Top 8 UNESCO-Recognized Cultural Heritage Sites in Vietnam

Hoi An Ancient Town - a historic town recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1999. Located on the lower reaches of the Thu Bon River, in the coastal plain of Quang Nam Province, about 30km south of Da Nang City.

With its strategic location, Hoi An flourished as an international trading port during the 17th and 18th centuries, with merchants from Japan, China, and Western countries exchanging goods. It also bears the marks of the Champa trading port and is often associated with the ancient Maritime Silk Road. However, by the 19th century, due to the decline of maritime traffic, Hoi An's busy port was replaced by Da Nang, which the French were developing. Despite the impacts of the two World Wars and urbanization, Hoi An was spared from destruction and preserved its unique architectural charm. Today, it stands as a popular tourist destination for both local and international visitors.

When visiting Hoi An Ancient Town, you can stroll through its historic streets, admire the ancient houses, street vendors, and moss-covered walls, and indulge in a variety of delicious local dishes. Additionally, you can enjoy the scenic Thu Bon River and explore the surrounding traditional craft villages. Especially on the 14th day of each lunar month, you can witness the beautiful lantern-lit streets and participate in the traditional lantern festival, complete with folk singing and more.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is located in the northern part of the Annamite Range (coordinates from 17°21′ to 17°39′ North latitude and from 105°57′ to 106°24′ East longitude), within the territory of Tan Trach, Thuong Trach, Phuc Trach, Xuan Trach, and Son Trach communes in Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province. Recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2003 for its geological and geomorphological significance, it was re-recognized in 2015 for its biodiversity and ecological value. The park is approximately 50 km northwest of Dong Hoi City and about 500 km south of Hanoi. It borders the Hin Namno Nature Reserve in Khammouan Province, Laos, to the west, and is 42 km from the East Sea.

The park boasts a temperate climate with average temperatures ranging from 20–24°C year-round. It is considered one of the largest limestone regions in the world, covering over 200,000 hectares (85,754 hectares of core area and a buffer zone of 195,400 hectares). The area is renowned for its karst limestone formations, over 300 caves, and an extensive underground river system. Hundreds of rare animal and plant species, many of which are listed in Vietnam’s and the world’s red data books, thrive here, making it a paradise for tourists and scientists alike.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang is often referred to as a colossal geological museum with global significance, owing to its complex geography and diverse rock formations such as sandstone, quartz, shale, limestone with silica, and various types of igneous rocks. The park has a long geological history, with its origins dating back 400 million years. It has undergone significant tectonic movements, including faulting, folding, and subsidence, which have created its mountain ranges and sedimentary basins. These geological events have contributed to the diversity of the landscape and landforms. In addition to its geological and geomorphological value, the park is home to breathtaking landscapes, including caves that resemble grand castles formed millions of years ago. The area also features a network of complex rivers, with three main rivers: the Trooc, Chay, and Son rivers, all flowing through a limestone mountainous landscape covered with forests, creating a picturesque, serene scene that captivates visitors.

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, featuring a unique combination of cultural and natural landmarks. Several of its scenic spots have been recognized as national heritage sites by the Vietnamese government, including the Trang An Ecological Tourism Area, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. The ecosystem linking these areas is a protected forest zone on limestone mountains, wetlands, and a network of rivers, lakes, and ponds covering an area of 12,252 hectares. Trang An offers stunning natural landscapes, including mountain ranges, ecosystems, forests, rice fields, lakes, and boat tours along rivers such as Ngo Dong, Tien, Vok, Sao Khe, Den Voi, and Ben Dang. The complex is home to impressive caves like the Thien Ha Cave, Thien Thanh Cave, Tien Cave, Tien Ca Cave, Vai Gioi Cave, Thuy Cung Cave, But Cave, Tam Coc Cave, Trang An Cave, and Sinh Duoc Cave. It also features valuable archaeological sites such as Moi Cave, Boi Cave, Trong Cave, Oc Cave, Bình Valley, and the ancient Hoa Lu citadel, along with historical sites from the Dinh, Le, Ly, and Tran dynasties like the Hoa Lu Palace, the temples of Kings Dinh and Le, Bich Dong Pagoda, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vu Lam Palace, Thai Vi Temple, Tran Temple, and Suoi Tien Temple, as well as scenic spots like Thung Nham Bird Sanctuary, Thung Nang, Mua Cave, and Hoa Lu Protected Forest.

