8 Must-See UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam

Cruise UNESCO World Heritage listed Ha Long Bay. Image source: Adobe Stock.

Bursting with tradition and culture, delicious fresh flavours and a treasure-trove of ancient history, Vietnam also has some of the world’s most recognisable scenery. It’s no wonder visitors flock to this diverse Southeast Asian destination.

Sightseers also come to see the eight astounding UNESCO World Heritage sites; Vietnam’s crowning glory. Here’s what to see, do and eat along the UNESCO trail.

The Imperial Citadel of Hanoi by night. Image source: Adobe Stock.

UNESCO highlights in Northern Vietnam

Hanoi and Ha Long Bay are buzzing with activity! Discover the country’s capital and explore Ha Long Bay—world-famous for photography, thrill-seeking and romantic getaways.

Hanoi: Gateway to the north

Take in Hanoi’s sights and sounds—the whir of motorbikes and the smells of incense and local delicacies. Markets selling produce, trinkets and clothing abound and temples and pagodas are plentiful. Visit the lively Hoan Kiem District and explore the famous Old Quarter with its traditional architecture, street food and shopping.

What to see in Hanoi

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the stunning Jade Mountain Temple on the island. Along with the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, visit the UNESCO site, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.

Explore Hanoi’s surroundings on a day trip to Sapa, Ba Vi National Park, Perfume Pagoda or Le Mat Snake Village.

Sample typical local dishes

In Vietnam, cuisine is the showstopper! Sample bánh cuốn—steamed rice rolls filled with ground pork or mushrooms, or bún chả—grilled pork with rice noodles, sauces and fresh herbs. Bánh mì, bún thang and bún bò nam bộ are popular favourites.

Ha Long Bay: Cruises, seafood and pristine scenery

The Ha Long Bay UNESCO World Heritage site has some of the world’s most spectacular—and photographed—scenery. Visit its emerald waters and towering limestone formations on a day trip from Hanoi.

Best things to do in Ha Long Bay

Admire the scenery on a cruise, visit local fishing villages, or get totally adventurous and swim amongst phosphorescent plankton after sunset. Rock climbing with views over the bay is an unforgettable experience. Try the region's fresh seafood steamed, grilled or locally prepared, or cooked while you wait at the floating markets.

Best places to stay in Ha Long Bay

Enjoy an overnight cruise with meals and excursions—try Cozy Boutique Cruise or luxurious Venezia Cruises. Alternatively, stay in one of Ha Long City’s numerous hotels overlooking the bay, such as the Wyndham Legend Halong Bai Chay, complete with rooftop swimming pool.

Enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of Trang An. Image source: Adobe Stock.

UNESCO sites south of Hanoi

Easily accessible from Hanoi, travel further south to the Trang An, Ho Citadel and Con Moong Cave UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Trang An

Visit Trang An, a double-heritage-listed geological wonderland, on a boat tour. Marvel at its 51 grottos, caves and temples amidst a landscape formed over 250 million years.

Where to stay in Trang An

Enjoy one of 10 private bungalows made from natural and recycled materials at Chezcao Rice Field Ecolodge Ninh Binh.

Regional Vietnamese cuisine to try:

Sticky rice ant eggs that pop in your mouth and sweet, crunchy mountain snail are regional delicacies, prepared in a variety of ways.

Ho Dynasty Citadel

Once the capital of Vietnam, Ho Citadel’s distinctive building style uses large stone slabs. The site’s strategic location was chosen for its proximity to the steep mountains and surrounding waterways.

Where to stay near Ho Citadel

Choose from a variety of hotels, guesthouses and homestays. Go luxe with Muong Thanh Grand Thanh Hoa Hotel or natural with Pu Luong Retreat’s stilt houses and bungalows.

Regional cuisine near Ho Citadel

Sample Thanh Hoa province’s popular fish and meat dishes, like tangy and savoury nem chua, a fermented pork dish, then try bánh gai—a delicacy made from glutinous rice, mung beans and gai leaves for dessert.

Con Moong Cave

In Cuc Phuong National Park, the archaeologically significant Con Moong Cave in a limestone cliff has traces of human development dating back over 10,000 years. Also known as the Beast Cave, it contains preserved tombs and tools.

The crumbling ruins of UNESCO World Heritage listed My Son Sanctuary. Image source: Adobe Stock.

UNESCO World Heritage sites in central Vietnam

Explore central Vietnam’s three distinct UNESCO World Heritage sites—the ancient Complex of Hue Monuments, My Son Sanctuary and Phong Nha Cave.

Complex of Hue Monuments

Chosen for the location’s spiritual importance, this UNESCO site is throughout Hue City, once Vietnam’s religious, cultural and political centre.

Best things to eat in Hue

Indulge in bun bo Hue beef noodle soup, banh khoai Hue crispy pancake and nem lui-Hue pork cooked on lemongrass skewers. Ask the locals how to eat each dish the traditional way.

My Son Sanctuary

The remarkable tower-shaped temples boasting influence from Shaiva Hindu origins were constructed between the fourth and 14th centuries, with many buildings showing the ravages of time and Vietnam’s war history.

Where to stay near My Son Sanctuary

Close to My Son Sanctuary, the picturesque sea-side town of Hoi An has numerous accommodation options. Grand Sunrise Palace Hoi An and Almanity Hoi An Resort and Spa are top-rated hotels with modern conveniences and local charm.

Best regional cuisine in Hoi An

Try Hoi An’s traditional and delightful cao lầu—fresh green vegetables and herbs combined with marinated roasted pork served over rice noodles.

Phong Nha Cave

Access the 7,000 metres of caves within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park via the river on a short day trip.

Where to stay

Phong Nha makes a perfect base to explore rural Vietnam. The town offers humble accommodation options run by locals and is surrounded by rice fields and natural attractions.

Restaurants in Phong Nha

Whilst meals are provided in most housing, sample authentic flavours at family-run restaurants throughout town. Look out for locally grown coffee and establishments serving barbeque menus.

Take in the sights and sounds of Hoi An ancient town at twilight. Image source: Adobe Stock.

Vietnam awaits: Fly direct from Perth Airport

With eight UNESCO World Heritage sites ready to explore, now is the perfect time to discover the rich history, tradition and impeccable hospitality of Vietnam. Plan your international trip in detail before you leave and find out how you can stretch your travel budget even further with our foreign exchange services and duty free online shopping. Fly direct from Perth with Vietnam Airlines or VietJet. Let your adventure begin!

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