Vietnam’s ancient towns carry with them the weight of history, the sorrow and wonder of the turbulent centuries that have shaped Vietnam. Their unique architectural and artistic values in harmony with local culture make them a true museum open to the outside world. Here, the old stories of the people, the village, and the national identity are recorded and kept alive. The old town is a unique symbol of architectural transformation, the forging and development of life; a cradle of human labor, just a tangible cultural product of the Vietnamese working people. This work also contributes to raising awareness of preserving and promoting the values of national cultural heritage and traditional architecture. The streets of Vietnam have some great colonial architecture that could have come straight from southern Europe, and others with shophouses full of the hustle and bustle of a thousand curio shops, and then again, meeting halls.
Traveling to these towns, tourists not only participate in many interesting traditional cultural stories but also are fascinated by the unique, beautiful ancient architecture, the bustle of busy streets around the whispering trees, and the clear water which makes up famous tourist attractions in Vietnam. They are also ancient towns located in most of Vietnam. Hoi An Ancient Town in Quang Nam records the culture and development of the southeast of the city of Thang Long. Dabei Ancient Town in Thanh Hoa was once the highest political and cultural revolutionary base of Vietnam. They are located on the main axis of Vietnam and have a mixture of Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian architectural influences, with a predominantly colonial style. The result of architecture mainly defines the structure of houses in these towns.
Historical Significance of Ancient Towns
In Vietnamese culture, ancient towns are “showcases” of the land, time, and people of a motherland located along a “father” river or village where cultural, economic, and political identities are connected. Ancient towns have long been a symbol of a country’s civilization, a place where relations and exchanges between domestic and foreign regions were carried out. These towns also convey messages of love between dwellers and create a place for memorizing memorable events of life, reflecting collective history and a belief in the Vietnamese cultural flow. Most ancient towns were built by river systems and attracted cruise travelers; their ancient ways of life are well preserved in architectural structures and layouts due to the ups and downs of history. When the Chinese defeated the Minh in 1407, Vietnam was divided into two countries, the North and the South. Pho Hien, Hoi An, and Hoa Lu were the national centers of cultural and economic exchange.
Though many survived the wars and grew economically through historical ups and downs, few still remain original, showing the diversity of culture, mosaics in architectural style, and the harmonious layout of housing over time. Due to the constant presence of Western forces, many Hoi An locals travel to Canton and Nagasaki before traveling to Europe via major countries for exchanges and commercial and cultural cooperation. This exchange is reflected in the pronunciation of the Hoi An language and customs of each ethnic group. The government, local, and international efforts have always tried their best to preserve these cultural features, creating a “vivid” original structure and a natural environment in a delicate combination with other relics to promote the talents of creation, resilience, and adaptation. The ancient town landscape in general, such as Hoi An, Hanoi Old Quarter, HCM City, Hue, and Pho Hien, can bring visitors a glimpse into the past by drawing on the national identity. The historical continuity between the past and present of these ancient towns has had an important impact on modern villages today, playing a very important role in rejuvenating tourism projects. Through the passage of time, historical vestiges remain as a building of national identity and are reflected in both the spiritual theory and the value of the land and culture for millions of passengers eager to travel in each population.
Key Ancient Towns in Vietnam
Hoi An, Hue, and Hanoi are three great ancient towns in Vietnam, showcasing distinct features of the cultural traditions. Each town has experienced a unique history. Located about 30 kilometers from the center of Da Nang, Hoi An ancient town, Quang Nam Province, is an extremely precious gem of architecture, history, and culture. The ancient town has been preserved almost intact in its original form, despite the daily life and trade of the people who live here.
