What to See in Vietnam: A Guide to 8 Most Historic Landmarks

Vietnam, a nation with a history stretching over 4,000 years, has experienced more than its fair share of conflict. Despite the scars of war, Vietnam remains a captivating destination, renowned for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and friendly people. 

However, to truly understand the Vietnamese people and their resilience, one must delve into the country’s complex history. This article highlights the top 8 most significant historical sites in Vietnam. Join us in exploring what to see in Vietnam for true understanding of its rich and resilient heritage.

Top 8 Historic Sites: What to See in Vietnam

War Remnants Museum

Located in District 3 of Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum is open daily from 7:30 to 17:00. In 2018, the War Remnants Museum in Vietnam ranked 10th among the Top 10 most captivating museums worldwide. 

First opened to the public in 1975, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City serves as a stark reminder of the long and brutal Vietnam War. Visitors can view graphic photographs and American military equipment, including a helicopter with rocket launchers, a tank, a fighter plane, a single-seat attack aircraft, and a giant bomb weighing 6,800kg. These relics, used by American troops between 1945 and 1975, tell a poignant story of the conflict.

Stepping into the museum, visitors are transported into a deeply emotional space. The museum spans three floors and houses over 20,000 documents, artifacts, and photographs. More than 1,500 items are featured in nine permanent exhibits, including “Historical Truths,” “War and Peace Memories,” “The Effects of Dioxin,” “War Crimes,” and “The Impact of Agent Orange.” A dedicated children’s area called “White Dove” provides a unique experience for younger visitors. 

Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi is another remarkable site to include in your Vietnam private tour. You might be surprised to find a jail in the capital city, but it’s true. This historical relic dates back to the Vietnam-France War and showcases the Vietnamese struggle for independence. 

One of the most gruesome artifacts is the French guillotine, which was used to behead Vietnamese revolutionaries. Hoa Lo Prison offers a real sense of the past despite many restorations. Hoa Lo Prison also recorded the incarceration of U.S. pilots, including Senator John McCain, and the inhumane conditions endured by approximately 2,000 Vietnamese nationalist leaders and revolutionaries during the French colonial period. 

Today, Hoa Lo is a museum open to tourists and part of the commercial complex known as Hanoi Towers. It houses numerous documentaries and files about Communist soldiers and the Vietnam Wars, as well as many valuable materials and scientific displays. Hoa Lo Prison is an unforgettable destination in Vietnam that should not be missed.

> A journey that you will cherish: Best of Vietnam

Hue Imperial Citadel

The famous Citadel, located on the banks of the Huong River, was built in 1804 for Emperor Gia Long. This beautiful Citadel is part of the Hue Citadel Complex, preserving many records of Vietnam’s feudal era. Inside, you can see the intricate architecture of this historical site.

Hue Citadel includes the Imperial Citadel, where the king held court and conducted affairs, and the Forbidden City, where the royal family lived. It is the largest construction project in Vietnamese history, taking 30 years to complete and involving tens of thousands of workers. The project included filling rivers, digging trenches, building walls, and moving graves, requiring enormous amounts of stone and millions of cubic meters of materials.

When you visit the Hue Citadel Complex, you’ll see hundreds of stunning palaces, temples, and shrines. If you are on a family holiday in Vietnam and want to experience traditional activities, you can attend the Royal Palace Night every Saturday. This event faithfully recreates the old rituals and customs of the palace, making it a fascinating highlight of your trip to Hue Citadel.

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. Built during the Vietnam War, they served as a crucial network for Viet Cong soldiers. They used them for hiding, communication, and planning surprise attacks. Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels offers a glimpse into the wartime conditions of the past.

While exploring, you’ll experience the challenging conditions of the tunnels, such as darkness and limited air. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for uneven surfaces. You may need to crouch to move through some sections, as the tunnels can have multiple levels depending on the terrain.

Besides touring the tunnels, you can enjoy activities like simulated shooting, swimming, sailing on the lake, or renting a bicycle to explore the area. Keep in mind that the weather can impact your visit. The dry season from December to April is the hottest, with temperatures averaging around 82°F (28°C). From May to November, the weather is cooler but more humid.

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My Son Cham Ruins

My Son Sanctuary is a unique highlight of your Vietnam tour. This ancient site, located in Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, features a collection of temples and fortresses built over ten centuries. It offers a glimpse into the spiritual and political life of Southeast Asia’s history.

My Son, once a thriving religious and political center, has earned the “ruins” label due to natural decay and damage from the Vietnam War. Despite this, the site remains rich in historical value and provides visitors insight into Vietnamese culture through the ages. Scholars from the 19th and early 20th centuries have documented the site’s importance through their studies of its monuments.

