Among the stunning landscapes throughout Vietnam, there are eight recognized UNESCO World Heritage Sites that continually help to attract visitors to this vibrant country.
A great way to really appreciate the World Heritages is to organize a Vietnam tour package that includes as few or as many of the sites that you wish to see. The World Heritage Sites across the country are truly appreciated for their geological, historical and cultural significance, which makes it possible for the tourist to really learn more while travelling through the country. Beyond the sightseeing benefits of this type of tour, it is also possible to fit in the relaxing time or free up time to fit in other explorations for the most enjoyable trip.
Here is an overview of the World Heritages in Vietnam:
Natural
Halong Bay
Halong Bay was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and is one of the worthiest places to explore on the Vietnam tours. With its 2000 karst islands and calm sea surface, a visit to Halong Bay makes it possible to experience one the most fascinating times in the country. A great time to visit Halong is late-April to early-May when the bustling and colourful Halong Carnival takes place each year.
Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park
Listed in 2003, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Phong Nha Ke Bang Park doesn’t have the longest history, but is a great destination to explore for its complex of natural wonders. This national park is home to the largest grotto on the planet, while also having the longest underground river. Son Doong Cave is the name of the largest cave system and the heart of the national park. It is located close to the Vietnam-Laos border and is nearly 9 km in length, 150 metres in height and 200 metres in width. A Son Doong tour is certain to appeal to the experienced adventurers.
Cultural
Complex of Hue Monuments
The Complex of Hue Monuments was declared a World Heritage Site in 1993. This cultural site consists of a combination of interesting elements, such as pagodas, temples, monuments, tombs and royal aspects. Most of the tombs relate to the Nguyen Emperor (Khai Dinh, Dong Khanh, Tu Duc, Thieu Tri, Minh Mang, and Gia Long), while the royal aspects date to the Nguyen dynasty, and the Imperials City has the famed Ngo Mon (High Noon Gate). Any trip to Hue on the Vietnam Holidays is well worth spending a half or full-day exploring the monuments to get a full appreciation of the historic values contained in the tombs and citadel.
Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and is appreciated for its architecture with Japanese and Chinese influence and varied collection of hand-made toys (lotus floating candle, lantern). Plus, this town is a perfect place to be when the Full Moon Festival (Trung Thu) is taking place. Other attractions include the many Chinese Assembly Halls and the iconic covered bridge constructed by the Japanese. Originally formed in the 16th-17th century, this town functioned as a lively trading port and still has plenty of its past structures such as the colourful pagodas, temples, ornate tube houses and French colonial buildings.
My Son Sanctuary
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the My Son Sanctuary was originally constructed between 4th and 14th Century AD and is the home of nearly 70 abandoned and ruined Hindu tombs and temples. The intention of these temples was to give a place of worship for the royal family of Champa while worshipping their Gods. Plus, the local surroundings of the sanctuary include wild nature which helps to make this holy place a very unique and beautiful place to visit.
Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel
The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, and located in Hanoi. This ancient relic is a great visit for the travellers interesting in seeing a very strong citadel and an archaeological site in the local area. The Citadel was an official residence for past royal families (Trinh Dynasty, Le Dynasty, Tran Dynasty and Ly Dynasty), and is listed amount the top Citadels in the entire country.
The archaeological work has helped to find ancient wells, ponds, roads, relics and palaces. Plus, there is a renovated old stone fortress in the local area which is a popular attraction for the tourists on the Vietnam travel packages.
Citadel of the Ho Dynasty
The Citadel of the Ho Dynasty was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 and is the last ancient stone Citadel remaining in South East Asia. It was originally built in 1397 with a striking natural base and unique architecture. While this is a historically-significant site it isn’t the most impressive to visit and the only part remaining is a 900 metre stretch of stone wall on either side. The central area where the citadel once stood is now used for farmland.
Mixed
The Trang An Landscape Complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 and the first mixed cultural and natural property. It is located in Ninh binh which is a northern province and includes three neighbouring parts: the Hoa Lu primitive forest, Trang An – Tam Coc – Bich Dong natural scenes, and Hoa Lu (country’s capital in the 10th and 11th centuries). This is a great region to explore on the Vietnam customized tour with the opportunity to admire the spectacular landscape that consists of vertical cliffs, valleys, and limestone karst peaks.
Tentative list
In addition to the list of recognised UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam there are also a few more locations that are waiting on a tentative list that may be fully approved at a later date. This list includes places like Ba Be Lake, Con Moong Cave, and Cat Tien National Park.