Hue ancient town, in addition to being a symbol of the ancient capital, is also closely associated with the lives of many generations of the people in Vietnam, especially in the southern provinces. Hanoi’s Old Quarter, covering the areas of Hoan Kiem District, Ba Dinh District, and Dong Da District, represents 90% of the whole city’s unique architectural appearance. During the time of the Dynasties, Hanoi absorbed people from four directions to create a rich and unique cultural blend. This blending has become the lifestyle and daily culture of Hanoians. After a long period of social changes and wars, many of the ancient vestiges in Hanoi’s Old Quarter are still preserved almost intact, including the streets, ancient houses, temples, and pagodas, which are typical of the oriental culture. Every day, thousands of domestic and international tourists come to visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter. They can explore every corner of these old streets. They can also take a cyclo-sightseeing tour to see the landscape in the most economical way or by manual rickshaw. Some of them also prefer to stay in local homestays, experiencing the lifestyle here and learning about the routines of authentic Vietnamese people and the artifacts of Hanoi’s residents.
Hoi An
When speaking of ancient towns in Vietnam, a must-visit is Hoi An. Apart from well-preserved architectural traits of past Southeast Asian trading ports accumulated over centuries, the port town successfully blends traditional Vietnamese culture with architectural elements, and old merchant townhouses are covered by vibrant colors under occasional sunshine. Night provides an entirely different beauty that is best seen in the old town’s maze of picturesque stout streets mostly closed to vehicles. Best explored by foot, the place is brimming with restaurants, artisan stores, bars, tailor shops, jewelers offering custom running shoes, tour operators, galleries, and cafes. Among the most popular experiences in Hoi An are local markets and cooking classes, and activities as diverse as bike rides and basket boat trips. The quaint pedestrian streets are decked with soaring tiles, colorful shutters, Japanese lanterns, Chinese temples, eclectic cafes, souvenir shops, and vendors selling drinks, food, art, tailoring services, plus every form of marketing masquerading as a market tour. The scenery from the riverbank is quite striking, with day-trippers and boat tourists enjoying the local fishing village culinary scene.
One of the most emblematic emperors built the impressive city of Hoi An and constructed its iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a reminder of where the most enduring influences in Hoi An’s history are from its early trading days. Interaction with worldwide merchants turned the city into a mixture of east and west. In the 17th century, it was an ideal trading port and remained thus for almost 200 years, after which the Thames of the Orient went siltier, the population went south, and Hoi An’s charm remained subtly frozen in time. Already a prominent waterfront of Indochina, the Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and Trinh Lo Lords were ubiquitous in the Hoi An riverside merchant homes. Today, many of these old houses have morphed into everything from glitzy museums to historical associations. Hoi An is also a good place to enjoy some genuine local street food. For a local experience, you can visit the pungent fish-sauce factory or fish market in the western quarter. Once there, head for the water and follow the riverbank north. The earliest morning views are very photogenic with all the well-worn hulls moving around the water, and make for a quiet, peaceful drink stop with the locals after an early morning meander.
Hue
Not only is Vietnam known for otherworldly landscapes, but the daily bustle of busy towns, replete with souvenir trinkets and simple cultural exchanges, constantly attracts tourists. Vietnam’s ancient towns are its most alluring destinations. They are home to an old part of a modern town with traditional architecture, perfect for a photo op. Adding charm to the list is Hue, recognized as the hub of the Nguyen Dynasty, which lasted 143 years from 1802 to 1945. The Nguyen kings’ tombs and ruins spread throughout the town and have made the place, including the town center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With abundant royal history, Hue is perfectly suited for visitors to Vietnam who love history and old-world charm.
