1. General introduction to the numberless pier of Hai Phong
Hai Phong's Secret Pier has been recognized as a Special National Monument. (Source: Collected)
Hai Phong's Secret Pier , also known as Pier K15, is a site associated with the glorious history of the Ho Chi Minh Trail on the Sea, marking the secret voyages that supplied the South during the American War. In 2025, the secret pier will become an attractive destination, combining historical value with modern sightseeing experiences, traditional education, and commemoration of national heroes.
1.1. Geographical Location of Hai Phong's Secret Pier
Hai Phong's Secret Pier , also known as Pier K15, is located at the foot of Van Hoa Mountain (also called Nghinh Phong Mountain) at the end of the Do Son Peninsula, Hai Phong city. This location borders the sea and is close to famous tourist areas, offering a harmonious scenery between mountains and water.
Starting from Hai Phong city center, visitors follow Pham Van Dong road for about 20 km south to the center of Do Son. Then, you move along the beaches of Zone I and Zone II, and then climb the slope to Zone III to reach the secret pier, right below the Van Hoa Hotel (currently Do Son Casino). This journey is convenient for combining visits to historical sites, relaxation, swimming at Do Son beach, as well as visiting the temple of Lord Do Doc.
1.2. Origin and Special Name of the Secret Pier
Hai Phong's Secret Pier carries glorious pages of history, associated with the courage and resilient spirit of the nation. In this area, ships transported weapons, equipment, and goods to support the South during the American War period. To ensure absolute secrecy, these ships frequently changed their identification numbers before each trip, avoiding detection by the enemy.
The official name 'K15' originates from the maritime industry (K) and the number 15 related to Resolution 15 of the Central Party Committee in 1959, marking the beginning of the strategic sea transport route. Hai Phong's Secret Pier was also the starting point of the Ho Chi Minh Trail on the Sea, playing a crucial role in transporting weapons, personnel, and equipment to the battlefields in the South.
1.3. Why Visit Hai Phong's Secret Pier in 2025?
Hai Phong's Secret Pier was recognized as a Special National Monument in 2024, becoming an important historical education destination, commemorating the sacrifices and courage of soldiers on the Ho Chi Minh Trail on the Sea. In 2025, Hai Phong city is implementing a large-scale renovation and expansion project, adding many new components to enhance the visitor experience.
Key constructions such as the temple, ship models, square, bas-relief of General Vo Nguyen Giap, and lantern bridge help visitors learn about history and have a vivid interactive experience. Besides its historical value, the monument is also an ideal place for traditional education for students and families, contributing to spreading patriotism and national pride in the current period.
2. History and Role of Hai Phong's Secret Pier in the American War
Hai Phong's Secret Boat Landing marks resounding victories. (Source: Collected)
Hai Phong's Secret Boat Landing is an important starting point of the Ho Chi Minh Trail at sea, which contributed to transporting goods and personnel to support the South during the resistance against the US. This place not only leaves its mark with impressive figures of victories but also becomes a vivid symbol of the courage and spirit of sacrifice of the "immortal waves".
2.1. Origin of the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea
The Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea officially departed from Hai Phong's Secret Boat Landing in 1961, with its most active period from 1962 to 1972. The route was established to overcome the blockade of land routes, ensuring the transport of strategic goods to the South during the resistance against the US.
Hai Phong's Secret Boat Landing was chosen as the starting point (km 0) thanks to its hidden location behind Van Hoa mountain, far from residential areas, convenient for secret assembly. The boats departed at night, constantly changing routes, were meticulously camouflaged, minimizing identification marks and license plates. Despite facing many dangers at sea, the boats successfully completed their mission of transporting essential goods to the South, leaving an important mark in the history of the resistance.
2.2. Impressive Figures and Victories at Hai Phong's Secret Boat Landing
The operations of Hai Phong's Secret Boat Landing from 1961 to 1975 left many profound historical marks. Out of nearly 100 boat departures, 88 were officially recorded, transporting nearly 150,000 tons of weapons, thousands of tons of goods to support the South, while carrying over 80,000 personnel on secret voyages.
Each boat had to pass through heavily monitored waters. Despite facing countless difficulties and dangers, the soldiers excellently completed their missions, making significant contributions to the victory of the resistance against the US, while affirming the courage and resilient spirit of the nation.
2.3. Symbolic Value: Courage and Sacrifice
The soldiers of the secret boats departing from Hai Phong's Secret Boat Landing are often likened to "immortal waves", symbols of resilience, indomitability, and sacrifice for the common good of the nation. Facing myriad dangers at sea, many soldiers bravely sacrificed themselves to protect the secrecy of the transport route; some boats were forced to self-destruct to ensure the safety of comrades and keep national information confidential.
Typical captains such as Nguyen Dac Thang, Nguyen Chanh Tam, Nguyen Phan Vinh were awarded the title Hero of the People's Armed Forces. Their examples have entered the nation's history, deeply imprinted in the minds of many generations, while inspiring patriotism and resilient will for future generations.
3. The Hai Phong's Secret Boat Landing Relic Today: Investment, Preservation, and New Experiences
Hai Phong's Numberless Pier (Ben tau khong so Hai Phong) was renovated and restored by the city. (Source: Collection)
Hai Phong's Numberless Pier (Ben tau khong so Hai Phong) is now not only carefully preserved and restored but also a destination combining culture, history, and modern tourism experiences. Visitors here can explore solemn structures, participate in historical education activities, and enjoy full amenities, offering a meaningful and convenient tour.
3.1. Renovation, Restoration, and Expansion Process of the Relic Site in 2025
Hai Phong City has implemented a project to renovate and expand Hai Phong's Numberless Pier (Ben tau khong so Hai Phong) during the 2021-2026 period on an area of 2.28 hectares with a total investment of nearly 235 billion VND. The project is expected to develop the relic into a typical cultural-spiritual destination of the port city.
Many key items are being built, including: a temple dedicated to heroes and martyrs, a pier for releasing flower lanterns, a historical simulation ship, a memorial statue, a relief of General Vo Nguyen Giap, a square, the relic gate, and synchronized auxiliary facilities. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in early 2025, and the works are currently being completed, aiming to fully connect the cultural, historical, and spiritual experience for visitors when visiting Hai Phong's Numberless Pier (Ben tau khong so Hai Phong) .
3.2. Visiting Experience at Hai Phong's Numberless Pier (Ben tau khong so Hai Phong) in 2025
When visiting Hai Phong's Numberless Pier (Ben tau khong so Hai Phong) , visitors will experience an emotional and meaningful tour. Starting from the Do Son tourist area, you will arrive at Pier K15, visiting sequentially the Temple of Lord Do Doc (Den tho Quan Cong Do Doc), the memorial area with the white sail statue, the coastal memorial, the numberless ship simulation area, and the flower lantern releasing area.
The impressive highlight is the white sail model facing the sea, vivid historical reliefs, a spacious pier and square, serving as both a beautiful check-in spot and maintaining solemnity. Hai Phong's Numberless Pier (Ben tau khong so Hai Phong) regularly organizes incense offering ceremonies and traditional experience programs for students, creating a deeply educational and culturally meaningful historical space.
3.3. Services and Amenities at the Relic Area
Currently, Hai Phong's Numberless Pier (Ben tau khong so Hai Phong) boasts modern facilities with clean landscapes, ample parking, convenient pathways, and clear bilingual signage. The area also has a common room for student groups, making visits smooth and professional. Visitors can join guided tours with detailed explanations or learn more through materials in the relic's documentation room.
Traditional education programs at the pier are well-invested, ensuring a vivid learning experience. Additionally, around the relic area, there is a system of hotels, guesthouses, and Do Son beach resorts with diverse price ranges, allowing visitors to choose comfortable accommodation after their tour.
4. Outstanding Activities at Hai Phong's Numberless Pier (Ben tau khong so Hai Phong)
Annual memorial ceremony organized at the Hai Phong Secret Pier (Ben Tau Khong So Hai Phong). (Source: Collected)
Annually, Hai Phong Secret Pier (Ben Tau Khong So Hai Phong) organizes incense offering ceremonies to commemorate heroes and martyrs on important holidays such as July 27 (Martyrs' and Fallen Soldiers' Day), April 30, September 2, and the anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea. The solemn space, blending mountains and sea, creates a sacred atmosphere, holding special significance for each ceremony.
These ceremonies are not only an occasion for the community to remember and honor previous generations, but also an opportunity to educate traditions and foster patriotism for younger generations. The solemnity and respect in each ritual always leave a deep impression on visitors whenever they visit the Hai Phong Secret Pier (Ben Tau Khong So Hai Phong).
5. Important points to note when visiting the Hai Phong Secret Pier (Ben Tau Khong So Hai Phong)
Hai Phong's Numberless Pier is an attractive tourist destination. (Source: Collected)
Hai Phong's Numberless Pier is not only an important historical site but also offers beautiful natural scenery, attracting tourists and photographers. When visiting, choosing the right time, attire, and adhering to the site's regulations will make the trip both safe and meaningful.
When visiting Hai Phong's Numberless Pier, visitors should choose polite and solemn attire, especially when visiting temples and memorial areas. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or inappropriate clothing, to show respect for the historical site and the fallen heroes.
The ideal times to visit are from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is cool and with little rain, favorable for both visiting the historical site and for seaside activities. During the visit, tourists must maintain order, avoid making noise, not litter, and comply with regulations for the preservation of the historical site and worship rituals.
Hai Phong's Numberless Pier boasts many impressive check-in spots, highlighted by a white sail symbol facing the sea, a temple amidst poetic natural scenery, rows of wooden stakes at sea, and a lantern bridge at sunset. The combination of the blue of mountains and sea, bas-reliefs of General Vo Nguyen Giap, along with wave-beaten rocky shores creates frames that are both artistic and rich in historical value.
To capture beautiful photos, visitors should choose early morning or late afternoon, when the soft light makes images more authentic and vivid. Especially, the sunset scenery at the Numberless Pier offers emotionally resonant and meaningful pictures, combining the vast sea with profound historical imprints.
When visiting Hai Phong and the Numberless Pier historical site, visitors should combine it with exploring Cat Ba Island. It takes less than 15 minutes to travel from the mainland to the island by Sun World cable car, you can swim, visit caves, or kayak… This is an attractive tourist destination that you shouldn't miss when visiting the port city.
Hai Phong's Numberless Pier is a testament to the nation's heroic history, a place that marks glorious victories on the Ho Chi Minh Trail at sea. In 2025, visiting this national monument will not only help visitors understand more about the heroic past, but also an opportunity to express gratitude, feel pride, and preserve historical values for future generations.
