Vietnam has a rich, tumultuous history of over 4000 years, marked by invasions and many dynasties. Here are top 12 Historical Places to Visit in Vietnam. This long and storied past has shaped a diverse culture and left behind a legacy of significant historical sites. These landmarks vividly illustrate the nation’s heroic struggles and the many changes the country has undergone. Indeed, the historical relics preserved and protected today offer a tangible connection to Vietnam’s past.
1. Hung Kings Temple Phu Tho
Situated within Phu Tho province, the esteemed Hung Kings Temple serves as a powerful symbol, representing the core spirit and traditions of the Vietnamese people. The Hung Kings Temple complex saw its initial construction during the rule of King Dinh Tien Hoang, and each year, it welcomes visitors on the tenth day of the third lunar month for the commemoration of the Hung Kings. Situated atop Hung Mountain in Hy Cuong commune, Viet Tri city, Phu Tho province, Hung Kings Temple is where the Hung Kings, credited with founding and defending the nation and bringing prosperity to its early people, are venerated.
2. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Hanoi
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long stands as a paramount historical complex within Vietnam’s heritage system. This immense architectural feat was built by successive royal dynasties over various periods, closely linked to the history of Thang Long (Hanoi) as the imperial capital. In the year 1010, King Ly Thai To relocated the Vietnamese capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long. Following this pivotal move, subsequent royal families enlarged the citadel.
Following this pivotal move, subsequent royal families enlarged the citadel. Thang Long Citadel featured a strategic “triple-walled” design: the outer perimeter was known as La Thanh or Dai La Thanh, the middle section was the Hoang Thanh (Imperial Citadel), and the area between these walls served as the civilian economic hub. Finally, the innermost section was the Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden City) or Long Phuong Thanh, which functioned as the royal residence. In 1805, the Nguyen Dynasty, while building Hanoi Citadel, retained the Forbidden City as a royal resting place during northern tours. During the French colonial period, even after demolishing the Hanoi Citadel, the French army maintained this area as its headquarters.
3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The final resting place of President Ho Chi Minh, often referred to as Uncle Ho Mausoleum, occupies a prominent position in the city center, specifically within Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi. The Mausoleum is the resting place of the great leader Ho Chi Minh. Visitors have the opportunity to visit the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Adjacent to it stands the Ho Chi Minh Museum, where insights into his remarkable life and career are thoughtfully presented. Additionally, the wide-open and peaceful Ba Dinh Square provides a calm environment for contemplation and admiring the notable structures nearby. This significant complex serves as a profound tribute to Vietnam’s revered leader.
4. Con Dao Prison
Con Dao Prison is a preserved historical site that vividly recreates the “hell on earth” experienced during the resistance war against the French, and later under the US-backed South Vietnamese government. This place witnessed immense and enduring suffering for the Vietnamese people. Nearly 45 years after its closure, the prison still profoundly impacts visitors. Con Dao Prison has been recognized as one of 23 special national monuments, featuring infamous sites like the “tiger cages” and “cow sheds.”
5. Hoa Lo Prison
The historical landmark of Hoa Lo Prison is located in Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi. Constructed by the French colonial authorities in 1896, Hoa Lo Prison occupied an area of 12,908 square meters. This facility functioned as the primary detention center for both the Tonkin and Annam administrative divisions of French Indochina. The French equipped Hoa Lo Prison with advanced facilities and imposed harsh and cruel punishments on Vietnamese patriotic prisoners. Construction began in 1896, and despite not being fully completed, it was put into use by 1899 due to numerous national uprisings.
6. Cu Chi Tunnels: An Underground Network of Resistance
The Cu Chi Tunnels were a historical site that confounded enemies during the Vietnam War and the Indochina War. This extensive underground tunnel network stretched up to 250 kilometers, forming a solid and unbreakable defense line. Remarkably, the Cu Chi Tunnels possessed all necessary wartime amenities, including infirmaries, living quarters, storage depots, kitchens, and interconnected pathways. The narrow connecting tunnels, designed for the Vietnamese physique, made it difficult for American soldiers to infiltrate. After the war, the Cu Chi Tunnels became a national historical relic and a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually. In 2015, this site was also honored with the title of Hero of Labor.
7. War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City: Witnessing the Scars of War
The War Remnants Museum, located in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, is managed by the city’s Department of Culture and Sports. This museum displays, preserves, and archives wartime documents, images, and artifacts that serve as evidence of the crimes committed by imperialists and colonialists. Furthermore, it serves as an educational center, promoting national spirit, opposing aggressive wars worldwide, and honoring the heroes who contributed to achieving peace.
8. My Son Sanctuary Quang Nam
My Son Sanctuary, situated in Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province, features numerous temples built by the Cham Kingdom; these temples showcase Hindu culture. The Cham royalty once used My Son Sanctuary as an important site for their religious ceremonies. In 1999, UNESCO recognized My Son for its universal cultural value and designated it a World Heritage Site. Available evidence indicates that the construction of My Son Sanctuary commenced as far back as the 4th century. Throughout centuries and under different dynasties, they added new structures, which transformed My Son into the main historical and religious center of the Cham people in Vietnam.
9. Imperial City of Hue: The Former Royal Capital
From 1687 to 1774, during the Nguyen Lords’ era, the Imperial City of Hue functioned as the capital of the Dang Trong (Inner Realm). Subsequently, the Tay Son Dynasty established Hue as its capital when King Nguyen Hue came to power. Afterward, in 1802, King Nguyen Anh, reigning as Gia Long, continued to designate Phu Xuan as the capital city. However, Hue’s time as the capital concluded in 1945 with the abdication of King Bao Dai. Constructed from 1804, the Imperial City of Hue was a complex of palaces, gates, temples, and pagodas. Under French rule, these structures suffered severe damage, with only about 20 out of 184 buildings remaining preserved.
10. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Ninh Binh: A Millennium of History
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a unique architectural complex in Ninh Binh province. UNESCO recognized it as one of the four core areas of the Trang An World Heritage complex. Additionally, the Vietnamese government has listed Hoa Lu as a significant national cultural heritage site requiring protection. With over 1,000 years of history, Hoa Lu has preserved historical relics from various eras despite numerous changes. These include solid ramparts and the majestic temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.
11. Phu Quoc Prison: A Place of Pain and Remembrance
Phu Quoc Prison was a detention facility used by the French colonists and American imperialists to incarcerate and torture Vietnamese soldiers. It once held over 40,000 prisoners of war and communist fighters. Visiting Phu Quoc Prison offers a firsthand look at hundreds of brutal torture methods. Although used for only six years, this site caused immense loss and suffering for the Vietnamese people. Today, Phu Quoc Prison is preserved as a historical site, helping visitors understand the sacrifices and losses of the past and pay respects to the soldiers and civilians who died there.
12. Independence Palace, Ho Chi Minh City
Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace, stands as a well-known architectural landmark that the French constructed in Saigon. The architect Ngo Viet Thu conceived and designed the palace, skillfully integrating contemporary and traditional Eastern architectural elements. During the war, this structure served as both the official residence and workplace of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.
Construction of the Reunification Palace began on July 1, 1962, and it was inaugurated on October 31, 1966. It was built on the site of Norodom Palace, designed by the French in 1868 as the residence of the Governor-General of French Indochina.
