8 Amazing World Heritage Sites In Vietnam

World Heritage Sites in Vietnam are important locations to the cultural or natural heritage according to the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention. In Vietnam, there are 8 World Heritage Sites, including five cultural sites, two natural sites, and one mixed. Each of them makes a promise of extraordinary beauty and outstanding cultural insight into Vietnam. To learn more, look at this list of the top 8 World Heritage Sites in Vietnam right away!

8 MUST-SEE WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN VIETNAM THAT YOU SHOULD VISIT

1. Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex – The First Mixed World Heritage Site in Vietnam

The Trang An Landscape Complex, which was inscribed in 2014, is the most recent Vietnamese landmark to be included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. This place is Southeast Asia’s first mixed site. 

A beautiful location known as Trang An can be found on the Red River Delta’s southern edge. There are limestone karst peaks and valleys there. Archaeological evidence of human existence goes back more than 30,000 years, to the Neolithic and Bronze Eras. 

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex – The First Mixed World Heritage Site in Vietnam

The Trang An Landscape Complex is one of the Vietnam Heritage Sites that you should visit. You can take a leisurely boat ride along the calm lake to explore hidden caves and beautiful temples and pagodas. You can also see the river’s course smoothly curves around soaring mountain peaks, revealing wide valleys lined with beautiful, golden rice paddies.

When traveling here, you can see the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – the national seat of power in the 10th and 11th centuries – the Trang An Scenic Complex, and the Hoa Lu Forest. We think that you should visit the one of World Heritage Sites in Vietnam, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex once in your life. 

Year of Recognition: 2016

Location: Red River Delta, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam

2. Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park – Wonderful Natural World Heritage Site in Vietnam

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is one of only two natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam. 

The 126,236-hectare Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to vast caves, underground rivers, and deep tropical forests. The second-largest cave in the world is Son Doong which is located here. 

The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park protects a huge number of indigenous species and majestic caves. This is also home to tigers, saola, and an Asiatic black bear, providing nature lovers even another reason to visit Phong Nha.

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park – Wonderful Natural World Heritage Site in Vietnam

You can explore the Paradise Cave inside the National Park. Every traveler can find some interesting activities to enjoy, from exhilarating kayaks and zip line excursions for adrenaline addicts to relaxing mud baths for spa enthusiasts. Coming here, you can completely agree that Phong Nha-Ke Bang is one of the majestic World Heritage Sites in Vietnam. 

Year of Recognition: 2003

Location: Phong Nha, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam

>>> More: Son Doong cave is one of the world’s top 10 incredible caves

3. My Son Sanctuary – One of the Amazing Cultural World Heritage Sites in Vietnam

The next place we must show you is My Son Sanctuary, one of the cultural World Heritage Sites in Vietnam. My Son Sanctuary is a collection of abandoned and partially destroyed Hindu temples, between the 4th and the 13th centuries and is about a one-hour drive from Hoi An.

My Son Sanctuary – Amazing Cultural World Heritage Site in Vietnam

The distinctive architecture of the temples, which are nestled in a valley between two impressive mountain ranges.  It is claimed to reflect the majesty of the revered Mount Meru, a mythological mountain at the center of the world where Hindu gods are said to reside.

My Son Sanctuary

Arriving here, you can see the spiritual and political life in the Champa Kingdom. The exquisite carvings on the temples, which represent scenes and imagery from Hindu mythology, will make you admire Cham’s technical competence and skills.

Year of Recognition: 1999

Location: Duy Phu, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam

4. Hoi An Ancient Town – One of the Beautiful Cultural World Heritage Sites in Vietnam

Hoi An Ancient Town is a cultural heritage in Vietnam. Situated near the mouth of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An Ancient Town features timber frame structures, which include architectural landmarks, an open market, and a ferry port. The picture-perfect Japanese bridge, the ancient Chinese temples, and the recognizable yellow buildings from the French colonial era which are located right in the center of Hoi An can all be seen at Hoi An Old Town.

Hoi An Ancient Town – Beautiful Cultural World Heritage Site in Vietnam

Hoi An is an example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Hoi An is sometimes referred to as a “Dreamy Lantern Town” because at night the area is bathed in the soft amber glow of candle-lit lanterns. Hoi An, one of the best World Heritage Sites in Vietnam, is a place you can visit once on your journey. 

Hoi An still has many original characteristics, including family cult homes, community gathering spots, and vibrant pagodas. They may become wonderful things to attract travelers.

Year of Recognition: 1999

Location: Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam

>>> More: Hoi An self-sufficient travel experience 2023

5. Ha Long Bay – Islands of ‘’Descending Dragon’’ in Vietnam  

One of the UNESCO Heritage Sites in Vietnam is Ha Long Bay, which has long been a well-liked tourism destination. It comes as no surprise that Ha Long Bay has as many legends as islands. The Vietnamese have a myth about a dragon that dropped down from the sky and spewed out thousands of pearls, which eventually became the islands and islets we see today. This dragon’s name, Ha Long, means “descending dragon.”

In addition, more than 1600 karst limestone pillars and isles in all sizes and shapes may be found in Ha Long Bay, which was formed in a warm, humid tropical climate. From the ocean, the limestone islands emerge, covered in dense jungle vegetation. Since many of the islands are hollow, huge caves have developed on them.

