Vietnam’s Rich Heritage: 39 UNESCO-Recognized Gems
Vietnam, a country known for its vibrant culture, fascinating history, and breathtaking natural wonders, boasts an impressive collection of UNESCO-recognized heritages. As of 2022, there are a total of 39 such treasures in Vietnam, encompassing World Natural Heritage Sites, World Cultural Heritage Sites, Mixed World Heritage Sites, Intangible Cultural Heritages, Documentary Heritages, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks. Let’s delve into these remarkable UNESCO-recognized gems that make Vietnam truly extraordinary.
World Heritage Sites in Vietnam:
Vietnam proudly hosts eight Heritage Sites, each showcasing the country’s unique attributes and captivating allure.
World Natural Heritages in Vietnam:

- Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh): Recognized in 1994.
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh): Recognized in 2003.
- Dong Van Karst Plateau (Ha Giang): Recognized in 2010.
World Cultural Heritages in Vietnam:
4. Complex of Hue Monuments: Recognized in 1993.
5. My Son Sanctuary (Quang Nam): Recognized in 1999.
6. Hoi An Ancient Town (Quang Nam): Recognized in 1999.
7. Thang Long Imperial Citadel: Recognized in 2010.
8. Ho Dynasty Citadel: Recognized in 2011.
Mixed World Heritages of Vietnam:
9. Trang An Landscape Complex: Recognized in 2014.
Intangible Cultural Heritage in Vietnam:
Vietnam takes pride in its diverse intangible cultural heritage, with 31 recognized by UNESCO and inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Here list includes:
- Imperial Hue Court Music: Recognized in November 2003.
- The Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands of Vietnam: Recognized in 2005.
- Quan Ho Folk Songs (Bac Ninh, Bac Giang): Recognized in 2009.
- Ca Tru Singing: Recognized in 2009.
- The Giong Festival at Soc and Phu Dong Temples (Hanoi): Recognized in 2010.
- Xoan Singing (Phu Tho): Recognized in 2011.
- The Worship of Hung Kings: Recognized in 2012.
- Don Ca Tai Tu Music of Southern Vietnam: Recognized in 2014.
- The Worship of Mother Goddesses in Vietnam: Recognized in 2016.
- Bai Choi Art in Central Vietnam: Recognized in 2017.
- The Practice of Then Singing by the Tày, Nùng, and Thái ethnic groups in Vietnam: Recognized in 2019.
Documentary Heritage of Vietnam:
Vietnam also boasts noteworthy documentary heritages, shedding light on its historical and cultural legacy.
Remarkable list includes:
- Nguyen Dynasty Woodblocks: Recognized in 2009.
- Doctorate Steles at the Temple of Literature, Hanoi: Recognized in 2010.
- Chau Ban Records of the Nguyen Dynasty: Recognized in 2017.
Asia-Pacific Regional Documentary Heritages:
Additionally, Vietnam has four regional documentary heritages recognized by UNESCO in the Asia-Pacific region.
Notable list includes:
- Vinh Nghiem Pagoda Woodblocks (Bac Giang): Recognized in 2012.
- Poetry on Hue Royal Architecture: Recognized in 2016.
- Phuc Giang School Woodblocks (Ha Tinh): Recognized in 2016.
- Hoang Hoa Su Trinh Do (Nguyen Huy Family in Truong Luu Village, Can Loc, Ha Tinh): Recognized in 2018.
World Biosphere Reserves:
Vietnam is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, resulting in several UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserves.
Notable List includes:
- Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2000.
- Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2001.
- Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2004.
- Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2004.
- Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2006.
- West Nghe An Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2007.
- Cu Lao Cham Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2009.
- Ca Mau Cape Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2009.
- Lang Biang Biosphere Reserve (Da Lat): Recognized in 2015.
Global Geoparks:
Vietnam’s geological marvels have been acknowledged through UNESCO-recognized Global Geoparks.
