14 Historical Places in Vietnam to visit (2025)

Vietnam, a land steeped in millennia of history, offers a captivating journey through its historical places in Vietnam. From ancient citadels echoing with royal decrees to poignant war remnants, these sites unveil the nation’s resilience, cultural richness, and unwavering spirit. Exploring these landmarks provides a profound understanding of Vietnam’s past, present, and enduring legacy.

1. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Built in the 11th century by the Ly Dynasty, atop a 7th-century Chinese fortress, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long served as the center of Vietnamese power for almost 1,300 years.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases layers of history from various dynasties, including Dai La (Chinese Tang), Ly, Tran, Le, Mac, and Nguyen, through to the French colonial era.

Its enduring role as a political hub and its rich archaeological and cultural layers make it profoundly valuable. Notable features include the Doan Mon main gate and Cua Bac (Northern Gate), both reflecting unique architectural and defensive designs.

2. Temple of Literature

Founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, the Temple of Literature stands as Vietnam’s first national university and a major Confucian temple. The complex comprises five distinct courtyards, each adorned with symbolic gates, pavilions, ponds, and stelae on stone turtles honoring scholars.

For over 700 years, it functioned as the Imperial Academy, educating generations of mandarins and scholars. The site is celebrated for its harmonious architecture, tranquil ambiance, and deep cultural significance as a center of learning and Confucian values.

3. Hoa Lo Prison

Constructed by the French in the late 19th century and known as “Maison Centrale,” Hoa Lo Prison incarcerated Vietnamese revolutionaries and later American POWs during the Vietnam War. The prison’s name, meaning “fiery furnace,” references the local village’s stove-making tradition.

Today, the remaining structures serve as a museum, preserving the memory of the Vietnamese resistance and the suffering endured by prisoners. The site is also recognized for its immersive night tours, highlighting the spirit and resilience of former inmates.

4. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Located in Ba Dinh Square, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s revered independence leader. Built between 1973 and 1975 with Soviet assistance, its design draws inspiration from Lenin’s Tomb but incorporates Vietnamese aesthetics and materials.

The mausoleum stands as a national symbol, reflecting the profound respect and gratitude of the Vietnamese people. Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body is displayed inside, guarded by soldiers, and surrounded by a landscaped area featuring over 250 plant species.

5. Co Loa Citadel

Situated 17 km north of Hanoi, Co Loa Citadel served as the capital of the ancient Au Lac state (3rd century BC) and later Van Xuan (10th century AD). The site features spiral-shaped earthen ramparts, moats, and a complex defensive system, showcasing advanced ancient Vietnamese military engineering.

Archaeological evidence indicates continuous habitation since the Upper Paleolithic age. Co Loa played pivotal roles in Vietnam’s early state formation, military history, and cultural development, intertwined with legends like that of King An Duong Vuong and the magic crossbow.

6. Hue Imperial Citadel

Built starting in 1805 under Emperor Gia Long, the Hue Imperial Citadel functioned as the political, cultural, and religious heart of the Nguyen Dynasty until 1945. This expansive, square-shaped complex combines French military architecture with traditional Eastern principles, harmonized with geomancy and the Five Elements.

It features massive walls, 13 gates, the Forbidden Purple City, and numerous palaces, shrines, and gardens. Despite the ravages of war and time, much of the citadel remains intact, representing Vietnam’s most complete royal heritage site and the country’s first UNESCO Cultural Heritage site.

7. Tombs of Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, and Tu Duc

The Tombs of Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, and Tu Duc offer distinct insights into the architectural and artistic preferences of the Nguyen emperors.

• Minh Mang Tomb: Constructed from 1840–1843, this tomb embodies Confucian and feng shui principles with its symmetrical layout, serene lakes, bridges, and 40 monuments, all harmoniously integrated with nature. Its main areas include the Honour Courtyard, Stele House, and Tomb Area, each richly decorated and symbolically designed.
• Khai Dinh Tomb: Built from 1920–1931, this tomb uniquely blends Vietnamese and European (notably French) architectural styles. It is renowned for its striking black concrete facade, lavish mosaics, and the opulent Thien Dinh Palace, which houses a golden statue and the king’s crypt beneath.
• Tu Duc Tomb: Known for its poetic, sprawling landscape, Tu Duc’s tomb is a tranquil complex featuring lakes, pavilions, and temples, reflecting the emperor’s scholarly and artistic pursuits during his reign.

