Vietnam

• Located on the Eastern margin of the Indo-Chinese peninsula

• Occupies about 331,211.6 sq. km. of which about 25% was under
cultivation in 1987
• It borders the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and Pacific Sea,
alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia.
• The S-shaped country has a north-to-south distance of 1,650 kilometers
and is about 50 kilometers wide at the narrowest point.
• With a coastline of 3,260 kilometers, excluding islands, Vietnam claims
12 nautical miles (22.2 km; 13.8 mi) as the limit of its territorial waters,
an additional 12 nautical miles (22.2 km; 13.8 mi) as a contiguous
customs and security zone, and 200 nautical miles (370.4 km; 230.2 mi)
as an exclusive economic zone.
Vietnam
• Vietnam offers ideal advantages for economic development, trade and
tourism.
• Mountains and tropical forest cover three quarters of Vietnam, but the
flatlands make up the most heavily populated portion of the country. The
country’s two “rice bowls” lie in the Red River delta in the North and the
Mekong River delta in the South.
• Hanoi, the nation’s capital, lies on the banks of the Red River. It is not only
the country’s political, cultural and educational capital but also the most
important economic center in the North.
Vietnam: Climate
Vietnam Architecture
Vietnam: Climate

Because of its geography, the climate in Vietnam varies greatly from

North to South with three distinct climatic zones. Tropical monsoons
occur from October to April in the centre and from May to September
in the north and south. It is almost totally dry throughout the rest of the
year. It can get exceptionally hot, however, all year round, but the
north has a cooler time between October and April. Temperature
around the country can reach up to 40 C in the height of the hot and
rainy season (May to September), but the northern highlands and
Hanoi can often seem chilly and damp in the winter.
Vietnam: Religion
Vietnam Architecture
Vietnam: Religion

Religion has exerted a deep influence on Vietnamese culture

and the Vietnamese concept of life. The attitude towards life, death,
and the world beyond bears a deep imprint of Buddhism,
Confucianism, and Taoism.
-Buddhism
-Confucianism
-Taoism
-Christianity
-Other religions
The predominant religion in Vietnam is Buddhism, which is also
one of the world's great religions. Buddhism was introduced into
Vietnam under the Chinese domination, in the second century
B.C., by Chinese immigrants and by Indian preachers coming by
sea. Buddhism became the state religion of Vietnam under Ly
Dynasty (1010-1214). Several kings took the cassock or retired
into a pagoda after their abdication. Buddhist monks served as
counselors to the king at court. Since the Tran Dynasty (1225-
1440), Buddhism has lost the status of a state religion but
nevertheless remained the dominant religion in Vietnam and a
major cultural force.
 This core of Buddhist teaching holds that there are eight "right" ways
to live virtuously: right views, right thought, right conduct, right speech, right
livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right meditation. An individual's
fate in this existence is determined by what he has done in his previous
existence. This is the law of Karma, or cause and effect.
There are two branches of Buddhism: Hinayana (Little
Vehicle) also called Theravada Buddhism, which nourishes in Sri Lanka,
Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Burma; and Mahayana (Great Vehicle)
Buddhism which is found in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Most
Vietnamese Buddhists belong to the Mahayana branch. The Theravada
branch exists in communities of ethnic Cambodians and Vietnamese living in
the Mekong Delta.
Confucianism

Confucianism is more of a religious and social philosophy than a

religion in the accepted meaning of the word. It has no church, no clergy, and
no Bible. It advocates a code of social behavior that man ought to observe so
as to live in harmony with society and attain happiness in his individual life.
There is little concern about death, the world beyond, and spiritual feelings in
this religion.
Confucianism was introduced into Vietnam as early as the
first century, during the Chinese domination. Two Chinese governors at that
time, Hsi Kwang and Jen Yen, were most instrumental in its introduction. It
was after Vietnam achieved independence that Chinese influence and
Confucianism became important in Vietnam. Because of a political philosophy
that was favorable for the monarchy, Confucianism was promoted and
supported by the government.
Taoism

Another religion which has a deep imprint on the way of life of the
Vietnamese is Taoism. Taoism was introduced into Vietnam during the
Chinese domination period. By the time Vietnam recovered its
independence, it had become one of the main religious faiths of the
Vietnamese people. Under the succeeding dynasties, Taoism became a
source of inspiration for poets and writers. From the end of the Tran
dynasty, Taoism began to turn to mysticism and polytheism. It was this
mystic aspect of Taoism that appealed to the common people of
Vietnam.
 Christianity

