With a long history and rich culture, Vietnam is a popular destination for people from all over the world. Here are the top 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam that an Indian tourist should not miss when planning a trip to Vietnam.

Table of Contents

The Complex of Hue Monuments

If you are looking for a memorable and enlightening experience, you should not miss this amazing destination. The Complex of Hue Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of Vietnam. The majestic imperial castle, the regal tombs, the pagodas, the temples, and the gardens all serve as reminders of the Nguyen dynasty’s power and splendour.

You will learn about the fascinating history, culture and traditions of Vietnam, as well as its struggles and achievements. The Complex of Hue Monuments is a place where you can admire the beauty and diversity of Vietnamese architecture, art and landscape. You will surely enjoy this tour and take home unforgettable memories.

Some of the highlights of The Complex of Hué Monuments: Ngo Mon Gate, the Thai Hoa Palace, the Dien Tho Residence, the Hien Lam Pavilion and the Nine Dynastic Urns.

Year of Recognition: 1993
Opening hours: Everyday, 7 AM to 5:30 PM
Location: Thua Thien Hue Province, Hue City, (Central of Vietnam)

Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago

Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago possibly the most visited World Heritage Site in Vietnam, is renowned for its mesmerizing, heart-stopping scenery. The dozens of limestone islands, caves, and floating settlements that make up this Vietnam heritage are well-known. You may venture on a cruise on a traditional junk boat, kayak across the emerald waters, or go hiking through the verdant woodlands.

The Cat Ba Island, the largest and most developed island in the archipelago, is home to a number of accommodations, dining options, and beaches. Cat Ba National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife and endangered species. This will be a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts. Get up and book your Vietnam tour package for your holiday now.

Year of Recognition: 1994, 2000, 2023
Location: Quang Ninh Province (Northern of Vietnam)

>> MAY YOU LIKE: The 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Vietnam From North to South

Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An is a city with a blend of various influences as a result of its history like China, Japan, India and Europe as a thriving trading centre between the 15th and 19th centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on the central coast of Vietnam, and it preserves the charm and elegance of a bygone era.

Today, you can explore the old quarter, with its narrow streets, wooden houses, colourful lanterns, temples, pagodas, bridges and museums… that showcase the rich heritage of Hoi An. Don’t forget to try some of the local delicacies, such as cao lau, a noodle dish with pork and herbs, or banh mi, a crispy baguette filled with meat. Hoi An Ancient Town is a place where you can experience the past and the present in harmony, and where you can discover the true heritage of Vietnam.

Year of Recognition: 1994, 2000, 2023
Location: Quang Nam Province (Central of Vietnam)

My Son Sanctuary

The My Son Sanctuary is a complex of Hindu temples built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 14th centuries. It is located in a lush valley surrounded by mountains and forests. The temples are dedicated to Shiva, the supreme god of Hinduism, and display a unique blend of Indian and Southeast Asian architectural styles. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the site was heavily damaged by the Vietnam War, but it still retains its beauty and charm.

The magnificent carvings, sculptures, and inscriptions that adorn the temples will captivate you. Additionally, you also learn a lot about the history and culture of the Champa people, who were once a powerful maritime civilization in Southeast Asia.

Year of Recognition: 1999
Opening hour: Everyday, 6 AM – 5 PM
Location: Quang Nam Province (Central of Vietnam)

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

This amazing place is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam that boasts the oldest karst mountains in Asia, dating back to 400 million years ago. You will be amazed by the hundreds of caves and grottoes that hide spectacular underground rivers and rock formations. The park is also home to a rich biodiversity of vertebrate species, including many endemic and endangered ones. Some of the caves are so huge that they can fit a skyscraper inside!

Whether you want to explore the world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong, or admire the beauty of Paradise Cave, you will find something to suit your taste and budget. Proudly one of the most incredible Vietnam heritage, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a nature lover’s paradise that will leave you breathless and inspired.

Year of Recognition: 2003, 2015
Location: Quang Binh (Central of Vietnam)

Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi

This is Vietnam’s current capital and largest city. With a history spanning more than a millennium, it is also among the oldest cities in Asia. The most significant and well-preserved portion of the historic Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, which served as the seat of political power in Vietnam for over 13 centuries. The extensive and varied influences of the Chinese, Cham, and Vietnamese civilizations, as well as the prosperous Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties, are strongly seen in the archaeological treasures, architectural masterpieces, and towering structures.

The public was not allowed access to the Citadel until 2004. During the celebration of Hanoi’s 1000th birthday in 2010, it was given the formal designation of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Year of Recognition: 2010
Location: Ha Noi (Northern of Vietnam)

Citadel of the Ho Dynasty

The Citadel is a masterpiece of architecture and geomancy, built according to the principles of feng shui and neo-Confucianism. It was the western capital of the Ho dynasty, which ruled Vietnam for a brief but influential period. The citadel was made of limestone blocks that form the walls and gates of the citadel, each weighing up to several tons and fitted together without mortar and surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains and rivers, creating a serene and majestic atmosphere.

The Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding universal value and its testimony to a critical period in Vietnamese and Southeast Asian history. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the hidden gem of Vietnam’s heritage.

Year of Recognized: 2011
Location: Thanh Hoa (North Central Coast of Vietnam)

Trang An Landscape Complex

Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam that covers more than 6,000 hectares of limestone mountains, valleys, caves and rivers. It is also home to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where the first Vietnamese kings ruled in the 10th and 11th centuries.

Trang An offers a variety of activities for visitors, from boat tours through the scenic waterways and caves to hiking and biking in the lush forests and rice fields, to exploring the historical temples and pagodas. You can also learn about the rich history and culture of the region, which has witnessed more than 30,000 years of human occupation and adaptation.

Some of the highlights of Trang An Landscape Complex: Trang An Eco-Tourism Area, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Tam Coc – Bich Dong Scenic Area, Hoa Lu Special-Use Forest
Year of Recorginzed: 2014
Location: Ninh Binh Province (Northern of Viet Nam)

Surely, you will be amazed by the variety and richness of the Top 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam.