Minh Dam Mountain is more than a scenic natural landmark. It is a historic site deeply steeped in proud national history, where rugged landscapes bear witness to the enduring spirit of resistance and sacrifice. Join Fleur de Lys Resort & Spa Long Hai as we retrace the historic footsteps at this storied destination in the heart of Long Hai. 

1. Where Forest Meets Sea

The Minh Dam Revolutionary Base – historically and commonly known as Minh Dam Mountain – is situated in the south-east of Dat Do District, Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province. The mountain range extends from east to west for over 8 kilometres, with an average elevation of 200 metres above sea level.

Dating back to the late 19th century, the Chau Vien–Chau Long range (the historical name of Minh Dam) spanned the communes of Phan Phuoc, Phuoc Hai, Long Hai, and Long My, forming a formidable coastal rampart 9 kilometres in length, nearly 4 kilometres in width, and reaching a peak of 355.6 metres. Composed largely of granite and quartz, the terrain gave rise to a complex network of interconnected caves – serving as a natural, impenetrable fortress hidden within the rock.

The site also features the Ngoc Tuyen freshwater spring and a strategic system of streams that sustained revolutionary operations throughout the years of resistance. Beyond its military and historical significance, Minh Dam remains a pristine forest ecosystem rich in flora and fauna.

2. A Landscape Shaped By History

Minh Dam Mountain carries profound historical weight, having served as a vital revolutionary base during both the French and American resistance wars.

  • A Strategic Stronghold: Minh Dam was the cradle of several early Party cells in the Dat Do–Long Dien District. In April 1934, Ba Ria Province’s very first Party branch was established at the residence of Mr Tran Ba Thien in Phuoc Hai Commune, founded by three core comrades: Tran Van Cuong (Secretary), Nguyen Van Long, and Ho Tri Tan.
  • Formidable Terrain: The complex cave systems across four key sectors – Chau Vien, Da Che, Da Van, and Gieng Gach – housed the District Party Committee headquarters, military medical units, and clandestine armament workshops. Through tactical ingenuity and unwavering determination, local forces and guerrillas launched a series of celebrated military operations from these positions.

  • A Historic Engagement: On 8 June 1966, Company C25 and guerrilla forces engaged in a fierce ten-day-and-night battle, wiping out 100 enemy troops from the US 173rd Airborne Brigade and allied forces, firmly safeguarding the revolutionary base area.
  • A Symbol of Defiance: On the night of 13 July 1933, the Chau Vien revolutionary group secretly distributed leaflets and raised six flags of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam across Dat Do, Long My, and Ba Ria. The largest flag was resolutely hoisted atop Chop Mao Peak (Hon Da Che) – the highest vantage point of the Minh Dam range. (Note: Xin vui lòng kiểm tra lại mốc năm 1933 trong sử liệu gốc, vì Mặt trận Dân tộc Giải phóng miền Nam Việt Nam được thành lập năm 1960).

3. The Chronicle Behind the Name

The name “Minh Dam” was bestowed upon the former Chau Vien–Chau Long range by the people and Party of Long Dat District to immortalise two heroic district leaders who were martyred on 17 November 1948 while operating a mission in Phuoc Trinh Hamlet, Tam Phuoc Commune: Comrade Bui Cong Minh (Secretary) and Comrade Mac Thanh Dam (Deputy Secretary).

Following the decision of the Ba Ria Province Party Committee to designate Phuoc Buu and Long My as resistance bases against French colonial forces in late 1948, the name “Minh Dam” was formally adopted. In 1993, the site was officially recognised as a National Revolutionary Historical Monument under Decision No. 57VH/QĐ, dated 18 January 1993, issued by the Ministry of Culture and Information.

The convergence of untouched highland wilderness and the sparkling coastline of Long Hai makes Minh Dam an ideal retreat from city life – a sanctuary to reconnect with nature and reflect upon the nation’s profound history. This summer, let the Minh Dam Mini Trekking Tour complete your holiday. Wind through historic forest trails, breathe in the clean mountain air, and take the time to listen to the heroic epics this remarkable land has to tell.