French heritage in Vietnam

French heritage remains strong in Vietnam, including architecture, cuisine, culture, language, education, and urban planning

France began its colonial period in Vietnam in the early 19th century, and its influence on cuisine, architecture, culture, and art continues to this day. Imagine you are strolling through streets where Parisian elegance blends with the vibrant energy of Vietnam, visiting Gothic churches and hilltop villas, or savoring delicious French cuisine. For history-loving travelers curious to explore the influence of French heritage across Indochina, these destinations and activities are essential for any trip to Vietnam.

French architecture in Vietnam

French architecture has profoundly impacted and transformed the urban landscape of Vietnam through the introduction of Neoclassical, Art Deco, and especially Indochinese styles (a blend of European modernity and Asian tradition). This influence is featured in concrete techniques, modern urban planning, arched details, airy corridors, and a distinctive yellow color.

Saint Joseph Cathedral in Hanoi

Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital, is a jewel of French heritage in Vietnam. It’s a city where colonial architecture blends harmoniously with the Old Quarter. Hanoi boasts architectural works reminiscent of the Belle Époque era, while simultaneously adapting to the tropical climate and the vibrant life of its people. The magnificent St. Joseph Cathedral stands majestically in the heart of the city. This structure, modeled after Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, features striking Gothic architecture in grey stone, highlighted by its two 31-meter-high towers. The stained-glass windows, imported from France, filter the daylight, creating a peaceful and magical atmosphere inside.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi beautifully illuminated for Christmas.

However, it gets very crowded on weekends, so you might want to visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the time to stroll through the Old Quarter, with its narrow streets reminiscent of Paris. Besides its magnificent architecture, the cathedral is also a bustling area, with charming cafes and street vendors.

General informations about Saint Joseph Cathedral

• Address: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi (located at the intersection of Nha Chung, Nha Tho, and Ly Quoc Su streets).
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Visitors are free to explore the exterior and take photos at any time, but maintain silence and dress respectfully inside.
• Mass schedule at the cathedral: 5:30 AM and 6:15 PM on weekdays; 6:00 PM on Saturdays; and every two hours on Sundays.

Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House, inspired by the Opéra Garnier in Paris, is a symbol of French heritage in Vietnam. Its neoclassical facade is adorned with Corinthian columns and ornate balconies. Inside is a luxurious performance hall with a capacity of up to 600 spectators. Operas and chamber music, performed alongside contemporary Vietnamese works, perfectly illustrate the harmonious blend of these two art forms. Imagine attending a symphony concert under crystal chandeliers, followed by dinner in the French Quarter, a truly authentic experience for a luxury trip to Vietnam. We recommend visiting in the evening and booking tickets for a performance for an elegant experience steeped in French heritage in Vietnam.

Inside Hanoi Opera House.

General informations about Hanoi Opera House

• Address: No. 1 Trang Tien Street, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi.
• Tour: The theater organizes guided tours combined with art performances (90 minutes/session) on Mondays and Thursdays (10:30 AM – 12:00 AM) at a price of approximately 400,000 VND per person.
• Performance tickets: Ticket prices for art performances usually range from 300,000 VND upwards, depending on the specific event.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City

Located right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is a religious building that has stood for over 140 years in Southern Vietnam. This structure boasts a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, creating a beauty that is both majestic and ancient, yet graceful amidst the modern pace of life.

The feature that amazes everyone is the vibrant pink exposed brickwork. These bricks were transported directly from Marseille in France and remain untouched by moss and mildew despite weathering changes. The two majestic bell towers of over 60 meters tall, house a colossal set of bronze bells with resonant tones, creating an irreplaceable symbol on the city skyline.

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral.

At the front of the cathedral is a small, peaceful square with a statue of Our Lady of Peace, carved from rare white marble from Italy. Here, amidst the fragrance of flowers and the chirping of pigeons, visitors can find rare moments of tranquility. Despite undergoing extensive restoration to preserve its original beauty, Notre Dame Cathedral remains a cultural landmark where residents and visitors come to admire a French architectural gem in Vietnam.

General informations about Notre Dame Cathedral

• Address: 01 Cong Truong Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
• Renovation status: The church is still undergoing major renovations. However, activities continue as usual and visitors can tour the exterior area.
• Regular mass schedule: Monday – Saturday: 5:30 AM and 5:30 PM. Sunday: 5:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM.

Saigon Central Post Office

Saigon Central Post Office is is constructed in the late 19th century, located directly opposite the Notre Dame Cathedral. It boasts a unique Renaissance architectural style, harmoniously blending Western influences with the exquisite decorative details of the Eastern countries.

