3 powerful historical sites in Vietnam
Historical sites in Vietnam – For a long time, Vietnam could do little but watch as tourists heading into South East Asia veered toward Thailand (for the party hotspots) or Japan (for the culture shock). With its name primarily associated – especially onscreen – with the brutal 20th Century war with America, its charms were appreciated only by the most adventurous
The country has progressively recovered from its struggles, with its infrastructure for visitors (and natives) now much improved – but it’s also belatedly seeing a wave of people visiting precisely for the history that once held it back. Indeed, in a recent study, Vietnam was ranked as the 5th fastest-growing tourist destination in the world. We’ve gathered together three sites you won’t want to miss if you’re looking to get the full picture:
Hue
Located deep in Vietnam’s heartland, this historic city was once the country’s capital, and – despite heavy bombing during the war – has retained much of its Imperial glory. Travellers can explore the Perfume River, long-valued as a trade route, visit Phu Bai Airport (now an immersive museum) and sample traditional cuisine.
Most come to the region, however, for the Imperial Citadel – a complex boasting both palaces and temples. Proud people, the Vietnamese have elected not to hide the damage done by American bombs, instead displaying ruins right next to their surviving treasures – and it makes for a sobering view.
Thankfully, there are many surviving examples of architectural grandeur – with some particularly impressive pagodas and tombs. And, likewise, look out for tours to mausoleums and temples of the same vintage on the banks of the river – while the beachside graves of Viet Kieu (overseas Vietnamese) who wanted to return to their homeland also repays a visit.
The Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
The best place to experience how Vietnam’s long struggle with colonial powers felt to the strugglers themselves, though, is surely the plethora of sites in and around Ho Chi Minh City.
The best place to start is the city’s War Remnants Museum. Here you’ll not only find military equipment displayed but – more importantly – be able to hear recordings of survivors relating their personal experiences of this dark time.
And, for an even deeper immersion into life during wartime, the Cu Chi tunnels (just outside town) are one of several attractions that attempt to recreate the lived experience of those on the front line. As well as presenting the cramped, difficult and unsanitary conditions the guerrillas had to endure, tourists are even invited to try out period-appropriate weapons on a dedicated firing range.
My Son
Of course, Vietnam had a long and rich history before it was drawn into wider conflicts, and My Son offers a trip back to the country’s distant antiquity.
Like Angkor Wat in Cambodia, it’s a large temple complex that’s been partially preserved and partially lost to the jungle. That said, with building continuing between the 4th Century AD and the 14th Century AD, its monuments span a vast stretch of the people’s existence.
And, although American bombing also took its toll on the sacred places here (not long after they’d been restored by the previously-occupying French), those left show great craft and devotion. From towering sanctuaries where deities were said to live (by the ‘fire-houses’ where followers cooked them offerings), My Son remains a dignified reminder of an older culture.
Visit this beautiful country for the historical sites in Vietnam. Read more about Vietnam here.
I am taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa
82 Comments
Ruchi Verma
I feel this is the best article for someone who is traveling Vietnam and as this is on my bucket list I am going to bookmark this!!
Matheikal
An interesting introduction to Vietnam.
Charu
I have heard about this site MY Son! Very interesting history. Your post makes me want to research and read more about these places.
Anwesha Guha
I loved reading this article as I am thinking for visiting Vietnam from a couple of years now.
Urvashi
Absolutely in love with your clicks and beautiful review. It took me literally to Vietnam in the Vietnamese war and the beautiful destination it is now. #damurureads
Misha Jain
woww… so beautiful.. have read about DMZ , and felt like i visited myself with your narration. Will go there for sure sometime
Kinshoo
Interesting. Didn’t know about historical sites in Vietnam. Lovely pics.
#MyFriendAlexa #Blogchatter #momlearningwithbaby
Aditya Sathe
Hey, thanks a lot for introducing to Vietnam in a short blog post and intriguing my travel interest in this little country. I am putting it in my “to visit” list…
Archana
Thank you for sharing. Such a real story of the freedom of Vietnam,it’s really something very new to.me.
Richa MIna
Vietnam has always been an interesting place i wanted to visit after reading your blog i’m more determined to plan my trip there.