8. Thien Mu Pagoda

Perched on Ha Khe hill overlooking the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Central and Southern Vietnam, founded in 1601. Its iconic seven-story Phuoc Duyen tower is a powerful symbol of Hue.

The pagoda serves as a significant center of Buddhist worship and is interwoven with local legends, offering panoramic views of the river and the city.

9. My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the spiritual and political capital of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to 13th centuries CE. The complex comprises over 70 Hindu tower temples constructed from fired brick without mortar, dedicated primarily to Hindu deities, especially Shiva.

The architecture symbolizes Mount Meru and displays significant Indian influence, with intricate bas-reliefs and sculptures. Despite damage from past conflicts, the site remains a vivid testament to cultural interchange and the evolution of Cham civilization.

10. Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels represent a vast underground network utilized by Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War for shelter, supply routes, and surprise attacks. This intricate system, stretching over 200 km, included living quarters, kitchens, weapon factories, and hospitals.

Today, they are a major tourist attraction, providing a compelling glimpse into the wartime ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people.

11. Con Dao Prison Complex

Built by the French in 1862 on Con Dao Island, the Con Dao Prison Complex was notorious for its brutal treatment of political prisoners, particularly in the infamous “tiger cages.” Over 20,000 Vietnamese individuals were imprisoned here over a century, with many succumbing to torture and dire conditions.

The prison is now recognized as a national monument and museum, symbolizing the profound struggles for independence.

12. War Remnants Museum (HCMC)

Located in Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum comprehensively documents the Vietnam War and its aftermath, alongside earlier conflicts with France and China. Exhibits include graphic photographs, military equipment, and personal stories, focusing on the war’s devastating impact on civilians and the global anti-war movement.

As the city’s most visited museum, it is known for its powerful, often harrowing, portrayal of the realities of war.

13. Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town was a significant Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to 20th centuries, with architecture uniquely influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and European traders.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town meticulously preserves hundreds of ancient houses, assembly halls, pagodas, and family chapels. Strict conservation efforts ensure the area retains its original charm, making it a living museum of multicultural heritage.

14. Trang An Landscape Complex

Recognized by UNESCO as Southeast Asia’s first mixed World Heritage Site (Cultural and Natural), Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh features dramatic limestone karsts, serene caves, and ancient temples.

The area encompasses the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the Trang An–Tam Coc–Bich Dong scenic landscape, and protected forests. Visitors can explore by boat, bike, or on foot, experiencing both the breathtaking natural beauty and historical sites like the King Dinh and Le temples.

15. FAQ

What are the most famous historical places in Vietnam?

Some of the most famous historical places include the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi, the Hue Imperial Citadel, My Son Sanctuary, and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Each offers a unique glimpse into different eras of Vietnamese history.

Are these historical sites accessible for tourists?

Most historical sites in Vietnam are well-maintained and highly accessible for tourists, often with guided tours, information plaques, and facilities. Some offer immersive experiences like night tours at Hoa Lo Prison or boat trips in Trang An.

What period of history do these sites cover?

These historical sites collectively cover a vast span of Vietnamese history, from ancient civilizations (like Co Loa Citadel and My Son Sanctuary) to imperial dynasties (Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hue Imperial Citadel, royal tombs) and more recent conflicts (Hoa Lo Prison, Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum).

Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites among these locations?

Yes, several sites mentioned are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hue Imperial Citadel, My Son Sanctuary, Hoi An Ancient Town, and the Trang An Landscape Complex, recognized for their outstanding universal value.

Vietnam Motorbike Tour Expert hope this information aids your exploration of Vietnam’s rich heritage. Historical places in Vietnam offer a compelling narrative of a nation’s enduring legacy, from ancient kingdoms to its modern struggles and triumphs. These sites are not merely relics but living testaments to Vietnamese resilience and cultural richness.

>>> READ MORE:

• Nha Trang Attractions: Top 10 Must-See Sights & Experiences
• Top 13+ Danang Attractions For First-time visitors
• Hanoi Attractions: 16+ Must-see Places & Tips