Vietnam, a small S-shaped strip of land, boasts a rich history spanning over 4000 years, proudly preserving countless invaluable historical relics. Ancient architectural marvels and once-glorious landmarks not only stand as witnesses to the nation’s heroic past but also serve as captivating destinations, igniting pride and patriotism in every Vietnamese citizen. Join Discovery To Wonders on a journey back in time through prominent historical sites stretching from North to South, to deeply appreciate the cultural beauty and historical depth of our homeland.
UNESCO-Recognized World Heritage Historical Sites
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – A Millennium of Civilization
Located in the heart of Hanoi, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long stands majestically as a living history book, marking the ups and downs of the nation’s history. As the most powerful political center of Vietnamese feudal dynasties for 13 centuries, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is not only a massive architectural complex but also a cultural symbol, a testament to the intermingling and brilliant development of ancient Vietnamese civilization.
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2010, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long boasts a diverse complex of relics, from precious archaeological vestiges of different historical periods to magnificent imperial architectural works. Visitors can admire the ancient Doan Mon Gate, the sacred Kinh Thien Palace, the serene Hau Lau, or the imposing Hanoi Flag Tower. Each structure, each brick here carries its own historical story, contributing to recreating the heroic past of Thang Long – Hanoi.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long holds immense historical and cultural value for the Vietnamese people
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – World Heritage Site, symbol of Hanoi’s millennium of civilization.
Citadel of the Ho Dynasty – Unique Stone Architectural Masterpiece
The Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, located in Vinh Loc, Thanh Hoa, is a powerful testament to the architectural talent and outstanding construction techniques of ancient Vietnamese people. Built in the late 14th century under the Ho Quy Ly dynasty, the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty is a solid fortress entirely made of stone, with a scale and construction technique unprecedented in Vietnam and Southeast Asia at that time.
With massive blue stone slabs meticulously and precisely stacked upon each other, the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty not only demonstrates the majesty and grandeur of a capital city but also a unique work of art. Over 600 years of history, despite many upheavals of time and war, the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty still stands tall, affirming its immense historical, cultural, and architectural value. In 2011, UNESCO recognized the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty as a World Heritage Site, honoring the unique values and importance of this structure.
Citadel of the Ho Dynasty testifies to the heroic historical period under the Ho Quy Ly dynasty
Citadel of the Ho Dynasty – Unique stone architectural heritage, symbol of Thanh Hoa.
Complex of Hue Monuments – Serene and Poetic Beauty
Hue Ancient Capital, the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty for over 140 years, is a priceless treasure trove of Vietnamese cultural heritage. The Complex of Hue Monuments was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1993, including a system of citadels, palaces, tombs, and pagodas bearing the deep imprint of Hue’s imperial architectural art.
Spreading along the romantic Perfume River, Hue Ancient Capital captivates visitors with its ancient, serene, and poetic beauty. The Citadel of Hue with its solid fortress architecture, the Imperial City of Hue with its magnificent palaces, the mysterious Forbidden Purple City, and the system of majestic tombs of the Nguyen emperors, each structure carries unique historical, cultural, and artistic values. Coming to Hue, visitors not only admire historical relics but also immerse themselves in the rich cultural space, enjoy Hue royal court music, and explore exquisite royal cuisine.
Complex of Hue Monuments – World Heritage Site, symbol of the ancient beauty and culture of Hue.
My Son Sanctuary – Vietnam’s “Angkor Wat”
My Son Sanctuary, nestled in a green valley in Quang Nam province, is one of the most important Cham Pa relics remaining in Vietnam. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1999, My Son is a unique architectural complex of Cham Pa temples and towers, reflecting the cultural exchange between Hinduism and indigenous culture.
With over 70 temples, towers, and steles, My Son Sanctuary is a testament to the brilliant development of the Champa kingdom in history. The architecture of My Son temples and towers bears a strong Cham Pa artistic style, with sophisticated, flexible carvings and religious deities. Despite time and war, My Son Sanctuary still retains its mysterious beauty and special attraction, dubbed “Angkor Wat” of Vietnam, a must-visit destination for those who love Cham Pa history and culture.
My Son Sanctuary is known as the "Angkor Wat" of Vietnam
My Son Sanctuary – World Heritage Site, symbol of ancient Cham Pa culture.