Anahita Irani
Interesting, historical and beautiful. Glad my post inspired you
Disha
Next time I plan a vacation and it would be for Vietnam. The history of the place is captivating. 🙂
Dr.Amrita Basu
I have always wondered about Vietnam .Your travel stories is helping me explorw virtually.Wonder what stories those tunnels will tell
Kala Ravi
That was an eye-opener to Vietnam. Hope to visit someday. It is definitely worth visiting for the all history its been through and also its natural beauty.
Mrs. Sunshine
Vietnam is definitely a beautiful and under explored place. I have a few friends from there and have seen and known the place through their pictures. Thanks for sharing this. #MyFriendAlexa #CloudandSunshineReads
Suchita Agarwal
Loved this virtual tour of Vietnam and how descriptive you have made it in such short words. Thank you for the glimpse into Vietnam’s history.
Anahita Irani
They have a bitter history, I wished to share
Sushmita
I have been trying to go to Vietnam for a long time now because of its rich history. I loved this article and will make sure to use it when I go to Vietnam.
Anahita Irani
Glad you found it informative
FabZania
Vietnam is one of the Top tourist attractions in the world. the historical places mentioned in this post arr truly amazing
Modern Gypsy
I’ve been wanting to visit the Angor Wat, and now My Son – I hadn’t heard of the place! Love the photographs you’ve shared as well.
Anahita Irani
Thank you so much. Wanted to touch another important aspect of Vietnam
Debidutta Mohanty
Loved your article. Fell in love with the places and clicks. Recently, my sis travelled to Vietnam and after reading this post I m looking forward to make a trip soon.
Anahita Irani
A country that offers so much more than history. Glad you liked my article
Pallavi
Couldn’t have come across this post at a better time. I’m travelling to Vietnam soon and looking forward to see at least two of these. Hadn’t even heard of My Son but now I can’t wait to be there.
Sonia Dogra
I never thought of Vietnam as a tourist destination. Your post has put another place in my radar.
Leha Divakar
I was just in the mood for some historical narratives and there I found it at your site. Going for some arm chair travelling now hehe
Anahita Irani
hehe. really witty
Sitharaam Jayakumar
It is nice to get to know places like Vietnam which have a riveting history. Thoroughly enjoyed your post and the images are also great.
Anahita Irani
Thank you, it means a lot coming from a renowned bloger
Surbhi Mahobia
Reading about My Son for the first time. How populated these place become during peak tourist season? I have been wanting to go to Angkor Wat since the time I saw it Hollywood movies. Great pictures.
Good luck,
Surbhi #surreads
https://prettymummasays.com
Pallavi Acharya
The travelogue is informative. The beauty of Vietnam is well captured and indeed one is tempted to book the next flight to Saigon! The photographs are awesome!!
Simrit Bedi
Vietnam is one of the few places in Asia which has been in my bucket list for a long time. After reading your post, I wan to visit Vietnam soon !
Arushi Seth
Vietnam has been on my bucket list and reading your post I am sure I will plan it soon!! Thank you for the informative post!!
Ghazala Naseem
Vietnam seems like a perfect holiday destination with beautiful places to visit along with the historical touch to them.
Rashi Roy
Had no idea about these historical sites. Glad you introduced it to us. Hope I visit it some day.
Gurjeet Chhabra
Beautiful country, had struggle Hard to keep up its glory . Love to visit the place
Supriya
Has recently watched a video about beautifula places in Vietnam. Since then I am just craving to visit this beautiful country
Sarika Jaswani
That is some deep insight into once a war ravaged country .
Rohit Verma
Your description of Vietnam is awe inspiring. The photographs are stupendous. Makes one want to visit it straight away! The mix of natural beauty with cultural attractions is perhaps unique to Vietnam!
Pragnya Mishra
I have a soft corner of Vietnam. Probably because I have read a lot about the catastrophic damage it underwent during the war and later period. I was not hoping to see the country as a travel destination, leave alone being in top 5. This surely give an idea on place to explore and know beyond the war-torn country.
Vashi
This was such a richly impressive blog post into the heart of Vietnam ; it opened many curious doors inside the traveller in me..want to visit.kudos
Anahita Irani
Thanks dear
Trapti
An interesting read!! City’s War Remnants Museum seems an interesting place where military equipment is displayed and also the recordings of survivors with their personal experiences and dark time.
