Historical Places in Vietnam: Explore the Ancient World Your Way
A trip to Vietnam will not be interesting without visiting historical places in Vietnam: and exploring the ancient world through this S-shaped country.
Throughout various dynasties and colonizers, Vietnam enriched its culture and heritage value. Besides, long history has an impressive influence on its culture, wars, and fights have left behind many lessons for human beings. Historical places in Vietnam will be symbols of both glory and violence of colonizers and historic myths in Vietnam.
Vietnam is not well-known for its culture and cuisine only, tourists can be impressed by many ancient ruins in Vietnam. If you are a person who loves exploring history, legends, and historic myths, planning a trip to visit the following Vietnam historical sites is a must. Wanna explore enriched Vietnamese culture and history? Book an exclusive tour, led by a local tour operator here.
Con Dao Prison Complex - Must-visit historical places in Vietnam by wars
As located in the Con Dao Archipelago, Con Dao Prison was built by the French in 1861. Tourists cannot imagine how much wars in Vietnam damaged the life of prisoners here. The French used those Vietnam historical sites to imprison people who committed crimes and who were considered dangerous by the colonial government.
Additionally, the colonial government later used the Con Dao prison to imprison political opponents. The prisoners were abused and tortured seriously. After that, the United States and South Vietnamese authorities used the Con Dao prison for the same purpose in the 1960s and 1970s. Coming to the Con Dao prison complex during the Vietnam trip, tourists can see and feel the vestige of wars. Travelers especially see clearly through tiger caves, which is a places to imprison people.
Nowadays, the Con Dao prison complex is more popular with tourists. Entry tickets are usually free; however, sometimes, they can cost VND 20,000.
Cu Chi Tunnels - The best historical places in Ho Chi Minh City
Planning a trip to the southern part of Vietnam, you might not miss out to explore Cu Chi Tunnels which is one of the most famous historical places in Vietnam. The Vietnam historical sites will be a complex network of underground tunnels. People built this tunnel during the French colonial time. However, the Vietnam historical sites would be expanded during the Vietnam War later. The Viet Cong soldiers took advantage of underground tunnels to communicate, and transport supplies and medicines during the wars.
Moreover, the soldiers used Cu Chi Tunnels as a hiding place after launching guerilla wars. Thus, Cu Chi Tunnels will be one of the must-visit historical places in Vietnam. Tourists can play as a soldier to go through a small and narrow tunnel network. He/she will enjoy a Viet Cong soldier’s everyday meal in the war and use AK-47 to fight for the country.
Entry fee costs about VND 110,000/pax.
My Son Cham Ruins: Explore the best ancient ruins in Vietnam
Despite being ruined by time and American bombs, My Son Cham Ruin will be a standstill for the glorious Hindu Cham dynasty in Vietnam. Tourists can see that the architectural design of My Son Cham is quite similar to the Angkor Wat of the Khmer Kingdom in Cambodia.
As built in the early 4th century AD, My Son Cham is set in the backdrop of a lush jungle. Travelers can visit My Son Cham in the early morning or the evening, so they can contemplate the mystical feel and beauty of one of the historical places in Vietnam.
There is no entry tree for tourists to visit the best ancient ruins in Vietnam. However, tourists can hire a private car from Hoi An which can cost VND 65,000. You should bring it for yourself since you have to walk around a lot.
A Complex of Hue Monuments: Outstanding Vietnam historical sites
The Complex of Hue Monuments carries out historical and cultural aspects during the Nguyen Dynasty in the early 19th and mind-20th centuries. Lying on the Perfume River, the complex of Hue Monuments is one of the most outstanding Vietnam historical sites for most tourists. It covers a total area of about 500 hectares with three main circles Hue Capital Citadel, Hue Royal Citadel, and Forbidden Citadel.