Hue served as Vietnam’s capital city during the Nguyen Dynasty, both as temporary homes for the king and the royal family. As an inseparable part of the town, the fort featured luxurious places to rest as the kings passed through. This royal palace is a perfect brick structure loaded with symbolism and history. Guided tours are a great way to learn more about the century-long history of this culture-rich family. If you’re traveling alone or want to explore at your own pace, you shouldn’t miss strolling through the entire fort, home to the king, his royal family, and officials, with just over 20 hectares of living history. Citadels contain ancient houses, temples, and ornate palaces. Be sure to check out the Hue Royal Antiques Museum. This place is decorated with items ranging from finely woven costumes and ancient decorative elements to weapons and tools used in the gardens outside. Keep strolling to gaze at the fortified castle; playtime is perfect here for everyone, “Tam cung,” or Royal Theatre. While not in use, it often appears as a backdrop. For more than 300 years before the French-induced renovation, the theater provided the royal family with a place to watch theatrical shows in grandeur. The performance, known as “Nha Nhac Cung Dinh Hue,” was inscribed as the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2003. Pause at the eerie Dien Tho Manor outside the theater doors that served the last queen of Vietnam, Empress Nam Phuong; it’s an eye-opener to a woman who mastered French and smoked cigarettes while her life was taken over by loneliness and neglect.
In town, after a day of discovery, pay a visit to the local restaurant for an authentic meal showcasing food flavored by the unique culinary finesse of the royal families of the past. Fresh food is a plentiful attraction in Hue, making its dishes not only addictive but fun to enjoy freshly with communal outdoor market visits. Try the beef noodle soup and conical hat-shaped dumplings. Unchanging in a country where many ancient towns have turned into tourist spectacles, Hue still retains an aura. Standing beneath the forbidden city walls, one can almost sense the remnants of power. The grand Ionic gate is as imposing as it was when it was first completed, despite bombings. The power of the Nguyen kings still drips from every crevice. Once a residence dotted with pagodas, restaurants, and shops from commoners, write to your friends and spread the word for an amazing dining experience here. This is what a living and breathing testament to Vietnam’s past looks like. All that’s required of you is to slow down, dust off those textbooks, and brace yourself for the ride. This is where history draws life; where the old draws the new.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter
In Hanoi, inspiration can be found at every turn, whether it’s the street corners, narrow lanes, or alleyways. In the heart of Vietnam’s capital city, inspiration seems to hold a permanent place among the old, grand mansions and storefronts of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Nearly 100 interconnected blocks make up this ancient area of downtown Hanoi. Streets have been paved with ancient stones, and the ebb and flow of history is felt around every bend. The Old Quarter emerges from the old citadel of Thang Long. Here, the streets are narrow but usually tall and thick with tables and trinkets, textiles, souvenirs, and more. Visitors will find an assortment of shops trading in ancient medicine, silk, hats, tailoring, lingerie, ceramics, bamboo, and more. In places like Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets, where colonial architecture stands alongside the vibrantly colored, tube-shaped Vietnamese homes, dozens of casual eateries thrum at nightfall, drawing in a wide cross-section of local and foreign travelers. But sometimes, turning down a peaceful pathway, street sounds or sights soften and fade to a reverent quiet as worshipers enter the doors of hidden temples, sharing the intimate power of their prayers with the house gods within. These are just a few of the reasons the Old Quarter should claim a spot on your Vietnam itinerary. Known locally as Hoan Kiem Lake, “Restored Sword Lake” is a fitting metaphor for the measured, contemplative pace of life in this district, the hub of culture in Vietnam’s vibrant, fast-growing capital. The Old Quarter is a grid of narrow streets and old French colonial buildings shrouded in a veil of antiquity and an updated patina of the here and now. Among the architecture are remnants and ongoing reminders of Vietnam’s hard-fought freedom from French colonial rule. Hemmed in by the rough-around-the-edges layout of Vietnamese socialist living, aspiration rises above the rooftops in the form of lush foliage, whitewashed plasters, and roof tiling. Just off the streets are “tube houses,” which offer a compelling study in contrast. Old but elegant French colonial structures feature tall first floors intended for the social nexus of life, while the subsequent scattered and narrow levels above are akin to being far removed from grace, equally tinged with charm and decrepitude. Women saunter three abreast in áo dài skirts while kids with white shirts and red neckties play or sit crammed into overburdened buses. Walking the Old Quarter, it’s easy to assume life for many people in Vietnam hasn’t changed much in the past century or two. The Old Quarter beckons visitors to the streets. Try to brave the serpentine traffic and be lulled by the motorbike siren song of daily survival in pursuit of good food or an inside-out look at a tangle of shrines, temples, and ancient architecture. There’s more to the Old Quarter than simply a museum of streets and shops from yesteryear; it’s a living history of fortitude among the streets. Sink into a quiet reverie or cheer over the weekend with a local brew. The streets of the Old Quarter have room enough for both.
