The diverse and alluring charms of Vietnam can make it difficult for you to decide where to visit on your first-time trip. With our Vietnam Private Tours, we take you on the journey through the highlights which play essential parts in history and culture.
Vietnam, situated in Southeast Asia, is an S-shaped country boasting an abundance of charm in culture, scenic spots, and people. However, not many local and foreign tourists know that there are 8 places in Vietnam entitled to be UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Let’s point out each of them in this article to see what draws tourists from all over the world to this country. You can choose to visit them with our variations of Vietnam private tours.
1. HA LONG BAY
The name of Ha Long Bay is originated from a legend tell a tale of a dragon that descended from the sky to protect the Vietnamese against the invaders coming through the sea by spitting out thousands of pearls. And that now became the islands and islets we see today.
Ha Long Bay is located in the northeast of Vietnam and 165km from Hanoi (approx. 3 hours driving from Hanoi’s Old Quarter). This magnificent bay includes more than 1,600 islands and limestone formation create a spectacular seascape with emerald water and breathtaking caves. It was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam list in 1994 and in 2000, The World Heritage recognized Ha Long Bay for its geomorphological value.
The best way to experience Ha Long Bay is on an overnight cruise. Watching the sunrise on the cruise, practicing tai chi for a healthy morning, or sightseeing in the caves. There are various activities to spend in Ha Long Bay that you can either swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the sun deck.
2. TRANG AN LANDSCAPE COMPLEX
Known as “Ha Long Bay on land”, This complex entitled as a World’s UNESCO of both culture and nature in 2014.
Trang An complex is located on the natural stronghold mountains of Hoa Lu ancient capital during the Dinh and Le dynasties of the first century. Along with Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong is also a key attraction of this scenic landscape area.
Visitors can experience the tranquility of Trang An complex by traditional sampans sail gently along the river, beneath dripping grottoes, and through caves. Also, cycling through green and yellow rice field for the ultimate sensory of serenity experience
Stays in Ninh Binh Province, 100km away from Hanoi city center, the sites are easy to reach in one day with our Vietnam private tours.
3. PHONG NHA – KE BANG NATIONAL PARK
The Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is located in Quang Binh province, was listed on the World Heritage in 2003. The national park covers 126,236 hectares of dense tropical forest, excessive caves, and underground rivers.
The national park is the home of Son Doong Cave, which has been designated to be the largest cave ever found in the world. The cave is so large that it has developed its own jungle, river, and ecosystems.
Its cave ecosystems and habitats are unique with high levels of endemism and adaptations displayed by cave-dependent species.
4. THE COMPLEX OF HUE MONUMENTS
The complex of Hue monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and inscribed into the list in 1993. This is a significant historical site in Vietnam that you do not want to miss.
The imperial citadel of Hue was founded as the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802 by Gia Long, the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty, and stood as the heart of Vietnam until 1945.
The historical complex is still now a remarkable site of political, cultural and religious.
5. HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN
Located in the central of Vietnam, Hoi An seats peacefully along the banks of Thu Bon River. This ancient town is once a bustling trading port from 15th to 19th where French, Chinese, Portuguese and Japanese are all welcomed.
Hoi An ancient town was classified as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 1985 and inscribed into the list of UNESCO in 1999
This ancient town is absolutely bicycle-friendly with small alleys and narrowed streets. The charming town is stunning in the early morning. Especially, when the sun starts rising and you have the whole town just for yourself, what a reward for early birds. And when the night comes, all the streets are illuminated by thousands of colorful lanterns which created a magical moment.
6. MY SON SANCTUARY
The My Son Sanctuary dates from the 4th to the 13th centuries CE of the ancient Champa civilization located in the southern part of Vietnam. The Sanctuary is a remarkable architecture that developed over ten centuries was the sacred location of the Cham people.
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Feel inspired? Discover these stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites with our Vietnam Private Tours.