Nestled deep within the Huong Dien Hydropower Reservoir area in Khe Trai (Huong Tra Ward, Hue City), the Tri-Thien-Hue Regional Party Committee’s tunnel complex was the headquarters of the Regional Party Committee and Hue City Party Committee. From this underground base, they directed all activities of the liberation forces before and after the 1968 Spring offensive. Today, the site stands as a striking historical relic amid a picturesque landscape of mountains, rivers, and sky.

After many years of sustaining their lives through regular blood transfusions, many pediatric patients suffering from congenital hemolytic anemia (Thalassemia) have now found the “light at the end of the tunnel” thanks to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at Hue Central Hospital. From these successful transplant cases, a door of hope has opened, bringing the children a healthy, normal life and complete joy after so many difficult days.

It has been a few years since I had the chance to cross Hai Van Pass. I just thought the pass would be very deserted because, since the construction of the road tunnel, everyone chose that route for its safety and economy. However, it turns out that I was wrong, the pass remains bustling and vibrant.