By aussiematesvietnam 
Historical Landmarks in Vietnam: A Journey Through Time
G’day, fellow travellers! Aussie Mates here, coming to you from the bustling streets of Hanoi where Tracy and I have been calling home for nearly two decades now. After spending almost 20 years exploring this magnificent country, I reckon I’ve earned my stripes as something of a local guide. Today, I’m taking you on a ripper of a journey through Vietnam’s most captivating historical landmarks – the kind that make your jaw drop and your camera work overtime.
Vietnam isn’t just about stunning beaches and mouth-watering pho (though those are bloody fantastic too). This country is a living museum, with thousands of years of history etched into its landscape. From ancient temples to French colonial buildings, from war memorials to imperial citadels – Vietnam’s historical landmarks tell the complex story of a nation that has endured, adapted, and thrived.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-landscape]
Hoi An Ancient Town: Where Time Stands Still
Let me start with one of Tracy’s favourite spots – Hoi An Ancient Town. This UNESCO World Heritage site is like stepping into a time machine, cobber. The yellow-walled buildings with weathered wooden beams have seen over 2,000 years of history, from the Champa Kingdom to the bustling trading port it became in the 15th to 19th centuries.
When we first wandered through Hoi An back in 2004, I remember thinking it was like walking through a living postcard. The Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 1590s, stands as the town’s iconic symbol. Tracy always insists we stop for a photo there, no matter how many times we’ve visited. For the best experience, visit during the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival when the town turns off its electric lights and bathes in the warm glow of colourful lanterns – absolutely magical, mate.
[IMAGE:hoi-an]
The Imperial City of Hue: Royal Grandeur Personified
About three hours north of Hoi An sits Hue, the former imperial capital during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). The Imperial City is a massive complex surrounded by a 10-kilometre moat and thick stone walls. Inside, you’ll find the Purple Forbidden City, where only the emperor, his concubines, and close servants were allowed.
Tracy and I spent a full day exploring this place last year, and I still reckon we only saw half of it. Much of the citadel was damaged during the American War (that’s what they call the Vietnam War here), but restoration efforts have been impressive. Top tip from a long-time expat: hire a local guide. The stories they share about royal intrigue, ceremonial practices, and architectural symbolism will make your visit ten times more interesting than just wandering about on your own.
[IMAGE:hue-imperial-city]
Cu Chi Tunnels: A Sobering Look at Wartime Ingenuity
For Aussies of our generation, the Vietnam War holds particular significance. The Cu Chi Tunnels, about 70 kilometres northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, offer a confronting but essential understanding of this period. This 250-kilometre network of underground tunnels served as hiding spots, supply routes, hospitals, and living quarters for Vietnamese soldiers during the war.
I’ll be honest – at 6’2″, crawling through the tunnels (even the sections enlarged for tourists) had me feeling like a giant in a doll’s house. Tracy, being more vertically economical, had a much easier time of it. The experience is eye-opening and humbling. Seeing the ingenious traps, the bamboo air vents, and the underground meeting rooms gives you a new appreciation for human resilience and resourcefulness.
[IMAGE:cu-chi-tunnels]
My Son Sanctuary: Vietnam’s Answer to Angkor Wat
About 40 kilometres from Hoi An lies My Son Sanctuary, a collection of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and 14th centuries by the Champa Kingdom. Often compared to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat (though smaller in scale), My Son showcases remarkable brick structures built without mortar.
Tracy and I typically recommend visiting early morning to avoid both the crowds and the heat. The sight of these ancient towers emerging from the misty jungle as the sun rises is something special, I tell ya. While many structures were damaged during the American War, what remains is still impressive and gives you a glimpse into the sophisticated Champa civilization that once ruled Central Vietnam.
[IMAGE:my-son-sanctuary]
Hanoi’s Old Quarter: Colonial History Meets Modern Hustle
As someone who’s called Hanoi home for many years, I’m particularly fond of the Old Quarter. This maze of 36 ancient streets, each traditionally named after the goods once sold there (Silk Street, Silver Street, etc.), dates back to the 13th century but is most famous for its well-preserved French colonial architecture.
Tracy and I often take visiting mates for a wander down Hang Bac (Silver Street), stopping at the ancient Bach Ma Temple, one of the oldest in Hanoi. Then we’ll continue to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a neo-Gothic church built in 1886 that wouldn’t look out of place in Paris. The beauty of the Old Quarter is how it seamlessly blends the old with the new – ancient temples sit beside French villas, which neighbour modern cafes and boutiques.
[IMAGE:hanoi-old-quarter]
Khai Dinh Tomb: Where East Meets West
Back in Hue, the Khai Dinh Tomb represents something truly unique in Vietnamese architecture. Built between 1920 and 1931 for the Nguyen Dynasty’s 12th emperor, this tomb blends Vietnamese and European design elements in a way that’s both bizarre and beautiful.
The first time Tracy and I visited, we were gobsmacked by the unusual combination of Gothic, Baroque, and Oriental styles. The exterior is somber grey concrete, but step inside and you’re greeted with a riot of colourful glass and porcelain decorations. It’s smaller than other royal tombs but certainly the most distinctive – and a perfect example of Vietnam during its transitional period between traditional imperial rule and French colonial influence.
[IMAGE:khai-dinh-tomb]
Final Thoughts: Preserving the Past While Embracing the Future
What strikes me most after living in Vietnam for nearly two decades is how this country honours its past while charging enthusiastically toward the future. Historical preservation here isn’t about creating museum pieces – it’s about keeping history alive as part of daily life.
Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good story, Vietnam’s historical landmarks won’t disappoint. Tracy and I have visited these sites dozens of times over the years, and we still discover something new with each visit.
So pack your comfy walking shoes, bring plenty of water, and prepare to be amazed by the rich tapestry of history that makes Vietnam such a fascinating destination. As we Aussies say – it’s not just good, it’s bloody brilliant!
Until next time, this is Aussie Mates signing off from beautiful Vietnam.