Pratibha P
I didn’t get the chance to visit Ho Chi Minh, I was at Hanoi. Vietnam is a beautiful country. I’m glad I got to go to Ha Long Bay twice during the stay. Cambodia is on the bucket list
Anahita Irani
Cambodia is on my travel bucket list too
dipika singh
You have an art to elaborate the places in such a beautiful way, I love to read the travel posts from this blog. Keep traveling and writing.
Anahita Irani
Thank you so much. That was very motivating
Pooja
The pictures are stunning!
Love the way you have written about everything so crisply, makes me want to put this place in my bucket list
Manisha Garg
You have captured the essence of Vietnam through your post with some history and must visit places. I will bookmark this for future reference too.
Gunjan Upadhyay
Wow” Vietnam looks serene, It was never on my wishlist and now I wonder why it isnt? It is so beautiful
anupriya
These monuments indeed look like they have stood the test of time and have witnessed history from very close quarters. Nice post. Leaves me thinking about the fate of people who lived through the atoricities.
Noor Anand Chawla
Vietnam is high on my travel wishlist! I will save your post.
Surbhi Prapanna
I had read a lot about Vitneam and after reading your post, it seems like an interesting place. loved the way you had narrated about historical places. would love to visit some day with my family. #MyfriendAlexa #Surbhireads
Geethica Mehra
This is such a beautiful place to visit. My Son resembles an Indian temple that looks so authentic.
Sindhu Vinod Narayan
These places look stunning I’m definitely planning a trip to Vietnam sooner. #tmmreads #myfriendalexa
Sarah
This place looks absolutely stunning.
After reading your blog it is definitely on my wishlist .
Resha
Would love to visit Vietnam after reading this! I’ve thought about the country in the past, but now I need to feature this in my travel bucket!
Anahita Irani
This country has so much to offer the Indian tourist
Anwesha Guha
I loved reading this article as I am thinking for visiting Vietnam from a couple of years now.
ginia
I asked a colleague recently about details of her trip to Vietnam. Your post really helped clarify many things. Thanks
Anahita Irani
Thanks
Sandal Jamal
Such a beautiful place and such an informative blog post! Loved it.
Anahita Irani
thank you
MeenalSonal
Your beautiful description of Vietnam is making me pack my bags right now. Marked the post as my friend is visiting Vietnam in coming months.
vidhya Thakkar
wooww ! you presented it beautifully!
rajesh
when someone talks about Vietnam first thing comes in my mind is ” how could this small country survived in front of superpower”. you have beautifully described the 3 historical sites in Vietnam. do they speak English? what is the national language of Vietnam?
Anahita Irani
They have a local language, I guess. Tourism is booming now, Vietnam is considered as the 5th developing country in the world.
Rakhi Jayashankar
Vietnam is often looked upon as a third world country that is not developed much. But the pics tell a different story. WOww
Nazish Kondkari
I loved how you have simplified and explained everything about the history of the place. I would love to visit this place someday…
Shweta Suresh
Wow. I didn’t think Vietnam was this interesting! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Ms Arora
I have never tried to read much about Vietnam but the way you have presented the place here is quite interesting. Thanks for sharing this information #journeysays
Roshan Radhakrishnan
Stunning images… and a place with a rich and yes, even tough history… that is why this article is so relevant
Hackytips
Pictures are absolutely stunning. My Son name looks different but the location is fantabulous.
Katherine
This is a great article for anyone contemplating on travelling to Vietnam. thoroughly enjoyed it. `
Katherine
I liked this visual walk through in a country I hope to visit some day! Well written and inspiring for any traveller!
Anahita Irani
Thanks so much
Saba irfan
I really liked reading this detailed description. Of Vietnam. Felt almost being there!
Menaka Bharathi
Vietnam has always intrigued me, will keep these places in mind when I visit
Dr Bushra
This looks like perfect travel guide for Vietnam
arti
Thank you for this post, I anyways needed details about Vietnam. this comes handy 🙂
Manas Mukul
NIce Travelogue with equally good pictures. I am yet to visit vietnam but it is definitely on my list. I liked your posts in AtoZ as well. Liked the new logo that you have created. Keep shinning.
#ContemplationOfaJoker #Jokerophilia #MyFriendAlexa