From 1887 until the Geneva Accord of 1954, Vietnam was part of French Indochina, a colonial possession which also included Laos and Cambodia. Even now, more than 60 years later, it’s easy to find French influences throughout the region. Those years under French control brought on rapid change, forever leaving their mark on Vietnam—good and bad. Despite the efforts of the Vietnamese government to erase anything they perceived to be out of line with their image of a unified and independent Vietnam, French culture is too deeply ingrained. It’s part of the fabric of Vietnam now.
Cuisine
Many staple foods in Vietnam are French dishes modified to include local ingredients: omelets, baguettes, croissants and anything fried in butter. Certain ingredients—cauliflower, zucchini, pate and potatoes, among others—were introduced to Vietnam during the colonial years. Some dishes arose from the demands of French authorities and their families, while others came from Vietnamese cooks, incorporating their new ingredients. Much of what we know as distinctly Vietnamese cuisine has French influences.
Coffee
Linguistics
While China has undoubtedly had more influence over the Vietnamese language, anyone with even a rudimentary knowledge of French will hear familiar words in Vietnam. The words for cheese, neckties, butter, bread, father (pa), beer and many, many others are all phonetic copies of French words.
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Besides sharing words, Vietnamese as you see it today only looks the way it does because French colonial authorities promoted the Romanized version created by Alexandre De Rhodes, a Jesuit missionary who also helped to bring about the next major cultural influence.
Religion
Catholics in Vietnam make up approximately seven percent of the population. Holidays like Easter and Christmas, while not nearly as widely celebrated as they are in the West, have their own Vietnamese traditions. It’s common to see people wearing a cross around their neck, and many families have an alter to Jesus in their home, near their ancestor shrine. Vietnam is officially atheistic, but the government doesn’t interfere with people practicing their faith these days. Also, some of the most famous buildings in Vietnam are churches.
Architecture
In certain cities—most notably Dalat, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hanoi—there are still wonderful examples of French architecture, with their high arches, balconies, columns and pleasing symmetries. Some of the more remarkable buildings are the Hanoi Opera House, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the many colonial villas and mansions in the hills surrounding Dalat. Even today, rich Vietnamese still build villas with French architectural features, whereas government buildings tend to be more austere.
Dalat
If it weren’t for the colonial French and their preference for Dalat’s cool mountain climate, this little city would be a very different place. For a time, it was the summer capital of French Indochina. The colonial authorities couldn’t handle the oppressive heat and rains of the lowlands, so they retreated to their villas and mansions around Dalat. Because of the unique climate, the colonial French also helped to make Dalat into an agricultural powerhouse. Many ingredients used throughout Vietnam can only grow around Dalat.
Bread
Elsewhere in Asia, bread isn’t as popular a dish—at least, nothing like it is in Vietnam. Here, millions of people eat banh mi sandwiches for breakfast every single day. Baguettes were introduced by the French, but Vietnamese use rice flour instead, for obvious reasons. The bread is more airy and porous, distinctly Vietnamese. Today, there are French-style bakeries throughout Vietnam, part of a resurgence of international culture making its way back into the country as it modernizes.
Fashion
While the white suits of the early 20th century are gone, there are still other fashion influences that remain. The ao dai, a traditional Vietnamese outfit, is the best example. Prior to the French, the ao dai was more conservative—a flowing robe which didn’t accentuate the sexual parts of the body. The influx of French tailors, along with the tastes of the colonial rulers, changed the ao dai into what we know it as today: a voluptuous outfit which accentuates curves, made of thin silk. For men, the trousers and collared shirts, still popular among even workers, were first introduced by French tailors. Though now, American styles have taken over.
Education
In the days before French Indochina, education was reserved for elites—for mandarins who served as bureaucrat scholars to the dynastic Nguyen emperors. Under the French, the education system became westernized. People could specialize, rather than studying broadly for the purpose of ruling. The French also introduced schooling up to the third grade—but not out of some sense of egalitarianism. They needed to train more clerks and assistants to handle the mundane duties of colonial rule.
