Mother Suot Monument: Symbol of the heroic Vietnamese mother

Mother Suot, a heroic Vietnamese mother, was already 60 years old, yet still rowed her small wooden boat across the Nhat Le River. She braved bombs and bullets to row more than 2,800 boat trips, ferrying soldiers, supplies, and wounded comrades across the Nhat Le River. Her courage and devotion left her fellow countrymen and soldiers in deep sorrow and admiration.

To honor her great sacrifice, the Statue of Mother Suot was built on the banks of the Nhat Le River as a lasting symbol of gratitude and remembrance. Today, in the heart of bustling Dong Hoi City, the monument stands as a sacred landmark.

Who is Mother Suot? The historical meaning of the Mother Suot Statue

Mother Suot (1908–1968), whose full name was Nguyen Thi Suot, was born and raised in Bao Ninh. This is a small village located across the river from the center of Dong Hoi, Quang Tri. Her childhood was marked by hardship and poverty, as the country was still under French colonial rule. From a young age, she worked as a housemaid for various families to earn a living. After getting married, she became a ferryman on the Nhat Le River, rowing passengers and goods across the river to support her family.

During the period when Vietnam was divided and the resistance war against America was at its height, Mother Suot’s hometown held a strategically important position. It served as a gathering point for troops and supplies before they were transported to the southern battlefield. As a result, the area was constantly bombarded by American aircraft and warships.

In the face of the nation’s peril, the people of Quang Tri, along with citizens across the country, united in the struggle for independence. Men and women either joined the army to fight on the front lines or took part in logistics, volunteer youth brigades, and other support forces contributing to the war effort. Mother Suot’s son also answered the call of the nation, joining the army to fight in the South, where he ultimately sacrificed his life.

Back home, despite being nearly 60 years old, Mother Suot remained steadfast in her commitment to the resistance. The Vietnamese mother, with graying hair and a bent back, continued to hold her oar firmly and row with unwavering determination. Each year, she made around 1,400 crossings on the Nhat Le River. She braved storms of bombs and bullets to ferry officers, soldiers, news, and essential supplies across the river to support the front lines.

For her outstanding contributions, Mother Suot was honored with the title Hero of the Transportation Sector in the Resistance War Against America on January 1, 1967.

For her significant contributions to the resistance against America, Mother Suot was invited to Hanoi to receive a medal

On August 21, 1968, after completing her final river crossing, Mother Suot and a group of soldiers were caught in a bombing raid by American aircraft. She was heroically sacrificed in a cluster bomb attack. The death left behind immeasurable grief for her family, fellow soldiers she had just ferried across, and countless fighters in Bao Ninh.

To honor the great sacrifice and indomitable spirit of the heroic Vietnamese mother Nguyen Thi Suot, the local government built the Mother Suot Statue at the center of the old ferry terminal in 1980.

The statue stands about 7 meters tall. This depicts the slender mother with determined eyes, holding her oar as she rows through the wind and waves of the tranquil Nhat Le River. The Mother Suot Statue has become a sacred landmark in the heart of Dong Hoi City. A place where locals and travelers from all over come to pay their respects and remember her bravery.

The ferry terminal where Mother Suot devoted her life during those heroic years was later named Mother Suot Ferry Terminal. Right at the terminal stands a Memorial Stele House, facing the busy river filled with boats, serving as a solemn reminder of her courage and enduring legacy.

Travel experiences at the Mother Suot Statue

Travelers visiting the Mother Suot Statue will feel both the solemn strength of her indomitable will and the gentle, protective spirit of a heroic Vietnamese mother. She is small in stature yet immensely noble and steadfast.

Standing at the base of the 7-meter-tall statue, travelers can see the image of a frail elderly woman whose presence seems to overshadow a piece of the sky. Below the statue, facing the river, are sculpted waves in motion, and on the opposite side stand the figures of soldiers. The entire composition symbolizes Mother Suot’s unwavering determination to shield her “children”, the Vietnamese soldiers, from the bombs. It embodies both resilience and boundless maternal love.

The first thing travelers should do when visiting the Mother Suot Statue is to offer incense and express their gratitude at this sacred monument. Incense sticks can be purchased from small roadside stalls near the park, close to the statue. Travelers can also take photos to capture memorable moments at the Mother Suot Statue, a meaningful symbol of courage and love in Dong Hoi.

The area surrounding the Mother Suot Statue features beautiful scenery, including a park that runs along the banks of the Nhat Le River. Travelers can take a leisurely walk and admire the vast, flowing waters. They will reflect on the days when Mother Suot and countless soldiers crossed the river amidst storms of bombs and bullets.

