Central Vietnam Heritage

From the former Royal Capital of Hue, to the ancient port town of Hoi An and the Cham ruins of My Son, exploring central Vietnam is a truly contrasting journey. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Vietnam, as you visit these three destinations boasting UNESCO World Heritage status.

In Hue, the mesmerizing tombs and mausoleums of the last emperors of Vietnam reveal fascinating insights into the lives of the imperial families and their subjects. The ancient citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern (the Royal Citadel was badly damaged in the latter stages of the war). Yet, it still retains a sense of grace and majesty even today. Modern Hue is a delightful city of wide boulevards and period buildings set in a picture-postcard landscape. The university is renowned as one of the country’s finest, and the local cuisine is regarded by many as the best in Vietnam.

Hoi An is a destination with two faces – the charming, old-world trading port of narrow streets and traditional houses, and the beach with its new resorts and long stretch of clean white sand. In keeping with Hoi An’s heritage as a trading port, the town’s tiny shop houses now host a range of craft shops and artisans, including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors.

Just south of Hoi An is the temple complex at My Son. These tower-temples served as the seat of the Champa Kingdom for the majority of its existence between the 4th and 13th centuries. The sanctuary is situated in an impressive location surrounded by hills, around 35 km inland from the coast at Hoi An. Whilst not as spectacular as the great Angkor complexes in Cambodia, the remaining structures are atmospheric enough to conjure images of the majesty of the Champa Kingdom and most visitors agree that a visit is well worthwhile.