Southeast Asia World Heritage Sites
Southeast Asia is loaded with World Heritage Sites owing to its deep-rooted culture and history and many stunning and diverse natural environments. Some are world famous such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Ayuthaya in Thailand, others are living museums like Vietnam’s Hoi An and Laos’ Luang Prabang, while some are hidden gems for the adventurers only, such as Kinabalu National Park in Borneo, and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat should perhaps be in the ‘world wonder’ category as archaeologically it is supremely impressive with Khmer Empire buildings from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Its size is immense, encompassing around 100 square kilometres.
Ayutthaya, Thailand
The ancient capital city of Thailand was founded in 1350 and remained the capital for over 400 years. Today, the old city features stark reminders from this period in the form of magnificent temple architecture.
Sukhothai, Thailand
Older still than Thailand’s famed Ayutthaya ruins, Sukhothai, farther north, is completely a World Heritage Site and the cradle of Thai culture. The main ruins are in Sukhothai Historical Park, yet Si Satchanalai Historical Park, 50kms to the north, is even more atmospheric.
Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia
Situated on the Sabah part of Borneo, this fantastic national park encompasses Southeast Asia’s highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu. The World Heritage Site features multiple climatic zones and makes for some great walking.
Gunung Mulu National Park, Indonesia
Mulu National Park is another of Borneo’s famous national parks, lying in the Sarawak region of the island. It’ numerous caves and karsts are the main draw with the huge Sarawak Chamber being the main highlight.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
This beautiful bay in northeastern Vietnam features thousands of karsts and islets, and is bordered in the southeast by the Gulf of Tonkin. A tour of the area by boat or kayak is most rewarding.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Laos’s most visited town was royal capital in the 14th century and was designated a World Heritage Site for its well-preserved traditional village look.
Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras, Philippines
The Philippines’ Luzon Island features a spectacular series of rice terraces that were first developed 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao. The terraces today are still maintained by the same people and are in full use.
Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia
Many people like to visit the island that was responsible for the loudest sound ever heard by human ear, that of Krakatoa between Java and Sumatra. Living in Indonesia’s first national park are rare Javan Rhinos and the largest remaining lowland rainforest on the island.
Kerinci Seblat National Park, Indonesia
The largest national park on Sumatra features hot springs, lofty mountains, plunging waterfalls, and gushing rivers and rapids. The flora and fauna here is very diverse - keep an eye out for the Sumatran Rhino.
Lorentz National Park, Indonesia
Southeast Asia’s largest national park in the province of Papua was made a World Heritage Site for its diverse collection of ecosystems which stretch from sea level right up to alpine areas.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang, Vietnam
This stunning national park in the north of Vietnam, which lies close to the border with Laos, is highly visited for its magnificent karsts and its hundreds of caves. Many of the caves have been opened up and feature impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Kinabalu World Heritage Site – Borneo, Malaysia
At the foothills of Southeast Asia’s highest mountain are the headquarters and Visitor Centre and Mountain Garden, where one can see many species of rhododendrons, orchids, ferns, oak trees and birds.
Hoi An, Vietnam
This famous Vietnamese coastal town is a delight with its well-preserved streets, striking temple and bridge architecture, and laid back appeal.
Maliau Basin – Borneo, Malaysia
Although almost inaccessible, the Maliau Basin on Borneo is definitely worth a visit; a lofty somewhat mysterious park surrounded by cliffs and featuring unspoiled rainforest and many types of orchid.
Vat Phou, Laos
Vat Phou is a huge temple in southern Laos on the banks of the mighty Mekong River featuring classic Khmer architecture dating as far back as AD 600. Nearby is the Ancient City of Shestupura, the oldest urban settlement in the region.
Vigan, Philippines
Located on Luzon and founded by the Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo, the colonial town of Vigan is well preserved with its historical grid street plan and strong Chinese and Filipino influences.
Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, Philippines
World Heritage designated this site due to its pristine atoll reef and associated fish and other aquatic animals. There are turtles here, pilot whales, manta rays, small sharks and numerous types of seabird.
Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi isn’t just beaches; it also has Geopark status with its karsts, stark mountainous landscape and lush forests. In addition to the spectacular Kilim Karst Geoforest Park are hundreds of species of birds, including hornbills.
