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Vietnam’s heritage sites in 360 degrees
Photo by Christian Berg
Vietnam is blessed with no fewer than eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From perfectly preserved imperial tombs to crumbling temple ruins, seascapes studded with limestone karsts to jaw-dropping caves, each of these sites offers an extraordinary experience. Get to know a few of Vietnam’s best attractions through your screen, with these interactive virtual tours.
TIP: Turn sound on or off in the upper right-hand corner of the tour, and click on the picture icon to see more beautiful images of each UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Huế
Vietnam’s last dynasty, the Nguyen Kings, chose Huế to be the capital of the country during their reign. The Complex of Huế Monuments -- including the Hue Citadel and the Tombs of the Nguyen Kings -- is a study in the development of Vietnamese royal architecture over the course of almost a century. Take a virtual tour around two of Vietnam’s most captivating historical sites, the Huế Citadel and the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang.
Hội An
Once a bustling trading port that welcomed merchants from Europe, China and Japan, Hội An remains as mesmerising as ever, and has remained largely unchanged over the centuries. Ochre-coloured shophouses, ornate pagodas, and silk lanterns all add colour to this photogenic UNESCO Heritage Site. Start your virtual tour with sunrise above the Thu Bon River, before exploring the Japanese Bridge, old ferry quay, and Tan Ky Ancestral House.
Phong Nha
Phong Nha Kẻ Bàng is home to some of the country’s most exciting natural wonders, as well as the world’s largest cave. There are more than 300 caves in Phong Nha, but this tour will take you inside just a few. Start your journey with stunning stalactites inside the vast Paradise Cave. Join in the fun at the zipline entrance to Dark Cave, and go deep into the subterranean river inside Phong Nha Cave.
Mỹ Sơn
The Kingdom of Champa once conquered all of Central Vietnam, and its impressive religious structures can still be found scattered across this region. Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary was the religious heart of the Cham people, who practised a variation of Hinduism. Built between the 4th to the 13th century, these brick structures buried in the tropical jungle still hold an aura of calm and mysticism, even after hundreds of years.
Hạ Long Bay
Hạ Long Bay is what many travellers think of when they imagine a holiday in Vietnam. A magnificent seascape and natural marvel in real life, this UNESCO Heritage Site is still breathtaking even on a small screen. Discover the highlights of Ha Long Bay and its sister Lan Ha Bay, both on land and in the water. Get a taste of the bay’s sweeping panoramic views, soar above floating fishing villages, and witness the beauty of Ha Long’s famous sunsets.
Ninh Bình
The lesser-known Northern province of Ninh Bình is sometimes called ‘Hạ Long Bay on land’ and it’s not hard to see why. A surreal landscape of limestone cliffs, enveloped by submerged rivers and paddy fields makes for one of Vietnam’s most memorable visuals. There’s a lot to see among Ninh Binh’s natural and historical sites, including the insta-famous views atop Mua Cave, the wild landscape of Tam Cốc and Tràng An, and the impressive Bái Đính Pagoda.
