On 5 July, 2019, the 43rd Session of the World Heritage Committee was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, and 29 new sites were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Two sites in two of our amazing locations (Myanmar and Laos) made the list, and it got us thinking about the other incredible sites in our five destinations.
There is an endless amount to say about Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. In our new blog series we’d like to hone in on the rich cultural history of these wonderful Southeast Asian countries and introduce their awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and how your travelers could explore these sites in unique and enlightening ways.
Our series starts with Vietnam, which has an impressive eight designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most out of our five destinations. When most people think of Vietnam one of the first of its attractions that comes to mind is Halong Bay. While this breathtaking natural landscape is a must on your travelers’ itineraries, the other seven UNESCO sites make for spectacular visits that give insight into Vietnam’s complex and rich history.
Halong Bay
Hoi An Ancient Town has a unique charm that has garnered it its UNESCO recognition. With neat cobbled streets, an array of quaint shops and cafes, and its characteristic colorful lanterns, travelers are transported into an almost fairy tale like world that is laden with ancient stories. Your travelers can explore the town in our activity, VIETNAM – Hoi An – Vespa tour in Hoi An, or delight in the incredible local cuisine on offer with our food tour, VIETNAM – Hoi An – Discover Hoi An street food. For those looking to experience a quieter side the Ancient Town, guests can rise early in the morning before the crowds flock in, in our activity, Hoi An – Visit the Old Town for sunrise.
Hoi An Ancient Town
My Son, the holy land of Champa culture in Vietnam, boasts temples that were constructed as far back as the 4th century. Today My Son still has numerous exquisitely decorated and detailed temples and shrines, and travelers can explore the ancient site on a guided tour with Mr Tran Ky Phuong – an expert in Cham arts and culture – in our activity Hoi An – Cham Museum – My Son: Explore Cham culture with an expert, or in a more active tour with our activity VIETNAM – Hoi An – My Son sanctuary by bicycle. Travelers can also discover daily life in the countryside as they drive up to My Son in our tour VIETNAM – Hoi An – Jeep tour to My Son.
My Son
For active enthusiasts, travelers around central Vietnam can also revel in the incredible natural beauty of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in our 3 days and 2 nights tour, VIETNAM – Phong Nha – Phong Nha National Park visit and bicycle 3D2N, cycling through the stunning park and discovering its fascinating caves. And for those looking for more nature excursions such as this one, we will soon be introducing the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in Ha Giang, a UNESCO Global Geoparks Network and Asia Pacific Geoparks Network.
Fascinating caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in Ha Giang
Finally, if your travelers desire something more culturally immersive and intimate, we can arrange a special dinner inside the Complex of Hue Monuments for MICE groups, or offer our activity VIETNAM – Hanoi – Discover Thang Long culture via Ca Tru, in which guests can get insight into Thang Long culture and the Intangible World Heritage art of Ca Tru.
The Intangible World Heritage art of Ca Tru
This is merely a glimpse into what Vietnam has to offer, and there is something for every type of traveler to enjoy here. For more information or bookings for these and other mesmerizing sites, please contact our Sales Team here.
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