Four others can soon be Vietnam's new World Heritage Sites
Together with the existing world heritage sites which have been widely known and visited, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Trang An natural ecology area, Cuc Phuong National Park and Con Dao Prison are four other potential nominees for the title in Vietnam.
Together with the existing world heritage sites that are well-known and frequently visited, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Trang An Natural Ecology Area, Cuc Phuong National Park, and Con Dao Prison remain key contenders for UNESCO World Heritage Site status in Vietnam.
With a history spanning over 1,000 years, Hoa Lu is a significant cultural and historical relic complex located in Ninh Binh Province. Once the first capital of feudal Vietnam, its status changed when King Ly Thai To chose Thang Long (Hanoi) in 1010. The ancient citadel, along with various structures such as temples, pagodas, and communal houses, have been restored or rebuilt by successive dynasties (Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen). This historical site has been increasingly recognized by authorities and tourists alike, making it one of Vietnam's earliest nominees for UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1991.
Trang An is a picturesque area featuring a network of lakes, limestone mountains, and caves adjacent to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Renowned not only for its geological significance and natural diversity, Trang An also captivates archaeologists with its rich repository of relics. Praised as "Ha Long Bay on Land," this area is undergoing preservation and development efforts to establish it as an international tourism destination and a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cuc Phuong National Park, included among the nominees for UNESCO recognition since 1991 alongside Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, is a lush tropical rainforest sheltering a vast variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered species listed in the Red List. It attracts biologists, nature enthusiasts, and trekkers, presenting an ideal setting for eco-tourism (explore more about national parks in Vietnam for camping).
The last nominee, Con Dao Prison, was established by French colonists to imprison Vietnamese nationalists. For decades, the prison, particularly its infamous "Chuong Cop" (Tiger Cage), was notorious for detaining high-profile opposition figures labeled as "most dangerous" during both the French and American colonial periods. Its historical significance remains vivid nearly four decades after the end of the wars.
While the Vietnamese government is making significant efforts to enhance and promote these sites, it remains uncertain why two of the nominees did not receive recognition in 1991. Nevertheless, achieving UNESCO status is expected to significantly amplify tourism activities and increase visitor influx to the provinces, particularly to Ninh Binh, which boasts three out of the four nominated sites.
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