Vietnam World Heritage Sites
To complete our round-up of Southeast Asian World Heritage Sites, last, but by no means least, here’s a rundown on Vietnam World Heritage Sites as well as a description of some on the entries on UNESCO’s tentative list.
Vietnam weighs in with eight sites currently inscribed on the list and whilst you may think that’s not a huge return on its spectacular and varied landscapes and wealth of historic buildings, there are another seven currently on review in the tentative list. Five of those already listed are historical/cultural sites and three are natural, while three on the tentative list are natural, two cultural and two mixed. So, in no particular order…
Cultural Sites
Thought to date originally to the 2nd century BCE, when it was already an important trading port on the route between China and the Indian subcontinent, most of the buildings you can see today in remarkably well preserved Hoi An date from between the 15th and 19th centuries and comprise of a mixture of local, traditional-style, plus Chinese, Japanese and French period architecture. The nearby city of Danang has seen all the recent development (as well as war damage), leaving tiny Hoi An barely touched. Yes, it has been touched by recent tourism but it is still a delightful spot to wander around and explore, and the plus side of its popularity is plenty of great cafes, coffee shops and restaurants. Not to be missed!
Hoi An/s iconic Japanese Bridge Where Hoi An with its narrow, windy streets and picturesque old houses, covers the cute department, Hue, as an ancient capital, goes in for the more spectacular. Built along the banks of the Perfume River, Hue was the imperial capital for nearly 150 years and today’s monument complex covers the Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City and the Inner City as well as the spectacular tombs of the Nguyen dynasty emperors. Hue was the scene of some of the heaviest fighting of the Vietnam war, particularly in the old Citadel itself, but today it has been carefully restored. A tour of some of the sites would comprise a boat trip up the Perfume River, alongside which most of the incredible royal tombs are situated, and a walking tour of the Inner City and Citadel. Also not to be missed!
Earlier history is preserved at My Son, a spectacular complex of ruined Hindu temples dating from the Cham period between the 4th and 13th centuries. The site lies conveniently just north of Hoi An in Quang Nam Province.
My Son ancient city A 4th cultural site is the old citadel of Hanoi itself; again badly damaged but also now lovingly restored. Due to Vietnam’s geography – basically very long and thin – it’s not practical to include all Vietnam World Heritage sites on one Vietnam tour so the final cultural site which is not included on our tours is the 14th century Ho Dynasty Citadel. Historically important though perhaps not as picturesque as other sites we’ve sacrificed it on our Vietnam itineraries to cut down on driving time, though it is possible to include it as an optional day trip from Hanoi for those interested.
Natural Sites
The remote Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park along the Lao border, inscribed in 2003, has dramatic limestone karst scenery and some of the most spectacular caves we’ve seen in Southeast Asia while Trang An Scenic Landscape Region in Ninh Binh Province has picture-postcard scenery; the classic Vietnamese landscapes of waterways, paddy fields and rugged limestone outcrops.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Heading back north, what is probably the jewel in Vietnam’s natural crown, World-famous Halong Bay, needs no introduction! An overnight Halong boat cruise features in both our regular tour itineraries and as an extension from Hanoi.
Tentative Sites
Natural listings include the very worthy Cat Tien National Park and Con Moong Cave in Cuc Phuong National Park. The former includes rare stands of primary forest and bountiful wildlife, including several endangered species, while the latter appears to be more significant for what archaeologists have unearthed at the site rather than the cave itself. We were somewhat underwhelmed by Cuc Phuong, but admit to only giving it a cursory visit.
Another natural site is the grouping of national parks and nature reserves listed as Ba Be – Na Hang Natural Heritage Area. Located north of Hanoi, the region features limestone scenery and primary forest housing abundant wildlife, including some critically endangered primate species. Also featured are Yen Tu, north of Haiphong and Huong Son, on the Lao border west of Vinh. Both are mixed sites combining spectacular landscapes with ancient shrines, temples and cave temples.
The two cultural sites are Oc E, an ancient Funan city in the Mekong Delta and, at the other end of the country, the carved stones of Sapa. Oc Eo is another of those sites of great historical/archaeological significance but which houses little of interest to the casual visitor. Any additional funding and expertise to archaeologists working this and similar sites is, however, worthwhile. We thought we knew Sapa pretty well but confess to never having visited these carved stones, so although we can testify to the stunning scenery and fascinating and colourful ethnic mix of this far northern town, we’ll have to check out said stones on our next trip!
Trang An, Ninh Binh Province Vietnam World Heritage Sites on our tours
Most of the above UNESCO sites are very conveniently arranged on a map of the country so our aptly named World Heritage Sites of Vietnam comfortably fits in no less than seven of the eight sites into an eleven-day tour from Hanoi to Danang. Our 16-day Hanoi to Saigon also features the seven while extending the itinerary to cover Saigon and the Mekong Delta. Halong is, of course, included in both but is also offered as a 2-day extension from Hanoi.
