Of history and mystery…
Today’s feature is a guest post by Elizabeth. Read all about the heart-warming truth and gain an insight into the historic sites of Vietnam.
Vietnam has a natural scenic beauty comprising hills, islands and beaches. However, Vietnam tour cannot be completed without the knowledge of this country’s rich ancient history and recent past bloodied by appalling wars. Here are ten historic sites you must visit during your Vietnam tour, as these sites depict the soul of Vietnam.
1. Khai Dinh Tomb
The reason why you must include Khai Dinh Tomb to your Vietnam tours, among many other tombs in Hue, is because it has unique features that resemble no other. The architecture style of this tomb blends both Vietnamese and European designs. It was constructed in the 1920s. The main building of this tomb is called Thien Dinh. At Khai Dinh’s final resting spot, there is a bronze statue surrounded by beautiful murals.
2. Con Dao Prison Complex
Con Dao Prison in Con Son Island of southern Vietnam was built in 1861 by the French colonialists to jail rebels during the colonist government rule. The prison includes 120 cells. The Con Dao Prison Complex was closed by Vietnam government in 1975. This prison, known as “true hell on the Earth” used to be home to ten thousand prisoners who were tortured in much terrible way by the colonials at first and later US-supported South Vietnamese government. To get a bone-chilling experience during your Vietnam tours, you need visit this site.
3. Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are the largest network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Cu Chi District of Ho Chi Minh City. During the Vietnam war, these tunnels were the location of several military campaigns and were the Viet Congs base of operations for the Tet Offensive in 1968. They were first built in the 1940s and later were expanded in the 1960s. You have to crawl to explore these tunnels.
4. Hue Imperial Citadel
To know the history of Vietnam as a nation, you need to visit Imperial Citadel in Hue. It was first built in 1804 and was the residence of Nguyen Dynasty-the last royal dynasty of Vietnam that lasted for 143 years. This beautiful historical structure was badly damaged during the turmoil of colonial rule and Vietnam wars. At present, there are only 20 out of 148 buildings remaining unimpaired in the Hue Imperial Citadel.
5. My Son Cham Ruins
A cluster of abandoned and partially damaged Hindu temples near the village Duy Phu, is collectively known as My Son. It was constructed between 4th to 14th century AD by the Champa kings. In the late 19th century, these temples suffered severe destruction from bombings by the US military. Visiting My Son temples during your Vietnam tours is like stepping back in the past and reliving it.
6. Long Tan Cross Memorial
This is a war memorial site commemorating the Battle of Long Tan, which was fought three years earlier during the Vietnam war. The Long Tan Cross Memorial was erected by the Royal Australian Regiment on 18th August, 1969. The cross was removed following the Communist victory in 1975. Later in 1984, it was recovered by Dong Nai Province and placed on display. These one of two memorials of foreign military forces were permitted in Vietnam.
7. Cannon Forts
It would be a crime if you do not visit Cannon forts during your Vietnam tours. On the Cat Ba Island, first constructed by the Japanese during World War II, the Cannon Fort was used by French during the Indochina War. During the Vietnam War, it was used by communists to defend the city of Haiphong. The Cannon Fort had a crucial role in Vietnam’s war history.
8. Thien Mu Pagoda
The iconic seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital Hue. Thien Mu, the tallest pagoda in Vietnam, sits on the northern bank of the Perfume River. The temple was built in 1601 during the era of Nguyen rulers. Though initially the temple was simply constructed, over time, it was redeveloped with more intricate designs.
9. Hoi An
Hoi An, a fishing village in Vietnam’s Quang Nam Province turned tourist attraction, was an international port from the 16th century. It is sometimes called the “Venice of Vietnam” because narrow canals cut through the part of the town. Because of its traditional architecture and crafts such as textiles and ceramics, it is worth visiting this place.
10. War Remnants Tunnel
The recent history of Vietnam is full of sanguinary conflicts, so your Vietnam tours remain incomplete until you visit the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. It reflects gruesome tales about the effects of war on the country.
This list picks up 10 best historical sites of Vietnam. However, while exploring this site, it is safe to be a part of a group, otherwise, you might get lost and waste your precious time to find your way back. Besides, some sites are not developed with touristy infrastructure. Thus, for both safety and better facilities, it is advisable to make your plan of Vietnam tours via some travel agency.
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Nice to hear that. Citadel happens to be our fave too
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I’m in Hue at the moment and went to many of the sights you listed. I thought the Citadel was great. Hoi An and the war remnants museum were really cool too. great post!
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That’s nice.. Hope you have fun exploring the ancient/old town 🙂
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Great post! I’m staying in Hoi An at the moment and absolutely loving it. Some of those places you mentioned look very interesting and definitely worth visiting.
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Very excited this country. Fascinating history.
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True that.. You must visit – it’s really moving!
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These are some interesting experiences that feel so important for travellers! We are going to visit the killing fields next year – it sounds haunting!
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Hoi An is very beautiful.. especially at night when the lanterns are up and about by the riverside
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Great read. I would LOVE to visit Hoi An – this is the attraction that called my attention the most 🙂 I am very curious to see the “Venice of Vietnam”. Thank you for sharing!
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Hoi An is a beautiful little town with a lot of history and lanterns (at night) 🙂
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There’s so much history about Vietnam! I heard a lot of Hoi An. It is such a beautiful town. I would love to check it out when I get a chance!
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True.. some of them are touristy… although I still loved Hoi An and Hue. I love Vietnam ❤
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Wow! I’m Vietnamese and I still don’t know some of them. I’ve never heard of Long Tan Cross Memorial or Cannon Forts. I think just some of these places are touristic, such as Hoi An or Hue or My Son.
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They are all equally interesting. Vietnam is so diverse and has a lot of historic beauty that is well-preserved.
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These sites are fascinating and are “must-go to’s” when in Vietnam…
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I must confess I’ve never heard of any of these sites. I can understand why it’s recommended to go with a guide, imagine getting lost through all those tunnels. I’d love to see the Citadel, these always fascinate me and have great views!
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Nice collection of historic sites and you have listed them well. Imperial Citadel looks interesting. Alsso Hoi An village appeals me due to traditional ceramics and other handicrafts.
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The country is loaded with history. Every corner gives a glimpse of some age-old tradition or historic sentiment.
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It sure is. Visiting historic sights invokes thoughts like no other…
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Hue is amazing. We were told to spend half a day there, but we extended it to 2 days and found that less too.
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Absolutely! They provide a different level of connect altogether.
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Historical places are so amazing and help me feel more connected to a city than a lot of the more “popular” locations. I can’t wait to go to Southeast Asia and learn more about the countries, history, and people!
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I always try to visit historical sites whenever I visit someplace new. It’s a great way to get to know more about an area and how the culture has evolved. I really want to go check out Hue!
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Nice collection of the historic sites! It is fascinating and equally heart rending to peep into the historic war zone. Love the colourful fishing village.
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This is a great post, and on aspects of Vietnam not known. I’ve been to Hoi Anh, but never knew about the tunnels, or the citadel. It’s so impressive, and shows how much history there is in this fascinating country!
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Yes, that’s true. The prison has been well-preserved too. It’s heart-warming to see the portrayal of war and those affected in the museums as well
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Vietnam is all about war.The gruesome Killing Fields as i remember.
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