Southeast Asia is a culturally rich and diverse region counting numerous sites classified by the UNESCO in the World Heritage of Humanity. With some of the world’s most famous sites like Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, Southeast Asia is home to 37 wonderful sites that stand out for their natural or cultural value.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO – has listed more than 1000 historical and natural sites in the world. With 37 sites already listed in Southeast Asia and many more submitted for review, culture, histories and landscapes have been recognized for their unique value for mankind.
For the curious, tourists and the tourism industry professionals, together with media, artistic, cultural or scientific organizations and businesses of Southeast Asia to name a few, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites represent the common, symbolic importance of the cultural relevance of Southeast Asia.
As a handy list to keep for the use of these professionals and the viewing pleasure of all, here is the complete list of World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia together with some beautiful pictures.
You can quickly jump to your favorite country’s sites with the following links.
List of the 37 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia
Note: there are currently no World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO in Brunei and Timor Leste.
2 World Heritage Sites in Cambodia
The UNESCO has classified two sites in Cambodia as World Heritage Sites:
- Angkor
- Temple of Preah Vihear
For more information on these sites and more beautiful pictures, check the details on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cambodia.
8 World Heritage Sites in Indonesia
The UNESCO has classified eight sites in Indonesia as World Heritage Sites:
- Borobudur Temple Compounds
- Komodo National Park
- Prambanan Temple Compounds
- Ujung Kulon National Park
- Sangiran Early Man Site
- Lorentz National Park
- Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra
- Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy
For more information on these sites and more beautiful pictures, check the details on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Indonesia.
2 World Heritage Sites in Laos
The UNESCO has classified two sites in Laos as World Heritage Sites:
- Town of Luang Prabang
- Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape
For more information on these sites and more beautiful pictures, check the details on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Laos.
4 World Heritage Sites in Malaysia
The UNESCO has classified four sites in Malaysia as World Heritage Sites:
- Gunung Mulu National Park
- Kinabalu Park
- Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
- Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley
For more information on these sites and more beautiful pictures, check the details on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malaysia.
1 World Heritage Site in Myanmar
The UNESCO has classified one site in Myanmar as a World Heritage Site: The Pyu Ancient Cities.
© Photo: caz.vandevere
For more information on this site, check the details on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Myanmar.
6 World Heritage Sites in the Philippines
The UNESCO has classified six sites in the Philippines as World Heritage Sites:
- Baroque Churches of the Philippines
- Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
- Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
- Historic Town of Vigan
- Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
- Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
For more information on these sites and more beautiful pictures, check the details on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines.
1 World Heritage Site in Singapore
The UNESCO has classified one site in Singapore as a World Heritage Site: Singapore Botanic Gardens.
© Photo: Jonathan Garcia
For more information on this site, check the details on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Singapore.
5 World Heritage Sites in Thailand
The UNESCO has classified five sites in Thailand as World Heritage Sites:
- Historic City of Ayutthaya
- Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns
- Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
- Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex
For more information on these sites, check the details on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand.
8 World Heritage Sites in Vietnam
The UNESCO has classified eight sites in Vietnam as World Heritage Sites:
- Complex of Hué Monuments
- Ha Long Bay
- Hoi An Ancient Town
- My Son Sanctuary
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi
- Citadel of the Ho Dynasty
- Trang An Landscape Complex
For more information on these sites, check the details on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam.
So here is the full list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia. For more information about them, other sites submitted for review or information on its activities, visit the website of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO.
What do you think of these World Heritage Sites? Which one do you prefer? Do you have some tips to make a better visit? Any other site you think should be added by UNESCO? Leave your comments below!