10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia

Temple of Preah Vihear
Most people come to Cambodia to bask in the glory of one exquisite point of interest: Angkor. Indeed, while the 400 km² site is superlative, a singular temple to Shiva on a Dangrek Mountain cliff is a UNESCO gem as well. Visit Angkor, without question, but make time for the remarkable Temple of Preah Vihear.

Angkor Wat – Photo credit
Town of Luang Prabang
A former royal capital in north central Laos, the Town of Luang Prabang is a vital confluence of architectural styles. The city of 100,000 people preserves a vast network of traditional temples and palaces but also unfurls a flourish of European colonial landmarks. As a result, Luang Prabang is a jewel of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Luang Prabang and Mekong River – Photo credit
Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape
A long title for a UNESCO World Heritage inscription perhaps, but Vat Phou is long on charm. The site as a whole refers to a complex of Khmer temple ruins that date back as far as the 5^th century. A vital Champasak province refuge of Theravada Buddhism, this area at the base of Mount Phu Kao is lush and inimitable.

Champasak, Laos – Photo credit
Historic City of Ayutthaya
For over four hundred years, the old city of Ayutthaya was the nexus of royal power in Thailand. The second major capital of Siam was left in ruins by Burma in the late 18^th century but as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rules supreme once again.

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Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns
The zenith of the Sukhothai Kingdom, from the 13^th to the 15^th century, was a phenomenal era of expansion for Siam. All of the inherent glory from this major period in Thailand’s history comes together in three heritage parks: Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet Si Satchanalai.

Sukhothai, Thailand – Photo credit
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
The discovery in 1966 of relics from 2,000 B.C. in in Nong Han, Udon Thani Province, Thailand, was a spectacular find in the world of archaeology. To date, no site in Southeast Asia compares with what Ban Chiang tells us about the cultural, social and technological evolution of ancient people in the area. The scope of objects found at the vast excavation site is unimaginable.
Complex of Hué Monuments
Vietnam makes a strong appearance on the UNESCO list with the brilliant Complex of Hué Monuments. Forget beach resorts – come here first when you visit Vietnam. Vibrant Hué, home to over 350,000 people, is incomparable and the network of Nguyen Dynasty landmarks that dot the cityscape form a formidable cultural attraction.

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Hoi An Ancient Town
For a time the premier harbor city in Southeast Asia, Hoi An still evokes the distinctive charm of a dynamic cultural and commercial hub. Once a congregation point for Japanese, Chinese, Dutch, Indian, French, Spanish and Portuguese merchants and traders, the city of 150,000 now lures international tourists throughout the year. Hoi An Ancient Town is simply unlike any other place in Vietnam.

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My Son Sanctuary
The venerable complex of desolate shrines and monuments in Quang Nam province, not far from the city of Da Nang, is a significant holdover from a bygone era in Vietnam. For close to 1,000 years, until the 13^th century, My Son was a vital expression of Indian Hinduism and the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom.

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Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi
A new inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010, the spectacular city of Hanoi now has another claim to fame. Built in the 11^th century, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a major Nguyen Dynasty cultural and strategic complex. Close to some of the best hotels in Hanoi, the site is a vital and active excavation site and archaeological work in progress.

Hanoi side street – Photo credit