Except Halong bay: Other UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam Worth Exploring

When travelers think of Vietnam, Halong Bay is often the first image that comes to mind. Its emerald waters dotted with thousands of limestone islands have earned it global fame and a prestigious spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. But Halong Bay isn’t Vietnam’s only heritage treasure.

As of today, Vietnam is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, divided between breathtaking natural wonders and culturally rich historical landmarks. If you’ve already planned a cruise through Halong Bay, why not extend your journey and explore the rest of Vietnam’s UNESCO gems? This guide will take you through the sites beyond Halong Bay that deserve a place on your itinerary.

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Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites at a Glance

Vietnam’s recognized UNESCO sites fall into two main categories:

Natural Heritage Sites: Halong Bay, Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, Trang An Landscape Complex.
Cultural Heritage Sites: Complex of Hue Monuments, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Citadel of the Ho Dynasty.

Alongside these, UNESCO also recognizes intangible cultural traditions like water puppetry and folk singing, making Vietnam a country where both landscapes and traditions are treasures to explore.

Natural UNESCO Sites in Vietnam (Besides Halong Bay)

Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park

Located in Quang Binh Province, Phong Nha–Ke Bang is often called the “Kingdom of Caves.” This protected area boasts some of the largest and most spectacular caves in the world, including Son Doong Cave, which could fit an entire skyscraper inside.

Visitors can embark on boat rides into Phong Nha Cave, trek deep into Paradise Cave, or take multi-day expeditions for the adventurous. Beyond caves, the park also shelters dense jungles, underground rivers and rare wildlife, making it a paradise for eco-tourism.

Why visit? If Halong Bay is Vietnam’s water wonder, Phong Nha is its underground marvel.

Trang An Landscape Complex

Just a few hours from Hanoi, in Ninh Binh Province, lies the Trang An Landscape Complex, often nicknamed “Halong Bay on land.” Here, emerald rivers wind through dramatic limestone karsts, ancient temples and lush rice paddies.

Visitors usually explore Trang An by boat, drifting through caves and valleys with towering cliffs on either side. The area is not only naturally stunning but also historically significant, with archaeological evidence dating back thousands of years.

Why visit? Combine it with your Halong Bay trip for a perfect North Vietnam heritage experience.

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Cultural UNESCO Sites in Vietnam

Complex of Hue Monuments

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is home to the Complex of Hue Monuments, which preserves the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945). The walled citadel, royal tombs, pagodas and temples reveal the rich architectural and cultural heritage of Vietnam’s imperial past.

Walking through Hue feels like stepping back in time, especially during the Hue Festival, which revives royal music, traditional dances and cultural performances.

Why visit? It’s the cultural heart of Central Vietnam and a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most charming destinations. Once a bustling international trading port, it is now famous for its lantern-lit streets, colorful merchant houses and riverside cafés.

The town reflects a fusion of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese influences, with preserved architecture and old guildhalls. Beyond sightseeing, Hoi An is also a center for tailoring, cycling tours, and culinary experiences.

Why visit? It’s a living heritage town that feels both ancient and vibrant, perfect for culture and leisure.

My Son Sanctuary

Hidden in a lush valley near Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary is a collection of Hindu temples built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 14th centuries. Once a spiritual center dedicated to the god Shiva, the site now stands as Vietnam’s most important archaeological landmark.

Though partly damaged during war, the ruins still showcase intricate carvings and red-brick structures that speak of Champa’s rich culture and Hindu influences in Southeast Asia.

Why visit? It’s Vietnam’s answer to Angkor Wat — smaller but deeply atmospheric.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (Hanoi)

In the heart of Hanoi lies the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a 1,000-year-old UNESCO site that reflects the city’s long-standing role as a political and cultural center. Archaeological digs reveal layers of Vietnamese dynasties, while relics showcase connections with China and Southeast Asia.

Visitors can walk through ancient gates, explore excavation sites and admire relics preserved in museums.

Why visit? Combine it with a Hanoi city tour before heading to Halong Bay.

Citadel of the Ho Dynasty

Located in Thanh Hoa Province, the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty is often overlooked by tourists but holds unique historical value. Built entirely of large stone blocks in the 14th century, it was an impressive fortress demonstrating advanced construction techniques for its time.

Though less developed for tourism, it’s a fascinating stop for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path UNESCO sites.

Why visit? Perfect for history buffs who want to uncover Vietnam’s hidden heritage.

Vietnam’s Intangible UNESCO Cultural Heritage

UNESCO has also recognized several intangible traditions in Vietnam, including:

Quan Ho folk songs from Bac Ninh.
Ca Tru singing, an ancient chamber music style.
Water puppetry, a uniquely Vietnamese performing art.

These performances can be experienced in Hanoi, Hue and other cultural hubs, offering travelers a chance to connect with Vietnam’s living traditions.

Itinerary Ideas: Combining Halong Bay with Other UNESCO Sites

To get the most out of your Vietnam trip, consider combining Halong Bay with nearby UNESCO sites:

Northern loop: Start in Hanoi, visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, cruise Halong Bay, then explore Trang An in Ninh Binh.
Central heritage trail: Fly to Hue, explore the Complex of Hue Monuments, head to Hoi An Ancient Town and take a day trip to My Son Sanctuary.
Adventure mix: Pair Halong Bay’s seascape with Phong Nha–Ke Bang’s caves for a nature lover’s dream.

Conclusion

Halong Bay may be the star of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage list, but it’s only one chapter in the country’s incredible story. From the royal citadels of Hue and Hanoi to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, the underground wonders of Phong Nha and the spiritual ruins of My Son — Vietnam offers an extraordinary diversity of heritage experiences.

If you’re planning your Vietnam journey, don’t stop at Halong Bay. Make time to uncover these other UNESCO treasures and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of the country’s culture, history and natural beauty.