Four others can soon be Vietnam's new World Heritage Sites

Together with the existing world heritage sites which have been widely known and visited, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Trang An natural ecology area, Cuc Phuong National Park and Con Dao  Prison are four other potential nominees for the title in Vietnam.

With a history spanning over 1000 years, Hoa Lu is a cultural and historical relic complex in Ninh Binh province. It once uses to be the first capital in feudal Vietnam, and the role only switched when King Ly Thai To chose Thang Long (Hanoi) in 1010. The ancient citadel and many constructions like temple, pagoda, communal house and to were restored or built anew in the next dynasties (Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen). This historical site is gradually getting more attention from the authority as well as tourists. It is in fact one of Vietnam's very first nominees for the title of world heritage site back in 1991.

Trang An is a scenic area of lakes, system of limestone mountains and caves near the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Not only renowned for its geological value and natural diversity, Trang An also intrigues archaeologists for its hidden treasure trove of relics. With precious natural and historical values, this “Ha Long on land” is being reserved and redefined to become an international tourism attraction, and a natural world heritage site.

Cuc Phuong National Park is also among four nominees from Vietnam in 1991, together with Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. This tropical rainforest is home to many animals, birds, fish and insects, including some rare kinds featured in the Red List of the world. Cuc Phuong is an appealing attraction to biologists, nature lovers and trekkers (see list of Vietnam national parks for camping here).

The last nominee is Con Dao Prison system which was built by French colonists to detain Vietnamese nationalists. For decades, the prison and especially its “Chuong Cop” (Tiger Cage) was notorious for being used to detain high-ranked opposition leaders deemed "most dangerous" by both French and American. Its historical importance is very fresh and vivid nearly four decades after wars' end.

While Vietnamese government is putting a major effort into refitting and getting attention for the sites, it is still unknown how two of these nominees fail in 1991. The recognition, however, will likely give a substantial boost to tourism activities and generate a steady inflow of travelers to the provinces, especially to anxious Ninh Binh, which owns 3 out of these 4.