UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN VIETNAM

Explore Vietnam’s Unesco World Heritage sites, where the nation’s perfect beauty and cultural values ​​converge. This article will summarize all the most beautiful places from the ancient Hoi An Ancient Town to the charming and majestic Ha Long Bay. Each destination will bring visitors interesting experiences waiting for you to discover. Let’s go back in time and space with Melon Travel to feel the diversity and richness through Vietnam’s Unesco world heritage sites.

1. Ha Long Bay – One of the Unesco World Heritage Sites in 1994

Ha Long Bay is one of the best places in Northern Vietnam. On 17/12/1994 and 02/12/2000, Ha Long Bay was recognized as one of the Unesco World Heritage Sites. In addition, this is also one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and one of the 10 most beautiful bays in the world. With an area of ​​about 1,553 km2 and more than 2,000 islands, Ha Long Bay has become an attractive destination in the eyes of foreign tourists.

The magical beauty of Ha Long Bay include in 3 elements: Rock, water and sky. Here, visitors can admire the beauty of nature. The islands in Ha Long Bay are named by the locals after legendary stories. Tuan Chau Island is a nearshore island, with villages and residents. Next is Ti Top Island – the island named after Russian cosmonaut Titov when he visited Ha Long Bay in 1962. Dinh Huong Island is a sacred island printed on the 200,000 VND banknote of Vietnam.

Don’t forget to visit Trong Mai Island – the symbol of Ha Long Bay, Con Coc Island, and Ngon Tay Island. In addition, visitors should not miss the opportunity to watch the sunrise and sunset on these islands. The famous magazine Travel + Leisure has nominated Ha Long Bay as one of the 4 great places to watch the sunrise and sunset in any season of the year. With these beauty, Ha Long deserves to be one of the Unesco World Heritage Sites. 

Ha Long Bay not only impresses with its majestic islands but also attracts visitors with its mysterious caves. These caves are masterpieces formed over millions of years. Located on Hon Bo Island, Sung Sot Cave was discovered by the French in 1901. This is one of the largest caves in Ha Long Bay. On the way to Sung Sot Cave, visitors can both participate in exciting mountain climbing activities and admire the beautiful natural scenery. Next, visitors will be surprised by the perfect beauty of Dau Go Cave located at an altitude of 27m above sea level, divided into 3 compartments with many beautiful stalactites.

Located on Lom Bo Island is Me Cung Cave. Entering the cave, visitors will feel like they are entering the king’s palace with many stalactites. In addition, do not miss the opportunity to explore Trinh Nu Cave, Thien Cung Cave – the most beautiful cave in Ha Long Bay and Kim Quy Cave – a cave located on Dam Nam Islet, 100m long. Nowadays, many more caves have been discovered and each cave has its own beauty, impressing foreign tourists at first sight.

2. Hoi An Ancient Town – Ancient City in Vietnam

Hoi An Ancient Town is an ancient city located in the lower Thu Bon River, Quang Nam Province. In 1999, Hoi An was recognized as a Vietnam’s Unesco World Heritage Sites.

After decades, Hoi An still retains most of its ancient architecture such as houses, pagodas, etc. Coming here, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the architecture that both has the traditional beauty of Vietnam and the beauty of Eastern and Western cultures. It is this cultural exchange that has created a multicultural and colorful Hoi An. Unlike other bustling and vibrant cities, Hoi An is a peaceful and poetic city. The beauty of Hoi An has left an impression on the hearts of international visitors. With these beauty, Hoi An deserves to be one of the Unesco World Heritage Sites. 

Nowadays, when coming to Hoi An, visitors have the opportunity to participate in many traditional festivals held annually and many other interesting activities. One of them is the experience of boating on the Thu Bon River. Your journey starts at 4pm to watch the brilliant sunset. You will be taken to the downstream areas, where many local people live to learn and interact with them. Then, you will continue your journey through the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. The last stop is Hoi An Ancient Town. During festivals, you can also participate in the activity of releasing flower lanterns on the Thu Bon River. The sparkling and magical scene will appear before your eyes. This journey will bring many memorable memories.

3. The complex of Hue Monuments – Symbol of Hue City 

Hue is a place that preserves the cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people. This city is known for having many historical relics such as palaces, mausoleums, and pagodas. One of them is the Complex of Hue Monuments. It was recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Sites in 1993 and is one of 95 national monuments of special importance in Vietnam. This is an important event in the history of Vietnam and has become the pride of the Vietnamese people. The Complex of Hue Monuments is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a symbol of Hue city.

Inside the complex are places that attract many visitors. The first destination is Hue Citadel – which preserves the historical values ​​of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1805 to 1945. This is a spiritual symbol and a place where diverse cultural values ​​of Vietnam converge. In addition, visitors can visit Quoc Tu Giam School – the first school of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue Royal Fine Arts Museum – where the cultural and artistic values ​​of the Nguyen Dynasty are preserved, or Hue Imperial Citadel, Ky Dai.

