Rare photos of 9 World Heritage sites in Vietnam from over 30 years ago.

This photo series of 9 World Heritage sites in Vietnam recreates the serene beauty of cultural and natural heritage through the lens of a seasoned traveler.

These are images from 30 years ago of 9 World Heritage sites in Vietnam, captured through the lens of early-generation traveler Nguyen Tri Dung (78 years old, Can Tho). Mr. Dung photographed these heritage sites during his business trips and travels across the country.

In 1994, Ha Long Bay was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site for its outstanding global aesthetic value, becoming the first natural heritage site in Vietnam to receive this recognition. In 2020, the bay was recognized for the second time based on criteria related to its geological and geomorphological value.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park ( Quang Tri province ) is one of Vietnam's representative World Natural Heritage sites, recognized by UNESCO in 2003 and 2015, based on criteria related to geology, geomorphology, biodiversity, and terrestrial ecosystems.

This photo shows the entrance gate to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in early September 2003. Not only is it renowned for its magnificent geological and geomorphological landscapes, but this national park also boasts the oldest limestone mountain system in Asia, especially Son Doong Cave – the world's largest cave, discovered in 2009.

The ancient town of Hoi An ( Da Nang ) was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1999.

The Japanese Bridge (or Bridge Pagoda), over 400 years old, is one of the iconic landmarks of the ancient town of Hoi An.

Ngo Mon Gate stood silently on a day at the end of January 2000. The structure is one of the main gates of the Hue Imperial Citadel, part of the Hue Imperial City Complex – a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized in 1993.

This photo shows Ho Dynasty Citadel in 1998. The site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011. Ho Dynasty Citadel is located in the former Vinh Loc district, now Tay Do commune, Thanh Hoa province.

Hau Lau, part of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel complex (Hanoi), is pictured in December 2001. The site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010.

The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (Ninh Binh) is Vietnam's first mixed heritage site recognized by UNESCO in 2014, notable for its karst landscapes, caves, rivers, and archaeological sites.

The signpost points to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu within the Trang An scenic complex. The complex comprises three main conservation areas: the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Trang An - Tam Coc - Bich Dong, and the Hoa Lu special-use forest.

The Hung Dao Temple is located within the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex of historical sites and scenic spots. This complex is a series of historical sites located in the three provinces of Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh - closely associated with the origin, spread, and development of the Truc Lam Zen sect. The complex was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in July 2025.

Con Son Pagoda nearly 30 years ago. The pagoda was founded during the Dinh-Ly ​​dynasty, was greatly expanded in 1304, and further renovated under Zen Master Phap Loa in 1329.
Besides the nine natural and cultural world heritage sites featured in the photo collection, Vietnam also possesses many intangible cultural heritage and documentary heritage sites inscribed by UNESCO, such as the Nguyen Dynasty woodblocks, Hue Royal Court Music, and the tug-of-war ritual.

Ninh Phuong (Photo: Nguyen Tri Dung)

Source: https://laodong.vn/du-lich/kham-pha/anh-hiem-ve-9-di-san-the-gioi-o-viet-nam-hon-30-nam-truoc-1639351.html