Infrastructure
The colonial French—behind their facetious notion of spreading civilization to their colonies—did leave behind modern infrastructure which Vietnam still uses to this day. The famous Reunification Express, the railway line between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, was originally built under French rule. Many of the roads and bridges in Vietnam were also first built under French supervision. Probably the most famous example is the Long Biên Bridge in Hanoi—formerly the Paul Doumer Bridge. One unsung hero of French infrastructure is the sanitation system they left behind, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. Without French infrastructure, this city of almost ten million would’ve been much smellier.
Cyclos
Long since replaced by bicycles and motorbikes, you can still find these holdouts of the French colonial days in the touristy areas around the country—near the Citadel in Hue, District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City and in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. They conjure images of French aristocracy chauffeured around Saigon, fanning themselves under the scorching midday sun. They’re a strange reminder of a different era.
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Read Next
As a seasoned cultural enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricate tapestry of Vietnam's history and influences, I find the article on French influences in Vietnam particularly resonant. My extensive knowledge in the realms of history, linguistics, cuisine, architecture, and various cultural aspects allows me to provide valuable insights into the nuances and impact of French colonialism on Vietnam.
Cuisine: The article rightly highlights the lasting impact of French colonization on Vietnamese cuisine. The fusion of French culinary elements with local ingredients is evident in the popularity of dishes like omelets, baguettes, and croissants. The introduction of ingredients such as cauliflower, zucchini, pate, and potatoes during the colonial period has left an indelible mark on Vietnam's culinary landscape.
Linguistics: The linguistic influence of the French is apparent in the Vietnamese language, where phonetic copies of French words are integrated. Words for cheese, neckties, butter, bread, and familial terms like "pa" (father) bear the unmistakable imprint of French phonetics. Additionally, the adoption of the Romanized version of Vietnamese, promoted by Alexandre De Rhodes, reflects the enduring linguistic legacy of French colonial authorities.
Religion: The article sheds light on the religious aspect, emphasizing the presence of Catholics in Vietnam and the influence of French traditions in the celebration of Easter and Christmas. Despite Vietnam being officially atheistic, the enduring presence of crosses, home altars to Jesus, and the existence of churches underscore the lasting impact of French colonialism on religious practices.
Architecture: The architectural landscape in cities like Dalat, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi serves as a tangible testament to French influence. The Hanoi Opera House, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and colonial villas reflect the enduring legacy of French architectural styles. The juxtaposition of French-inspired villas among government buildings showcases the continued influence on Vietnam's architectural aesthetics.
Dalat: The article rightly highlights Dalat's transformation into a significant city due to the French colonial preference for its cool climate. The city became a summer capital, and its unique climate facilitated the cultivation of ingredients that now contribute to Vietnamese cuisine. The French influence is palpable in Dalat's architecture, culture, and agricultural practices.
Bread: The ubiquitous banh mi sandwiches for breakfast in Vietnam trace their origins to French introduction of baguettes. The adaptation of French-style bakeries, with Vietnamese twists like using rice flour for a distinct texture, highlights how colonial influences persist in modern culinary habits.
Fashion: The article elucidates the evolution of traditional Vietnamese attire, the ao dai, influenced by French tailors. The transformation from a conservative robe to a more form-fitting, silk outfit reflects the intersection of French and Vietnamese fashion sensibilities. Additionally, the enduring influence of French tailors is seen in the adoption of trousers and collared shirts, which persist in contemporary fashion.
Education: The French colonial impact on education is explored, emphasizing the shift from an elite-centric system to a more westernized approach. The introduction of specialization and schooling up to the third grade reflects the structural changes implemented by the French to serve the needs of colonial administration.
Infrastructure: The article rightly acknowledges the colonial French's contribution to modern infrastructure in Vietnam. The Reunification Express, roads, bridges, and even the sanitation system in Ho Chi Minh City owe their origins to French colonial efforts, underscoring the enduring legacy of French influence on Vietnam's development.
Cyclos: The mention of cyclos, remnants of the French colonial era, provides a nostalgic glimpse into transportation methods of the past. These cyclos, found in touristy areas, evoke images of a bygone era and serve as tangible reminders of Vietnam's colonial history.
In summary, the article effectively captures the multifaceted and enduring impact of French colonialism on Vietnam, encompassing aspects ranging from language and cuisine to architecture and infrastructure. My comprehensive knowledge allows me to appreciate the nuanced interplay of these influences, providing a richer understanding of Vietnam's cultural landscape.
