As it is known all over the world, Vietnam is a country of tourism. Every province in Vietnam has its own advantages when it comes to attracting visitors. Among the countless attraction sites that you may find in Vietnam, there are a total of eight World Heritage sites that are recognised by UNESCO. Five of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam are cultural sites, two are natural sites while the last one is a mixed site. The first UNESCO site was inscribed in 1993 and ever since these Heritage sites has helped Vietnam a lot in attracting tourists throughout all those years. If you are planning to visit, scroll down and check out the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam.
1. Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is the best-preserved section of the ancient Imperial Citadel of Thang Long due to its importance. The Imperial Citadel was constructed by the Ly Viet Dynasty in the 11th century. It is mostly characterised by its endurance and its function as a seat of power, evidenced by different types of monuments and archaeological levels. It was the centre of regional political power for more than 13 centuries and its remains still reflect the unique South-East Asian culture. In spite of the fact that some evidence might be absent or not very visible, you cannot question its integrity in terms of the landscaping, structure and architecture of the property.
Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi
Address: 9 Hoang Dieu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Website: Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi
2. Citadel of the Hồ Dynasty
The Citadel of the Hồ Dynasty was built in 1397 by Hồ Quy Ly and it is located about 150 km (93.2 mi) from Ha Noi to the south and 45 km (27.9 mi) northwest of Thanh Hoa City. The citadel of the Hồ Dynasty is an architectural masterpiece of the 14th century with impressive architecture of the walls, roofs, pillars and the floor. Surrounding the Citadel there are also numerous relics, such as exhibition house, Dong Mon Communal House, An Ton Mountain, Nang Cave, Tran Khat Chan, temples of Binh Khuong, Du Anh Pagoda and Ho Cong Cave. Citadel of the Hồ Dynasty was recognised as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2011 and as a special national relic site in 2012.
Citadel of the Hồ Dynasty
Address: Vĩnh Lộc District, Thanh Hoa, Vietnam
Website: Citadel of the Hồ Dynasty
3. Ha Long Bay (from USD 38.0)
The sprawling Halong Bay is a beautiful natural wonder located in northern Vietnam. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1994, the Bay is dotted with 1,600 limestone islands and islets with wind and wave-eroded grottoes thus, its ethereal beauty makes it northern Vietnam’s number one-tourism hub. Halong Bay features a wide range of biodiversity, while the surrealistic scenery has indeed featured in endless movies. The best way to get to Halong City is by car, minibus or bus from Hanoi which is only 170 km (86 mi) away but most visitors prefer the cruise tours that include sleeping on board within the bay.
Hanoi: Islands & Caves Ha Long Cruise with Lunch & Kayaking
Duration: 4.0 to 13.0 hour
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4. Hội An Ancient Town (from USD 35.0)
Famous for being a major Southeast Asian trading post during the 16th and 17th centuries, Hội An is a well-preserved ancient town situated in central Vietnam, Quang Nam Province. This site is preferred by visitors because of its beauty, especially during the night when several colourful lanterns come to light to add beauty to this historical town. Thanks to its buildings and its street plan which reflect the influences of both indigenous and foreign citizens that have worked together to produce this unique heritage site, the town now attracts many international visitors, all eager to catch a glimpse of this town.
From Hoi An: Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride and Cooking Class
Duration: 4.0 hour
5. Tràng An Landscape Complex (from USD 34.0)
Located within Ninh Binh Province of North Vietnam, the Tràng An Landscape Complex is a picturesque landscape of limestone karst peaks with valleys that are partly submerged and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs. If you explore the caves at different altitudes, you will find archaeological traces of human activity that continuously existed here for a period of more than 30,000 years. The given evidence gives us an idea about the former occupants of these mountains who were seasonal hunter/gatherers and how they adapted to major climatic and environmental changes, especially the repeated inundation of the landscape by the sea after the last ice age.
From Hanoi: Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Mua Caves with transfer
Duration: 1.0 day
6. Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park (from USD 110.0)
The Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, located at the centre of the Annamite Mountain Range in Vietnam, was inscribed on the World Heritage List in the year 2003. The Park is considered to be unique because of its landscape which is formed by limestone plateaux and tropical forests. Apart from featuring great geological diversity, Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park also offers spectacular phenomena including underground rivers and a large number of caves. The site also acts as a home to different biodiversity and many endemic species. Being listed under World Heritage List ensures a more coherent ecosystem while also providing additional protection to the catchment areas that are important to the limestone landscapes.
Phong Nha: Dark Cave 2–Night Trip from Hanoi
Duration: 2 day
7. Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary (from USD 54.0)
Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is evidence that a unique culture used to inhabit the coast of contemporary Vietnam during the 4th to the 13th centuries, owing its spiritual origins to the Hinduism of India. Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is located in the mountainous border Duy Xuyen District of Quang Nam Province, in central Viet Nam. Its location has an elevated geological basin which is surrounded by a ring of mountains, that provides the watershed for the sacred Thu Bon river. The location gives the site its strategic significance as it is also easy to defend. This site is always filled with tourists who want to have a glimpse of the remaining series of impressive tower-temples in a dramatic site that was the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom for most of its existence.
My Son Sanctuary by Boat & Visit to Pottery Village
Duration: 5 hour
8. Complex of Hué Monuments (from USD 69.0)
The Complex of Hue Monuments is located at the heart of Hue City in Thua Thien-Hue Province. In 1802, Hue was established as the capital of the unified Viet Nam, and it not only had a political function but also religious and cultural functions under the Nguyen dynasty. The Complex of Hue Monuments has a unique natural beauty thanks to The Perfume River which winds its way through the Imperial City, Capital City, the Inner City and the Forbidden Purple City. The structures of this site are strategically placed within the natural setting and are aligned cosmologically with the five main cardinal points, the five main elements and the five main colours. The basic architectural features of this site have been intact since their construction in the 19th century.
Hue: Small Group City Tour by Bus & Boat with Lunch
Duration: 8 hour
Discover world heritage sites
While you are still in Vietnam, use this opportunity and explore all the World Heritage sites that can be found in this part of the world. There is so much to see and do. Enjoy!
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