years, on March 22, 1996, a search team used explosives to break the rock blocking the cave entrance. After diligent efforts, they recovered the remains of all 8 fallen Youth Volunteers. On June 4, 1996, Quang Binh held a ceremony to hand over and repatriate the remains of the 8 martyrs to their hometowns.
Though the war has long ended, the names of these Youth Volunteers have become legendary along the 20 Quyet Thang Road. To commemorate their passing, Eight Ladies Cave has been restored by local authorities. The cave entrance has been reconstructed, and nearby stands the Memorial Temple for the Martyrs.
Eight Ladies Cave is the sacred site where the sacrifice of 8 Youth Volunteers from Hoằng Hóa District, Thanh Hóa Province, became eternal. They are:
- Nguyen Van Hue (born 1952, Hoang Truong Commune)
- Nguyen Van Phuong (1954, Hoang Truong Commune)
- Hoang Van Vu (1953, Hoang Ha Commune)
- Nguyen Mau Ky (1947, Hoang Dat Commune)
- Tran Thi To (1954, Hoang Truong Commune)
- Le Thi Luong (1953, Hoang Thinh Commune)
- Do Thi Loan (1952, Hoang Ngoc Commune)
- Le Thi Mai (1952, Hoang Thinh Commune)
How to get to Eight Ladies Cave
Eight Ladies Cave is located approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Dong Hoi City, in Tan Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh. To reach Eight Ladies Cave from Dong Hoi, you can take the 20 Quyet Thang Road to Tra Ang Bridge, then continue for about 4 kilometers to arrive at the site. Alternatively, you can follow the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road from Dong Hoi to Tra Ang Bridge, then turn right and proceed approximately 2 kilometers to reach the destination.
Along the journey to Eight Ladies Cave, you’ll pass by the Temple of Martyrs, built to commemorate the Youth Volunteers who bravely sacrificed their lives on the 20 Quyết Thắng route. It’s a meaningful gesture to light incense in honor of these soldiers.
Transportation options to Eight Ladies Cave
Bus
Eight Ladies Cave is situated in Bo Trach District, within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang area. You can take the B4 bus route: Dong Hoi – Phong Nha, with an average fare of 40,000 VND per trip. Buses start running at 5:30 AM, followed by departures at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 AM. In the afternoon, services resume at 1:30 PM, with the last bus at 5:00 PM. Please note that there are no buses between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
Motorbike
Traveling by motorbike offers flexibility and the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views along the 20 Quyet Thang Road. Rental prices range from 120,000 to 150,000 VND. However, exercise caution during your journey.
Car
Many visitors prefer traveling by car to Eight Ladies Cave. Upon arriving in Dong Hoi, you can easily find reasonably priced car rentals. Traveling by car helps save energy for visiting other attractions in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang area. In Dong Hoi, you can take taxis from companies such as Sun Taxi (0232.353.53.53), Mai Linh Taxi (0232.3835.835), and Tien Sa Taxi (0232.379.79.79). Alternatively, Quy Phai Car Service is available at 484 Tran Hung Dao – Nam Ly Ward – Dong Hoi City. Phone: 0941 355 137.
Best time to visit Eight Ladies Cave
Eight Ladies Cave is in Quang Binh, which experiences distinct dry and rainy seasons. The dry season spans from April to August and is characterized by hot weather but ideal for cave exploration, as the interiors remain cool and refreshing. The rainy season, from late September to March, may affect travel plans but offers its own unique experiences.
Notably, in late November each year, Eight Ladies Cave hosts a memorial ceremony honoring the heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives there. If you plan to visit during this time, consider participating in the ceremony and paying your respects.
Visiting and paying respects at Eight Ladies Cave
Adjacent to Eight Ladies Cave is a memorial temple that welcomes groups of visitors to pay respects and offer incense. Next to the temple, there is a kitchen equipped with necessary items such as trays, plates, cups, and bowls for visitors to arrange their offerings before the incense ceremony.
As this is a spiritual site, there are no entertainment or dining activities available. After concluding your visit to Eight Ladies Cave, you can proceed to nearby locations such as Mooc Stream, Chay River-Dark Cave, Phong Nha Cave, and Ozo Park for relaxation and meals. Here, you can enjoy delicious dishes prepared in Western or Asian styles, or if you prefer simplicity, savor local specialties such as crispy fried stream goby, grilled chicken, steamed river shrimp, sweet and sour river shrimp, rice dumplings, and carp.
Tips for visiting Eight Ladies Cave
When visiting Eight Ladies Cave, it’s advisable to dress modestly and simply, wearing flat shoes instead of high heels for easier movement. Prepare offerings such as incense and flowers to pay tribute to the heroic martyrs. Bring water and light snacks, as you might need them after your visit. Speak politely and move gently. In general, approach Eight Ladies Cave with a relaxed and respectful mindset.
On the way to Eight Ladies Cave, you can also visit other famous attractions in Quang Binh, such as Chay River-Dark Cave, Paradise Cave (Dong Thien Duong), Son Doong Cave, and Ozo Park.
Eight Ladies Cave marks the courageous and resilient fighting spirit and the sacrifice of the Youth Volunteers, creating a heroic epic and a beautiful legend on the 20 Quyet Thang Road. With the intriguing stories that have occurred here, such as the banana bunch with 8 clusters and the gecko laying 8 eggs, this place is not only a memorial site but also a destination for those seeking peace, happiness, and good fortune.
Located within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Eight Ladies Cave tells the story of the special sacrifice of 8 Youth Volunteers in their twenties. Their image has become an immortal monument in the history of Vietnam. Visiting Eight Ladies Cave will undoubtedly be a worthy part of your travel journey, as you traverse a transnational route flanked by towering mountains on one side and steep slopes on the other. Not only will you witness the majestic scenery, but you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of a poignant wartime story in the resilient land of Quảng Bình.
FAQs
Do you need a guide when visiting Eight Ladies Cave?
Yes, hiring a guide is recommended to receive thorough guidance during your visit. A guide will help you understand the poignant story of Eight Ladies Cave and the remaining traces of history through detailed explanations.
Is there an entrance fee to visit Eight Ladies Cave?
Eight Ladies Cave is a spiritual tourist destination and a national historic site. You can visit at any time without purchasing tickets or incurring any fees.
What is the historical and cultural significance of Eight Ladies Cave?
Eight Ladies Cave is not only a historical site but also a spiritual cultural monument. It has become a place where numerous visitors come to pay respects and honor the martyrs who sacrificed for independence and freedom. It also serves as an educational site for younger generations. Through the story of the 8 Youth Volunteers, the young generations gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s heroic struggle, fostering a love for their homeland and a determination to contribute to the country’s prosperity.
