9 UNESCO world natural and cultural heritage sites in Vietnam
Vietnam has 9 heritage sites recognised by UNESCO, including 5 cultural, 3 natural, and 1 complex heritage items. Each of nine Vietnam's UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a testament to the nation's rich history and natural beauty.
Constructed between the early 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, the Complex of Hue Monuments earned world cultural heritage status in 1993.
Ha Long Bay itself has received UNESCO accolades twice before. In 1994, it was designated a natural heritage site for its natural landscape, marking Vietnam's first recognition in this category. In 2020, it secured a second accolade for its geological and geomorphological value.
In 1999, UNESCO recognized the My Son relic site in Duy Phu Commune, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, as a world cultural heritage.
The ancient town of Hoi An, located where the Co Co River meets the East Sea, was honored as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 1999.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province has the distinction of being twice honored by UNESCO. In 2003, it earned recognition for its geological values. Then, in July 2015, it received a second recognition, this time for being an example of ecological processes in terrestrial ecosystem evolution and for its vital role in conserving natural habitats.
In August 2010, UNESCO recognized the central relic area of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi as a world cultural heritage site. This Imperial Citadel was the seat of power for over a millennium and stands as a testament to Vietnam's historical evolution and the nation's cultural significance in Southeast Asia.
UNESCO also bestowed world cultural heritage status on the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty in Thanh Hoa Province in north central Vietnam in June 2011. Built by the founding emperor of the Ho Dynasty, Ho Quy Ly, in 1397, this citadel, called Tay Do, was the capital during the Ho Dynasty's seven-year rule from 1400 to 1407.
The Trang An Complex achieved UNESCO's recognition as a world cultural and natural heritage site in 2014, marking Vietnam's first mixed heritage site.
On September 16, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee added the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago to its list of world natural heritage sites. This latest recognition brings Vietnam's tally to three natural heritages, five cultural heritages, and a mixed natural and cultural property.
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(Source: VNA)
