For UNESCO Addicts, Here are Heritage Sites to Visit in Vietnam

With the UNESCO stamp of approval, these places in Vietnam are guaranteed to take your breath away.
by Joshua Berida | December 17, 2019

Vietnam is one of the countries Filipinos can visit without a visa. It has a rich culture and history that is worth discovering whether you are visiting its northern or southern region. If you like UNESCO Heritage Sites, you can include these places in your itinerary.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is one of the most popular destinations in the country. It deserves its reputation as a UNESCO Site and as an attraction. The vast bay is sprinkled with several limestone formations rising out of its waters. Use your imagination to see different animals and shapes during your trip. The best way to explore the bay is on a cruise. There are day and multi-day trips available; you can book a tour from Hanoi. Make the most out of your trip by at least spending the night to see various spots around Halong.

Trang An

This karst landscape in Ninh Binh is nothing short of spectacular. The towering formations and the Vietnamese countryside beneath it make for picture perfect surroundings. There are narrow waterways that pierce slither around the limestone or go under caves. You can go around the landscape on a bike or motorcycle, or hop on a small boat to experience Trang An.

My Son Sanctuary

If you like or are interested in ruins, My Son is a possible inclusion to your itinerary as a day trip from Hoi An. The UNESCO-listed ruins were built between the 4^th and 14^th century by the ancient Champa kings. They had the temples constructed as places to worship Shiva. The US bombings during the Vietnam War almost destroyed the complex. Thankfully, some of the structures survived.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An is a charming and picturesque destination. Its old world vibe, small stalls, vendors and shops provide visitors with a lost-in-time experience. Explore the alleys, see the traditional houses, weave in and out of the stores, have a suit or dress made, eat local food or just sit down and watch people come and go. There’s something about the ordinariness, and hustle and bustle of daily life that make Hoi An an interesting place to explore.

Complex of Hue Monuments

Vietnam has a handful of historic attractions, one such place for history buffs is Hue. This unassuming city used to the capital of Vietnam until 1945. The Imperial City is an ideal place to walk around and get a glimpse of the country’s vibrant past. The Forbidden Purple City, pagodas and temples are some of the things you’ll see inside the complex.

How many UNESCO Heritage Sites have you visited? Let us know in the comments!

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