Vietnam is famous for its rich culture, heritage and extraordinary history. Leaving the past behind but with constant wars and continuous struggles across the country for over a thousand years, this resilient country still stands and marks the pain in famous historic landmarks. Among the best places to visit in Vietnam, you should get by the fascinating historical places in Vietnam in the list below.
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Historical places in Hanoi
Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison was built in 1896 when Vietnam was a French colony and is considered the “Hanoi Hilton” to hold political prisoners. Exploring Hoa Lo Prison is one of the best things to do in Hanoi.
The literal translation of “Hoa Lo” is the “fiery furnace,” equipped with the most advanced equipment for torturing prisoners. At that time, hundreds of thousands of patriotic people were imprisoned and subjected to harsh prison conditions, facing brutal beatings and torture.
Human statues are displayed in this one of the historical places in Vietnam for visitors to imagine unfavorable times. When the Vietnamese were in pain, fighting for freedom.
- Address: 1 Hoa Lo, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Daily)
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Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh was born the most outstanding leader in Vietnam’s history thanks to his patriotism and a lifetime of vows to seek happiness for his country. He was called Bac Ho by his people, like an old father of the nation.
Uncle Ho’s mausoleum is a historical work of great significance, expressing the deep feelings of the Vietnamese people for the great leader. His body is still stored in the present to show the memory of the eternal merits. No Hanoi tours are completed without a stop at this one of the best places to visit in Hanoi.
- Address: 8 Hung Vuong, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Tuesday to Thursday) | 08:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Saturday to Sunday)
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Temple Of Literature
More than a thousand years ago, the Temple of Literature was the first university in Vietnam. It was a place to train Confucian scholars and intellectuals for the country. Over the years, this architecture has retained the same classical beauty as that of one of the historic sites in Vietnam.
Before Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, calligraphers will gather outside the temple and write wishes in Chinese characters. Local people conceive that good things will come in the new year based on the words’ meaning.
- Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Temple of Literature, Dong Da, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM(Daily)
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Historical places in the Center of Vietnam
My Son Cham Ruins
Located 69 km from Da Nang is My Son Sanctuary which is the Vietnam ancient ruins of Champa. My Son Cham relic site is deeply influenced by Indian culture and architecture.
My Son Sanctuary escaped people’s memory when its country perished. A few centuries later, French archaeologists once again discovered a glorious, forgotten civilization.
- Address: The road to My Son, My Son Sanctuary, Duy Xuyen, Quang Nam
- Opening Hours: 06:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Daily)
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Hue Imperial Citadel
The last Vietnamese royal Dynasty placed great attention on Hue, which served as the nation’s political, ecclesiastical, and cultural hub from 1802 to 1945. It is home to many architectural marvels and has become a World Heritage Site since 1993.
Hue Imperial Citadel, one of the historical places in Vietnam, is a massive complex of monuments spanning 4 km and includes 140 buildings of various sizes, including temples, pavilions, a library, and even a theater. All of this was guarded by three spectacular rings of ramparts that were strengthened by 24 bastions and entered by 10 elaborately adorned gates.
- Address: Hue City, Thua Thien Hue
- Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:30 PM (Daily)
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Khai Dinh Tomb
Khai Dinh Tomb has a totally different design from the traditional one and is praised by everyone as unique but extravagant. According to research, King Khai Dinh’s mausoleum combines architectural schools such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Roman, and Gothic. So, although the mausoleum is not as large as the previous emperors, the amount of money the king poured into building his tomb has been fiercely controversial.
The palace interior is full of reliefs made of porcelain and glass that he gets from China and Japan. Expensive items at that time, such as iron and steel, were brought back from France to complete Ung Lang.
- Address: Thuy Bang commune, Huong Thuy district, Hue, Thua Thien Hue
- Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 05:30 PM (Daily)
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Historical places in Ho Chi Minh City
War Remnants Museum
The Vietnam War is one of Vietnam‘s most significant resounding events from other countries’ perspectives. Many conflicts took place throughout the country during this time and have left heavy scars of war on many Vietnamese to this day. War Remnants Museum is the place to record the period still imprinted with eternal pain
This museum currently houses artifacts from that bloody conflict. At this historical site in Vietnam, you may see everything from combat-used tanks and helicopters to unexploded bombs as a sobering reminder of how terrible war can be. A historical photo display that clearly shows the effects of the austerity era is also available.
