Inside The Insider’s Mind: Messages For The Young From A Cultural Heritage Specialist

1. There are always new things to be found in familiar places. Observe with fresh eyes.

As a World Cultural Heritage Site and a tourist magnet, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a familiar presence in Hanoi. So familiar, in fact, that few stop to look closely at the intricate details that make it an architectural masterpiece. Like the motifs of sacred fig leaves from the Bodhi tree in India adorning the walls of the citadel, for example.

Vietnam’s culture has always been an amalgamation of influences from regions as diverse as East Asia (China), South Asia (India) and Europe (France). This feature is manifested vividly in historical sites that were constructed hundreds or thousands years ago.

In Hanoi, French architectural style dominates St. Joseph's Cathedral and Tonkin Palace, whereas National Museum of History, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office, Cua Bac Church and Institut Pasteur are known as the masterpieces of Indochine style — a heady mixture of Vietnam, Europe and Southeast Asia.

In central Vietnam, an equally unique fusion of styles can be found in the Museum of Cham Sculpture in Danang and Hoian’s ancient houses featuring both Japanese and Chinese influences. In Saigon, Parisian touches can be found in many famous landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City Hall and the Central Post Office.

Even the ancient Roman (Italian) culture found its way to Vietnam and left its mark on local architecture. In fact, Roman coins, introduced during the third century BC, were found at Funan’s archaeological site in Ba The mountain (An Giang).

In the 16th century, missionaries from Europe came to Dang Trong and Dang Ngoai (in the south and north of Vietnam, respectively) to introduce Christianity. They stayed here for many years recording Vietnam’s history, promoting European literature and bringing knowledge to the community.

Nowadays, Italian touches in Vietnam’s architecture can be found mostly in Catholic churches and monasteries.

Next time you happen to pass by these familiar landmarks, take a moment to stop and look. Once you’ve discovered a new angle, even the most mundane things can surprise you.