Ha Long Bay – Islands of ‘’Descending Dragon’’ in Vietnam

Ha Long Bay lures millions of tourists every year with its alluring landscape of majestic mountain peaks rising and piercing through the tranquil emerald ocean.  You may see the concealed limestone pillars as they shimmer when the lights strike the reflected water by rowing a boat within one of the mysterious caverns.

Ha Long Bay is worthy one of the wonderful World Heritage Sites in Vietnam. So, don’t miss this great place to travel.

Year of Recognition: 1994

Location: Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam

>>> More: TOP 5 Ha Long travel combo – the best chance to discover World Heritage Sites in Vietnam

6. The Complex of Hue Monuments – A Dazzling Example Of World Heritage Sites in Vietnam

The Complex of Hue Monuments is one of the cultural World Heritage Sites in Vietnam. Hue is the Nguyen dynasty’s old imperial capital of Vietnam where you can find the Complex of Hue Monuments. The Complex of Hue Monuments is ideally situated along the Huong River’s banks, giving it a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. 

The Imperial City, royal mansions, temples, tombs, and fortresses are just a few of the many sites that make up this vast Vietnamese World Heritage Site. Visitors will undoubtedly learn about the historical, cultural, and spiritual essences of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty when they visit the place.

The Complex of Hue Monuments – A Dazzling Example Of World Heritage Sites in Vietnam

Explore the complex at your leisure while seeing Imperial Vietnam come to life in full color. Every turn reveals imposing statues, precious artifacts, and beautiful mosaics. 

The Hue Monuments Area is a dazzling example of the influence of Vietnamese feudal dynasties. Here, you can explore noteworthy sites like the Hue Imperial City, magnificent temples and shrines, and magnificent mausoleums like the Minh Mang and Khai Dinh tombs.

We are sure that the Complex of Hue Monuments is one of the best World Heritage Sites in Vietnam that can’t be missed. 

Year of Recognition: 1993

Location: Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam

7. Citadel of the Ho Dynasty – One of the Cultural World Heritage Sites in Vietnam 

The Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, which is located between the Ma and Buoi rivers, was constructed in 1397. The Ho Dynasty fortress goes back to the 14th century and is perhaps the less well-known site in comparison to the other World Heritage Sites in Vietnam.

The site depicts the idea of royal power, contemporary technological advances, and business there. Its design incorporated Chinese thought into a predominately Buddhist culture.

Ho Fortress consists of numerous massive stone packs, some of which weigh more than 20 tons, making it robust enough to withstand even the most potent campaign at the time. The oldest cannonballs in Asia were also discovered by archaeologists inside the fort. Ho Nguyen Trung is credited with creating the cannon.

Citadel of the Ho Dynasty – A Cultural World Heritage Site in Vietnam

Coming here, you will fall in love with the picturesque view of the tranquil Vietnamese countryside if you climb the steep stone steps to the top of the main gate and take a stroll along the wall. You can converse with the friendly locals while breathing in the clean air and watching them work on the beautiful rice paddies that seem to go on forever.

Despite not being as opulent as some of the other World Heritage Sites in Vietnam on the list, the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty will undoubtedly transport visitors away from the bustling metropolitan cities and into a peaceful environment.

Year of Recognition: 2011

Location: Vinh Tien, Vinh Loc District, Thanh Hoa, Vietnam

8. The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long 

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, one of the sole World Heritage Sites in Vietnam, is situated in Hanoi and is renowned for having unparalleled historical and cultural significance. The Ly Dynasty constructed it in the eleventh century to symbolize the Dai Viet’s independence. Over 13 centuries without a break, the citadel served as a hub of Dai Viet politics and power.

The Citadel was originally home to several royal families, including those of the Ly, Tran, Le, and Trinh dynasties. Today it is one of the most well-known in the nation. 

The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

However, the public was not allowed access to the Citadel until 2004. On the celebration of Hanoi’s 1000th birthday in 2010, it became one of the Vietnam UNESCO Sites. It is an example of the Vietnamese people’s rich cultural heritage that was developed in the Red River Delta.

Year of Recognition: 2010

Location: Hoang Dieu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi, Vietnam

>>> More: Hanoi city tour guide 2023

Some UNESCO-recognized Intangible Heritage Sites In Vietnam

There are a lot of World Heritage Sites in Vietnam but we showed you 8 outstanding places above. Here are other UNESCO-Recognized Intangible Heritage Sites in Vietnam:  

• Hue Royal Court Music – recognized as World Oral History Treasure and Intangible Culture – 2003
• Tay Nguyen Gong Music – recognized as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible culture of humanity – 2005
• Bac Ninh Alternate Singing – recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage – 2009
• Ca Tru Singing – recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage – 2009
• Xoan Singing – recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage – 2011

Other 11 sites in Vietnam are listed as World Biosphere Reserves: Can Gio Mangrove Forest (2000), Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve (former Cat Tien, 2001 – extended in 2011), Cat Ba National Park (2004), Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve (2004), Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve (2006), Western Nghe An (2007), Ca Mau Cape National Park (2009), Cu Lao Cham Marine Park (2009), Langbiang Biosphere Reserve (2015), Nui Chua National Park (2021), Kon Ha Nung Biosphere Reserve (2021)

Vietnam is a wonderful country for all visitors, from a foodie, a visitor, a culture finder, to a thrill-seeker. You can easily see it in Vietnam. Exciting adventures ahead are waiting, including the top 8 wonderful World Heritage Sites in Vietnam!

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