FRENCH COLONIAL INFLUENCE IN VIETNAM

INTRODUCTION

Vietnam is an amazing country to visit, and one steeped in history, clad in beauteous nature and populated by a wonderful culture.

While there were Chinese invasions, and these left their hallmarks in the religion and architecture, the Chinese were otherwise repelled. The influence of Hinduism also took root in ancient times, and temples ancient and living are still to be found. The French colonial influence can be seen in food, architecture and music but here again, the French themselves were ousted after a long period of French colonialism. America’s relationship was on account of fighting communism and attempting to prevent Vietnam from falling into the hands of the communists.

Our exploration of Vietnam, will help us gain an insight into the many influences mentioned, in what promises to be a most memorable journey.

DAY 01: HO CHI MINH ARRIVAL FREE AND EASY

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat international airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. At leisure after the long flight. The rest of day is kept free. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.

Distance: Tan Son Nhat airport to Ho Chi Minh center [9km] 30 minutes drive

DAY 02: HO CHI MINH CAN GIO HO CHI MINH

After breakfast, we leave bustling Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City. We are picked up from our hotel and driven towards Can Gio Biosphere Reserve. Upon arriving at the Can Gio Museum, we spend some time learning about the natural history of the region through various antique exhibits and preserved animal specimens. After that, we head towards the Rung Sac Guerilla Base which is situated amidst a mangrove forest. Here, we will board canoes and embark on a riverine waterway adventure through the mangroves.

Along the way, we will stop by the guerilla base within the forest which was established by the Viet Cong soldiers between 1966 and 1975. This base played an important role in setting up over 1,000 attacks towards Saigon during the Vietnam War. As the original base was bombarded by the US Army, the current Rung Sac Guerilla Base is a reconstruction which best portrays the situation at the time. Next, we visit the Can Gio Beach where we have a local lunch. On our way back to Saigon, we stop at a local temple which is dedicated to the Whale. According to the legend, the carcass of a whale has washed up on the beach 100 years ago and the local fishermen believed that the whale had provided protection for the coast. They displayed its bones to get continued protection. At this temple, we can notice the various exhibits related to whales ranging from bones to paintings and statues. After an insight into local beliefs, we return to the hotel and conclude the tour.

Distance: Ho Chi Minh center Can Gio [40km] 01 hour 20 minutes drive

DAY 03: HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR CU CHI TUNNELS

After breakfast, enjoy a 2-hour drive northwest of Sai Gon to the Cu Chi tunnels, through urbanized areas and the lush southern Vietnamese countryside. This tunnel complex was dug in 1948 for the guerrillas to hide in to be out of sight from French air and ground sweeps. Later during the American war, the tunnels also served as communication routes, food and weapon caches, and as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters. Visit the underground villages to better understand the tunnels’ history, life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese people’s resilience during combat. Have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit Sai Gon city tour with: Opera House, a three-story classical theatre built to entertain the French colonists (outdoor visit); the former Hotel de Ville constructed for the French bureaucrats of Indochina in 1901, now The People's Committee building with no public access; the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunningly massive red-brick edifice with twin spires, a clear reminder that French once ruled this city (open only 3-4pm every day, otherwise just an outdoor visit); the Central Post Office influenced by Renaissance architecture; and the former Presidential Palace, headquarters of the Sai Gon Government during the American war. Then we will visit the War Remnants Museum, which primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. Then we will visit the Mariamman Hindu Temple one of three Hindu temples in Ho Chi Minh City. It reflects the special culture of the Indian community who live and work in Ho Chi Minh city. Then, visit Thien Hau pagoda. It was built by a group of Chinese immigrants around 1760 and was restored many times. The pagoda is located in the central area of the first Chinese center which is the area of Cho Lon today. 

Next and last of the day we are free for shopping at Ben Thanh market. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.

Distance: Ho Chi Minh center to Cu Chi tunnels [70km] 02 hours drive

DAY 04: HO CHI MINH MEKONG DELTA HO CHI MINH

Breakfast at hotel and today transfer to Tourist Boat Station in My Tho to cruising on the Tien River and see the four islands: Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise, Phoenix. Enjoy fresh coconut juice during our halts. Our boat will go past ng fish farm and these tell a story about local people who live off fish. Stop at Thoi Son island, and explore the country lanes, orchards of tropical fruits, as well as listen to traditional music. We sail up the Tien River, to Chua Canal in Ben Tre Province. Our rowing Boat enters a small canal with beautiful country scenery. We visit a honey-bee farm and enjoy honey tea followed by a ride on a horse-drawn carriage along a country lane in Quoi Son Village past orchards. We get another peep into the local people’s lives. Then onto Tan Thach Village to visit Coconut Candy workshop, before coming back to board our boat and return to My Tho. Our car brings us about 15h00 to go back Ho Chi Minh city. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh.