One of the best places to visit in South Vietnam for the first time is the War Remnants Museum. Every day of the week, it is open from 07:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 01:30 PM to 05:00 PM. Each visitor is required to pay a 15,000 VND admission fee.
- Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: 07:30–17:30 (Daily)
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Independence Palace
The Independence Palace, a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, is also known to the public as the Reunification Hall. It used to be the residence and office of the President of South Vietnam. The fall of South Saigon in 1975 marked the end of the war when a tank rammed through the main gates. The symbol of the tank entering the Independence Palace is one of the most typical moments that tell the country is nearly reaching peace.
The palace holds many items from the past, making it feel like it was left in 1975. Visitors can explore rich gardens, hidden chambers, antique furnishings, a command bunker, and two tanks used to take the castle, which is still parked outside the grounds.
- Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 03:30 PM (Daily)
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Cu Chi Tunnel
The Cu Chi tunnels, a sophisticated underground network, were initially constructed during the French colonial era and then developed during the Vietnam War. The Viet Cong forces utilized these underground tunnels for communication, supply transportation, and as cover when initiating guerilla operations.
Today, tourists can go through the more secure sections of this network of tunnels, sample a typical Viet Cong lunch from the time of the war, and even practice firing an AK-47! The entrance ticket to Cu Chi Tunnels is 70,000 VND for international visitors.
- Address: Provincial Road 15, Phu Hiep, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Daily)
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Famous landmarks in Vietnam
Cannon Fort
Towards northern Vietnam, near the spectacular Ha Long Bay, is the wonderfully beautiful Cat Ba Island. For a full view of Cat Ba Island, head to one of the famous historical places in Vietnam, The Cannon Fort.
Here, you will be able to witness firsthand the historical memorabilia of a glorious war. This base is the place associated with the success of defeating France and the US before.
Tickets for adults are 40,000 VND and get half the fare for children.
- Address: Cat Ba, Cat Hai, Hai Phong
- Opening Hours: This historical relic is closed until further notice
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Vinh Moc Tunnels
Besides Cu Chi Tunnels, there are historical places in Vietnam that people often need to pay more attention to, which as the Vinh Moc tunnel network. This was a shelter for civilians during the bombardment period.
At 30 meters deep, this beautifully designed network of tunnels covers all the necessities of ordinary life: kitchen, family health care services, etc. Unlike the Cu Chi tunnels, this place has a larger space and is still well maintained in its original state. The entrance ticket price is about 25,000 VND per person.
- Address: Vinh Moc Village, Vinh Linh, Quang Tri
- Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Daily)
Con Dao Prison
Con Dao prison is an absolute nightmare with solitary cells called Tiger Cages. Prisoners were shackled and had to lie on a damp cement floor, with deplorable hygiene and eating conditions, and were often tortured for interrogation.
In order to avoid public opposition, the “tiger cage” area was built by the US in isolation and kept secret. For a long time, no one outside knew about the brutal existence of the “tiger cage.”
- Address: Nguyen Chi Thanh, Con Dao, Ba Ria – Vung Tau
- Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM (Daily)
Frequently asked questions about historical places in Vietnam (FAQs)
What are the historical places in Vietnam?
12 outstanding historical places in Vietnam: Hue Citadel, Cu Chi Tunnel, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison, My Son Cham Ruins, War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Cu Chi Tunnel, Cannon Fort, Con Dao Prison,…
What are the places of cultural significance in Vietnam?
Works of cultural significance in Vietnam that you should explore: Hanoi, Hội An, Imperial city of Huế, My Son Sanctuary, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and One Pillar Pagoda.
Above is a list of the significant historical places in Vietnam for your tour. We also share another helpful travel guide about Southeast Asian countries and offer the best customized tours based on you and your family! Get in touch with us soon to receive attractive offers.
