Introduction to ancient Vietnamese architectural heritage

Vietnam is a country with a rich history and culture. Over thousands of years of development, this country has left behind many valuable ancient architectural heritages, reflecting the prosperous periods and the diversity of the cultures that once existed. Ancient architectural works in Vietnam are not only historical evidence but also symbols of architectural art, carrying the quintessence of the nation and the exchange between cultures.

Exploring the ancient architectural heritage in Vietnam is a journey back to the past, where each building and each architecture contains stories about the culture, religion and life of the Vietnamese people from ancient times. In this article, we will learn about the most prominent ancient architectural works, from royal palaces, temples to ancient villages and old towns, where the soul of the nation is preserved.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel – World Cultural Heritage

Thang Long Imperial Citadel, located in the heart of Hanoi, is one of the most prominent ancient architectural heritages of Vietnam. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 2010, Thang Long Imperial Citadel is not only a symbol of political power but also a place to preserve important marks of Vietnamese history through many dynasties.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel was built in the 11th century under the Ly Dynasty and continued to develop through the Tran, Le and Nguyen Dynasties. This relic site includes many architectural works such as Kinh Thien Palace, Doan Mon and Hanoi Flag Tower. Each work has unique architectural features, demonstrating the talent and creativity of the ancients.

Kinh Thien Palace, which used to be the center of the Imperial City, is a beautiful architectural structure with large pillars and elaborate carvings. Doan Mon, the main gate to the Imperial City, was built in a solemn and majestic architectural style, and was the place where important court ceremonies took place. Hanoi Flag Tower, one of the symbols of the capital, is also part of the Imperial City relic, with its ancient and majestic architecture.

My Son Sanctuary – Relic of Champa culture

My Son Sanctuary, in Quang Nam province, is one of the unique ancient architectural heritages of Vietnam, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1999. This is a complex of Hindu temples of the Champa people, built from the 4th to the 13th century. My Son is one of the most important religious centers of the Champa kingdom and is the place where religious ceremonies of Champa kings are held.

My Son Sanctuary stands out with its red brick temples, with unique and sophisticated architecture. The towers here are built in the style of Hindu temples, with soaring shapes, symbolizing Mount Meru, the residence of the gods in Hindu beliefs. What is special about My Son is that the bricks are stacked on top of each other without using adhesives, but still very solid after hundreds of years.

The architecture and sculpture at My Son are testaments to the ingenuity of the Champa people, with statues of gods, mascots and patterns meticulously carved on bricks and stones. Although much destroyed by time and war, My Son Sanctuary still retains its majesty and mystery, and is one of the most attractive destinations for those who love to explore ancient architecture and Champa culture.

Hoi An Ancient Town – Cultural Exchange

Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, is a testament to the cultural exchange between nations. Hoi An was a bustling trading port in the 16th and 17th centuries, a place of trade between merchants from China, Japan, the Netherlands and many other countries. This exchange has created a unique and rich architectural style for Hoi An.

Hoi An Ancient Town is famous for its ancient houses with an architectural style combining traditional Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese styles. The houses are built of wood, with tiled roofs, windows and main doors are delicately carved. These houses are not only a place to live but also a place to do business, creating a bustling and bustling urban space.

One of the highlights of Hoi An architecture is the Japanese Covered Bridge, a covered bridge built by Japanese merchants in the 17th century. The bridge has a unique architecture with curved tiled roofs, wooden pillars and meticulously carved patterns. This is a symbol of cultural exchange and solidarity among the ethnic groups in Hoi An.

Hue Monuments Complex – Capital of feudal dynasties

The ancient capital of Hue, located in Thua Thien Hue province, was the capital of the feudal dynasties of Vietnam from the 19th century to the early 20th century. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1993, the complex of Hue monuments is one of the most important ancient architectural heritages of Vietnam, demonstrating the talent and sophistication of Vietnamese royal architecture.

The Complex of Hue Monuments includes many magnificent architectural works such as the Imperial City, the Forbidden City, palaces, temples and tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty kings. Each work has unique architectural features, reflecting the combination of traditional Vietnamese architecture and the influence of Western architecture.

The Imperial City of Hue, with its gates, palaces and temples, was the centre of political and cultural power of the Nguyen Dynasty. The highlight of the complex is the Thai Hoa Palace, where important court ceremonies were held, with its solemn architecture and elaborate carvings. The tombs of the Nguyen Kings such as Khai Dinh Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb and Tu Duc Tomb are also unique works of architectural art, combining traditional architecture and Western art.

Duong Lam Ancient Village – The beauty of Vietnamese countryside

Duong Lam ancient village, located about 40km west of Hanoi, is one of the rare ancient villages that still retains the traditional architecture of Vietnamese villages. Duong Lam is considered a “living museum” of Vietnamese village architecture and culture, with ancient houses dating back hundreds of years.

Duong Lam ancient village stands out with houses built of laterite, a typical material of Son Tay land. The houses here have simple but solid architecture, with tiled roofs, brick yards and traditional gates. Not only are they places to live, the ancient houses in Duong Lam are also places to preserve the cultural and traditional values ​​of Vietnamese villages.

Coming to Duong Lam ancient village, visitors can visit Mong Phu communal house, an architectural work dating back more than 400 years, where villagers hold ceremonies and meetings. Besides, visitors can also explore other historical relics such as Giang Van Minh Temple, Phung Hung Temple, symbols of the history and tradition of Vietnamese villages.

Ancient Vietnamese architectural heritage – National cultural quintessence

Vietnam’s ancient architectural heritage is living evidence of the nation’s history, culture and architectural art. From the majestic royal palaces of feudal dynasties to simple ancient villages, each heritage carries within it unique cultural and artistic values, reflecting the talent and creativity of the Vietnamese people through the ages.

The preservation and maintenance of these ancient architectural heritages is not only the responsibility of the government but also of every Vietnamese citizen. This is a valuable asset of the nation, an endless source of inspiration for future generations in the study and development of culture and architecture.

Discovering Vietnam’s ancient architectural heritage is an exciting journey, helping us understand more about the past, appreciate the cultural and artistic values ​​that have been passed down through the centuries. This is a way for every Vietnamese person and international visitor to feel the soul of the nation through each architectural work.