Tres Zapotes

One of the colossal heads from Tres Zapotes (Monument A)

Important center of the ancient Olmec culture, founded around 1000 BC and flourished in 900 – 800 BC. Here have been found such unique monuments of Olmec art as two colossal heads, monuments of some of the earliest writing system and the earliest calendar in the Western Hemisphere.

La Venta

Pyramid in La Venta

Impressive achievement of ancient urban planning, art, and architecture, one of the important centers of the ancient Olmec culture. Inhabited since 1200 BC and turned into an important center 900 – 400 BC. The complex of clay buildings extends for some 20 km, includes 33 m tall pyramid. Renowned monuments of ancient art – four colossal sculptures of heads.

San Lorenzo

Olmec stone head from San Lorenzo No. 1.

The largest city in Mesoamerica in 1200 – 900 BC, a major center of Olmec culture. Important ceremonial center with extensive, elevated central part that has a sophisticated drainage system.

Mỹ Sơn

Mỹ Sơn ruins

Ruins of a group of more than 70 Hindu temples. These temples were built in the times of the Champa Empire between the 4th and 14th century AD. This site serves as a kind of religious capital of Champa. Most of the heritage was destroyed by US bombing during the Vietnam War. Buildings in this temple city were very ornate and ruins provide rich knowledge about the art and architecture in Champa Empire.

Hue Imperial City

Huế Imperial City, side gate

Well preserved fortified citadel of Huế city. The fortress is surrounded by massive walls that form 2 by 2 km large rectangle with the imperial palace – Purple Forbidden City inside. Construction of the fortress and palace was started in 1804, later were added many more palaces and other ornate buildings. Most of the buildings perished during the Vietnam War but some 10 remain.

Hanoi Citadel

Hanoi Citadel, side gate

The former residence of the Vietnamese monarchs developed since the 1010 AD (Citadel of Thang Long) in the site of the older fortress. Most of the historical buildings were destroyed by the French in the late 19th century but some parts of the medieval Vietnamese architecture remain.

Hoa Lư Citadel

Hoa Lư Citadel, gate

Citadel of the medieval capital of Vietnam, founded in the 10th century AD. Citadel was located among steep limestone pinnacles and was protected by some 10 m tall and up to 15 m thick earthen ramparts. Nowadays some parts of these ramparts and some temples remain.

Old Hanoi

Street with train tracks in Hanoi

Well preserved part of the historical Hanoi city next to Hoàn Kiếm Lake, with narrow streets and architecture from the 19th – early 20th century.

Hội An

Hội An, Vietnam

Medieval city – trading port that flourished in the 15th – 19th century. Former economical center of Champa Empire.

Đồng Văn

The ancient Đồng Văn

Exceptionally well preserved historical town of montane people in a spectacular hilly area. Most buildings here are approximately 200 – 100 years old. These houses are built from clay, have two – three floors and tiled roofs.