Hoi An Ancient Town – Bustling Trading Port, Unique Architectural Heritage
Hoi An Ancient Town, a precious gem of Central Vietnam, was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1999. Hoi An was once a bustling international trading port in the 17th – 18th centuries, a trading hub for merchant ships from Japan, China, and the West. This cultural exchange created a unique Hoi An, diverse in architecture and culture.
Today, Hoi An Ancient Town still retains its ancient architectural features, with moss-covered tile-roofed houses, narrow winding streets, ancient assembly halls, and charming Japanese bridges. Coming to Hoi An, visitors seem to step into another world, where time seems to stand still. Not only a cultural heritage, Hoi An is also an attractive tourist destination with rich cuisine, traditional craft villages, and a peaceful, romantic atmosphere.
Hoi An Ancient Town was once a famous trading port of Dai Viet
Hoi An Ancient Town – World Heritage Site, symbol of ancient trading port and unique architecture.
Journey to Discover Other Famous Historical Sites Across Vietnam
Northern Vietnam – Land of Origin, Heroic History
Tan Trao Resistance Base – Capital of the Resistance
Tan Trao Resistance Base, located in Tuyen Quang province, carries the historical imprint of the Vietnamese revolution. This place was chosen by President Ho Chi Minh as a revolutionary base in the pre-uprising period and in the early years of the resistance war against the French. Tan Trao was the site of many important historical events, such as the National Congress (1945), deciding on the August General Uprising and the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Coming to Tan Trao, visitors can visit Lan Na Lua, President Ho Chi Minh’s residence and workplace, Tan Trao communal house, the venue of the National Congress, and Tan Trao banyan tree, a symbol of the revolutionary base. Tan Trao Resistance Base is not only a historical relic but also a meaningful destination for “returning to the roots” tourism, helping visitors better understand the heroic historical period of the nation.
Tan Trao Resistance Base – National revolutionary historical relic, symbol of Tuyen Quang.
Hung Temple – Origin of the Nation
Hung Temple, located in Phu Tho, is a particularly important historical relic site, where the Hung Kings, ancestors of the Vietnamese nation, are worshiped. According to legend, the Hung Kings were the founders of Van Lang, the first state of Vietnam. Hung Temple is not only a sacred spiritual site but also a symbol of solidarity, national pride, and the Vietnamese tradition of “When drinking water, remember the source.”
Every year, on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, the Hung Temple Festival is solemnly held, attracting millions of visitors from all over the country and overseas Vietnamese to attend the ceremony, commemorating the merits of the Hung Kings. The Hung Temple relic complex includes many temples, tombs, and ancient architectural works, located on Nghia Linh mountain, creating a sacred and solemn space.
Hung Temple – Special national historical relic site, spiritual origin of the Vietnamese nation.
Co Loa Citadel – Millennium Capital of Civilization
Co Loa Citadel, located in Dong Anh district, Hanoi, was the capital of Au Lac under An Duong Vuong in the 3rd century BC. This is one of the oldest and largest citadels in Vietnam, with a unique “citadel within citadel” structure, demonstrating the military level and citadel construction techniques of ancient Vietnamese people.
Co Loa Citadel is associated with the legend of An Duong Vuong, My Chau – Trong Thuy, and the magic crossbow. Today, Co Loa relics still retain traces of three citadel walls, moats, An Duong Vuong temple, and many valuable archaeological artifacts. Visiting Co Loa Citadel, visitors will learn about an important historical period of the nation and admire ancient and unique architectural works.
Co Loa Citadel – Ancient capital of Au Lac, symbol of Hanoi.
Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam – Vietnam’s First University
Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, located in Hanoi, is a special historical and cultural relic, considered the first university of Vietnam. The Temple of Literature was built in 1070 under the Ly Thanh Tong dynasty to worship Confucius and Confucian sages. Quoc Tu Giam was established later, in 1076, as a place to train talents for the country.
Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam is not only a historical relic but also a symbol of Vietnamese educational culture. The architecture of Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam bears a strong traditional architectural style, with areas such as Van Mieu gate, Dai Trung, Dai Thanh, Thai Hoc area… It also preserves 82 Doctor steles, recording the names of those who passed the Dinh examinations in ancient times, a world documentary heritage recognized by UNESCO.
Temple of Literature Quoc Tu Giam – the first university in Vietnam
Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam – Special national historical and cultural relic, symbol of Vietnamese education.