Although a main religion of the world, Christianity does not play a major
role in the culture of Vietnam. It was introduced into Vietnam rather late, in
the second half of the sixteenth century, by Portuguese, Spanish and
French European missionaries. The first missionary, Ignatio, came to
Vietnam in 1533. In the first half of the seventeenth century, the Jesuits
came to Vietnam and founded in Hoi-An the Cochinchina's mission. In
1626, Alexandre de Rhodes was chosen to head the Jesuit mission in
North Vietnam. He published a catechism book in Latin and Vietnamese
in 1650 and the first Vietnamese, Portuguese and Latin dictionary in 1651
in Rome. Christianity began to develop rapidly.
Christianity

About the middle of the seventeenth century, preaching of Christianity was

banned in Vietnam. Despite the proscription, Catholic missionaries continued
their evangelization of Vietnam. Today there are about three million
Christians in Vietnam, most of them Catholics. Although they represented a
small percentage of the population, the Catholics played an important role in
the political life of Vietnam during the last three decades prior to the fall of
Saigon in 1975.
 Other Religions

There are two religious sects, Cao Dai and HoaHao, which
have recently been established in Vietnam. They have been confined to the rural
sectors of the Southern Delta region. Their influence on Vietnamese culture has
been insignificant.
Caodaism is a synthesis of different beliefs, including the teaching of
Buddha, Jesus, Confucius, Lao-Tse, Victor Hugo, and so on. It was founded
in 1919 by Le Van Trung who established a priestly hierarchy modeled
along Roman Catholic lines. The seat of Caodaism is in TayNinh, about 60
miles from Saigon. The adherents to Caodaism have been estimated at
about one million.
HoaHao is a reformed Buddhist sect of the Theravada variety. It was
founded in 1939 by Huynh Phu So, who later was killed by the communists.
This religious sect is concentrated in the Mekong Delta with a membership
estimated at about two million.
Vietnam: Geology
Vietnam Architecture
Vietnam: Geology

Mining
Vietnam's mineral resources, apart
from offshore oil and gas, include phosphate, coal, bauxite, base and
precious metals, and a variety of industrial minerals. More than
5,000 mineral occurrences have been identified. Five broadly-
defined metallogenic epochs have been recognized and, in general,
the younger the setting the more abundant the deposits. Only a few
are hosted by Precambrian rocks, principally iron, gold and graphite.
The early to mid-Palaeozoic contains small deposits of iron
ore, lead–zinc and large deposits of potash. Larger deposits of iron
ore, limonite, gold, nickel–copper and bauxite were formed during
the early Carboniferous/late Triassic
Geothermal energy
In the territory of Vietnam, more than 300
natural geothermal sources have been recorded and six geothermal regions
have been defined: Northwest, Northeast, Bac Bo plan, North central part,
South central part, and Southern plain. Vietnam has a remarkable potential
for geothermal resources. Especially, Northwestern Vietnam is the most
prospective region for geothermal exploration and development. Dr. Doan
Van Tuyen from the Institute of Geological Sciences of the Vietnamese
Academy of Science and Technology commented, "Compared with the rest
of the world, Vietnam has medium potential for geothermal energy
development. However, geothermal energy resources are available not just
in one place, but throughout the country. Therefore, most localities can
make use of this type of energy."
Volcanic activity
Vietnam has 6 volcanoes, Bas ĐồngNai, Cu-Lao Re
Group, Haut ĐồngNai, Toroeng Prong, Veteran and Ile des Cendres
which had the most recent eruption in 1923.
Geological parks
The Dong Van Highlands, encompassing total area of
more than 574 square kilometers in HàGiang Province's QuảnBạ, Yên
Minh, ĐồngVăn and MèoVạc districts, could eventually be recognized as
a UNESCO Global Geological Park.
UNESCO Vietnam has sent an application based on a
recent study which concluded that limestone can be found in 11 layers
on 80 percent of the surface of the plateau. Two of the layers are
sediment dating from 400 to 600 million years ago. It will be only the
second geological park in Southeast Asia after Langkawi Geological
Park in Malaysia and the 54th in the world.
Vietnam: Period of Development
Vietnam Architecture
 Vietnam: Period of Development

