The Temple of Literature is often cited as one of Hanoi’s most picturesque tourist attractions. Originally built as a university in 1070 dedicated to Confucius, scholars and sages, the building is extremely well preserved and is a superb example of traditional-style Vietnamese architecture. Considered the first university of Vietnam, the Temple of Literature is a famous…
Category: World Heritage
HANOI, AN ANTIQUE RISING DRAGON
The region around present-day Hanoi was settled in prehistoric times, and the location was often chosen as a political centre by Chinese conquerors. In 1010 Ly Thai To, the first ruler of the Ly dynasty (1009–1225) of Vietnam, chose the site of Hanoi—then called Thang Long (“Rising Dragon”)—for his capital. In 1831 the city was renamed…
THE LAND OF THE SOUTH-EAST ASIAN DRAGONS : HALONG BAY
Recognized by UNESCO twice as a World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is among top-notch destinations in Southeast Asia for domestic and foreign tourists with a fantastic blend of pristine natural beauty and effervescent city vibe. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular day trip from the capital Hanoi, Halong Bay is famous for its…
THE LAST VIETNAMESE EMPIRE OF HUE
Out of 160 buildings of Hue only 10 major sites remain because of the battle, such as the Thái Hòa and Cần Thanh temples, Thế Miếu, and Hiển Lâm Các. The city was made a UNESCO site in 1993. The buildings that still remain are being restored and preserved…
ANGKOR WAT MYSTERY
Spread across more than 400 acres, Angkor Wat is said to be the largest religious monument in the world.
THE ANCIENT CITY OF HOI AN
The old town of Hoi An in the South Central coast of Vietnam is a well-preserved example of a traditional trading town during the 15th to the 19th centuries…
THE VENICE OF THE EAST: AYUTTHAYA
Ayutthaya is in the valley of the Chao Phraya River and is believed to have been established because of a smallpox outbreak. King Ramathibodi I (r. 1351-1369 CE), who was the first king of Ayutthaya, moved his court from the principality of Lop Buri in south-central Siam.
THE WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE OF MY SON SANCTUARY
If you follow the Thu Bồn River inland, through bamboo groves and past traditional wooden fishermen’s huts, the twisting river will eventually bring you to one of the region’s most breathtaking places: the My Son Sanctuary.
Railway Café 