3 Best Cultural Heritage Wonders in Central Vietnam

Paul Lee

I've often questioned, “Where can I truly feel the vibrancy of Central Vietnam?”
For me, the answer lies in UNESCO sites in Central Vietnam, places where centuries of history echo through every stone, lantern, and weathered wall.
Let VIET DOVE Travel take you through Hoi An Ancient Town, Hue Imperial City and My Son Sanctuary, three ageless sites that melted my heart.

Table of Contents
    Discover three UNESCO heritage gems in Central Vietnam.
    Discover three UNESCO heritage gems in Central Vietnam.

    Best Ancient Town in Vietnam: Hoi An

    Walking in Hoi An feels like stepping into a living painting of yellow old houses, colourful light from the lanterns in all of the alley-ways and the sound of merchants calling to you with their goods.
    This village is a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese influences that blend together to deliver such charm, it recently made Travel & Leisure's Top 25 Most Beautiful Cities in the World (2024).
    And at night with the glow of the lanterns? Magical.

    Hoi An street with lanterns and flags.
    Hoi An street with lanterns and flags.

    A Royal Journey through time: Hue Imperial City

    Standing at the gates of an empire that was once mighty, the last royal dynasty of Vietnam.
    Within the walls of the Imperial City you will walk through palaces, gardens and temples where the emperors also walked.
    Hue is not just a destination; it is a time capsule of Vietnamese culture where each structure shares a story of power, beauty, art and tradition.

     Tourist in traditional dress inside the grounds of Hue Imperial City.
     Tourist in traditional dress inside the grounds of Hue Imperial City.

    Discover Vietnam’s charm with the Central Vietnam Heritage 3D2N Tour: Hue, Hoi An & My Son.

    The Ancient Soul of Champa: My Son Sanctuary

    The 1,000-year-old overgrown Hindu temple complex is hidden within a lush green valley,  the heart of the Champa Kingdom.
    The intricate carvings, weathered by time yet still breathtaking, speak of devotion, artistry, and a civilization long gone but never forgotten.For history lovers, My Son is not just another site to see, it is a story to feel.

     Ancient Cham ruins and stone carvings at My Son Sanctuary.
     Ancient Cham ruins and stone carvings at My Son Sanctuary.

    FAQs About Exploring Central Vietnam's Heritage Sites

    How long do I need at each site?

    You should plan at least one full day for each heritage site to enjoy the stories and feel the atmosphere that surrounds each place.

    What makes central Vietnam's heritage sites special?

    They are living museums, housing hundreds of years of histories, architecture, and traditions which still shape the way people live, today.

    Can I visit all three sites on the same trip?

    Of course! You can take a 3-day cultural heritage tour with VIET DOVE Travel which connects all three destinations into one memorable trip.

     Three iconic heritage sites in Central Vietnam.
     Three iconic heritage sites in Central Vietnam.

    Conclusion. Let the Past Be Your Compass

    The three heritage treasures mentioned above are not just a tourist connector point; they are windows into the essence of Vietnam.
    VIET DOVE Travel hopes you have a trip full of wonder and lasting memories.

    Start early with the My Son Early Morning tour from Hoi An.

    Share