Distance: Ho Chi Minh city center to My Tho [67km] 01 hour 35 minutes drive 

DAY 05: HO CHI MINH HUE HALF DAY CITY HUE

After breakfast, transfer to airport to take the flight in the morning to Hue. When you get there, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel (14h00). This afternoon, we visit the Imperial Citadel, Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine Dynasty Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace. Overnight in Hue.

Distance: Phu Bai airport to Hue center [15km] 30 minutes drive

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 06: HUE DMZ TOUR

After breakfast at our hotel, at 08h00, you are picked up and our bus takes us to Quang Tri province where we visit: Frame of a church - La Vang holly land. Dong Ha Town was the location on a strategically important the U.S. Marine Combat Base, outposted to provide surveillance of troops movements across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). See also the Hien Luong bridge known as the 'Peace Bridge', a beam bridge built from steel by the French in 1950. Ben Hai river an important landmark in the partition of the country into a northern and a southern zone along the 17th parallel by the Geneva Accord of 1954. At Cua Tung beach the river flows from west to east just south of the 17th parallel and close to the northern border of Quang Tri Province. View the Vinh Moc tunnels a complex of tunnels located deep in the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone, and which included wells, kitchens, rooms for each family and spaces for healthcare. We have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit Dakrong bridge crossing the Dakrong river. Ho Chi Minh trail was a logistical system that ran from the North Vietnam to the South Vietnam through the neighboring kingdoms of Laos and Cambodia. Rock pile was a base for American long-range artillery nearby. Khe Sanh combat base is a valley surrounded entirely by rolling mountains and forest. This Was one of the most controversial battles of the American War. Transfer back to Hue for overnight.

DAY 07: HUE HALF DAY CITY TOUR HANOI 

After breakfast at hotel, we take a morning visit Ming Mang Emperor's mausoleum. Visiting the Minh Mang Emperor's Mausoleum is a remarkable experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and cultural heritage of Imperial Vietnam. The serene and picturesque surroundings, combined with the intricately designed architecture, make it a must-see destination in Hue. This afternoon we depart to Hue airport to take the flight to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 08: HANOI HALF DAY JEEP TOUR HALF DAY TALKING WITH MR. HONG VY – FORMER PILOT

After breakfast at our hotel, we take a half day jeep tour.

Hanoi Jeep Tour Team picks us up from the hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. 

On the first part of our Hanoi Jeep tour, you see the REAL UNVARNISHED HANOI including the maze of backstreets, tiny alleyways, local homes, schools, random markets and black market, experiencing where and how locals live, work and play.

After the raw view of every day Hanoi, in the second half of the Hanoi Jeep tour, we pass by and stop at the MUST-SEE places of our beautiful city such as Ho Chi Minh mausoleum-a Mecca for Vietnamese, the banana island where you can visit a local’s house and chat with to learn about their traditions, which is a 1000 year old Buddhist tradition. Then the enchanting French Quarter, the bustling Old Quarter, the romantic lakes of Hoan Kiem, West lake, Hanoi Opera House, and the famous Long Bien bridge etc.

On the third leg of our Hanoi Jeep tour, we visit villages in the outskirts around West lake and Truc Bach lake, to enrich your experiences about the contrast in harmony of life between the city center and her outskirts. Also, the experience of the hidden tranquility of Hanoi, juxtaposed against its hectic side with thousands of Skyscrapers in the new parts of the city. This is a a journey about Hanoi before, now and then.

On the last part of Hanoi Jeep tour, we visit authentic restaurants, eateries and food stalls, to savor the tastiest of the tasty dishes, of Hanoi including family heirloom and secret recipe dishes, local delicacies and specialties.

This afternoon, you will have half day talking with Mr. Hong Vy. 

Nguyen Hong My is the first Vietnamese pilot who shot down an American fighter jet in 1972 his military accomplishments are the pride of the Vietnamese Air Force and his victory is legend, but he himself leads a quiet life. He has a little house on the banks of the Red River. He welcomes guests with tea and fascinating stories from the Vietnamese perspective.

You will be welcome with warm smiles and casual laughs, in this simple house on the Red River. Visiting Mr My’s unassuming house, you will be treated to a true legend, some pieces of history and war stories. 

The complicated history of Vietnam war is not easy to understand in 02 hours. However, when you hear history come alive via by one who was a hero of the “other side”, and who is sitting across the table from you, the vague, wispy fragments of an imagined history suddenly gain color.

In 1968, he returned to Vietnam from 3 years of pilot training in the Soviet Union and was on the front lines defending against American air attacks.

Hong My was one of only 19 out of the 120 pilots who qualified for the Mig 21 which flew at a relative speed of 1500 km/h 

After his chat, he will show you pictures and stories after 36 years of Vietnam war.

Note: Half day talking with Mr Hong Vy will depend on his free time.

