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 4^th to 14^th 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 18^th 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 16^th 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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