The French herritage lie not only in its characteristic bright yellow paint or the arched windows running along the corridors, but also in its magnificent interior. Stepping through the large doors, you will be overwhelmed by the enormous iron archway system, which creates a spacious and light-filled interior. Here, two meticulously hand-painted historical maps on the walls are still preserved, recounting the story of the telecommunications network and geography of the old Saigon-Cho Lon area.

Saigon Central Post.

Despite being over a hundred years old, the Central Post Office still retains its original function. The clacking sound of stamps, the rows of gleaming wooden desks for handwritten letters, and the old telephone booths create a nostalgic atmosphere, making anyone who sets foot inside feel as if time has slowed down in the heart of the most bustling city in Vietnam.

General informations about Saigon Central Post Office

• Address: 02 Cong Truong Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (right opposite to Notre Dame Cathedral).
• Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Independence Palace

Independence Palace (also known as Reunification Palace) is a landmark commemorating the most important moment in Vietnamese history. While Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office are steeped in classical French architecture, Independence Palace is a masterpiece of modern architecture. From afar, the building exudes a majestic beauty, harmoniously blending traditionnal Eastern architecture with modern Western style. The palace’s facade is adorned with elegant bamboo motifs, creating a unique aesthetic while also allowing natural light and ventilation into the interior rooms.

Stepping inside, you’ll be guided through fascinating contrasting spaces. From the formal reception rooms, resplendent with crystal chandeliers, to the sturdy underground bunker with its old communication system. The lush green lawn stretching out in front and the rows of ancient trees surrounding it help the Independence Palace maintain its tranquility, completely separate from the hustle and bustle of District 1. Within the grounds, the tank that marked the historic moment of Vietnam’s official independence is still on display, reminding everyone of the value of peace and unity.

Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City.

General informations about Independence Palace

• Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1.
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily (including weekends and holidays). Ticket counter closes at 4:00 PM or 3:30 PM depending on the area.
• Ticket prices: Palace Entrance Ticket: 40,000 VND (Adults), 10,000 VND (Children). There is also audio guide rental (in 10 languages), which costs approximately 90,000 VND/device.

Da Lat

Dalat is often called “Little Paris” thanks to its well-preserved French villas. Founded by the French to escape the tropical heat, the city boasts many colonial villas with pointed roofs, flower-filled balconies, and Art Deco facades. This cool haven, with bustling flower markets and coffee plantations, is an ideal destination for nature and architecture lovers. In the French Quarter, you’ll discover French-influenced architecture, such as the Domaine de Marie (a monastery with rose Gothic architecture) and the Pasteur Institute (founded by Alexandre Yersin, the discoverer of Dalat). At the restaurants in the quarter, visitors can enjoy local wines produced using the Bordeaux technique.

Located in the heart of the city is Xuan Huong Lake, surrounded by lush green pine trees. This place is romantic and peaceful picnic spot by day and comes alive at night with its bustling markets and brightly lit cafes. Thanks to its mild climate year-round, Da Lat attracts honeymooning couples and families, but visitors should avoid crowded weekends for a more peaceful experience.

French-style architectural works in Da Lat

• French villas: Over 2,000 old villas were built from the beginning of the 20th century. These buildings evoke the French countryside, such as Normandy (sloping roofs, stone walls), Provence (bright colors, wrought iron balconies), or Art Deco style.
• Da Lat College of Education: Notable for its arc-shaped classroom block built with red exposed brick imported from France, along with its towering bell tower.
• Da Lat Railway Station: The oldest and most beautiful railway station in Southeast Asia, with three unique pyramidal roofs and a rare steam rail system in the world. Currently, the station still serves the tourist route to Trai Mat.
• Pasteur Institute of Da Lat: A building strongly influenced by French architecture from the 1930s, harmoniously blending symmetrical buildings with surrounding green spaces.

Da Lat College of Education

Discover why visit Da Lat for your next vacation in Vietnam.

Ancient houses in Hoi An

In Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage city, although heavily influenced by Chinese and Japanese styles, French heritage in Vietnam can be found in its two-story commercial buildings. The distinctive features of these buildings are the decorative arched moldings on the facades, the raised stucco details, the symmetrical facades, the yellow-painted walls, and the double doors, the inner leaf of which is made of wood and glass.

The number of French-inspired villas and garden houses still existing is very modest, particularly in Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Bach Dang and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai streets.

Notable addresses

• Sa Huynh Culture Museum (149 Tran Phu Street): This is one of the buildings with the most distinct French influence, featuring load-bearing brick walls, wooden doors, and artistic wrought-iron balconies. Previously, this building housed government agencies during the French colonial period.
• The row of old houses on Phan Chu Trinh Street (especially number 129): The house at 129 Phan Chu Trinh Street is a nearly 100-year-old “living museum,” preserving its original sloping tiled roof, wooden shutters, and characteristic Indochinese garden.
• The old house at 2 Phan Chu Trinh Street (French House Restaurant): This house, over 120 years old, was originally a wealthy private residence during the French colonial era. It boasts a typical arched gateway and symmetrical architecture, and is currently used as a dining space while still preserving its original structure.

