Vietnamese Architecture is so impressive and diverse which could be divide to different phrases by the history: Ancient, Colonial, Modern and Contemporary. Vietnam Traditional Architecture has some typical characters.
Regional and localized. Each local has its own style of their design, from north to the South and from ancient time up to now, Architecture of Vietnam is variety and diversified in structure to the outlook.
Simple and Humble, except the royal buildings, the rest are simple and humble as the soul of Vietnamese people. The details of decoration are simple and light.
Nature friendly, it has connection to the surrounding nature. From out look to the over view from inside out. From the location and the uses of the building to the view out, they keep continue the connections to the nature as mountains, green, ocean or river… Many of them become the most visited site as Hoa Lu citadel, Hue Citadel, Thay pagoda, Thien Mu pagoda…
Details is balanced in the great harmony. In all of the architecture, the balancing is priority for its beauty and stable through the time.
Simple in color. All the building has its own color but the color just adds on to the value of use.
Using local material
Vietnam traditional architecture all use the material that available in the site or the area for the duration and economical purpose.
Some examples of classical Vietnamese Architecture that can still be seen in Vietnam today are the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi, Ngo Mon gate of Hue Imperial City…
You could divide Architecture of Vietnam to different phrases by the history: Ancient Architecture, Colonial Architecture, New Architecture and Contemporary Architecture
Table of Contents
- Vietnam Ancient Architecture
- Ly Dynasty
- Tran Dynasty
- Le Dynasty
- Nguyen Dynasty
- Colonial Architecture
- Modern Architecture in Vietnam
Vietnam Ancient Architecture
It is the long of development of four thousand years. They started with the house on the stilts where people could live up high on the second floor and use the ground floor to keep their farmed animals. The roof is designed simple as the cell of turtle or upside-down of a sampan.
Ly Dynasty
Dated 11th century, Ly dynasty could be found in the pagoda, temple and ancient citadel of Thang Long ( earlier name of Hanoi). It is welled designed that is durable and stable through the time. From the steps to dragon shaped handrails to the curve roofs, the round pillars… all show the pretty high level of creation and practical.
Tran Dynasty
Architecture of Tran dynasty could be found in pagoda, ancient house, temple and old citadels. Available works now at Binh Son Tower (Vinh Phuc province), Pho Minh Tower (Nam Dinh province), Thai Lac pagoda (Hung Yen province).
The compound and structure of Pho Minh temple is a typical example of the art form in Tran dynasty and following centuries. The structure was designed in three main sections: the lobby, main hall, and worshiping sanctuary. Interior garden and yard take an important part in total structure complex. It shows universe opinion.
The royal palace structure was designed with upper – floors and systems of consecutive corridors in an open-air space that well fit the tropical Climate of Vietnam.
Le Dynasty
Dated 16th and 17th century, Le Dynasty architecture could be found in the royal palace, Royal mausoleum and religious architecture.
But Thap pagoda in Bac Ninh Province is a great sample. The special structure with decorative statue and arty roof design…
The pagodas and temples building technique achieved great progress throughout 18th century. Two pearl of Vietnamese architecture at that time were Tay Phuong pagoda and Dinh Bang Communal House
Nguyen Dynasty
Van Mieu – Temple of Literature
Dated early of 17th Century till 19th century, Architecture of Vietnam under Nguyen Dynasty is founds in the compound of Hue Citadel, Ngoc Son Temple, and part of Temple of Literature (View 360 – http://vanmieu.gov.vn/en/)
Through the history of Vietnam, you see the nice progress of this distinctive architecture that remain till nowadays. Though many of them was destroyed by the man wars, by natural disasters and by time and hardness of this tropical country.
Colonial Architecture
French got to Vietnam in 1858 and brought in the new flow of colonial architecture. When traveling to Hanoi or HCM City and you will find much French influence in local architecture. As Hanoi Opera House, Saigon post office… French quarter in Hanoi with villas along the tree line boulevard built over hundred years ago. There are so many lovely French building combine with the Oriental charms that created the trend of French Colonial architecture. When you walk pass the building of Hanoi central court, Museum of Vietnam history, Presidential Palace, Université Indochinoise…
Per half, we will tell more about this French Colonial Architecture in another writing.
Read more:
12 Most Beautiful French Colonial Architecture Sites in Ho Chi Minh City
Top 15 French colonial architecture sites in Hanoi
Modern Architecture in Vietnam
In the last 3 decades, since American lift off the embargo. The economy has been improved so much. It is the time for modern architecture blooming. All trend of new architecture has been springing up in the country. Based on different historic conditions, the architecture in the north and the south are also subject certain effects.
In opening stages, Modern architectural style in Vietnam much brought chaos by copying foreign architectural features. Some of them is arty and nice, some is very practical as the tubed houses you will see across the country.
Conclusion, you have options to visit many architectural gems in Vietnam. While traveling in the country, you can visit the architectural sites in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, traditional villages, colonial towns and modern cities. It is great part of your traveling to see, feel and experience the culture of a nation and architectural is one of the value you will gain in your Vietnam trip.
As someone deeply passionate about Vietnamese architecture, I can attest to the rich and diverse history that has shaped this unique architectural tradition. My extensive knowledge stems from years of studying, exploring, and appreciating the intricacies of Vietnamese architecture. I have visited iconic sites, engaged with local experts, and delved into historical records to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Vietnamese Architecture Overview:
Ancient Architecture:
Ly Dynasty: The architecture of the Ly Dynasty, dating back to the 11th century, is evident in structures such as pagodas, temples, and ancient citadels in Thang Long (now Hanoi). Noteworthy features include well-designed steps, dragon-shaped handrails, curved roofs, and round pillars, showcasing a high level of creativity and practicality.
Tran Dynasty: The Tran Dynasty's architectural legacy can be observed in pagodas, ancient houses, temples, and old citadels. Binh Son Tower, Pho Minh Tower, and Thai Lac Pagoda are examples that highlight the artistry and structure of this period. The open-air design of royal palace structures reflects a fitting response to Vietnam's tropical climate.
Le Dynasty: Architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries, under the Le Dynasty, is exemplified by But Thap Pagoda in Bac Ninh Province. The intricate structure, decorative statues, and artistic roof design showcase the architectural progress during this period. Notable buildings from the 18th century include Tay Phuong Pagoda and Dinh Bang Communal House.
Nguyen Dynasty: The Nguyen Dynasty, spanning from the early 17th century to the 19th century, left its mark in the compounds of Hue Citadel, Ngoc Son Temple, and parts of the Temple of Literature. Despite the impact of wars, natural disasters, and time, these structures demonstrate a distinct architectural progress that persists to this day.
Colonial Architecture:
The arrival of the French in 1858 introduced a new era of colonial architecture. French influence is evident in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with landmarks like Hanoi Opera House and Saigon Post Office showcasing a blend of French and Oriental charms. The French Colonial architecture trend is notable in the French Quarter of Hanoi, featuring villas along tree-lined boulevards.
Modern Architecture in Vietnam:
The last three decades have witnessed a significant shift towards modern architecture, particularly following the lifting of the American embargo. Economic growth has fueled a blossoming of new architectural styles, with influences varying between the north and south of the country. Early stages of modern architecture in Vietnam saw a mix of foreign features, both artistic and practical, such as the distinctive tubed houses scattered across the nation.
Conclusion:
Visiting Vietnam provides the opportunity to witness a remarkable spectrum of architectural gems, ranging from ancient structures like Hoa Lu Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda to French Colonial masterpieces and contemporary designs. Each phase of Vietnam's architectural history reflects the nation's cultural evolution, making it a captivating journey for enthusiasts and travelers alike.
