8 outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam

Halong Bay

Halong Bay was listed in 1994 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is also one of the seven World's Natural Wonders. Attracting millions of visitors every year, Halong Bay lures tourists with its alluring landscape of majestic mountain peaks rising and piercing through the tranquil emerald water. With the myth about a dragon that descended from the sky and spewed out thousands of pearls, eventually becoming the islands and islets we see today, Ha Long Bay was named with the meaning' descending dragon'. 

Take a cruise to explore the beauty of Ha Long Bay, from jaw-dropping caves deep in the limestone mountains to the culture of local fishermen. The impressive scenery will surely satisfy every visitor, making Ha Long one of the most worthy places in the world to visit. 

In Ha Long Bay, Sealife Group offers tours on high-class cruises that you can refer to the trips on our website.

Complex of Hue Monuments

Hue was the Nguyen Dynasty's capital, ending Vietnam's historical Imperial Era. The complex of Hue Monuments received UNESCO heritage site in 1993, including the Hue Citadel (containing the Imperial City, Forbidden City, and royal residences), tombs of the Nguyen Emperor, fortresses, temples, and pagodas. The complex of Hue Monuments is harmoniously situated along the Huong River's banks, giving it a nostalgic and romantic ambiance that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time.

Take a leisurely walk around the complex and be in wonder about Vietnamese culture's exquisite and classic beauty. It provides insight into Vietnamese royal families and helps you understand the ideal equilibrium in which nature and man may coexist.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Formed in the 16th and 17th centuries and flourishing as international trading hubs, Hoi An Hoi An's architecture is a beautiful blend of Chinese, Japanese, Indian and European styles. Hoi An still remains how it used to be: a quiet and laid-back city with a beautiful combination of history, architecture, culture, and endless shopping galore.

In Hoi An, you will encounter narrow streets and houses with tiled roofs decorated with extraordinary wood carvings. Evening walks along the riverside are the highlight of any trip to Hoi An. The views are magnificent, with the light of thousands of colorful lanterns illuminating the riverbank and alleyways. Through the test of time, Hoi An's vibrant vitality remains,  and it is clear why this city is one of Vietnam's most alluring UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

My Son Sanctuary

Vietnam's most significant Hindu temple complex. Located in the valley nestled between two impressive mountain ranges, the Sanctuary was constructed by Champa Kings between the 4th and 14th Century AD. It included around 70 abandoned and damaged Hindu temples and tombs with carved intricacies.

In Vietnam War, a part of My Son Sanctuary was destroyed by US military bombing. However, there are still a few structures left, plus the natural landscape, My Son creates a wonderful setting for those who visit the Sanctuary.

Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

Recognized by UNESCO in 2003, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the oldest karst formation in Southeast Asia. The park contains a very complex karst environment with notable geomorphic features, including 65 km of caverns and an underground river. Especially, Son Doong Cave, the world's largest cave, was recently discovered here.

In addition to scientifically significant caves, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to a large number of indigenous species. It attracts tourists with activities such as hiking, mud bathing, skateboarding, and kayaking. Take a tour of the majestic caves to see how small you are in front of nature.

Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long is a vital structure built in the 11th century during the Ly Viet Dynasty. Conveniently situated in the center of the Hanoi capital, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long continues to symbolize the city and is a place for hours of relaxation. 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.

Citadel of the Ho Dynasty

The Citadel of the Ho Dynasty is the only ancient stone Citadel left in Southeast Asia. It was constructed in 1397 and featured unique architecture and an excellent natural base. The Ho Dynasty Citadel may not be as glitzy as some other World Heritage Sites on the list, but it is an important place in Vietnam's history. Even though the entrance gate is all left now, UNESCO inscribed it as proof of the rise of neo-Confucianism in Vietnam during this time. The collection of enormous limestone blocks used in its construction shows the progress and adaptation of Vietnamese architectural technology in the 14th century.

Trang An Landscape Complex

The Trang An Landscape Complex was the latest destination in Vietnam inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2014 and the first mixed legacy because of its natural and cultural nature. The caves contain archaeological human activity over a continuous period that dates back more than 30,000 years.

Trang An’s breathtaking landscape is made up of karst peaks and towers that rise sharply up from the valley below, which is covered in tranquil waterways and beautiful rice terraces. Visitors can take a relaxing boat trip along the tranquil water to find hidden caves and visit elegant temples and pagodas.