Ngoc Son Temple – Pearl in the Heart of Hanoi
Ngoc Son Temple, located on Ngoc Island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, is a famous historical and cultural relic, associated with the symbol of Hoan Kiem Lake and Turtle Tower. Ngoc Son Temple worships Van Xuong De Quan, La Dong Tan, and Tran Hung Dao. The Huc Bridge, vermilion red, curved like a shrimp, connecting the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake to Ngoc Son Temple, is one of the familiar images of Hanoi.
Ngoc Son Temple is not only a historical relic but also an attractive tourist destination, where visitors can learn about history, culture, and enjoy a peaceful, tranquil space in the heart of the noisy and bustling capital.
The Huc red bridge leads to Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple – National historical and cultural relic, symbol of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi.
Phu Dong Temple – Remembering Saint Giong
Phu Dong Temple, also known as Giong Temple, located in Gia Lam district, Hanoi, is a place to worship Saint Giong, one of the “four immortals” of Vietnam. Saint Giong is a legendary figure, symbolizing the courageous and indomitable spirit of fighting against foreign invaders of the Vietnamese nation. Giong Festival, held annually at Phu Dong Temple, is one of the largest and most unique festivals in Vietnam, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
The Phu Dong temple relic complex includes many ancient architectural works, such as Thuong Temple, Ha Temple, Mieu Ban, Ha Ma communal house… Coming to Phu Dong Temple, visitors can not only admire ancient architectural works but also learn about the legend of Saint Giong and participate in the unique Giong Festival.
Historical relic of Giong Temple worships the hero of Giong village, also known as Saint Giong
Phu Dong Temple – National historical and cultural relic, where Saint Giong is worshiped, symbol of Hanoi.
Thay Pagoda – Ancient Pagoda in the Middle of Sai Son Mountain
Thay Pagoda, located at the foot of Sai Son mountain, Quoc Oai district, Hanoi, is an ancient and sacred pagoda, with a long history dating back to the Dinh Dynasty. Thay Pagoda is not only famous for its unique architecture but also associated with the life and career of Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh, a historical figure with great influence on Vietnamese Buddhism and folk culture.
The architecture of Thay Pagoda bears a strong traditional Vietnamese architectural style, with structures such as Ha Pagoda, Trung Pagoda, Thuong Pagoda, Nhat Tien Bridge, Nguyet Tien Bridge, water pavilion… Every year, at the beginning of the new year, Thay Pagoda is a spiritual destination for many tourists and locals, coming to pray for peace, good luck, and visit the pagoda.
Panoramic view of Thay Pagoda from above
Thay Pagoda – National architectural and artistic relic, ancient and sacred pagoda of Hanoi.
Yen Tu – Cradle of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism
Yen Tu Relic and Scenic Complex, located in Quang Ninh province, is one of the largest and most important Buddhist centers of Vietnam. Yen Tu is considered the cradle of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism, a purely Vietnamese Zen Buddhist sect founded by King Tran Nhan Tong. This place is not only of spiritual value but also possesses majestic and beautiful natural scenery.
Yen Tu relic complex includes many ancient pagodas, temples, and towers, such as Hoa Yen Pagoda, Dong Pagoda, Giai Oan Pagoda, Ngoa Van Temple… To reach Dong Pagoda on the top of Yen Tu mountain, visitors must overcome thousands of stone steps, but in return, visitors will admire the majestic natural scenery and feel the peaceful, sacred atmosphere of the monastic realm.
Yen Tu Relic and Scenic Complex, a place with picturesque mountains and waters, beautiful scenery
Yen Tu – Special national historical and cultural relic, cradle of Vietnamese Truc Lam Zen Buddhism.
Tran Temple Thai Binh – Auspicious Land, Outstanding People
Tran Temple, located in Thai Binh, is an important historical relic complex, where the Tran emperors and meritorious generals of the Tran Dynasty are worshiped. The Tran Dynasty was one of the most glorious dynasties in Vietnamese history, with glorious victories against foreign invaders and great contributions to the country’s development.
Tran Temple Thai Binh is not only a spiritual site but also a symbol of martial spirit, patriotism, and cultural traditions of the Vietnamese nation. Every year, the Tran Temple Festival is solemnly held, attracting a large number of tourists and locals to attend, commemorating the merits of the Tran emperors and praying for national peace and prosperity.
Tran Temple Thai Binh is associated with the development of a golden dynasty
Tran Temple Thai Binh – National historical and cultural relic, where the Tran emperors and generals are worshiped.