Until French colonization in the middle of the 19th

century, Vietnam's economy was mainly agrarian and village-oriented. French
colonizers, however, deliberately developed the regions differently, designating
the South for agricultural production and the North for manufacturing. Though
the plan exaggerated regional divisions, the development of exports--coal from
the North, rice from the South—and the importation of French manufactured
goods stimulated internal commerce
1976 and 1986, for annual growth rates for industry, agriculture, and
national income and aimed to integrate the North and the South, the
plan's aims were not achieved: the economy remained dominated by
small-scale production, low labor productivity, unemployment, material
and technological shortfalls, and insufficient food and consumer goods.
The more modest goals of the Third Five-Year Plan (1981–1985) were a
compromise between ideological and pragmatic factions; they
emphasized the development of agriculture and industry. Efforts were
also made to decentralize planning and improve the managerial skills of
government officials.
In 1986 Vietnam launched a political and economic renewal
campaign (DoiMoi) that introduced reforms intended to facilitate
the transition from a centrally planned economy to form of market
socialism officially termed "Socialist-oriented market economy."
DoiMoi combined economic planning with free-market incentives
and encouraged the establishment of private businesses in the
production of consumer goods and foreign investment, including
foreign-owned enterprises. By the late 1990s, the success of the
business and agricultural reforms ushered in under DoiMoi was
evident. More than 30,000 private businesses had been created,
and the economy was growing at an annual rate of more than 7
percent, and poverty was nearly halved
 In 2001 the Vietnamese Communist Party (VCP) approved
a 10-year economic plan that enhanced the role of the private sector
while reaffirming the primacy of the state sector in the economy.
However, between 2003 and 2005 Vietnam fell dramatically in
the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness
Report rankings, largely due to negative perceptions of the
effectiveness of government institutions. Official corruption is
endemic, and Vietnam lags in property rights, the efficient regulation
of markets, and labor and financial market reforms. Although
Vietnam's economy, which continues to expand at an annual rate in
excess of 7 percent, is one of the fastest-growing in the world, the
economy is growing from an extremely low base, reflecting the
crippling effect of the Second Indochina War (1954–75) and
repressive economic measures introduced in its aftermath.
Architecture
Vietnam Architecture
Brief History of Vietnam Architecture
Vietnam architecture is a composition of both Asian and
European style. Its history can be divided into highlight stages,
namely ancient architecture, colonial architecture, new
architecture, and contemporary architecture.
Vietnam Ancient Architecture
Vietnam ancient architecture mostly used timber frame
structures like traditional wooden Vietnamese houses combined
with other supporting materials such as bricks, stones, tiles, soils,
straws, and bamboos. There really is no difference or division on
the texture of different work categories in this architectural style.
Based on characteristics as well as the nature and structures of
these materials, Vietnam does not really retain any massive
monuments as in other countries.
Vietnam Architecture