Hidden Treasures of Vietnam’s Ancient Towns
In a land so blessed with ancient world heritage, many tourists often overlook places as attractions to explore. Taking our tourists to hidden treasures is not the only way to show them new things, but it also helps them understand and appreciate the culture and people of the land they visit. Exploring these picturesque locations, travelers will see another face of Hoi An and Hanoi. This section seeks to help new and returning long-term tourists explore the most popular locations in Hanoi, Hoi An, and others throughout a series of hidden masterpieces that await.
Duong Lam ancient village’s communal houses, in the very heart of Hanoi, may stun with their overwhelming beauty. Tourists and newcomers to the land of legends can trample Dong, Mong Phu, and Mong Phu communal houses and understand why the grandees at that time spent a lot of energy and resources building these architectural works. All craft villages are nature art on their own with the uniqueness of the Northern wet market where the products are divided and made by the local inhabitants wearing the traditional conical hats. Staying for a while in this peaceful village will give our guests an opportunity to make friends with the amiable hosts and sip green tea delicately. Heading to Tra Que village, you will not only be fascinated by their vegetable fields but also be drawn into the hard soil and sweating faces of the members of the village. Rare deserted Viet houses in the Thu Bon River estuary together with exuberant coconut trees create the touching beauty of this ancient harbor. Culinary culture is the essence of all places. Lang Co, Hue, and Hue will attract gourmets by the flour-steamed rice pancakes eaten with sesame and peppercorn salt.
Architectural Gems
From traditional houses of the North, Southern, and Central regions, combined with other architectural styles under the influences of Japanese, French, and Chinese, to well-restored heritage buildings, can be seen as proof of the luck of Hoi An and Hanoi. Besides architectural style, the insides, corners, and outside of each entrance margin also contain bold lines reflecting the undiluted style of this old town. The intermingling of architectural styles is seen in the ancient houses in the Old Quarter and museums of Hoi An, Bach Dang, or Ban Thach, and the charming beauty of Hai Phong and Hanoi, as well as in bridge pagodas overlooked all around Hanoi. In the ancient towns of Vietnam, there are styles of architecture that have been indigenously developed, reflecting the customs and traditions of the region. All of the houses and assembly halls in Hoi An today were built between the 16th and 17th centuries, as a result of inward investment made by local traders and also under the Dang Trong vassal in the territory of the Near South. Although settlement and restoration work has the approved and methodical support of technical advisers and overseers, each job (even the smallest) is still prescribed for and carried out with decorations made using traditional means of design and hard craft manufacture. At night, when yellowish light is turned on, a cozy, sacred atmosphere is created by empty and lonely corridors, a private hollow in the privacy of reminded time. Like craftsmen past and present, visiting families also do their utmost to carry out minute work at the peak of creativity.
