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Vietnam possesses a unique treasure trove of cultural and natural heritages, including 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These places are not only the pride of the nation but also attractive destinations for domestic and foreign tourists. From majestic natural landscapes to historical architectural works, each heritage has its own story worth exploring. Let's discover these 9 unmissable heritages and plan your holiday with Asia King Travel!
Vietnam owns many World Cultural and Natural Heritages. Source: Jungle Boss
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage in 1994 and expanded in 2000, Ha Long Bay is famous for its more than 1,600 large and small limestone islands and majestic caves. The bay offers spectacular scenery with clear blue seawater and an abundant ecosystem, making it one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world.
Ha Long Bay was recognized by UNESCO as a Natural Heritage in 1994. Source: Congly News
The bay's special trait is the mysterious cave systems, such as Sung Sot Cave, Dau Go Cave, and Thien Cung Cave, which create a beauty that cannot be found anywhere else. Visitors who come to this attraction can participate in a sightseeing cruise, kayak through the cave, or enjoy the sunset on the bay. In addition, floating fishing villages are also attractive spots, where you can witness the lives of local fishermen.
This complex was newly recognized by UNESCO in 2023, the island complex of Cat Ba is located in the area of Ha Long Bay, but it has a different beauty with pristine beaches, national forests, and considerable marine ecosystems.
This island group was recognized only recently. Source: Lao Dong News
Here, travelers can climb the mountains, cycle through the national park, take part in scuba diving activities, or simply relax on the beautiful beach. Moreover, the mangrove ecosystem and Cai Beo fishing village are also interesting spots.
In Thanh Hoa province, the ancient citadel of the Ho Dynasty was recognized by UNESCO in 2011 - a unique stone architectural work, which was built during the reign of King Ho Quy Ly in the 14th century. This is one of the rare stone citadels still existing in the world. The special feature of this attraction is the solid construction technique with large stone blocks stacked on top of each other without mortar.
This is a unique stone architecture located in Thanh Hoa. Source: Lao Dong News
Coming here, tourists can admire the ancient structure of the citadel, learn about the history of the Ho Dynasty, chill out in the peaceful natural scenery around, and take some photos to keep a memorable experience at this destination.
Read more: A 5 days tour to witness top UNESCO Heritage Sites in Vietnam
In the heart of Hanoi, Thang Long Imperial Citadel was recognized by UNESCO in 2010, and it has been an essential historical relic complex - the center of power for over 1,000 years of Vietnam's history. This relic contains many cultural layers from the feudal period to modern times.
The powerful symbol in the heart of Hanoi. Source: VNU
The most impressive highlights of this place are the Hanoi Flagpole, Kinh Thien Palace, and the ancient architectural vestiges of many powerful kingdoms. Visiting this destination, holiday-makers will feel the solemn historical atmosphere and understand more about the heroic stories of the Vietnamese people.
As Vietnam's first mixed heritage (recognized by UNESCO in 2014), Trang An combines spectacular natural landscapes with historical and cultural relics, especially the traces of prehistoric people. This place is also known as "Ha Long Bay on land" thanks to its sophisticated limestone mountain systems combined with winding rivers, which gives tourists a sense of a stunning landscape.
Trang An Complex is Vietnam's only combined Heritage Site. Source: Dai Doan Ket News
This complex owns unique water caves through the mountains such as Dia Linh Cave, Dark Cave, and Bright Cave, and historical relics such as Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel and Bai Dinh Pagoda.
The most memorable experience that visitors will be able to get when coming to Trang An is sitting on a boat along the river, admiring the wild natural beauty, and listening to interesting historical stories from the boatman.
This attraction was recognized by UNESCO in 2003 and expanded in 2015. It is well-known for its magnificent cave systems, including Son Doong Cave - the largest cave in Vietnam. In addition, the national park is also home to a rich primeval forest ecosystem with many rare species of flora and fauna.
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Besides exploring caves, visitors can trek through the forest. Source: Lao Dong News
When coming here, travelers can explore the spectacular caves such as Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, or Chay Lap Cave by boat or trekking. Moreover, camping in the forest and discovering the wild nature is also an activity that you should not ignore.
As the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty for more than 140 years, the ancient citadel of Hue was recognized by UNESCO in 1993. This is an important historical relic complex, preserving many cultural values of Vietnam, which includes the Imperial City, the tombs of emperors, pagodas, and many historical works bearing the typical architecture of Vietnamese royal courts.
Coming to Hue to admire the royal beauty of the Historic Citadel. Source: VinWonders
Visitors coming to Hue can not only admire the unique architectural works such as Minh Mang Tomb and Tu Duc Tomb but also have an occasion to enjoy special royal cuisine and listen to the melodies of Hue royal court music on the poetic Huong River.
Located by the Thu Bon River, Hoi An was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage in 1999, featuring ancient houses, colorful lantern streets, and a cultural fusion of Vietnam, China, and Japan.
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The shimmering beauty of Hoi An with ancient houses and colorful lanterns. Source: Crystal Bay
When holiday-makers come to this attraction, you can jog along the shimmering streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, taste the street food, and experience releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River. In addition, this place is also an ideal destination for custom-made clothes with famous tailor shops.
This is a complex of Cham temples which is located in Quang Nam province, My Son was recognized by UNESCO in 1999. This place was an important religious and political center of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to the 13th century. The special characteristic of the complex is its unique brick and stone architecture, reflecting the cultural exchange of Hinduism.
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My Son Sanctuary is the remains of the Champa kingdom. Source: Viet Nam Daily Tour
The moss-covered towers with intricate carvings make this place an attractive destination. Coming here, visitors can explore ancient red brick towers, listen to their tour guide tell stories about the glorious history of the Champa Kingdom, and enjoy traditional Cham dancing performances.
Preserving world heritage sites in Vietnam has always been a significant challenge in the face of tourism development and urbanization. Local authorities and conservation organizations are making efforts to implement measures such as limiting the number of visitors, organizing educational programs to raise awareness of heritage protection, and investing in infrastructure renovation.
On the other hand, durable tourism development at heritage sites is also being focused on. Ecotourism, cultural tourism, and experiential tourism are being encouraged to both attract tourists and preserve the original values of the heritage.
Vietnam has numerous world heritages, from breathtaking natural landscapes to long-standing historical and cultural relics. With the list of 9 World Cultural and Natural Heritages, plan your trip and take the time to explore to fully experience the beauty of Vietnam with Asia King Travel!
Read more: Listing Vietnam's UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage
