The book examines representative monuments and structures dating largely from the 11th through 19th centuries, including communal houses (dinh), pagodas, towers, Buddhist temples, ancestral temples, churches, royal palaces, tombs, ancient citadels, old quarters, and rural folk dwelling houses. Important historical settings likely include Hanoi, Hue, the Nguyen imperial capital, Thang Long, village centers of the Red River Delta, and other regional traditions across northern, central, and southern Vietnam.

Topics include the origins of traditional Vietnamese architecture, construction methods, decorative arts, symbolism, planning, and the distinct identities of Vietnam’s many ethnic communities. Coverage of pagodas and towers evokes the Buddhist legacy of sites such as One Pillar Pagoda, Perfume Pagoda, and other sacred landscapes, while palace and tomb sections connect to emperors of the Le, Tran, and Nguyen dynasties. Ancient quarters and residential sections are especially useful for readers interested in old Hanoi streetscapes, merchant houses, vernacular timber construction, courtyards, tiled roofs, and village life.

An excellent reference for collectors of Asian art, architecture, archaeology, preservation, travel, urban history, temple studies, and Vietnamese cultural heritage. Useful for architects, designers, historians, and anyone interested in Southeast Asian traditional building forms.

Published by The Gioi Publishers, 2013. Paperback, illustrated edition. Condition: clean interior, solid binding, light general handling wear to covers, attractive copy overall, 158 pages.