The UNESCO Sites in Vietnam have resulted from the recognition of 8 cultural and natural landmarks as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam and 8 locations on the Vietnam UNESCO tentative list. These touristic sites in Vietnam are acknowledged for their unique and valuable cultural, natural, artistic, and historical significance and are preserved for future generations to enjoy.
In addition to these 8 sites in the Vietnam UNESCO list, many other places to travel to Vietnam are being considered for UNESCO recognition. These sites, listed on the tentative list, showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and are waiting for approval to join the prestigious and famous World Heritage Sites list.
To help visitors discover these remarkable Vietnam tourist attractions, we have assembled an interactive map of the UNESCO sites in Vietnam.
Vietnam UNESCO Map
Click markers to show information and photo.
World Heritage Sites in Vietnam
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam
There are 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam. All of these three sites are listed under the Cultural category.
- Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi
- Citadel of the Ho Dynasty
- Complex of Hué Monuments
- Hoi An Ancient Town
- My Son Sanctuary
- Ha Long Bay
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Trang An Landscape Complex
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam are protected locations for their cultural and natural importance.
Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi
The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the capital city of Vietnam. The site features the well-preserved ancient walls surrounding the royal palace and administrative center of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel during the Le and Nguyen dynasties. The site has significant historical and cultural landmarks, including the Hanoi Flag Tower, the Doan Mon Gate, the Kinh Thien Palace, and the Hau Lau Palace.
These structures are outstanding examples of the architectural and cultural achievements of the royal dynasties that ruled Vietnam for over 1,000 years. The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Vietnamese history and culture.
Citadel of the Ho Dynasty
The Citadel of the Ho Dynasty is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. It was the political center of the Ho Dynasty (1400-1407), and its well-preserved architecture and landscape are a testament to the period’s innovative and visionary building techniques. The citadel includes various structures such as palaces, temples, and tombs and is surrounded by a moat and thick stone walls. The site is notable for its use of Feng Shui principles, a traditional Chinese system of geomancy, in its design. Visitors to the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty can experience firsthand Vietnam’s rich cultural and architectural history during the 14th century.
Complex of Hué Monuments
The Complex of Hué Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Hué in Vietnam. It served as the imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945 and is home to several well-preserved structures that showcase Vietnam’s unique blend of Chinese and traditional Vietnamese architectural styles. The site includes the Imperial City, which was the palace of the Nguyen dynasty and features ornate gates, royal tombs, and temples. The site also includes several pagodas and temples, including the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s oldest and most important religious sites. The Complex of Hué Monuments is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Vietnamese history and culture.
Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site in central Vietnam. The town was an important trading port from the 15th to the 19th century and features a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles. The town has numerous historical buildings, including ancient temples, communal houses, and old merchant houses. Visitors to Hoi An can also explore the town’s colorful lantern-lined streets, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River, and sample the delicious local cuisine. Hoi An Ancient Town is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.
My Son Sanctuary
The My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage site in central Vietnam. The sanctuary was a significant worship center for the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 14th centuries CE. The site features a collection of well-preserved Hindu temples that showcase the unique architecture and cultural traditions of the Champa people. The temples are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, many depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Despite the damage caused by the Vietnam War, the My Son Sanctuary remains a stunning testament to the artistic and architectural achievements of the Champa Kingdom.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the northeastern part of Vietnam. It is known for its stunning limestone formations, including towering karsts and islets rising from emerald waters. The bay is also home to a rich biodiversity, including over 200 species of fish, 450 species of mollusks, and 200 crustaceans. Visitors can explore the bay on a traditional junk boat, swim in its crystal-clear waters, and marvel at its beautiful landscapes. Ha Long Bay is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Vietnam.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site in central Vietnam. It is home to some of the world’s most spectacular cave systems, including the largest cave in the world, Hang Son Doong. The park also boasts stunning natural scenery, including rugged mountains, dense forests, and crystal-clear rivers.
The park is a biodiversity hotspot, with over 2,000 plant species and hundreds of animal species, including several rare and endangered species such as the saola and the Indochinese tiger. It is also home to many important cultural and historical sites, including ancient Cham temples and traditional Vietnamese villages.
Trang An Landscape Complex
Trang An Landscape Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Ninh Binh Province of Vietnam. This complex is a stunning example of a mixed natural and cultural property. The complex is home to karst formations resulting from limestone dissolution, creating a unique and beautiful landscape. Additionally, the complex features various archaeological sites, including Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Visitors can explore the ancient temples, pagodas, and other structures that showcase Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. The Trang An Landscape Complex is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in natural and cultural wonders.
Vietnam UNESCO tentative list
- The Area of Old Carved Stone in Sapa
- Huong Son Complex of Natural Beauty and Historical Monuments
- Cat Tien National Park
- Con Moong Cave
- Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago
- Ba Be – Na Hang Natural Heritage Area
- The Yen Tu Complex of Monuments and Landscapes
- Oc Eo – Ba The archaeological site
Tours in Vietnam
Our choices of tours in Vietnam are divided into thematic features such as Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and the Hoi An Experience.