Vietnam Tops Global Heritage Rankings In 2025: 10 Places Every History Lover Must Visit

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Hoi An Old Town

Ancient streets lined with colonial, Japanese and Chinese architectures, lanterns and riverfront views make this UNESCO-listed site a timeless focal point for Vietnam heritage travel and cultural exploration.

Hoi An Old Town | hoiantown/instagram

Ha Long Bay–Cat Ba Archipelago

Emerald waters dotted with limestone karsts and hidden caves define this iconic UNESCO natural heritage site, ideal for cruises, kayaking and scenic photography in Vietnam travel experiences.

Sunset at Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam | halong.bay/instagram

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Boasting some of the world’s largest cave systems, deep forests, rivers and karst formations, this UNESCO site invites adventurous travellers to explore caves and rare biodiversity.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park | america.hellovietnam/instagram

Hue Monument Complex

The former imperial capital reveals palaces, temples and royal tombs, offering rich insight into Vietnam’s dynastic history and cultural heritage along the Perfume River.

A view of Hue Monument Complex | wchen/instagram

My Son Sanctuary

This cluster of ancient Champa temples set amid lush valleys showcases centuries-old Hindu architecture, reflecting early Southeast Asian civilisation and cultural heritage depth.

A person at My Son Sanctuary | gianlucanuzzo/instagram

Thang Long Imperial Citadel

In Hanoi, this archaeological complex reveals layers of dynastic history, fortified walls and royal relics, making it a key destination for heritage travel in northern Vietnam.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel | nomad_dazz/instagram

Citadel of the Hồ Dynasty

A rare UNESCO fortress site built on feng shui principles in the 14th century, offering visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s medieval fortification and political history.

Citadel of the Hồ Dynasty | hanoigreentour_vietnam/instagram

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Karst peaks, rivers and temple ruins woven into limestone landscapes distinguish this mixed cultural-natural UNESCO heritage site perfect for photography and boat tours.

At Trang An | Unsplash

Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex

Vietnam’s newly inscribed serial heritage site combines monasteries, pagodas and spiritual landscapes central to Truc Lam Buddhism and Vietnamese religious history.

A view of Kiep Bac Complex | newasiatours/instagram

Cu Chi Tunnels

Near Ho Chi Minh City, these historic underground networks reveal wartime ingenuity and resilience, now preserved as part of Vietnam’s living heritage for reflective travel and history buffs.

A view of the Cu Chi Tunnel | Wikimedia Commons

Explore Vietnam's Top 5 Scenic Train Journeys

Train travel in Vitenam is a great way to explore the nation. | Hòa Lê Đình/Pexels
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