The Mother Suot Monument was built right by the Nhat Le River, where she devoted her life and efforts to the cause of national liberation

The Mother Suot Statue is located near several historical sites. They are Dong Hoi Ancient Citadel (600m), Quang Tri Museum (600m), Quang Binh Gate (500m), and Nhat Le Beach (3.4km), etc. Travelers can easily explore the center of Dong Hoi on foot, discovering the rich history of this land, often regarded as a living witness to Vietnam’s past.

In addition to historical sites, Nhat Le Beach offers travelers opportunities for recreation, swimming, and enjoying fresh, affordable seafood. Just about 400m from the Mother Suot Statue, Dong Hoi Market is a culinary haven. Visitors can taste local specialties such as banh bot loc, banh khoai, banh beo with crispy shrimp, chao canh, and more.

How to Get to the Mother Suot Statue

The Mother Suot Statue is located on Quach Xuan Ky Street, Dong Hoi Ward, about 8km from Dong Hoi Airport. Travelers from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City can fly directly to Dong Hoi Airport. From nearby provinces such as Hue, Da Nang, or Hanoi, visitors can reach Dong Hoi by car, train, or sleeper bus.

From Dong Hoi Airport or Dong Hoi Railway Station, travelers can reach the Mother Suot Statue by car, taxi, or ride-hailing motorbike services. Visitors staying in central Dong Hoi can also rent bicycles or motorbikes to get around. Some hotels and homestays may even provide bicycles free of charge for their guests.

Best time to visit Quang Tri

The ideal time for travelers to visit Quang Tri and see the Mother Suot Statue is from March to August. The weather is warm, dry, and perfect for outdoor activities. This period offers the best conditions for strolling along the Nhat Le River, enjoying the scenery, and taking memorable photos at the statue.

Early mornings and late afternoons are the most suitable times for visiting, with soft light and cooler temperatures. From September to February, Quang Binh experiences the rainy season, and some days may see heavy rainfall. Travelers are advised to check the weather forecast to ensure a pleasant and uninterrupted visit.

Mother Suot, along with the soldiers and people of Quang Tri, fought tenaciously and became historical legends

Nearby attractions to combine with a visit to the Mother Suot Statue

The Mother Suot Statue is located in the heart of Dong Hoi, making it very convenient for travelers to plan their visits. Visitors can arrange their itinerary to see the statue either before or after exploring Quang Tri.

From the statue, Phong Nha is only about 45 km away. Travelers can admire the majestic natural beauty of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, explore sacred historical sites, and enjoy leisure and resort tourism in the area.

- Phong Nha Cave is one of the region’s most famous attractions, featuring a 7 km-long underground river and a unique system of stalactites and stalagmites. Travelers can take a 3.5 km boat ride upriver along the Son River. They will enjoy the peaceful countryside and marvel at the majestic natural formations inside the wet cave.

- Paradise Cave (Dong Thien Duong) is often called the “underground palace.” The cave is renowned for its magnificent stalactites and stalagmites with extraordinary shapes. The cave entrance is located halfway up the mountain. Travelers will walk down into the vast interior, exploring the stunning formations along a 1 km-long stairway trail.

- Oxalis Adventure cave exploration tours take travelers into the pristine core of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Tours to Son Doong Cave, Hang Ba, Hang En, and others range from 1 to 6 days with varying levels of difficulty. Travelers will trek through forests, wade across streams, cross valleys, camp in untouched nature, and marvel at rare and spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.

- Commander Cave vividly recreates the combat history of the Truong Son soldiers during the resistance war against America. Travelers can experience 9D VR technology, explore the seven-level cave, and learn about historical documents and artifacts along Duong 20 Quyet Thang.

- Bong Lai Valley offers a rustic countryside setting along with authentic rural tourism experiences. Travelers can herd ducks, ride water buffaloes, and engage in farming activities. Attractions like The Duck Stop, Duck Tang Farm, and Money Bridge are ideal choices.

- Blue Diamond Retreat offers travelers a relaxing getaway combined with outdoor activities such as kayaking, night kayaking, forest trekking, biking through local villages, etc. The retreat provides day-trip experiences, overnight camping, and stays in rustic Jungle Bungalow accommodations.

- Outdoor areas such as Chay River – Dark Cave, Hava Valley, and Ozo Park are ideal stops for travelers who love active experiences. Depending on the location, they can zipline, kayak, try tree-top challenges, enjoy water sports, trek, and offer a full range of exciting outdoor activities.

- In addition, from the Mother Suot Statue, travelers can visit famous historical sites in Quang Tri. For example, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel (118 km), Vinh Moc Tunnels (79 km), Hien Luong Bridge (74 km), and so on.