Visiting the complex of Hue Monuments, tourists will be impressed by sophisticated architectural designs such as Nghinh Luong Dinh, Phu Van Lau, Ky Dai, etc. The complex of Hue Monuments showcases the creativity of Vietnamese people, art, architecture, and sculpture throughout a long history. The complex of Hue Monuments is considered one of the best historical places in Vietnam. In 1993, UNESCO recognized the Complex of Hue Monuments as a World Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Discover Khai Dinh Tomb: a sophisticated culture and Vietnam historical sites
While visiting the Complex of Hue Monuments, tourists cannot miss out on discovering various royal tombs in Hue, Vietnam’s former capital. As top online tour operators, we suggest you visit the tomb of Khai Dinh King. Khai Dinh’s tombs will set themselves apart from other Nguyen Dynasty tombs. Tourists will see an attractive combination of Eastern and Western cultures reflected in architecture. Among many historical sites, the tomb of Khai Dinh is one of the best historical places in Vietnam, especially a trip to Hue City.
Built-in 11 years, Khai Dinh’s tomb is more like a simple monument. This tomb represents the excessive wealth and richness of Khai Dinh King, staying true to his reputation who is a lovely puppet of the French colonial authority.
War Remnants Museum: Showcases war vestige through the Vietnam History museum
People say that the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Vietnam is the war. One of the most significant events is the war between the North and south Vietnamese authorities with the United States presence. Gathering those brutal wars is a place called War Remnants Museum. Tourists can see tanks and helicopters used in the war.
All relics remind people, especially the next generation of Vietnamese people about the bitter side of war. Thus, the War Remnants Museum will be the most must-visit historical place in Vietnam. You can visit it on all days of the week from 7:30 am to 12 pm; 1:30 pm to 5 pm. The entry fee is VND 15,000/pax.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Explore the most sacred and spiritual place of Vietnamese people
Coming to Hanoi city, tourists visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a place of President Ho Chi Minh's body. The mausoleum is designed for high durability and resists bombs and earthquakes of about 7 Richter. Located in the center city, tourists can easily visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Besides, tourists can know more about the Supreme Leader of the Vietnamese people in terms of history, achievements, and life. He devoted his whole life to finding a way to liberate our country from oppression and poverty.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: Famous historical sites in Hanoi
In Hanoi, tourists visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi, a relic of sophisticated history. As built through many regimes, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long has become one the most outstanding sites in various historical places in Vietnam.
Tourists can explore unique architectural relics and millions of artifacts in the archaeological excavation. In 2010, UNESCO recognized the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long as a World Heritage List.
Co Loa Citadel: The Cultural and historical places in Vietnam
If you want to explore one of the most ancient citadels in Hanoi city, visiting Co Loa Citadel is a great option. In 208 B.C., Lac Viet and Au Viet tribes formed a new kingdom, Au Lac. So King An Duong Vuong chose the place to build Co Loa Citadel. Tourists can visit the remaining part of the citadel 830 hectares with three land rings: outside the citadel, middle citadel, and inside the citadel. Moreover, travelers explore more than sixty historical sites of artistic architecture and historical, and archaeological things.
Temple of Literature: Landmarks for historical places in Vietnam
There is a miss if tourists travel to Hanoi without visiting the Temple of Literature, lying south of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. The Temple of Literature has two monuments: Van Mieu and Quoc Tu Giam. King Ly Thanh Tong built Van Mieu in 1070 to dedicate Khong Tu and honor Vietnam’s finest scholar and teacher Chu Van An. In 1076, Ly Nhan Tong constructed Quoc Tu Giam, next to Van Mieu, and became the first university of Vietnam.
Tourists will see the change of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam throughout 1000 years, which reflects the educational and cultural symbol of Vietnam. After almost 1000 years of history, the Temple of Literature is preserving the ancient architectural designs of many dynasties. Thus, it is considered one of the finest cultural and historical places in Vietnam.
Wrapping Up
There are many historical places in Vietnam, but not many tourists are aware of the impressive Vietnam heritage sites. No matter which part of the country you can see, all significant historical places in Vietnam are nearby and stand the test of time. If you plan a trip to Vietnam, do not miss out on the chance to visit a series of historical places in Vietnam led by the leading local tour operator here.
