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Vietnam marked 80 years since its declaration of independence, celebrating its freedom from colonial rule. Yet, even as the nation honoured Ho Chi Minh's 1945 proclamation, the enduring imprint of French culture was evident in architecture, language, and cuisine. Ba Dinh Square, where independence was declared, remains flanked by colonial-era buildings including the presidential palace and foreign ministry, both striking examples of French Indochine design.
Surprisingly, many young Vietnamese are unaware of the origins of these landmarks. Interviews with Hanoi residents revealed that while they admired the architecture, they did not know it was French. This disconnect extends to cuisine, where staples such as banh mi sandwiches, croissants, and pate have deep French roots but are often regarded simply as Vietnamese.
French cultural influence also persists in language, although its prominence has diminished. Once a language of the elite, French today is far less popular among students than English, Chinese, or Korean. Only 400 high school students nationwide chose French for graduation exams this year, compared to over 358,000 selecting English. However, French retains symbolic prestige, with 63,000 people still enrolled in classes supported by the French embassy.
Modern relations between France and Vietnam are defined by partnership rather than colonial legacy. When French President Emmanuel Macron visited Hanoi earlier this year, the nations signed $10 billion worth of deals in aerospace and technology. The relationship highlights a transition from historical struggle to economic collaboration.
Perhaps the clearest reminder of France's influence remains in everyday life. Cafes line Vietnamese streets, bakeries thrive in cities, and baguette-based banh mi sandwiches are a beloved national snack. Even if many citizens do not connect these elements to France, their presence underscores how culture evolves, blending foreign influence with local tradition. Vietnam's independence is firmly its own, but its heritage remains layered, shaped in part by a history that continues to resonate quietly in the rhythm of daily life.
