A Guide to Visiting the World Heritage Sites in Vietnam
This beautiful place is globally known for its rich culture and history against a backdrop of the most stunning landscape. To explore this beauty, you’ll have to apply for a Vietnam online visa to visit this place.
Let’s learn more about this below.
How Does A Vietnam Online Visa Guarantee Hassle-Free Travel?
When you apply for a Vietnam online visa, you can enjoy quite a few perks as a tourist. However, you have to first know what it is. Read on to know about the same.
What is a Vietnam Online Visa?
It is an electronic document that the Vietnam Immigration Department issues with the authority of the Government of Vietnam. This body issues these visas to people who wish to travel, attend a conference, perform some market research, participate in some investment ventures, etc.
This visa will remain for 90 days from issuance.
Application Process for a Vietnam Online Visa
This is quite simple. You have to visit the Vietnam Visa Application page, and then fill in all your personal details like your name, gender, country where you were born, date of birth, email address, etc.
Once you’re through with that, you have to select the ‘Next’ option, after which you’ll have to fill in your credit or debit card details, and then pay the necessary fee after confirming that. Next, wait for a period of 3-5 days or a maximum of 7-10 days.
However, before that, you’ll have to gather a few documents, which you will need during the procedure.
They are your 2 passport-sized photographs, a passport that will remain valid for at least six months after your visit, your itinerary, hotel booking documents, and proof of adequate financial strength.
Benefits of Using a Vietnam Online Visa for Tourists
When you apply for a Vietnam online visa, you’ll enjoy benefits like waiting for 3-5 days as opposed to 11 or more days for a regular visa. Apart from that, you do not have to physically carry any documents to the Embassy or deal with paperwork and can skip the airport queue.
Furthermore, you can enjoy single or multiple-entry options as per your choice, and enter Vietnam via land, sea, or air.
Lastly, this visa is more pocket-friendly than a traditional visa.
Exploring Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Some of the most popular locations that you can explore with the help of the Vietnam online visa are:
Ha Long Bay – A Natural Marvel
This enchanting place is known for its awe-inspiring rock formations and countless caves. You shouldn’t miss the chance to go kayaking through the sea and by them, and savor lunches and meals on the boats themselves.
Most of these rock formations are limestone formations. You can also choose to book a bay cruise to explore the formations and see them from a unique perspective. Adventurous tourists can also climb the stone towers, or go for a relaxing swim in the waters of the Tonkin Gulf.
If you wish to see more sights, you can also drive for 3-4 hours to reach Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, an enchanting town full of history and culture.
Hoi An Ancient Town – Preserving History and Charm
The town of Hoi An, used to serve as an important trading post between the 1400s and 1800s, drawing people from Japan, India, China, Portugal, and the Netherlands, among other nations.
People used to trade in ceramic, silk, and spices, among other commodities when they would dock there between the 15th and 19th centuries.
You can see the influence of all these cultures when you visit them with the help of your Vietnam online visa.
It is a globally well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its preservation. It is full of winding lanes that are best explored on foot, a scooter, or a bicycle.
You should not miss out on landmarks like Fujian Assembly Hall, the Japanese Covered Bridge, etc. when you’re there.
Furthermore, you should do your best to attend the Lantern Festival if possible. The natives celebrate the full moon, which is considered to be quite auspicious as per the Buddhist calendar.
You can consider releasing a lantern, sampling the street food or simply walking through the town during this festival to experience this old festival that started between the 1500s and 1600s.
Hue Imperial City – A Lens into Vietnam’s Royal Past
This citadel used to serve as the capital for the Nguyen dynasty from 1802, till 1945. You will find that it is an entire complex that consists of the Imperial City (the administrative centre), Throne Hall, Mandarin’s Courtyard, and other temples like the Mieu temples.
It also has the imposing Purple City, which the emperors made after taking inspiration from the Forbidden City of Beijing, which was where the royal family lived with their trusted staff and other members.
Upon reaching the citadel, you can find the architecturally aesthetic Ngo Mon Gate, which was built during the rule of Emperor Minh Mang.
My Son Sanctuary – A Spiritual and Architectural Wonder
Built by the majestic rulers of the Champa Dynasty during the 4th century, My Son Sanctuary is a place where you can still feel the influence of its rulers when you visit it with your Vietnam online visa.
The complex was originally designed to serve as a place for worshipping Lord Shiva, one of the gods in the Holy Trinity of Hindu culture, and known as The Destroyer of Evil. Originally, the temple had 70+ temples, and towers.
However, the rulers were forced to abandon it due to the invasion of the Da Viet Kingdom. It was discovered by French archaeologists in 1898.
Currently, you can find about 32 temples there, of which 20 remain intact, as the rest of them were destroyed during the Vietnam War that took place from 1955 to 1975.
Furthermore, if you visit around the month of July, then you can also join the Kate festival of the Cham Natives.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – A Paradise for Adventurers
Just like Ha Long Bay, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has quite a few caves, and karsts, along with jungle-filled hills that make the place seem like a veritable paradise.
However, that’s not all, since wildlife lovers can enjoy catching sites of the diverse flora and fauna that you can find there. Some species that you expect to see are the Ha Tingh Langur, the Annamite Striped Rabbit, Red-collar Woodpecker, among others.
Adventurous people can also consider camping in some of the caves, like the Hang En cave. You can also sign up for easy-to-intense trekking and exploring expeditions to the other caves, where you’ll find stalactites, underground rivers, and karst underpasses, among other things.
So, it’ll certainly not be like any other cave you’ve been to.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam’s Heritage Sites
We would recommend that you visit Vietnam with your Vietnam online visa between March and April, as the temperature remains moderate during that period. You can also go in September and October, as you can find sunny skies and warm weather.
If you’re looking to beat the crowds, then you can try visiting between April to June, and September and November. That’s because the weather alternates between warm and wet, so do remember to pack accordingly.
Travel Tips for Exploring World Heritage Sites in Vietnam
Remember to consider the weather when you plan your itinerary. For instance, January would be best for visiting Hoi An. March would be best for Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Be careful of typhoon warnings, since the island is prone to them from May to November.
Keep some important cultural things in mind. Don’t be loud in public, and remove your slippers and shoes when you’re visiting temples or religious places.
Make sure you have the natives’ permission before you capture their photographs. Bring gifts when you’re visiting a local family, and dress as the locals do. These will ensure a pleasant experience in Vietnam.
Lastly, don’t forget to take a scanned copy of your Vietnam online visa and other travel documents that we mentioned previously for a hassle-free trip. Happy traveling!