Vietnamese Architecture

Vietnamese Architecture is a complex blend of foreign influences and local tradition, reflecting the country’s history and culture. It ranges from traditional stilt houses, temples, and communal houses, often made of wood, to structures influenced by Chinese rule between 111 BC and 938 AD, such as citadels, palaces, and temples with characteristic curved roofs, dragon carvings, and the use of red and gold. The Champa Kingdom left its mark with brick temples and towers in central Vietnam dedicated to Hindu deities. With the French colonial period from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, urban architecture saw an influx of European characteristics, evident in French-style buildings like the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and Hanoi Opera House. Post-independence, a fusion of Eastern and Western styles emerged, often integrating traditional motifs with modern designs and emphasizing harmony with nature, such as the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City. Soviet influence is also apparent in the use of concrete and functional designs in structures built during the mid to late 20th century.