Notable List includes:
- Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark: Recognized in 2018.
- Non-Nuoc Cao Bang GeopVietnam’s Impressive UNESCO Heritage Collection: 39 Treasures to Explore!
Vietnam, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes, proudly boasts a remarkable collection of 39 UNESCO-recognized heritages. These treasures span various categories such as World Natural Heritage Sites, World Cultural Heritage Sites, Mixed World Heritage Sites, Intangible Cultural Heritages, Documentary Heritages, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks. Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through Vietnam’s UNESCO-recognized gems.
World Heritages in Vietnam:
Within Vietnam’s borders, you’ll find eight exceptional World Heritages, each representing a unique facet of the country’s splendor:
World Natural Heritages in Vietnam:
- Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh): Recognized in 1994.
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh): Recognized in 2003.
- Dong Van Karst Plateau (Ha Giang): Recognized in 2010.
World Cultural Heritages in Vietnam:
4. Complex of Hue Monuments: Recognized in 1993.
5. My Son Sanctuary (Quang Nam): Recognized in 1999.
6. Hoi An Ancient Town (Quang Nam): Recognized in 1999.
7. Thang Long Imperial Citadel: Recognized in 2010.
8. Ho Dynasty Citadel: Recognized in 2011.
Mixed World Heritages of Vietnam:
9. Trang An Landscape Complex: Recognized in 2014.
Intangible Cultural Heritages in Vietnam:
Vietnam’s vibrant cultural tapestry includes 31 intangible cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO and listed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A few noteworthy examples are:
- Imperial Hue Court Music: Recognized in November 2003.
- Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands of Vietnam: Recognized in 2005.
- Quan Ho Folk Songs (Bac Ninh, Bac Giang): Recognized in 2009.
- Ca Tru Singing: Recognized in 2009.
- The Giong Festival at Soc and Phu Dong Temples (Hanoi): Recognized in 2010.
- Xoan Singing (Phu Tho): Recognized in 2011.
- The Worship of Hung Kings: Recognized in 2012.
- Don Ca Tai Tu Music of Southern Vietnam: Recognized in 2014.
- The Worship of Mother Goddesses in Vietnam: Recognized in 2016.
- Bai Choi Art in Central Vietnam: Recognized in 2017.
- The Practice of Then Singing by the Tày, Nùng, and Thái ethnic groups in Vietnam: Recognized in 2019.
Documentary Heritage of Vietnam:
Vietnam’s historical legacy is well-preserved through its documentary heritage, with notable examples including:
- Nguyen Dynasty Woodblocks: Recognized in 2009.
- Doctorate Steles at the Temple of Literature, Hanoi: Recognized in 2010.
- Chau Ban Records of the Nguyen Dynasty: Recognized as a documentary heritage of the world in 2017.
Asia-Pacific Regional Documentary Heritages:
Vietnam’s contribution to the region’s documentary heritage is exemplified by notable entries like:
- Vinh Nghiem Pagoda Woodblocks (Bac Giang): Recognized in 2012.
- Poetry on Hue Royal Architecture: Recognized from May 18 to 21, 2016.
- Phuc Giang School Woodblocks (Ha Tinh): Recognized in May 2016.
- Hoang Hoa Su Trinh Do (Nguyen Huy Family in Truong Luu Village, Can Loc, Ha Tinh): Recognized in 2018.
World Biosphere Reserves:
Vietnam’s diverse ecosystems are safeguarded within several UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserves, including:
- Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2000.
- Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2001.
- Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2004.
- Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2004.
- Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2006.
- West Nghe An Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2007.
- Cu Lao Cham Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2009.
- Ca Mau Cape Biosphere Reserve: Recognized in 2009.
- Lang Biang Biosphere Reserve (Da Lat): Recognized in 2015.
Global Geoparks:
Vietnam’s geological marvels are celebrated through UNESCO-recognized Global Geoparks, including:
- Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark: Recognized in 2018.
- Non-Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark: Recognized