Visitors can marvel at over 70 temples and towers, which showcase the architectural and sculptural style of the Champa Kingdom and Hinduism. The authenticity of My Son in its design, materials, and setting underscores its remarkable universal significance.

The Tomb of Khai Đinh

The Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh stands out among the Hue tombs in Vietnam. It blends Asian and European styles, making it a unique historical monument where Khai Dinh chose to rest. Designed to be challenging to access, the tomb sits on a mountainside, and reaching the inner sanctum requires climbing 127 steps from street level.

Though smaller than the tombs of previous emperors, Khai Dinh’s Tomb is more intricately decorated. It features detailed dragon carvings and statues of bodyguards, elephants, and horses leading up to the sanctum. Inside, a life-sized bronze statue of the late emperor awaits.

Visitors must ascend several steps to reach the wrought-iron gate and the tomb’s tower. Despite its Eastern design, the tomb’s decorations reflect significant Western influence. Built between 1920 and 1931, this is the final tomb dedicated to a Vietnamese emperor. The site is open to visitors from 8:00 to 18:00.

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Vinh Moc Tunnels

The Vinh Moc Tunnel, or Dia Dao Vinh Moc, is the largest historical site in Quang Tri province. It is famous for sheltering the people of Vinh Linh during the war. This underground network protected them, allowing an entire community to thrive below the surface. The tunnels were well-planned and managed for survival, housing families, and supporting life in remarkable ways.

Seventeen children were born and raised in these tunnels, making them an important historical site. The complex, part of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), stretches from the South China Sea to the Ben Hai River, with over 60 tunnels in the Vinh Linh network. The Vinh Moc Tunnel features a round staircase to three floors, each still intact. The tunnel spans nearly 2 km and has 13 m, 15 m, and 23 m depths on its three levels.

The dense clay soil made it easy to dig the tunnels by hand. As the clay dried, it became very strong, forming sturdy walls. Built over two years, the tunnel required the excavation of about 6,000 cubic meters. Inside are small houses, a large hall, a water well, a clinic, and a maternity area where children were born. Sixty families lived in the tunnel; remarkably, no one died during the war.

Con Dao Prison Complex

It’s been 42 years since the Con Dao prisons closed, but the small, quiet town still carries the heavy shadow of its dark past. Known as “The true hell on Earth,” this place once held many Vietnamese prisoners who were detained and tortured by the French colonials and the South Vietnamese government from 1863 to 1975. The most brutal feature was the “tiger cage”, where Viet Minh soldiers were imprisoned.

Today, the Con Dao Prison Complex is open to visitors who wish to pay their respects to those who sacrificed for the country. Visiting the complex provides a profound sense of the harsh and resilient punishments faced by the prisoners, although the experience can be quite disturbing. 

Hang Duong Cemetery is also a must-visit site for paying respects to ancestors. The 20-hectare cemetery is the final resting place for many Vietnamese revolutionaries, including the martyr Vo Thi Sau. The ambiance is peaceful and serene after dark, while the daytime offers unique beauty. When visiting religious and historical sites, please respect local customs and cover your shoulders, belly, and knees.

Tips for Visiting Vietnam’s Historic Landmarks

• Many historical sites in Vietnam adhere to strict dress codes. Pack appropriate clothing to avoid any inconveniences.
• While exploring independently is rewarding, a knowledgeable local guide can enrich your experience by providing in-depth insights and historical context.
• Respect the sanctity of these places. Avoid using flash photography or taking photos of locals without permission.
• Delicate ecosystems surround many historical sites. Stay on designated paths and refrain from littering.
• Some areas within landmarks might be designated as quiet zones. Respect these spaces and maintain a low voice.
• If visiting during peak season, expect crowds. Consider alternative timings or booking tickets in advance.

> Learn more: 12 Important Questions When You Plan A Trip To Vietnam

Immerse in Vietnam’s History and Iconic Landmarks with Asia Trip Deals

Vietnam’s rich history, marked by resilience and cultural vibrancy, is reflected in its iconic landmarks. Every corner tells a story, from the ancient charm of My Son to the imposing grandeur of the Imperial City in Hue. 

For an unforgettable journey through Vietnam’s historic treasures, contact our experts to craft a personalized tour. Let Asia Trip Deals help you experience an immersive journey through its most significant historical sites. 

Don’t miss out—book your cultural adventure today and experience Vietnam’s storied past firsthand!