Vietnam is a country whose historical place tells the story of its rich and diverse past. It makes you have trouble finding where to visit on your next trip to the S-shape country? If that’s the case, checking out the 7 Sought-After Historic Sites in Vietnam may help start off your exploration into this country.
1. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Ba Dinh District, Hanoi Capital)
This mausoleum in Hanoi is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s revolutionary leader and first president. This historical place in Vietnam is a vast granite and red marble structure. Moreover, it is a popular tourist destination and key part of the city’s cultural identity.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an important historical place in Vietnam, known for honoring the national hero
The embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh is preserved in the cooler, central hall of the mausoleum, which is protected by a military honor guard. Visitors can pay their respects to Uncle Ho and view his embalmed body lying in state.
2. Thang Long Royal Citadel (Ba Dinh District, Hanoi Capital)
The Thang Long Royal Citadel is one of the most historic sites in Vietnam. It is in Hanoi and was built in the 11th century by the Ly Dynasty. Besides, the citadel served as the political center of Vietnam for over 800 years. Thang Long Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of Hanoi’s most important historical landmarks.
Explore Thang Long Royal Citadel to understand more about the history of Vietnam
Visitors can tour the citadel and see its ancient architecture. Come here, we will visit the monuments such as the Hanoi Flagpost, the Glass Temple… You can explore its ruins and learn about Vietnam’s rich history.
3. The Independence Palace (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)
Also known as Reunification Palace, this building was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War era. It was built in 1868 under the name NOROMDOM Palace. The palace was designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu and is a blend of traditional Vietnamese and modernist styles. The historical place in Vietnam is also home to a place of South Vietnamese modernist architecture and interior decoration, typical in the 1960s. This is a must-see destination when you want to learn about historic sites in Vietnam.
This marked the complete victory of anti-American resistance war, libration of the South and national reunification
The palace with lush gardens, secret rooms, antique furniture, and a command bunker, as well as two tanks that were used in the capture of the palace parked outside the grounds. Besides, it is now a museum where visitors can learn about the history of the war and see the famous North Vietnamese tank that crashed through its gates in 1975.
4. Cu Chi Tunnel (Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City)
The Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive network of underground tunnels that were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Located about 70km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, it used for communication, supply routes and even living quarters for troops and Vietnamese. The tunnels go down in history with many struggles against the United States and have been successful. It is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of Viet Cong.
Amazing structure inside Cu Chi tunnel
Furthermore, visitors can crawl through it and learn about Vietnamese history at the on-site museum. You can explore the ingenious methods used by the Viet Cong to evade detection, including booby traps and hidden entrances. The tunnel is now part of a Vietnam War memorial park and has become a popular tourist attraction.
5. Con Dao Prison Complex (Con Dao Island, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province)
The island is one of the most historic sites in Vietnam. Located on Con Dao Island on the southern coast of Vietnam, this prison complex used force to imprison political prisoners. The historical landmark in Vietnam was built in 1861 and was known for its brutal treatment of prisoners, including the use of “tiger cages” to hold prisoners in cramped and inhumane conditions.
Nowadays, it is a museum that chronicles Vietnam’s fight for independence and stands as a testament to the country’s history. To get to Con Dao Island, you can take a flight from Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho, or take a high-speed boat from Vung Tau or Soc Trang 1. Once you arrive on the island, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to reach the prison complex.
Tigers Cage Prison is the largest and oldest prison in Vietnam
Visitors can take a guided tour of the prison and learn about its dark history. You can see life-sized sculptures depicting the torture and abuse of prisoners. Besides, the island is known for its beautiful beaches and tropical forests and is a popular destination for tourists. You can also visit the nearby Con Dao National Park to see its magnificent beaches and wildlife.
6. Hue Imperial Citadel (Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Provice)
The Imperial Citadel in Hue was the seat of power for the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last royal family. The citadel includes several buildings, including the Forbidden Purple City, which was reserved for the emperor and his family. Throughout the wars, the historic site was heavily damaged but has been restored intact. However, there are still many architectural works that have not been restored.
The poetic and beautiful Hue of Vietnam is one of the historical places that you cannot miss out
Today, visitors to Hue can not fail to explore Hue Citadel, which is the most popular historical landmark in Vietnam. You can tour the citadel and see its beautiful architecture and gardens. You can also explore the nearby Perfume River and visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. Visitors will discover life as well as incarnate into the King, Queen under the dynasty.
7. My Son Sanctuary (Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province)
This is one of the most historic sites in Vietnam that you cannot ignore when you want to explore about fascinating past. My Son Sanctuary is a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples located in central Vietnam. It is a Cham monument, built between the 4th and 14th centuries by the Kings of Champa. The historical place in Vietnam is considered one of the most important archaeological in Southeast Asia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
My Son Sanctuary remark an architectural ensemble that developed over ten centuries
Visitors to My Son Sanctuary can take a guided tour of the temple complex and learn about its history. The temples feature intricate carvings and charming architecture. In addition to touring the temple complex, visitors can also explore the surrounding countryside. You can also hike in the surrounding hills to see beautiful views of the ruins and the surrounding countryside.
Let’s delve into historic sites in Vietnam!
Overall, these 7 Sought-After Historic Sites in Vietnam offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s rich history and culture. Visreal hope this list has inspired you to explore some of Vietnam’s most significant historical places. This list has something for everyone, whether your interests lie in ancient history or more contemporary events.
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