Outside the complex are the tombs of kings through the ages. Walking around the outside, you will reach the tombs of kings such as Minh Mang, Gia Long, Tu Duc, Thieu Tri, … All the tombs have unique and ancient architecture. In addition, visitors can visit other places such as Tran Binh Dai – an ancient fortress located in the Northeast of Hue Citadel, Phu Van Lau, Van Thanh Mieu, Dan Nam Giao, Thien Mu Pagoda – the place where many important ceremonies. With many famous attractions inside and outside the complex, Hue will lead you from one surprise to another. Each place will bring you different emotions. With these beauty, The complex of Hue Monuments deserves to be one of the Unesco World Heritage Sites. 

4. My Son Sanctuary – One of the Unesco World Heritage Sites in Quang Nam Province 

My Son Sanctuary is a famous heritage of Quang Nam province with a complex of many unique Cham temples. This relic site was discovered in 1885 and was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage in 1999. This area is about 2km wide with more than 70 different temples and towers bearing many important inscriptions in Sanskrit and Cham. Due to the devastation of war, today, the construction only retains 32 structures including 20 intact temples and towers.

Coming here in July, visitors have the opportunity to experience the unique Kate festival of the Cham people. This is a traditional festival held annually to express gratitude to ancestors and pray for a happy life. Visitors will see traditional rituals and immerse themselves in the charming dances of girls through Apsara dance. This dance called “Soul of the Stone” combined with the sound of Paranung drums and Saranai trumpets will fascinate every visitor.

5. Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park 

Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is one of the famous destinations in Quang Binh province. When coming here, visitors will be immersed in nature with diverse flora and fauna, creating a cool and interesting space. This place not only contributes to nature conservation but also creates an impressive tourist destination for tourists from the first visit. In 2003, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park was recognized by Unesco as a world natural heritage.

One of the best destinations in here is Phong Nha Cave. With a cave system 8000m long with 12 different caves, visitors will experience the wonderful feeling of exploring the cave. Over time, inside the cave, golden sand beaches and clear blue underground lakes and impressive stalactites have formed. All create a very impressive scene.

If you are an adventure lover, you definitely cannot miss Ozo Park. You can participate in exciting activities and see diverse ecosystems. You can trek to Gia Waterfall, Vang Anh Lake. In addition, do not miss the opportunity to explore Thien Duong Cave – the longest dry cave in Asia.

6. The Citadel of the Ho Dynasty

The Ho Dynasty Citadel is a historical relic built under the Tran Dynasty. This is one of the rare stone citadels still existing in the world. Ho Dynasty Citadel was once the capital of Vietnam and today has become one of the famous tourist destinations in Thanh Hoa. On June 27, 2011, Ho Dynasty Citadel was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage.

According to history, the Citadel of The Ho Dynasty Citadel was built in just 3 months. This place has a quite important position in defense. After hundreds of years, Ho Dynasty Citadel still retains its original beauty. The space inside has an area of ​​about thousands of hectares. Coming here, you will be immersed in the atmosphere of historical years, learning about Vietnamese culture and history.

7. The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi 

Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a famous place associated with the period of Vietnam’s founding. Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a large architectural work built to protect the country in the 7th century during the Dinh – Tien – Le dynasties, . This is a place that preserves many historical values ​​of the nation and is recognized as a World Cultural Heritage.

Today, Thang Long Imperial Citadel has become the oldest historical site in Hanoi. This relic complex is up to 18.3 hectares wide. Inside and outside the relic site, there are many attractions such as the 18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site, Hanoi Flag Tower, Kinh Thien Palace, Hau Lau,…

Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a place that preserves many important historical events of our nation. If you are a history lover and like to explore, this is an ideal place for you to have a deeper understanding of the history of Vietnam’s development.

8. Trang An Landscape Complex 

Trang An Complex is located in Ninh Binh province, with an impressive area of ​​about 6,172 hectares. In 2014, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex was recognized by Unesco as a world cultural heritage and a particularly important heritage in our country. Coming here, visitors can visit Trang An – Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Hoa Lu ancient capital and many other interesting places.

Today, Trang An is “Ha Long on land” with majestic beauty. With 31 lagoons and 48 caves, visitors will be surprised by the natural beauty of Trang An. In addition, Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist area is one of the must-see attractions at least once in a lifetime. At the beginning of the year, you will have the opportunity to participate in vibrant festivals, rowing boats to visit the golden rice fields in May and June. In addition, visitors will learn more about Vietnamese history when visiting the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

For those who love spiritual tourism, Bai Dinh Pagoda is a place you cannot miss. After more than 1000 years, the pagoda still retains its pristine and peaceful beauty. If you are a nature lover, we suggest an ideal place – Thung Nham Ecotourism Area – Bird Garden. This place owns 577 species of higher plants with more than 10 rare species of plants listed in the Red Book. Besides, Hang Mua tourist area becomes one of the interesting places in Ninh Binh. Standing on the top, you can see the whole charming scenery of the relic.

Trang An also welcomes you with many other interesting places. So if you have the opportunity to come here, don’t forget to save the places we suggest in this article to make your journey to explore Vietnam easier.

The journey to explore the world heritage in Vietnam is not only a trip through wonderful landscapes but also an opportunity for you to learn more deeply about the history of Vietnam. Each destination has its own stories waiting for you to discover. Vietnam always welcomes you to the world cultural heritage. Start your trip today.