The Monument of Vietnamese Heroic Mothers Complex is a national-level cultural site — a sacred symbol honoring the immense contributions and sacrifices of Vietnamese heroic mothers throughout the nation’s wars of resistance.
Covering an area of over 15 hectares, the complex is located on Cam Mountain, Quang Phu Ward, Da Nang City. The monument was designed based on the portrait of Mother Nguyen Thi Thu, who lost nine sons, one son-in-law, and two grandsons — all of whom were martyrs in the wars for national liberation. Beyond its profound cultural and historical values, this is also one of Vietnam’s largest and most artistically significant sculptures, recognized as an outstanding architectural landmark of Da Nang and the nation.
MAIN STRUCTURES
Main Statue Block: The entire monument is constructed from massive granite blocks, with a total volume of approximately 20,000 tons of stone and concrete. The monument’s architecture takes the form of a mountain rising high in the center and gradually descending on both sides — symbolizing the idea that “Mother is the eternal source of life, the soul of the nation.” At its center stands the half-body portrait of Mother Thu, over 18 meters tall. The monument’s two curved wings resemble open arms embracing her children, while faint human figures carved on both sides depict children gathered around their mother — symbolizing a peaceful, united Vietnam where the North, Central, and South regions reunite under the gentle care of Mother.
Hall of Vietnamese Heroic Mothers: Built within the main statue structure, the memorial hall spans approximately 950 m², displaying the names of nearly 50,000 Vietnamese Heroic Mothers nationwide. Visitors can view historical photographs, biographies, and personal belongings associated with these mothers’ lives and sacrifices. Notable exhibits include rice pots used to cook for soldiers, weaving looms from wartime, and worship vases — all vividly illustrating the mothers’ silent endurance and extraordinary devotion to the homeland.
Front Square: In front of the monument lies a vast ceremonial square designed in the style of traditional Vietnamese courtyards, featuring an entrance gate, a main axis, and a solemn ceremonial yard. Along the walkway stand 30 clusters of stone lamps and lawns symbolizing 30 years of prolonged resistance, as well as 30 years of waiting for husbands and sons who never returned. The square serves as the site for incense-offering ceremonies and major national or municipal commemorations.
Water Pond and Landscape: In front of the main monument is a crescent-shaped lake of about 1,000 m². The clear, still water flowing gently from the rock crevices around the statue into the pond represents the endless, nurturing love of a mother — like an ever-full bowl of water. On both sides of the monument are large floral carpets (about 600 m² each) displaying patterns and colors representing Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, creating a vibrant and harmonious scene. Behind the monument stretches a green lawn and a stone garden engraved with poems praising Vietnamese mothers. Thousands of trees donated by provinces across the country have been planted throughout the area, transforming it into a lush “miniature forest” that offers shade and tranquility.
Eight Legendary Pillars: At the entrance to the square stand eight monumental stone columns arranged in two rows of four, forming a symbolic “gate.” Each pillar is about 9–11 meters tall, with a diameter of over 1.2 meters and a combined weight of approximately 1,500 tons. Carved into these columns are reliefs depicting mothers from different regions: the gentle and kind Northern Mother, the industrious Central Mother, the courageous Southern Mother, and the humble but brave Central Highlands Mother who sheltered soldiers. They also feature the images of young female volunteers who served along the legendary Truong Son Trail. The number eight symbolizes unity, prosperity, and also recalls the “Eight Golden Words” that President Ho Chi Minh bestowed upon Vietnamese women: “Heroic – Indomitable – Faithful – Resourceful.”
OUTSTANDING VALUES OF THE COMPLEX
The Monument of Vietnamese Heroic Mothers Complex is a national “red address” — a place where Vietnamese people across generations come to pay tribute to the nation’s heroic mothers and martyrs. It serves as a meaningful educational site for younger generations, nurturing patriotism, national pride, and the moral tradition of “drinking water, remember the source.”
The stories and exhibits here offer vivid lessons in history, inspiring gratitude and national spirit among visitors, especially the youth. On national holidays and cultural or diplomatic events, solemn incense-offering ceremonies are held to honor fallen heroes and heroic mothers. The complex also serves as a venue for grand national and municipal celebrations, featuring large-scale art performances that have made it not only a cultural tourism landmark but also a significant spiritual and political center for the people of Da Nang..
EXPERIENTIAL ACTIVITIES
Together with other popular destinations in the southern part of the city, the Monument of Vietnamese Heroic Mothers Complex has become an essential stop on the “journey to the roots.” Visitors can explore the architectural structures, hear emotional stories about the mothers’ silent sacrifices, or stroll around the vast front square shaded by thousands of trees donated from provinces nationwide. Behind the monument, visitors can admire the stone garden inscribed with moving poems dedicated to heroic mothers.
During national holidays, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in solemn commemorative ceremonies and special art programs that provide deeper insights into Vietnam’s history and the enduring patriotism of its people.
Nearby attractions include Ky Anh Tunnels, Van Thanh – Khong Mieu, Khuong My Towers, Tam Thanh Beach, Tam Thanh Mural Village, and Phu Ninh Lake — ideal for combining cultural and sightseeing tours.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Address: Le Thanh Tong Street, Quang Phu Ward, Da Nang City
– Approximately 70 km south of Da Nang International Airport
– About 35 km north of Chu Lai Airport
Opening Hours: Exhibition area open daily (except Mondays)
– Morning: 07:30 – 11:00
– Afternoon: 13:30 – 16:30
Admission: Free
DANANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