The outstanding global value of Trang An was recognized based on three core pillars outlined in the World Heritage Convention for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage: Trang An showcases the interaction between humans and their environment, reflecting humanity’s adaptation to geographical and environmental changes, particularly the climate shifts that occurred during the end of the last Ice Age. It is home to breathtaking natural landscapes featuring majestic mountains, mysterious caves, peaceful rivers, and sacred temples. The Trang An Complex represents the final stages of karst evolution in a tropical, humid climate. The site maintains its integrity and authenticity, and effective measures have been implemented to protect and manage the heritage site.

Through the trials and tribulations of history, Thang Long - Hanoi has managed to preserve its invaluable cultural and historical landmarks, rich traditions, ancient villages, and unique Vietnamese crafts. Among these, Thang Long Imperial Citadel stands as a priceless heritage of the nation, symbolizing the glorious history of Thang Long - Hanoi.

In celebration of the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel was designated as a World Heritage site. Reflecting on the journey of this heritage, we express our deep gratitude to the generations before us who worked tirelessly to build this cultural foundation, leaving behind a global legacy for future generations.

Key values of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel:

• Criterion (II): The surface and underground archaeological sites within the Thang Long Imperial Citadel’s central area are remarkable evidence of long-standing cultural exchanges. These sites represent the fusion of various cultural influences, including global philosophies, especially Buddhism, Confucianism, Feng Shui, the Eastern concept of imperial cities, and Western military architecture (e.g., Vauban fortifications), all contributing to the unique political, economic, and cultural center of the Red River Delta. The results of these cultural exchanges are expressed in the planning of the palatial complexes, architectural styles, and decorative arts that have evolved over several historical periods.
• Criterion (III): The central area of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel is the only remaining example of the long cultural tradition of the Vietnamese people in the Red River Delta, spanning 13 continuous centuries. From the pre-Thang Long period, through the Dinh, Early Le, and Thang Long - Dong Kinh - Hanoi periods under the Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties, this site reflects nearly a thousand years of political, administrative, legal, economic, and cultural development. Few heritage sites worldwide showcase such a continuous cultural and political evolution.
• Criterion (VI): The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a clear testament to the historical events that shaped the nation’s identity, particularly its pivotal role in the resistance against foreign domination. The site is an enduring symbol of the nation's revival and independence, marking victories in the fight against colonialism, with a significant impact on the global movement for national liberation, including Vietnam's wars for independence and unification.

West Gate Citadel was built in 1397 during the Tran Dynasty, under the command of the powerful official Ho Quy Ly, who later founded the Ho Dynasty in 1400. Historical records note that construction began in the spring of the year 1397, during the 10th year of King Thuan Tong's reign. The decision to build the citadel was made by Ho Quy Ly, who held the position of Chief Minister, wielding considerable power over the imperial court. The actual construction was overseen by the Minister of the Department of Personnel, Do Tinh (also referred to as Man in some texts). The citadel was built at An Ton Mountain (now located in the Vinh Long and Vinh Tien communes of Vinh Loc District, Thanh Hoa Province) to serve as the new capital, named Tây Đô, in an effort to displace the Tran Dynasty's capital and ultimately supplant the ruling dynasty.

Ho Dynasty Citadel, with its stunning landscape of ancient ruins, moss-covered stones, has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, marking a moment of immense national pride. The citadel is an embodiment of Confucian ideals during the modern era and has met several criteria for its designation:

• Criterion II: The site represents the humanistic values and significant influence of the Ho Dynasty on national and regional history, contributing to architectural, technological, sculptural, and urban planning advancements.
• Criterion IV: The Ho Dynasty Citadel is an exemplary ancient structure, illustrating architectural, engineering, and landscape values that reflect significant historical phases in human civilization.

The breathtaking seascape of Ha Long Bay, formed by over 1,600 limestone islands of varying sizes, lies in the emerald waters that characterize this unique bay. This place has witnessed significant geological events in Earth's history. The limestone formations are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, and the bay is dotted with magnificent caves and grottoes. Ha Long Bay was first recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site in 1994, thanks to its extraordinary scenic value and aesthetic importance. In 2000, the bay was re-recognized for its unique geological features, a result of Earth's tectonic processes over millions of years.

