UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam: All 9 and How to Visit Them

There are nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam: six in the north, three in the center, from Ha Long Bay and Hue to the Yen Tu complex added in 2025. This guide from our Vietnam travel blog lists them all, groups them by region and explains how to fit several into one trip.

The list mixes natural wonders with the country's most important historical sites in Vietnam, and most lie on the main tourist route. If you are planning a heritage trip, apply for a Vietnam e-visa online before you go.

All nine sites at a glance

The table lists all nine sites, as of October 2026, with the year each was first inscribed.

Northern sites

The north holds six of the nine sites, most within a few hours of Hanoi. Group them in a week based in the capital.

Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba

Thousands of limestone islands rise from the sea in Ha Long Bay and the Cat Ba archipelago, extended into one listing in 2023. Our Ha Long Bay guide explains how to choose a bay and cruise.

Thang Long, Trang An and the Ho Citadel

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long sits in central Hanoi, covered in our Hanoi guide. Trang An, two hours south, combines karst scenery with archaeological caves; see our Ninh Binh guide. The Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, in Thanh Hoa, is a stone fortress from about 1400.

Yen Tu complex

Yen Tu, with Vinh Nghiem, Con Son and Kiep Bac, became Vietnam's ninth World Heritage Site in July 2025, according to UNESCO's decision.

The sites, spread across Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh and Hai Phong, are linked to Truc Lam Zen Buddhism, founded by King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century. Yen Tu mountain has pagodas reached by cable car and pilgrim paths.

Central sites

Central Vietnam has three heritage sites close together, plus the caves further north. They fit a five-day stretch between Hue and Hoi An.

Hue, Hoi An and My Son

The Complex of Hue Monuments covers the Nguyen dynasty's imperial city and tombs; our Hue guide plans two days. Hoi An Ancient Town and the Cham temples of My Son, an hour apart, fit in three days; see our Hoi An guide.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang

Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park has some of the largest caves in the world, including Son Doong. Our Phong Nha caves guide covers the caves open to visitors.

Planning a route to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam

A two-week route from Hanoi to Hoi An can include seven of the nine sites. Start in Hanoi for Thang Long, add Ha Long Bay and Trang An, then fly to Hue and continue to Hoi An and My Son.

Phong Nha fits between Hanoi and Hue by train or road, and the Ho Citadel and Yen Tu suit longer stays in the north. A two-week route from north to center can be adapted around them. Vietnam's heritage goes beyond buildings and landscapes, too.

Beyond the World Heritage list

UNESCO also recognizes Vietnam's living traditions, which you can experience while traveling. They add depth to a heritage trip.

Intangible heritage

Vietnam's intangible heritage includes the gong culture of the Central Highlands, Quan Ho folk songs of Bac Ninh, ca tru singing and Hue royal court music. Look for performances in Hanoi and Hue, and at festivals.

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