Vietnam, rich in history and culture, is home to numerous ancient cities, each carrying unique stories and values. These urban areas are precious gems, contributing to the diverse and vibrant tapestry of the country. Exploring these cities is not just tourism, but an experience of discovering roots and national identity.
Hanoi Old Quarter: Witness to a Thousand Years of Civilization
Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam, is famous for its Old Quarter, a place preserving historical and cultural values for centuries. The Hanoi Old Quarter, also known as “Hanoi 36 streets,” is a unique architectural complex, clearly reflecting the daily life and trading activities of ancient capital residents.
Narrow streets, houses with bright red tile roofs, and closely packed shops selling all kinds of goods create a lively and colorful space. Visitors can easily find exquisite handicrafts, delicious local specialties, or simply a hot cup of tea to feel the slow pace of life here.
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is not only a place for sightseeing and shopping, but also a place to learn about the history, culture, and people of Hanoi. Strolling through the ancient streets, listening to stories of the past, visitors will feel the intersection of tradition and modernity, past and future.
Hoi An: Bustling Trading Port, World Cultural Heritage
Hoi An, an ancient city located on the banks of the Thu Bon River, was once a bustling trading port in the 17th-18th centuries. It attracted merchants from all over the world, creating a unique cultural exchange, reflected in architecture, cuisine, and customs.
Hoi An Ancient Town is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, with ancient houses, narrow streets, assembly halls, and temples bearing the imprint of many different cultures.
Coming to Hoi An, visitors not only admire the beauty of ancient architecture, but also experience interesting activities such as: boating on the Hoai River, releasing lanterns, tailoring traditional Ao Dai, and enjoying local specialties such as Cao Lau, Mi Quang, and Banh Bao Banh Vac.
Hue: Ancient Capital, Preserving Royal Cultural Values
Hue, the former capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, is an ancient, contemplative city, imbued with distinctive royal cultural values. It still preserves many historical architectural works such as: Hue Citadel, tombs of Nguyen emperors, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Trang Tien Bridge.
Hue Citadel, with its massive and majestic architecture, is a symbol of the power of the feudal court. The tombs of the Nguyen emperors, each with its own architectural style, reflect the personality and views on life of each emperor. Thien Mu Pagoda, an ancient pagoda located on the banks of the Perfume River, is a famous spiritual destination of Hue. Trang Tien Bridge, a symbol of Hue city, is a historical witness, associated with the ups and downs of the country.
Visiting Hue, tourists not only explore historical sites, but also enjoy Hue royal court music, a unique art form, recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Other Ancient Cities
Besides Hanoi, Hoi An, and Hue, Vietnam has many other ancient cities, each with its own beauty and value:
- Ho Citadel (Thanh Hoa): World Cultural Heritage, a testament to unique military architecture.
- Lang Son Old Quarter: A bustling trading center, with many French-style architectural works.
- Dong Van Old Quarter (Ha Giang): Bearing the architectural imprint of ethnic minorities.
Riverside parks in Nam Hoa Xuan provide green spaces for residents and visitors
Culinary Culture Values in Ancient Cities
Cuisine is an indispensable part of the culture of each ancient city. Each region has its own specialties, clearly reflecting the cultural identity and history of the locality.
- Hanoi: Famous for Pho, Bun Cha, Bun Thang, Nem Ran (spring rolls),…
- Hoi An: Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Banh Bao Banh Vac, Com Ga (chicken rice),…
- Hue: Bun Bo Hue, Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Loc,…
Enjoying local cuisine is not only a taste experience, but also a way to better understand the culture and people of that place.
Preservation and Development of Ancient Cities
The preservation and development of ancient cities is an important task, requiring the joint efforts of the community and local authorities. Synchronous solutions are needed to preserve cultural and historical values, while developing tourism sustainably, bringing benefits to local people.
Conclusion
Exploring ancient cities in Vietnam is an exciting journey, helping us better understand the history, culture, and people of Vietnam. Each ancient city is a precious gem, contributing to the diverse and rich tapestry of the country. Come and feel the unique values of these ancient cities, to better understand your roots and national identity.