Every street, stone, and temple in Vietnam is a living reminder of the country’s past. Vietnam’s history is deeply ingrained in its terrain, spanning from ancient dynasties and imperial control to colonial conflicts and the conflicts that molded contemporary Asia. Discovering Vietnam via its most famous historical sites offers an enthralling trip through time, regardless of your interests as a history buff, explorer, or inquisitive tourist.
Here are 10 historical landmarks that define the rich and complex story of Vietnam—each a portal into the nation’s vibrant past.
- Imperial City of Hue – The Heart of Nguyen Dynasty
Location: Hue, Central Vietnam
Era: 1802–1945 (Nguyen Dynasty)
The final Vietnamese imperial family, the Nguyen Dynasty, had Hue as its capital. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial City is a vast complex of Chinese-inspired palaces, temples, gateways, and gardens that are infused with Vietnamese culture.
Admire the Thai Hoa Palace, where monarchs held court, stroll through the Noon Gate (Ngo Mon), and pay homage at the royal tombs of Minh Mang and Emperor Khai Dinh. Despite being damaged during the war, Hue continues to represent Vietnam’s royal heritage.
Don’t miss: The annual Hue Festival brings history to life with royal reenactments, traditional performances, and cultural exhibitions.
- Thang Long Imperial Citadel – Cradle of Vietnamese Civilization
Location: Hanoi
Era: 11th Century to Present (Ly to Nguyen dynasties)
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, one of the most significant ancient monuments in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the center of Hanoi. This castle, which was constructed in the eleventh century under the Ly Dynasty, was Vietnam’s political hub for more than a thousand years.
Relics from feudal dynasties, military bunkers from the Vietnam War, and old palaces are only a few of the historical strata that can be seen at the location. It serves as a live example of how Vietnamese culture and governance have persisted.
Pro tip: Visit the underground command bunker used by North Vietnamese leaders during the American War for a unique wartime perspective.
- My Son Sanctuary – The Spiritual Heart of Champa Kingdom
Location: Quang Nam Province (near Hoi An)
Era: 4th to 13th Century
My Son Sanctuary, which is tucked away in a verdant valley, was formerly the Champa Kingdom’s center of culture and religion. With its red brick architecture, stone carvings, and Sanskrit inscriptions, this group of Hindu temple ruins honoring Shiva exhibits Indian influence.
UNESCO has acknowledged the site for its cultural significance, despite the fact that it was damaged during the war, and it nonetheless provides a frightening peek into a lost culture.
Tip for travelers: Arrive early in the morning to experience the mist-covered temples and avoid the heat.
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Vietnam’s First Unified Kingdom
Location: Ninh Binh Province
Era: 10th Century (Dinh and Le Dynasties)
Under the Dinh and Le dynasties, Hoa Lu served as the seat of government prior to Hanoi becoming the capital. After centuries of Chinese rule, the first centralized Vietnamese state was established at this location.
Surrounded by verdant rice farms and rural tranquility, Hoa Lu is home to historic temples honoring Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, set against the striking limestone karsts of Ninh Binh.
Combine with: A boat trip through nearby Trang An for a day of cultural immersion and natural wonder.
- Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s First University
Location: Hanoi
Era: 1070 AD (Ly Dynasty)
The Temple of Literature, which was constructed to commemorate scholars and Confucius, is evidence of Vietnam’s long-standing respect for education. Mandarins and aristocratic children received Confucian education at the Imperial Academy, Vietnam’s first university.
Today, one of Hanoi’s most photographed locations and a source of pride for the country is this serene complex with lotus ponds, stone steles, and old courtyards.
Fun fact: Students still visit the temple to pray for success before major exams!
- Cu Chi Tunnels – The Spirit of Resistance
Location: Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City
Era: 1940s–1975 (First Indochina War and Vietnam War)
The Cu Chi Tunnels provide a unique (and occasionally confining) perspective on the Vietnam War. The Viet Cong used this extensive underground network, which spanned more than 250 kilometers, for surprise attacks, transportation, and sheltering.
