Vietnam continues to shine on the global travel map. The UK-based travel magazine Wanderlust has recently highlighted three Vietnamese destinations — Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park — among 16 must-visit UNESCO World Heritage sites in Southeast Asia.
Topping Wanderlust’s list, Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province is celebrated for its dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. Covering 43,400 hectares and dotted with over 1,600 islands and islets, the bay remains largely untouched, preserving its pristine natural beauty.
“Lying aboard a traditional wooden junker and gazing across the emerald waters as jungle-covered cliffs emerge out of nowhere is an unforgettable experience,” the magazine wrote. While limestone karsts exist elsewhere in the world, nowhere matches the scale and majesty found here, with towering islands that only native seabirds inhabit.
UNESCO recognized Ha Long Bay as a World Heritage Site in 1994, and while human impact remains minimal, the bay continues to surprise visitors with hidden caves and dramatic natural arches shaped over millennia.
For a more intimate experience, Wanderlust recommends kayaking to explore Thien Cung Cave, famed for its intricate stalactites and stalagmites, or drifting past floating oyster farms and quiet beaches away from the crowds.
In central Vietnam, Hoi An Ancient Town ranks sixth on Wanderlust’s list, celebrated for its peaceful atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.
“Far removed from the bustling streets of modern Southeast Asia, Hoi An offers a quiet, sculpted contrast to contemporary life,” the magazine noted. Once a thriving port town connecting merchants from across Asia, Hoi An retains architectural and cultural traces of its multi-ethnic past, from French colonial buildings to the Chinese Quarter and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.
Traffic restrictions in the Old Town allow visitors to leisurely admire faded pastel facades, quaint cafés, and bustling markets. Wanderlust praises the town as Instagram-worthy, with endless photo opportunities for travelers seeking picturesque streets, historic museums, and charming architecture. Biking through Hoi An is also highly recommended to fully explore its storybook streets.
Located in Quang Binh Province, central Vietnam, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2003. The park boasts remarkable geological diversity, rich biodiversity, and many endemic species, making it a treasure for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Phong Nha is most famous for Son Doong Cave, the largest natural cave on the planet, as well as Hang En, the world’s third-largest cave. Guided tours into Son Doong opened to visitors in 2013, offering an unprecedented experience exploring its vast limestone chambers. More caves continue to be discovered, with the glimmering underground stalagmites of Hang Va now welcoming explorers.
Despite covering 885 square kilometers of untamed evergreen forest and some of Asia’s oldest karst peaks, the park’s main allure lies beneath the surface — in its stunning caves and underground rivers. Adventurers can also visit the Blue Diamond camping site near the historic Khe Gat military airfield for a unique blend of natural wonder and history.
With Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Vietnam proudly claims a place among Southeast Asia’s top heritage destinations. From towering limestone karsts and emerald waters to charming ancient streets and mysterious underground rivers, these sites offer unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and adventure travelers alike.
Wanderlust’s recognition reminds travelers that Vietnam is a country where natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventurous exploration come together seamlessly, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Southeast Asia.
Thank you for submitting your review! Your review will help us further improve service quality.
PRODUCT REVIEWS