The row of old houses on Phan Boi Chau Street in Hoi An.

French-Vietnamese cuisine

Banh mi

This is one of the world’s most famous sandwiches, combining French culinary heritage with street food in Vietnam. This crusty baguette is filled with pâté, grilled meat (pork, beef, or chicken), ham, pickled vegetables (tomatoes, carrots, daikon radish), fresh herbs, and mayonnaise. It’s a perfect combination: the base of the French baguette blends harmoniously with the tangy and spicy flavor of the sauce and the freshness of the herbs. The banh mi evolved during the colonial period, transforming from a simple French sandwich into a complete and affordable meal, ideal for urban workers.

In Vietnam, millions of street vendors offer numerous regional variations. In the South, it’s often served with ham and more vegetables, accompanied by a special butter sauce, while in the North, the flavors of meat and herbs take center stage. For travelers, banh mi is a convenient and affordable dish not to be missed, ideal for a light meal during a day of exploring.

The best banh mi in Vietnam :

• Madam Khanh (115 Tran Cao Van Street, Hoi An): Considered by international tourists as the “Queen of Bread”, the local bread is distinguished by its rich and secret sauce and crispy crust.
• Banh mi 25 (25 Hang Ca Street, Hanoi): This location offers numerous vegan options and a clear English menu. The space opposite the original restaurant is very comfortable and evokes the atmosphere of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
• Banh mi Huynh Hoa (26 Le Thi Rieng Street, Ho Chi Minh City): The experience involves observing the bread production line, which operates at a frenetic pace, and tasting a very generously sized loaf filled with numerous layers of cured meats and pâté. This loaf is so large that visitors often share it.
• Banh mi Phuong (2B Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hoi An): The legendary name is associated with “A symphony in a sandwich” by renowned chef Anthony Bourdain.
• Banh mi Hong Hoa (54 Nguyen Van Trang, Ho Chi Minh City): A lighter and more traditional alternative to Huynh Hoa, famous for its crispy buns and fragrant roast pork.
• Banh mi Nguyen Sinh (17 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hanoi): The brand of a history spanning more than 80 years, renowned for its French-style foie gras pâté, a house specialty.

Banh mi Phuong, a must-try in Hoi An.

Did you know that in Vietnam there’s a festival dedicated to this simple dish? Explore more about the unique Vietnam Banh mi festival in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnamese coffee

The French heritage in Vietnam is subtly reflected in its coffee culture. This colonial heritage, adapted to the tropical climate and local traditions, invites visitors to an unforgettable sensory experience. Coffee is the perfect thread to explore Vietnam, from the verdant plantations of the highlands to the lively cafes of the cities. In the early 19th century, the French planted the first Arabica beans in the north, then gradually extended their cultivation to the Central Highlands. Today, Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer, renowned for its Robusta, a full-bodied and robust coffee, a product of French cultivation techniques.

In Vietnam, coffee has become an integral part of street culture. Sitting on a low stool, watching the constant flow of passersby, and waiting for your coffee to brew is an experience not to be missed. Vietnamese coffee is unique because, starting with simple coffee beans, it can be enhanced with local ingredients like eggs, salt, coconut milk, or yogurt to create a multitude of flavors. Compared to machine-made coffee, Vietnamese coffee offers an exceptionally rich and intense taste. Try a cup and let yourself be energized by a burst of freshness.

Savor the egg coffee only in Hanoi Old Quarter.

Vietnamese coffee variations:

• Filter coffee: A symbol of street culture, coffee is slowly brewed through an aluminum filter. It is often enjoyed with condensed milk (iced coffee) or sugar.
• Egg coffee: A Hanoi specialty, hot black coffee is topped with a light and creamy egg foam. This drink originated at Café Giang.
• Salted coffee: Originating from Hue, the combination of the salty taste of salted cream and the bitterness of coffee creates an irresistible flavor.
• Coconut coffee: The bitterness of the coffee blends with the sweetness and creaminess of coconut milk. It’s a very popular drink among tourists at Cong Cafe.

Explore the best places to enjoy Vietnamese coffee.

Discover French heritage in Vietnam

French heritage in Vietnam is a celebration of cultural harmony, inviting enriching discoveries that transcend time. From ancient houses to fusion flavors, each element tells a story of positive exchange. We encourage you to embark on this journey, a new way of travel that connects past and present, inspiring lasting memories and a renewed love for Vietnam. If you’re ready to explore, let us help you plan your adventure full of wonder and connection.