The Temple of Literature is located west of Hanoi’s Old City, close to the train station and the Museum of Fine Arts. The largest temple in Hanoi, The Temple of Literature has celebrated the education and teachings of Confucius since its founding in 1070. It is the first university in Vietnam and today one of the most visited monuments in Vietnam. This temple was founded by the 3rd emperor of the Ly dynasty, Lý Thánh Tông, at a time when Hanoi was called Thang Long. From 1076 to 1915 this Confucian academy trained the literate and high officials, the sons of royal blood and of the aristocracy. The Temple of Literature consists of a series of five courtyards separated by walls along the traditional North-South Chinese axis, bordered by temples and bonsais and majestic trees spilling over the surrounding walls. The main aisle was reserved for lords, while the small side aisles were used by soldiers, servants and servants.
The Japanese bridge in Hoi An is one of the must-see monuments in Vietnam. It is an emblematic heritage of both the city of Hoi An and of Vietnam, establishing itself as the link between the past and the present. Born on the initiative of the Japanese community that was established in Hoi An back then, it is more than 400 years old and constitutes a fine example of the characteristics of Japanese architecture of the time. The Japanese bridge was initially constructed in the 1590s in order to link it with the Chinese quarters of the other side of the river and connect the two streets Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Tran Phu.
The entire bridge is made of lacquered wood and presents rich ornamental details minutely carved and chiselled in the purest traditional style. In a confined and intimate space, you can find the pagoda separated from the rest of the bridge by a partition. There are some subtle Japanese touches, which embellish the traditional patterns of dragons with great refinement. The Japanese covered bridge of Hoi An is one of the most striking witnesses of a once-bustling merchant port and meeting place for traders from all over the world. It remains a strong symbol to which the inhabitants of the city and the Vietnamese in general are very attached – definitely one of the most cherished monuments in Vietnam. You can admire the importance of this vestige of the rich era of Hoi An city, with its representation on the 20,000 VND banknote.
From 1802 to 1945, Hue was the last Imperial capital of Vietnam; it was not only the political centre but also the cultural and religious centre of the country under the Nguyen dynasty (1805–1945). Poets, writers, intellectuals, all of Vietnam met in Hue, creating a rich and elaborate culture. The city boasts many architectural attractions such as the Hue Imperial Citadel and the tombs of the Emperors which were classified as a UNESCO World Heritage sites of cultural heritage in 1993. The citadel of Hue is composed of three ramparts circles: the Forbidden Purple City, the Imperial City and a wall that stretches across 10km of the perimeter. One of the most breathtaking monuments in Vietnam, the Hue Imperial Citadel was designed in accordance with oriental philosophy and Vietnamese tradition: the set of structures was built around a main axis which respects the principle of the harmony between the Yin and the Yang, but also the balance between the left and the right, with the aim being to guarantee the sustainability of the dynasty.
Today, there are countless reminders of the French presence in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, and you will find some of the most majestic colonial monuments in Vietnam in this city. Although most of the streets have all been renamed, the city plan has remained intact with its boulevards bordered by large trees and its streets at right angles. During a stroll through District 1 (Quận 1) of Ho Chi Minh City, you can observe traces of the influence of French town planning.
One of the pearls of colonial architecture in Vietnam is the Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City. The cathedral according to the plans of the architect Bourard is of revised Romanesque style, mixed with the Gothic style and based on the model of Notre-Dame de Paris. On the forecourt stands a statue of the Virgin Mary, who is said to have miraculously shed a few tears for several days in 2005. Behind its stone and red brick façade, which was made and imported from Toulouse, you can find a relatively sober interior. It is one of the favourite places for Vietnamese honeymooners to take their wedding photos.
The Central Post Office of Ho Chi Minh City is another a heritage of French architecture and one of the most impressive monuments in Vietnam. Gustave Eiffel, a French civil engineer and architect famous for designing the Eiffel Tower in Paris, made the metal frame of this work inaugurated in 1891. It is a superb building whose architecture resembles the first European railway stations, with its vault and its country windows. In addition to its tourist interest, the post office is perfectly functional.
Not far away, you can find the Museum of Fine Arts (designed by the architect Rivera) which is an Art Deco style building built at the request of a rich Chinese-Vietnamese merchant passionate about art. This imposing colonial building is distinguished by its structure, the result of a true cultural mix of Chinese and French influences. Inside, you can find delightful pieces of fine art dating back to the 4th century.
Another of the must-see monuments in Vietnam, especially if you are already in Ho Chi Minh City is the Ben Thanh Market. Built in Art-Deco style in 1914 by the architects Mopin and Brossard, Ben Thanh Market is truly an emblematic architectural heritage of the city, popular with tourists looking for souvenirs as well as locals. You can find everything there, including souvenirs, textiles, traditional outfits and even ingredients for local cuisine!
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