Sights in Vietnam can be divided into three major kinds: historical sights, cultural sights and scenic sights.

Historical sights

Throughout its rich 2700 year long history, Vietnam seems to be always on the struggle. Most of Vietnam’s history up to the 19^th century is a constantly struggle against China’s dominating influence culturally, politically and militarily while still flourishing culturally and economically. Becoming a French colonization in the late 19^th century, the Vietnamese thought they would see independence after the famous Dien Bien Phu battle in 1954. However, war continued until 1975. This war, known internationally as the “Vietnam war” and locally as the “war with the US” involved the Soviet Union and Republic of China supporting the North; and the USA supporting the South.

Though subdued to heavy bombing and warfare, numerous sights witnessing Vietnam’s rises and falls still stand until today throughout the country. They can be found in any city and most are open to tourists. To name a few famous sights, from North to South:

Dien Bien Phu : A quiet valley in North West Vietnam. Here, reminiscents of the famous battlefield that witnessed the 57 day siege leading to France’s defeat still remains.

Hanoi :

• Cổ Loa citadel: This 18km long spiral shaped fortress was built around 250 BCE and is connected to many legends about a Vietnamese princess blinded by love and loosing her kingdom to a Chinese prince. Co Loa festival is held annually on the 6^th of the first month according to lunar calendar.

• Hoa Lo prison: built in 1904 by the French, this prison was used by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionists; and later was also used by the Vietnamese to hold captured American pilots.

• Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and Ba Dinh square: where Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s renowned leader used to live, work and made many famous speeches. Uncle Ho’s body is today still kept here.

Quang Tri: the DMZ (demilitarized zone) trace its root back to the Vietnam war, when the S-shaped country was divided into two part by Ben Hai river. A one day trip to visit Vinh Moc tunnel, Truong Son cemetary and such historical places is accessible and worth your time. Tours can be arranged on site or in Hue.

Hue : This beautiful city on the two sides of the HuongRiver is the country’s last ancient feudal capital. Relatively young, many of its ancient looks and architectures are still preserved. Hue’s forbidden walls, palaces and royal tombs are a must see and have been certified as a World Culture Heritage by UNESCO.

Hoi An : Once Vietnam’s important international seaport and trading center. Hoi An with its ancient architecture and lifestyles that seems unchanged since the 17^th century deserves its position as a World Culture Heritage.

Cu Chi tunnels: a network of connected underground tunnels, hand dug and used as a hiding and living spot for militaries and civilians during the Second Indochine war.