In addition to seeing hidden entrances, visitors can crawl inside a section of the tunnel to observe living quarters and traps. It’s a grim glimpse of Vietnamese warriors’ inventiveness and tenacity.
Tip: Wear comfortable clothes and prepare for tight spaces!
- Hanoi’s Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – The Birthplace of Modern Vietnam
Location: Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi
Era: 20th Century
Respected as “Uncle Ho,” Ho Chi Minh guided the nation to independence and influenced the development of contemporary Vietnam. His embalmed body is kept for public sight at his mausoleum in Hanoi, a national shrine.
In 1945, Ho proclaimed his country’s independence from French colonial domination in the nearby Ba Dinh Square. The Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda, and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House are all close by, providing you with a thorough understanding of his life and legacy.
Visitor note: Dress respectfully and follow strict protocols when entering the mausoleum.
- Hỏa Lò Prison (Hanoi Hilton) – Shadows of Colonialism and War
Location: Hanoi
Era: Built in the 1890s (French Colonial Period) and used during the Vietnam War
During the Vietnam War, Hỏa Lò Prison earned notoriety for keeping American prisoners of war, including Senator John McCain, after it was first constructed by the French to house Vietnamese political dissidents.
Today, the museum shows authentic cells, torture devices, and graphic pictures of life within to preserve its gloomy past. This period of Vietnam’s colonial and wartime history is unvarnished and poignant.
Reflection: While harrowing, this site offers essential context for Vietnam’s complex 20th-century past.
- Dien Bien Phu Battlefield – Defining Anti-Colonial Victory
Location: Dien Bien Phu, Northwest Vietnam
Era: 1954 (First Indochina War)
French colonialism in Indochina came to an end with the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. General Vo Nguyen Giap led the Vietnamese to an incredible victory in this steep region, surprising the world and igniting the Vietnam War.
Explore the battle’s memorials, museums, and bunkers. The triumph monument provides sweeping vistas of the battlefield as well as a profound understanding of Vietnam’s military strategy and tenacity.
Ideal for: Military history enthusiasts and those wanting to understand the roots of Vietnam’s national identity.
- Saigon’s Reunification Palace – Fall of a Divided Nation
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Era: 1960s–1975 (Vietnam War)
The Reunification Palace was once the South Vietnamese Presidential Palace, but on April 30, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank broke through its gates, officially ending the Vietnam War.
With its war strategy rooms, rooftop helipad, and 1970s décor, the structure is stuck in time. It represents the beginning of a united Vietnam as well as the height of the Cold War fighting.
Photograph tip: The tanks outside are original—and iconic symbols of reunification.
Vietnam’s Past, Alive in the Present
Vietnam’s history is present in every street, monument, and stone; it is not just found in books. These ten landmarks provide a complex and occasionally sad picture of a country that has emerged robust and thriving despite dynastic upheavals, colonial tyranny, and violent wars.
Every stop along the way gives a unique viewpoint, including those on royalty, revolution, spirituality, education, and perseverance. When taken as a whole, they offer a comprehensive perspective on what makes Vietnam one of the world’s most historically fascinating nations.
Travel Tips for a Historical Journey Through Vietnam:
- Start North to South: Begin in Hanoi and finish in Ho Chi Minh City to follow the chronological flow of Vietnamese history.
- Hire Local Guides: They often provide context and stories you won’t find in guidebooks.
- Read Ahead: Books like “When Heaven and Earth Changed Places” or “Vietnam: Rising Dragon” enhance your travel experience.
- Respect Cultural Norms: Dress modestly at temples and speak respectfully at historical or war-related sites.
- Consider a Vietnam Rail Journey: Traveling by train connects major historical cities and lets you absorb the changing landscape.
Understanding the present and the remarkable resiliency of its people is just as important as learning about Vietnam’s past. You will not only enter a new age at each landmark, but you will also learn about the spirit of a country that has been molded by hardship, victory, and an unwavering spirit.
