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8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam That Should Be on Your Bucket List

Vietnam, with its diverse landscapes and vibrant traditions, proudly boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO that captivate travelers from around the globe. Each site tells us a unique story of the country’s past and present, showcasing its diverse landscapes, architectural marvels, and cultural traditions.

Ready to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam? Let Lua Viet Tours guide you through these iconic landmarks in this article.

8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam

1. Halong Bay

Location: Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam (approximately 170 km from Hanoi)
Best places to visit: Sung Sot Cave, Cua Van Floating Village, Tuan Chau Island

Ha Long Bay was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 for its outstanding natural beauty. In 2000, it received a second recognition for its significant geological and geomorphological value.

In September 2023, the Halong Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago was recognized as a combined UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking Vietnam’s first inter-provincial UNESCO-listed world heritage site. As of December 2024, Ha Long Bay celebrates 30 years since its initial UNESCO recognition, maintaining its status as a symbol of Vietnam’s natural heritage.

The karst beauty of Halong Bay makes it named on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam (Image Source: Internet)

2. Complex of Hue Monuments

Location: Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam
Best places to visit: Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang

Next, we will move into the central part of Vietnam. The Complex of Hue Monuments was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. In 2023, the site celebrated its 30th anniversary of UNESCO recognition.

The Complex of Hue Monuments (Image Source: Internet)

The Ancient capital of Hue is home to the Complex of Hue Monuments, a UNESCO-recognized site that includes the Imperial City, royal tombs, and pagodas. This historic treasure trove offers a peek into Vietnam’s royal past and is best explored by boat along the Perfume River.

3. Hoi An Ancient Town

Location: Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, about 30 km from Da Nang
Best places to visit: Japanese Covered Bridge, Old House of Tan Ky, Tra Que Vegetable Village.

The heritage list could not miss the old-charm city – Hoi An Ancient Town, which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. This historic town is celebrated for its well-preserved architecture, reflecting a blend of indigenous and foreign influences from its time as a Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries.

As a well-preserved trading port in the past, it showcases the blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Its iconic yellow buildings, lantern-lit streets, and traditional craft villages make it a favorite destination among visitors.

Hoi An Ancient Town in the morning (Image Source: Internet)

The spring in Vietnam is also a great time to enjoy the iconic Thu Bon River cruise, savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and participate in cultural activities like lantern-making workshops at Hoi An Ancient Town.

Foreigners enjoy Hoi An Lantern Festival at Hoi An Ancient Town (Image Source: Internet)

4. My Son Sanctuary

Location: Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, about 40 km southwest of Hoi An
Best places to visit: Main Tower Groups (A, B, C)

In the same province as Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, recognized in 1999, is an ancient Hindu temple complex built by the Champa civilization between the 4th and 13th centuries. To fully appreciate its history, Lua Viet Tours recommends you visit during the dry season from March to May and hire a local guide. While exploring, remember to respect the sacred nature of the site and follow restoration guidelines.

My Son Sanctuary (Image Source: Internet)

5. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

Location: Quang Binh Province, central Vietnam
Best places to visit: Phong Nha Cave, Son Doong Cave, Paradise Cave

Known for its massive caves and karst landscapes, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 (expanded in 2015). Highlights include the Son Doong Cave – the largest cave in the world, and the stunning Paradise Cave. The park is an ideal place for trekking, cave exploration, and wildlife spotting.

Son Doong Cave, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, is the biggest natural cave in the world (Image Source: Internet)

6. Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Location: Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city
Best places to visit: The Noon Gate (Doan Mon Gate), Flag Tower, Kinh Thien Palace

The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, recognized a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, serves as a living testament to over a millennium of Vietnamese political and cultural evolution.

Moreover, it is the only part of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional historical, cultural, and political significance. This area represents the core of the ancient citadel, where critical administrative, military, and ceremonial activities of Vietnamese dynasties took place for over 1,300 years.

Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (Image Source: Internet)

7. Citadel of the Ho Dynasty

Location: Thanh Hoa Province, northern Vietnam, about 150 km from Hanoi
Best places to visit: Inside Gates (Southern Gate, Northern Gate, Eastern Gate, Western Gate)

This lesser-known UNESCO site (recognized in 2010) features massive stone walls and impressive architecture from the 14th century. Beyond its architectural allure, the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty also offers an opportunity to connect with Vietnam’s enduring cultural traditions. Despite being over 600 years old, the structure remains remarkably well preserved, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of its builders.

Citadel of Ho Dynasty (Image Source: Internet)

Exploring the citadel just takes you a few hours, but its proximity to other Hanoi attractions, like Hoan Kiem Lake and the Hanoi Old Quarter, means you can consider adding these to your itinerary.

8. Trang An Landscape Complex

Location: Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam, about 90 km south of Hanoi
Best places to visit: Tam Coc-Bich Dong, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Thung Nham Bird Park, Cuc Phuong National Park

The Trang An Landscape Complex received the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. It is unique in being recognized as a mixed cultural and natural heritage site, showcasing both breathtaking natural beauty and deep historical significance.

Trang An is often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on Land” (Image Source: Internet)

What intrigues foreigners most about Trang An is its stunning karst landscape, often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on Land”. The area is characterized by dramatic limestone peaks, lush valleys, and a network of caves and waterways. Visitors can explore the complex on traditional sampan boat tours, gliding through emerald-green waters and passing through mysterious caves like Hang Toi (Dark Cave) and Hang Sang (Bright Cave).

Additionally, Trang An gained international fame as a filming location for Kong: Skull Island, adding a layer of cinematic allure. The combination of awe-inspiring scenery, tranquil boat rides, and cultural richness makes it an irresistible destination for travelers seeking a mix of natural and historical exploration.

Tips for Visiting Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

When visiting Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s important to be mindful of local culture and practices.
Dressing modestly, especially when entering temples or pagodas, is a sign of respect for the sacred spaces you’ll encounter.
Essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and water will help you stay comfortable during long days of exploration, particularly in the tropical climate.
Practicing eco-friendly travel is key, so make sure to avoid single-use plastics, stay on designated paths, and dispose of any waste properly to help preserve the natural beauty of these heritage sites.
Finally, be mindful of the regional climates. Vietnam’s diverse geography means that weather can vary greatly depending on where you are, so checking the forecast before you go and packing accordingly will ensure a more enjoyable visit.

Knowing about 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam can also enrich your travel experience, so don’t forget to put them on your bucket list when visiting this beautiful country. Many of these destinations are also less crowded compared to major cities, offering a more peaceful and immersive travel experience.

Lua Viet Tours hopes the article can leverage your Vietnam trip by guiding you through some highlights of these Vietnamese historic sites and unveiling their unique stories!

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