Dig Into Vietnam's Ancient Glory by Visiting These Historical Places
What embarking on a historical tour in Vietnam entails?
Exploring the hitherto less-talked-about gems of Vietnam and digging into its ancient glory.
Khai Dinh Tomb, A Gothic Marvel
Khai Dinh Tomb, in Chau Chu village, is a brilliant architecture carved in Gothic elements with an astonishing comingling of French, Chinese and Vietnamese styles. It has boasted a record of being the most labour-intensive project commissioned by the Nguyen Dynasty.
Khai Dinh Tomb retains its glory as the last historical monument built in honour of a Vietnamese emperor—belonging to the Nguyen Dynasty. Located about 10 km away from the hustle-bustle of Hue, the mausoleum’s positioned following Feng Shui. Trekking to the tomb means navigating hills and streams which make for a spectacular visual retreat—a complete indulgence of your senses. Besides taking the road, you could also avail boating.
The Serpentine Network of Cu Chi Tunnels
In the Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels were constructed by the Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War and still stand testimony to the ravages of war and destruction. Sprawling across tens of thousands of miles, the network once transported resources, laid booby traps, hurled fatal surprises at the enemy and paved a safe passageway to the “tunnel rats”— those who possessed the intricate knowledge of navigating the tunnels. Visitors are allowed to crawl through some sections – the safer areas, of the tunnel and even fire an AK-47 rifle!
The Temple Cluster of My Son Cham Ruins
My Son Cham Ruins lies in perfect disarray and disintegration today. The temples were built around the 4th century AD and lie in the perilous mountainous border of Quang Nam Province. It is literally tucked away at the heart of a ring of mountains reigning supreme as one of the most intriguing archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. As theories suggest, the site was built by the Cham people, of the Champa Kingdom, who once ruled what now is central Vietnam.
The ruins were abandoned and forgotten until French scholar M C Paris discovered it—much in the style of Indiana Jones-level epic adventure.
Hue Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO Heritage Site
Another gem by the Nguyen Dynasty, the Imperial Citadel is magnificent and highly Instagram-worthy! The citadel, in all its sheer grandeur and opulence, stretches over acres rightfully holding onto its royal stature. In the middle of the citadel is the splendid Purple Forbidden City – a quiet and aesthetic remnant of the past. Interestingly, this city resembles Beijing and perhaps quintessentially so.