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“Are You Dead?”: A New App Reflects the Loneliness of Young Chinese Living Alone
In China’s rapidly changing cities, living alone is no longer unusual—especially among young adults pursuing education, careers, and independence. But as solo living increases, so do concerns about isolation, safety, and what happens when no one is around to check in. Against this backdrop, a new app with a blunt, unsettling question—“Are you dead?”—has captured public attention and ignited debate. Despite its shocking name, the app is not designed to provoke fear. Instead, it aims to address a practical and emotional gap in modern urban life: how to ensure the well-being of people who live alone, and how technology is stepping in where traditional community networks have weakened. The Rise of Solo Living in China China has witnessed a dramatic shift in household structures over the past two decades. Urbanization, delayed marriage, rising housing costs, and changing cultural values have contributed to a growing number of single-person households, particularly among people in their 20s and 30s. For many young Chinese professionals, living alone represents freedom and self-reliance. It allows flexibility, privacy, and independence from family expectations. Yet this independence often comes with trade-offs: fewer daily social interactions, weaker neighborhood ties, and limited support in emergencies. In megacities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, it is increasingly common for neighbors not to know each other at all. In this environment, concerns about what happens if someone becomes ill, injured, or simply disappears from daily routines have become more pronounced. What the App Actually Does Despite its provocative name, the app’s purpose is surprisingly simple. It functions as a digital check-in system. Users set regular times to confirm they are okay—by tapping a notification or completing a brief check-in. If the user fails to respond after a certain period, the app automatically alerts designated contacts, such as friends, family members, or emergency responders. The stark question, “Are you dead?”, is intentionally designed to grab attention and prompt action. Developers argue that softer language is often ignored, while blunt phrasing cuts through digital noise and encourages consistent use. In essence, the app acts as a safety net, especially for people who live alone and may not have daily contact with others. Why Young People Are Downloading It The app’s popularity reflects deeper anxieties among young adults navigating modern life. Many users say they downloaded it not because they fear the worst every day, but because it provides peace of mind—both for themselves and for loved ones. For parents living far from their children, the app offers reassurance without constant phone calls. For users, it creates a sense of being quietly watched over, without sacrificing independence. Some users have also described the app as a form of emotional comfort. Even a routine notification can feel like a reminder that someone, somewhere, would notice if they vanished from daily life. A Name That Sparked Debate The app’s name has been its most controversial feature. Critics argue that the phrase “Are you dead?” is unnecessarily harsh and reflects a growing desensitization in digital culture. Others worry that such language could amplify anxiety rather than reduce it. Supporters, however, see the name as a reflection of reality rather than a provocation. In densely populated cities where people can go unnoticed for days or weeks, the question is uncomfortable—but relevant. They argue that avoiding blunt language does not eliminate the underlying problem of isolation. The debate highlights a broader tension in tech design: Should apps prioritize emotional sensitivity, or practical effectiveness—even if it makes people uncomfortable? Technology Filling a Social Gap The rise of this app points to a larger issue: technology increasingly compensates for weakened social structures. In the past, extended families, close-knit neighborhoods, and workplace communities naturally checked in on individuals. Today, those informal safety nets are often absent. Apps like this one are not just tools; they are symptoms of a society where digital solutions are replacing human presence. While convenient, this raises questions about whether technology is addressing the root causes of loneliness—or simply managing its consequences. Still, for many users, the app is not a replacement for relationships, but a supplement to modern life realities. Living Alone Does Not Mean Wanting to Be Alone An important takeaway from the app’s success is that living alone is not the same as wanting isolation. Many young Chinese adults value independence but still crave connection, security, and acknowledgment. The app’s routine check-ins, though minimal, provide a structured moment of contact. In a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, even small gestures of recognition can matter. This trend also reflects changing attitudes toward mental well-being and personal safety. Younger generations are more open to discussing vulnerability and using tools that previous generations might have dismissed. What This Says About Modern Urban Life The popularity of an app that asks such a stark question speaks volumes about the realities of contemporary urban living—not just in China, but globally. As cities grow larger and lives become more individualized, people are searching for new ways to ensure they are seen, remembered, and protected. 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By Muhammad Hassan3 days ago in Earth
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