Pho Minh Pagoda – Unique Architecture of the Tran Dynasty
Pho Minh Pagoda, also known as Thap Pagoda, located in Nam Dinh province, is an ancient and famous pagoda, built from the Ly Dynasty and flourished in the Tran Dynasty. Pho Minh Pagoda is famous for the unique architecture of Pho Minh Tower, a typical Buddhist architectural work of Tran art.
Pho Minh Tower is built in a square tower style, with 13 floors, bearing a strong architectural style of Indian and Cham Pa Buddhism, but still bearing the characteristics of Vietnamese art during the Tran Dynasty. Pho Minh Pagoda is not only a historical relic but also an attractive spiritual tourist destination, where visitors can admire unique architecture and learn about the history of Vietnamese Buddhism.
Pho Minh Pagoda with its famous stupa
Pho Minh Pagoda – National historical and architectural relic, famous for its unique Pho Minh tower.
Central Vietnam – Imprints of Cham Pa Culture
Po Nagar Towers – Cham Pa Architectural Heritage in Nha Trang
Po Nagar Towers, located in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, is an ancient Cham Pa temple and tower complex, built from the 8th to the 13th centuries. Po Nagar Towers is one of the most important Cham Pa relics remaining in Central Vietnam, showing the influence of Hinduism and Cham Pa culture.
The Po Nagar tower complex includes many large and small temples and towers, worshiping Hindu deities, including the goddess Po Nagar, the most revered deity by the Cham Pa people. The architecture of Po Nagar towers bears a strong Cham Pa artistic style, with soft, flexible lines and sophisticated decorative motifs. Coming to Po Nagar Towers, visitors will admire the unique architectural beauty and learn about ancient Cham Pa culture.
Po Nagar Towers is a testament to a thriving Cham Pa dynasty
Po Nagar Towers – National architectural and artistic relic, symbol of Cham Pa culture in Nha Trang.
Southern Vietnam – Testimonies of Historical Struggles
Con Dao Prison – Hell on Earth, Symbol of Indomitable Spirit
Con Dao Prison, located in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, is a special historical relic, once used by French colonists and American imperialists to detain and torture Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers and patriots. Con Dao is known as “hell on earth” because of the brutality and harshness of the prison regime here.
However, Con Dao Prison is also a place that demonstrates the indomitable and steadfast spirit of Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers. Many famous revolutionary leaders were imprisoned here, such as Le Hong Phong, Nguyen Van Cu, Ton Duc Thang… Visiting Con Dao Prison, visitors will feel the cruelty of war and the noble sacrifice of generations of forefathers for national independence and freedom.
Con Dao Prison is a place that demonstrates the indomitable spirit of soldiers
Con Dao Prison – Special national historical relic, symbol of indomitable spirit and fighting will.
Independence Palace – Historical Witness to National Reunification
Independence Palace, located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, is a famous historical relic, once the workplace and residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. Independence Palace is associated with the important historical event of April 30, 1975, marking the collapse of the Republic of Vietnam regime and national reunification.
Independence Palace has modern and unique architecture, harmoniously combining Western and Eastern architecture. Currently, Independence Palace is an attractive tourist destination, where visitors can learn about Vietnamese history during the war period and admire the unique architecture of this structure.
Independence Palace is now a famous tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City
Independence Palace – National historical and cultural relic, witness to the national reunification event.
Cu Chi Tunnels – Heroic “Steel Land”
Cu Chi Tunnels, located in Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City, is a unique underground tunnel system, built by Cu Chi soldiers and people during the resistance war against the Americans. Cu Chi Tunnels is a symbol of the resilient and creative fighting spirit of Vietnamese soldiers and people in the resistance war against foreign invaders.
The Cu Chi tunnel system is hundreds of kilometers long, with many floors and branches, including living tunnels, working tunnels, kitchen tunnels, medical tunnels, combat tunnels… Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels, visitors will experience the underground life of Cu Chi soldiers and people during the war and better understand the heroic fighting spirit of the Vietnamese nation.
Cu Chi Tunnels is a historical base tunnel system that amazed the world
Cu Chi Tunnels – Special national historical relic, symbol of “steel land” Cu Chi.
Conclusion
Vietnam, a country with a rich history and culture, proudly possesses countless valuable historical relics, stretching across all regions of the country. These relics are not only ancient architectural works but also historical witnesses, marking golden pages in the nation’s heroic past. The journey to discover prominent historical sites in Vietnam is a meaningful journey, helping us better understand our origins, culture, and traditions of our homeland. Let’s take the time to explore and cherish these precious heritages, so that Vietnamese history and culture will forever endure and develop.