DAY 09: HANOI HALONG BAY HANOI

After breakfast at hotel, we depart for Halong Bay. We go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Halong bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we take a cruise on Halong Bay about 4 hours to explore the majestic Halong Bay – A World Heritage recognized by UNESCO in 1994. An area of immense beauty dotted with thousands of islands rising from the sea. Explore Dau Go natural cave, Thien Cung grotto, Dog island, Dinh Huong island… Have seafood lunch on boat. Afternoon transfer back to Hanoi. Dinner local restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi. 

Distance: Hanoi center to Halong bay [180km] 02 hours 45 minutes’ drive

After breakfast, you will free for shopping then transfer to airport to take flight to your home. End of service!

FRENCH COLONIAL INFLUENCE IN VIETNAM

ON RELIGION

It is that fact that French colonialism exerted many influences on religion in Vietnam. For example, Catholicism began to take hold in Vietnam in 1605, and caused major problems for both the Vietnamese government and the people. The French began to convert Vietnamese to Catholicism in 1644, and in 1659, the first vicariate was founded.

ON CUISINE

Many of the Vietnamese food has been heavily affected by French colonialism in Indochina, some of them stay and combine with the Vietnamese culinary culture. That makes new taste and variant of Vietnam traditional culinary.

The Influence of French Colonialism in Vietnamese Cuisines Many of the Vietnamese food has been heavily affected by French colonialism in Indochina, some of them stay and combine with the Vietnamese culinary culture. That makes new taste and variant of Vietnam traditional culinary. Whilst highlighting their historical tastes as the Vietnamese people have put their own stamp onto the food introduced by the French. Hanoi is one of the oldest city in Vietnam where some of most popular Vietnamese traditional dishes originated from here. Hanoi was the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954.it has been said that the true home of FrancoVietnamese cooking is Hanoi. Vietnamese Baguette/Bánhmì One of most popular food from French is baguette, which the Vietnamese adapted and today create their own style of baguette using rice flour. Many of the vegetables introduced to the country are common in Western cooking, and their names in Vietnamese reflect their origins. Potatoes, carrots, artichokes onions and asparagus are just some of the most obvious vegetables that are included here, with the Vietnamese word for potato (khoaitây) literally meaning ‘Western yam’. Influences are not limited to simple ingredients, but stretch to methods of cooking too, with the use of butter and wine in the preparation of meals as a nod towards the French. The increase of beef into the cuisine is also apparent, as seen in dining experiences such as bò 7 món, which is a multi-course meal of beef created by the French to celebrate the rise in the availability of the meat, which followed their arrival in the French colonial era.

Many people in this world like coffee. As cited in Double Dutch Digital Magazine In 1857, the French colonial government introduced coffee to Vietnam, and largescale production on plantations started in the beginning of the 20th century. The Vietnam War disrupted coffee production in Buon Ma Thuot, which was already then, a major center of coffee production. Shortly after the end of the war in 1975, the coffee industry was nationalized. The reforms of 1986 reintroduced private ownership and was a boost for the coffee industry. In the aftermath of the reforms, many new coffee businesses were established, such as Trung Nguyen in 1996, and Highlands Coffee in 1998. With the Influence of French Colonialism on Vietnam’s Culture Coffee has become one of the most integral parts of modern Vietnamese social culture. Consumed morning, noon and night, coffee shops are a hub of social interaction for everyone, from business people to young socialites. Vietnam grows an incredible amount of coffee beans, and it is the world’s second largest exporter of coffee, predominantly growing the coffea canephora species which gives the Robusta coffee bean and rewards the drinker with a delicious bitter chocolaty finish.

INFLUENCE OF FRENCH COLONIALISM ON ARCHITECHTURE IN VIETNAM

The Influence of French Colonialism in Vietnamese architectures is best seen in Hanoi as the Capital city of Vietnam remains many French colonial features. Hanoi is known as the canal city. Many buildings from the nineteenth until the early of twentieth century that French colonialism built, can be seen. Besides Hanoi which is popular for its modern canals, there is also Ho Chi Min City (previously Siagon) which was the capital city of the French. Ho Chi Min the first leader of independent Vietnam is also known as little Paris of the East (Paris PhųòngĐông) or Jewel in The East (HònngocViênĐông) BuuDien (Post Office) Saigon Post Office or Buu Dien Thanh Pho Ho Chi Min is another excellent example of French colonial heritage in Ho Chi Min City built by France and opened on November 1860. The first postage was stork picture and launched on January 13,1863. The design is a fusion of French and Vietnamese. Located near the intersection with cathedral Notre Dame the Saigon Notre Dame Basilica in Ho Chi Min is a look alike of the Notre Dame in Paris. It was built in 1863 and renovated in 1877 by a French architect. The Siagon Opera House or Municipal Theatre was also called the French Opera House. It was designed by Eugene FERRET, a French architect in 1897. It is a look alike of the Palais Garnier or Opera House in Paris.