Building materials: they also maintain less permanent characters

with the exception of public works: bricks, stones, timber
(hardwood). Most of them brought available local materials into
play such as leaves, thatches, bamboos, carved woods, baked or
unbaked clays, muds and straws.
Structure: wooden frames, mortises and tenons (no use of
nails), purlin wood trusses, rafters, canopy pillars depending on
geographical conditions could change the floor structure, yet there
exist no floors or multiple floors as other countries. In addition, the
roof slope is often quite high as a result of using leaves, thatches,
or tiles (the slope is more than 45 degrees).
Decoration: public works are usually tiled (royal palace, temples...)
with dragon head or fish head at the corner of the roof top...and
carved decorations of the quartet of traditional motifs (Dragon,
Unicorn, Tortoise, Phoenix) or a tiger, a fish...
Physical architecture: maintaining natural ventilation;
simultaneously, whole house is sealed by walls and roofs. Besides,
houses’ direction is generally the south (cool breezes blowing in the
summer), 2 wings of the house would be east - west direction
against solar heat in the morning and in the afternoon.
Colonial Architecture
This type of the architecture could be imported
from Western countries, along with the arrival of the French into
Vietnam in the late 19th - early 20th century. This kind of architecture
was developed in parallel with the process of colonial exploitation of
the colonialism. Particular characteristics of geographical and climatic
conditions are relatively different; as a result, the European-style
architecture had to have certain changes in order to harmonize
Vietnam’s conditions
New Architecture
This type of the architecture could be formed from
the mid-20th century, after the exit of Vietnam's colonial period from
the French. Based on different historic conditions, the architecture in
the north and the south are also subject certain effects.
Hanoi opera house
Vietnam National Museum of History
Hoa Lo Prison
Contemporary Architecture
The development of economy as well as the process of
international integration after the renewal period along with the introduction of
many different architectural flows into Vietnam formed a new architectural
trend. In opening stages, this architectural style much brought chaos by
copying foreign architectural features. Currently, Vietnam architects are still
on the way to find out their own path.
However, there has been an appearance of some new
architectural trends in modern styles from 2003 up to now. Still not clear, it
has been partly reflected the integration of architects in Vietnam to the world.
Together with forms usually seen in the street, utilities are also studied more
seriously, better creating convenience for users.
Bitexco Financial Tower
Hanoi University Building
Lotte Building, Hanoi
(2nd tallest building )
Nguyen Dynasty
At the beginning of 19th century, the Nguyen Dynasty moved
the country’s capital to Hue. Hue’s architecture was regarded as a collection of
traditional influences which relied on flat surfaces, citadel and urban centers,
interior decoration, and scenery structures.
Ly Dynasty
Ly Dynasty started a new change in architectural
development during the 11th century during the development of a feudal-
country. Five orthodox styles: citadels, palaces, castles, pagodas, and houses
was the general characteristics of the architecture at that time (the 11th and
12th century)
Ly Dynasty’s architectural characteristics of the were
residential complexes, more ornamental roofs, doors, door-steps, banisters,
and rounded statues, all in a reflectional design for the climate and costumes of
Vietnamese people and country. Streets, ground and stilt houses, markets, in
popular architectural design simultaneously developed as palaces of the royal.
Nguyen Dynasty
Hue city became the capital under
Nguyen Dynasty so the development
in the North was slowed down. In
Thang Long, Khue Van Cac
(Constellation of Literature pavilion),
Ngoc Son temple and some
structures were built. In contrast, the
project in Hue were developed,
especially, garden - house complex.
Nowadays, we still see this distinctive
design through the remained citadels,
palaces, tomb, and gardened houses
in Hue that is quite different from the
tube type of houses in Ha Noi.
 The feature of
architecture under Ly
dynasty was high
residential complex, a
lot of decorative roofs,
doors, door-steps,
banisters, and
rounded statues. All is
suitable with the
Vietnam’s climate and
folk customs.

Ly Dynasty Typical Roof

Le Dynasty
In 15th century, the country was governed Le Dynasty,
there are two dominant styles orthodox architecture: the royal tomb and the
imperial palace. However, the religious preference style was popular from the
16th to 17th century.
Tran Dynasty
The popular architecture models in the Tran Dynasty were
the royal pagoda, house, temple, palace, and citadel.
Another outstanding example of the architectural style of
the Tran Dynasty time is the complexity and structure of Pho Minh Pagoda.
The structure includes the main hall, lobby, and sanctuary.
The interior garden is an important part in the traditional
architectural style as it reflects the oriental space concept.
Le Dynasty
Under King Le reign, the orthodox
architecture was royal palace and
royal tomb. In 16th and 17th
century, religion architecture got the
new advance.

But Thap temple in Bac Ninh

Province is known for its structure
and its decorative statue. Once
social organisation lost quality, folk-
art continued to be reflected in
carvings and paintings, hunting,
sloughing, wrestling, and cutting.
The pagoda and temple
construction techniques achieved
progress throughout the 18th
century. Two pearls of architecture
at that time were Tay Phuong
pagoda and Bang Communal
House.
Tran Dynasty
The popular works
under Tran Dynasty
were pagoda, house,
temple, and citadel.
Some significant
pagodas at this time are
Binh Son Tower (Vinh
Phuc province), Pho
Minh Tower (Nam Dinh
province), Thai Lac
pagoda (Hung Yen
province).
Modern Temporary Architecture
Characteristics of Vietnam Architecture were
reflected by new style brought by European urban planning and the
interaction between French and Oriental cultures at the end of the
19th century. Nowadays, there are five main domains in architectural
development: environmental design, urban planning, interior design,
architectural design, and regional planning. At the same time, issues
on urban area’s spontaneous development, protection of
architectural relics, and house-building strategies urgently need
solutions.
Stilt House
 Dai Tong Lam Pagoda
Quang Phu town, Tan Thanh District, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province.
The Cao Dai Holy See Temple
Presidential Palace, Hanoi
Communal House
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