By aussiematesvietnam 
A Deep Dive into Vietnamese History and Colonial Influences
G’day fellow travellers! Aussie Mates here, coming to you from the bustling streets of Hanoi where I’ve been calling home for nearly two decades now. My wife Tracy and I have spent countless weekends exploring every nook and cranny of this fascinating country, and I’m constantly amazed at how Vietnam’s complex history reveals itself in everyday life – from the architecture to the food, and even the language.
When we first moved here from Brisbane, I was a typical Aussie bloke with limited knowledge of Vietnamese history beyond what I’d seen in war movies. But living here has given me a profound appreciation for this nation’s incredible journey through time. So grab a cold one, settle in, and let me take you through the captivating story of Vietnam’s past and how colonial influences have shaped the country you’d experience today.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-landscape]
Ancient Beginnings: From Legend to Independence
Vietnam’s story begins with legends of dragon lords and fairy princesses – not unlike our own Aboriginal dreamtime stories in their cultural significance. The nation traces its origins back to around 2879 BCE with the semi-mythical Hồng Bàng dynasty. But where things get really interesting is Vietnam’s thousand-year struggle against Chinese domination.
One afternoon, Tracy and I were exploring the Temple of Literature in Hanoi – Vietnam’s first national university built in 1070 – when our guide explained how the Vietnamese maintained their cultural identity despite centuries of Chinese rule. Unlike other conquered territories, Vietnam absorbed Chinese influences while fiercely preserving its own unique character. This resilience remains a defining national trait that I’ve observed countless times during our years here.
By the 10th century, Vietnam had finally gained independence from China, establishing its own dynasties. The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long (modern-day Hanoi) became the capital under the Lý Dynasty, and you can still visit its archaeological remnants today – something Tracy and I do whenever we have visitors from back home.
[IMAGE:temple-of-literature]
The French Colonial Era: A Mixed Legacy
The most visible colonial influence in Vietnam today comes from the French, who arrived in the 1850s and stayed until their defeat at Điện Biên Phủ in 1954. When we first moved to Vietnam, I was struck by the European feel of certain neighborhoods – particularly in Hanoi’s French Quarter and throughout Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).
During the French colonial period, Vietnam was part of French Indochina along with Cambodia and Laos. The colonists built grand boulevards, imposing administrative buildings, and introduced their architectural style. One of our favourite weekend rituals is enjoying coffee and croissants at an old French villa café, where the colonial architecture creates an atmosphere you simply won’t find anywhere else in Asia.
But the French legacy isn’t just about pretty buildings. They transformed Vietnam’s agriculture (introducing rubber plantations and expanding rice production), built infrastructure (including the iconic Long Biên Bridge in Hanoi), and influenced the education system. Even Vietnam’s writing system changed during this period, abandoning the Chinese-based characters for the Latin alphabet you see today – something that makes Vietnam more accessible to Western tourists than many other Asian countries.
Not all colonial influences were positive, though. French rule was often harsh and exploitative. The Vietnamese were treated as second-class citizens in their own country, with limited rights and opportunities. This oppression fueled nationalist sentiments and eventually led to resistance movements.
[IMAGE:french-colonial-building]
The American War: Impact and Aftermath
As Aussies, we have our own complicated relationship with what we often call the Vietnam War, but what locals refer to as the American War. Australia sent nearly 60,000 troops to Vietnam between 1962 and 1972, fighting alongside American forces against the communist North.
Today, when Tracy and I visit places like the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City or the Củ Chi Tunnels, it’s still a confronting experience, even after all these years living here. What strikes me most is how Vietnamese people generally separate their feelings about foreign governments from their attitudes toward individual foreigners. Despite the devastating conflict, Vietnamese people have welcomed us Aussies with open arms.
The American presence also left cultural imprints on Vietnam, particularly in the South. From music to fashion and business practices, American influences blended with Vietnamese traditions to create something unique. You’ll still find plenty of Vietnam veterans from Australia, America, and other countries returning to make peace with their past – some even retiring here.
[IMAGE:war-memorial]
Modern Vietnam: A Fusion of Influences
One of the things Tracy and I love most about living in Vietnam is witnessing how the country has taken elements from its various colonial periods and transformed them into something distinctly Vietnamese. Take the food, for instance. The iconic bánh mì sandwich combines a French baguette with Vietnamese fillings – creating what I reckon is one of the world’s perfect foods!
Vietnamese coffee culture also reflects this fusion. The French introduced coffee to Vietnam, but the Vietnamese created their own distinct style by adding sweetened condensed milk (likely because fresh dairy was scarce). Now, cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee) is world-famous, and Tracy swears it’s what keeps her going during Hanoi’s sweltering summers.
Architecture throughout Vietnam tells this story of colonial influence and adaptation. In Hoi An, our favourite weekend getaway spot, you’ll find a fascinating mix of Chinese, Japanese, and European architectural elements in the Ancient Town – evidence of the port city’s history as a trading hub.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-coffee]
Visiting Historical Sites: Practical Tips
For fellow Aussie boomers planning a trip to Vietnam, here are some must-visit historical sites that showcase the country’s colonial past:
- Hoi An Ancient Town – A UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved buildings from multiple cultural influences
- Hanoi’s French Quarter – Wander around Ba Dinh District to admire French colonial architecture
- Hue Imperial City – Explore the former imperial capital with its impressive Citadel
- Cu Chi Tunnels – Gain perspective on the ingenuity and determination of Vietnamese fighters during the American War
- Phu Quoc Prison – A sobering reminder of colonial-era oppression, now a historical museum
A word of advice from Tracy and me: when visiting historical sites, particularly those related to war, be respectful and mindful of local sensitivities. What might be history to us remains lived experience for many Vietnamese.
[IMAGE:hoi-an-ancient-town]
Conclusion: History in Living Color
After nearly 20 years in Vietnam, what continues to fascinate me is how the country’s colonial past isn’t just preserved in museums – it’s alive in everyday life. From the language Vietnamese people speak to the buildings they inhabit, from the food they eat to the way they do business, Vietnam’s history of foreign influences has created a cultural tapestry that’s utterly unique.
Tracy often says that understanding Vietnam’s past helps us appreciate its present even more. We’ve found that learning about the country’s colonial history has deepened our connection to our adopted home and helped us build meaningful relationships with our Vietnamese friends and neighbors.
So if you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, I encourage you to look beyond the beautiful beaches and buzzing street markets. Dig into the history, ask questions, and discover how centuries of foreign influence have shaped this remarkable country without ever diminishing its indomitable spirit.
Until next time, mates!
– Aussie Mates