Many visitors are surprised to learn how much Ha Long Bay contributes to humanity's heritage, with its rich biodiversity, culture, and history. Thanks to these unique features, Ha Long Bay has become a popular destination for travelers, offering them a closer connection to the vibrant culture and people of Vietnam.

The name "Ha Long" combines two Chinese-Vietnamese characters: "Ha" meaning descend, and "Long" meaning dragon. The literal translation is "the dragon descending bay," blending ancient mythology with Vietnamese history. In English, the name is commonly written as "Halong," due to widespread usage, although the official spelling remains "Ha Long." Ha Long Bay is located in Quang Ninh Province, in the northeastern region of Vietnam, 180 km east of Hanoi. Surrounded by Bai Tu Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island, Tuan Chau Island, and Ha Long City, it covers an area of about 1,533 square kilometers and is home to approximately 1,600 limestone islands and islets. The bay features striking limestone towers, islands, and caves, some of which are completely hollow. The surrounding beaches, with their pristine white sands and crystal-clear water, are ideal for exploration.

The best way to experience Ha Long Bay is to explore it by boat, whether on a traditional wooden vessel or a luxury cruise. Visitors can marvel at the stunning views from a balcony or deck, watching the sunrise and sunset paint the bay with hues of pink and orange, while enjoying the fresh, peaceful air that completely relaxes the mind.

Hue Imperial City was once the capital of Vietnam. Famous for its expansive complex of temples, pagodas, palaces, and royal tombs, it harmonizes beautifully with the scenic Perfume River. Located on the northern bank of the river, the Hue Imperial City covers more than 500 hectares and is divided into three main sections: the Imperial Citadel, the Royal Enclosure, and the Forbidden Purple City. These three sections are intricately connected, aligned along a central axis running from south to north. The architectural design of the citadel is a perfect blend of Eastern and Western influences, creating a unique and refined style.

During the 17th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Colombia from December 6-11, 1993, UNESCO officially recognized the Complex of Hue Monuments as a World Cultural Heritage site. This marked a significant milestone in Vietnamese cultural history, as it became the first Vietnamese site to be inscribed on the World Heritage list, confirming its global cultural value.

The Complex of Hue Monuments meets the World Heritage criteria for its:

• Representation of unique artistic achievements and human-made masterpieces.
• Significant value in architectural techniques and urban planning in the development of a cultural landscape.
• Exemplification of a distinctive architectural style from a crucial historical period.
• Close association with major historical events, ideas, beliefs, and significant historical figures.

My Son is the sacred Hindu temple complex of the Champa Kingdom. Every king, upon ascending the throne, would travel to My Son to perform purification rituals, offer tributes, and build temples. My Son is the only site in Champa art that has seen continuous development from the 7th to the 13th century. In the early 7th century, King Sambhuvarman constructed a temple using highly durable materials, which still stand today. Subsequent kings renovated old temples and built new ones to honor their gods. The main temples at My Son are dedicated to a Linga or representations of the god Shiva, the protector deity of the Champa royal lineage. The central deity worshipped at My Son is Bhadrésvara, a king who founded the first royal dynasty of the Amaravati region in the late 4th century, combining the worship of Shiva with royal and ancestral reverence.

Out of the 225 Champa monuments discovered in Vietnam, My Son alone has around 70 temples and 32 inscriptions in various forms. Although none of the temples are fully intact, they remain the best evidence for studying the evolution of Champa art. Champa sculpture is deeply influenced by Indian art, but as it developed, it took on a distinct local character, making it unique and captivating. Champa art also depicts monks, dancers, and scenes of indulgence, but what stands out is the powerful vitality of the human form—portraying moods that range from elation to quiet reflection, and from deep sorrow to inner turmoil.

In December 1999, during the 23rd session of the World Heritage Committee in Marrakesh, Morocco, the My Son Sanctuary was selected by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site under criteria 2, as an exemplary example of cultural exchange, and under criteria 3, as the last remaining evidence of an ancient Asian civilization.