Culinary Delights: Vietnamese Cuisine
A taste of the past, even in every hearty meal, draws a slew of travelers to Vietnam’s ancient towns. Each of the major historic regions has its own culinary treasures from the centuries of spice trades, which still find their way into cauldrons and clay pots today. If you’re on the fence about visiting Vietnam’s ancient towns, here’s your incentive: the golden, saffron-rich Bún Bò Huế soup of the Nguyen Dynasty’s imperial court; the grilled beef ball-like Nem Lui threaded onto aromatic lemongrass in the verdant former capital of Hue; the savory bowl of Cao Lau in Hoi An with its punchy combinations of chili and lime, and refreshing mung bean sprouts. Every dish is intricately woven into the history and landscape of each vibrant destination. These tastes are the very foundation of regional cuisine, and their merit hangs on the authenticity of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
Interestingly, however, these time-honored recipes are scoffed at by many Vietnamese when they leave their place of origin. Not because they’re any less tasty – on the contrary – but because to eat Bún Bò Huế outside of Hue is akin to eating pizza outside of Italy. Getting the ingredients right is a crafty game of flavor. As it were, every European town boasts its own version of pizza, but authenticity is steeped in the combination of that pizza and that place. This is especially emphasized by the long-lost saga of the banh mi: the recipe isn’t even native to Vietnam. Just as with the distinct colonial flavors of cream and brandy that once married France and Vietnam in banh quay donuts, food, especially now in a globalized world, is a comforting bridge. A taste will take you miles from home. For those who love to engage with the essence – the place behind the menu – a traditional culinary experience in Vietnam’s ancient towns is nothing short of essential. Few activities capture the essence of a community like a shared meal around a steaming pot. Dive into a bowl of bún chả and take a walk in past and present. Tasting is the quickest and most authentic way to familiarize oneself with the culture of a place. Head to a market or dare to crouch down amongst locals at a robustly fragrant street food stall for a slurping adventure. Watch the older and younger generations alike kill their time and hone their eating techniques over a symphony of flavor. Then, sip on a cup of ancient and potent Vietnamese coffee and let the caffeine sharply remind you of where you are and where to go next! Hunt out reputable restaurants, or family-run stops, and join them at a table for a more intimate introduction. Delight in talk with proud locals. Look for adventurous experiences like cooking lessons and night food tours, not just to taste the history, but to make the history as well. Vietnamese cuisine is one of many things that smooth the roots of the destination: from authentic street sellers to reputable restaurants, honesty is bold and ambitious. Vietnam’s blockbuster dishes consistently top the charts in a nation where cooking is an art form. A rice paper roll filled with freshly picked herbs and grilled pork scores high not only in delicious flavors but also in cups of happiness. This is the difference! And it all started generations ago when Vietnamese royal chefs began to leaf through some of Asia’s best culinary creations.
Traveler Tips for Exploring Ancient Towns
Travelers venturing to Vietnam will find themselves among ancient heritage when passing by the towns of Hoi An and Duong Lam. These quaint little towns have been listed as cultural World Heritage Sites, a testament to the history they hold within their ancient walls. While visiting these treasure troves, there are some areas to navigate that will make the trip much more enjoyable.
Would-be travelers will find themselves captivated by a range of must-visit sites throughout the ancient towns of Vietnam. However, exceeding one’s budget and squeezing too many activities into a day can lead to feeling overwhelmed. It’s essential to be mindful of how one engages with locals. Understanding a bit about local customs and taboos can guarantee a more pleasant experience for everyone involved. Getting to the ancient quarters by bus or choosing to walk is a fantastic way to ensure you get a warmer experience with your surroundings, locals, and scenery. Choosing the latter will also help you avoid confusion, as Hoi An at present has banned four-wheel vehicles from the areas.
If you are not a fan of crowds, then it will be best for you to visit both towns very early in the morning because, by or before late morning, crowds are warming up on the towns’ streets, creating a noisy ambiance. If you have an opportunity to spend time in a homestay while you’re in Vietnam, then definitely give it a try! In Hoi An, you can choose from a range of boutique hotels spread around the old quarter where prices vary from a rather humble 20 to 200 per night.
In conclusion, Vietnam’s ancient towns offer a captivating journey through history, where every corner tells a story of the country’s rich heritage. By immersing yourself in the culture, architecture, and timeless traditions, you not only discover the hidden treasures of the past but also uncover a deeper connection to yourself. These towns are more than just destinations; they are living memories that invite reflection, offering a unique chance to explore both the beauty of Vietnam and your own personal history.