1. Hanoi – Vietnam
Although this capital city of Vietnam has gone through many ups and downs along its magnanimous history to become one of the most modern cities in the Southeast Asia, Hanoi still remains the subtle, seductive French – Vietnamese blending, which goes to the deepest corner in every Hanoian’s heart.
From the art, architecture, literature and cuisine to most common items of Hanoian’s daily life like silken fabrics, slow-moving ceiling fans, louvered windows, tamarind trees, lacquer cigarette holders and muddy espresso, all resemble the Paris of Vietnam.However, the most significant evidence of a colonial era in Hanoi that any tourist can easily recognize is the remains of French architecture in top attractions of the city: Long Bien Bridge, Thang Long Old Citadel and Hanoi Opera House, or “Western Street” Phan Dinh Phung where hundreds of wide, tree-lined avenues, grand villas in a hybrid style known as Norman Pagoda and a scaled-down replica of the Opera Garnier in Paris has been a spotlight of Hanoi’s architecture for century.
Coming to Hanoi to feel the very French ambiance in the very heart of Vietnam through every old house and street you may see, every voice of the local you may hear and every food you may try.
2. Hai Phong – Vietnam
Hai Phong is a beautiful coastal city in the North of Vietnam with its unique urbanism with magnificent seaport expanding deep into the land; long street of arched-roof houses lying on the riverside; lush green public garden bound by poetic of a complex river system and especially, the specific, elegant and strong present of French architecture in the heart of the city that make Hai Phong stand out of other cities in term of spectacular architecture.
At present, Hai Phong still preserve a number of intact colonial constructions and Hồng Bàng District is a perfect representative. Here, there is a venue of beautiful untouched colonial houses and villas dated back to 100 years ago, standing silently on uncrowded, clean and narrow streets decorated with lush green trees and colourful flower that may bring visitors full of admiration and relaxing moment for a walk.
3. Luang Prabang – Laos
Luang Prabang is a French influenced town on a peninsula between Mekong River and Nam Khan River. The banks of the two rivers are line with mountains covered with lush vegetation that create a purely charming town.Although the town has gone through countless changes since the day it was liberated from the domination of French colonist, Luang Prabang’s architecture still bear a strong French and Indochinese blending.
Here, many luxurious French building has been converted to cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Thanks to a great appreciation of French cuisine of the locals, ones may not need to put too much effort to find a delicious baguette in any restaurant or café in town, add that to the delicious coffee Laos is famous for and your set for any meal and snack.Coming to Luang Prabang, you may also notice that Petanque – the “national spirit” of Laos is played everywhere from small playground and roadside to outdoor precinct inside restaurants or bars, by every local person, from elders to kids, men to women. If one have chance to visit Luang Prabang, don’t forget to try this colonial originated sport to receive hilarious experience in the town.
