{"id":6584,"date":"2021-04-21T10:45:15","date_gmt":"2021-04-21T02:45:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=6584"},"modified":"2022-03-11T11:11:04","modified_gmt":"2022-03-11T03:11:04","slug":"unique-buildings-vietnam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/unique-buildings-vietnam\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Unique Buildings In Vietnam, Including A Rooftop Temple Taking Worship To New Heights"},"content":{"rendered":"

Unique buildings in Vietnam<\/h2>\n
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The natural beauty of Vietnam is fabled, but as you explore the country, you might also chance upon some unique man-made buildings that\u2019ll make you turn your head in amazement.<\/span><\/p>\n

From funny-looking houses to an intriguing museum inspired by pottery wheels, here are 8 examples of <\/span>buildings with unique architecture<\/b> that you can expect to see during your travels.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. House with a temple on top<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/i>Image credit: \u0110inh H\u00e0<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

It is customary for every Vietnamese household to have an altar in their home, be it to pay tribute to their ancestors or to other deities. This one family, however, seems to have gone above and beyond with their worshipping.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> \u0110inh H\u00e0<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Indeed, they have displayed their dedication for all to see by <\/span>turning the entire top floor of their house into a temple<\/b>. It even sports intricately carved pillars and Buddhist statues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Photos of the house were shared by netizen<\/span> \u0110inh H\u00e0<\/span><\/a> on<\/span> Y\u00eau Nh\u00e0 \u0110\u1eb9p<\/span><\/a> \u2013 a Facebook forum for those interested in home designs \u2013 in early March, and quickly captured public attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the original poster, this is one of his neighbor\u2019s houses in Y\u00ean Th\u00e1i Street, Ho\u00e0i \u0110\u1ee9c District, Hanoi.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. A golden chariot adorns this house’s roof<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> M\u00e3 \u0110\u1ee9c Th\u00e0nh<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Another fascinating building that’s recently made its rounds on the internet, much to the entertainment of netizens, is a <\/span>residential house with an entire golden chariot perched on its rooftop<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Ph\u01b0\u01a1ng Hoa L\u00ea Nguy\u1ec5n<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Netizens are guessing that the statues aren\u2019t pure gold, but simply gilded. Many also find it funny that despite its extravagant appearance, the chariot only carries two simple water tanks.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Vu Quang Tran<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

According to several eagle-eyed commenters on Facebook, it is located in Tr\u01b0\u01a1ng \u0110\u1ecbnh Street, Hai B\u00e0 Tr\u01b0ng District, Hanoi.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. B\u00e1t Tr\u00e0ng Museum \u2013 expansive building inspired by pottery wheels<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Chang<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The <\/span>B\u00e1t Tr\u00e0ng Museum<\/b><\/a> is a real head-turner. A new favorite check-in spot for shutter-happy folks in Hanoi, the expansive complex is made up of 7 buildings shaped like funnels, their outer walls carved into a multi-layered pattern to represent pottery wheels.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Ngoc Anh Pham<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Located in the B\u00e1t Tr\u00e0ng Ceramic Village \u2013 a centuries-old traditional craft village 20KM from Hanoi\u2019s center \u2013 the museum is expected to open its doors in June 2021.<\/span><\/p>\n

Right now, some sections on its first floor are already accessible. And come the museum’s opening, visitors will have the chance to marvel at its exhibits of valuable pottery products and relics from the village\u2019s history.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. M\u1ef9 Thu\u1eadt Tr\u1ea7n T\u01b0\u1edfng \u2013 fengshui <\/em>shop with a fa\u00e7ade of mismatched statues<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Phong Th\u1ee7y Tr\u1ea7n T\u01b0\u1edfng<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

While several other unique buildings in this list have only recently captured attention,<\/span>\u00a0M\u1ef9 Thu\u1eadt Tr\u1ea7n T\u01b0\u1edfng<\/b><\/a> \u2013 a shop selling <\/span>Fengshui<\/span><\/em> items in H\u01b0ng Y\u00ean Province \u2013 has made headlines several times since its completion in 2011. Nothing surprising, given the shop\u2019s bizarre fa\u00e7ade consisting of mismatched statues.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> D\u00e2n Tr\u00ed<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The house\u2019s entrance comprises two bronze gates bearing carvings of the mythical creature, Kirin, flanked by the statues of two roaring tigers. On top of it stands a buffalo to match the owner\u2019s Eastern Zodiac sign.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The owner clearly isn\u2019t afraid to add his personal flair to his house’s design. He\u2019s even gone so far as to engrave his own face in bronze, with a bull\u2019s horns no less, on one side of the gates.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> D\u00e2n Tr\u00ed<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Over the years, the owner has expanded upon his initial ideas, adding many statues, several of which bear fearsome appearances, on top of the buffalo statue.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> D\u00e2n Tr\u00ed<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The prominent presence of the buffalo and many Eastern mythical figures give Tr\u1ea7n T\u01b0\u1edfng\u2019s shop an eerie vibe. Thus, residents in the neighborhood have taken to calling the house \u201cThe Lair of the Bull Demon King\u201d. This name is probably a reference to a character with the same name from the acclaimed Chinese novel, <\/span>Journey to the West<\/span><\/i>, which has had a lasting influence on many cultures in Asia.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5. No. 1986 Caf\u00e9 \u2013 caf\u00e9 inspired by traditional Vietnamese clothing<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> hoang kim<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

While the B\u00e1t Tr\u00e0ng Museum pays tribute to pottery-making, the signature craft of the region, <\/span>No. 1986<\/b> Caf\u00e9<\/b> in H\u1ea3i Ph\u00f2ng attempts to integrate traditional Vietnamese design motifs into its charming fa\u00e7ade.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @_lan.hoang<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The caf\u00e9\u2019s house-shaped entrance boasts two polygonal columns of raw bricks on either side. It draws inspiration from <\/span>kh\u0103n m\u1ecf qu\u1ea1<\/span><\/em>, a scarf that northern Vietnamese women traditionally wear on their heads. Understandably, the impressive gateway instantly captures the attention of anyone passing by.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @queenie.ngg<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the spacious indoor space resembles a greenhouse with clear glass ceilings and plenty of plants.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"unique
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @ppl2311<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Here’s a heads up for potential visitors – expect drinks to be a bit more expensive than usual. Coffee prices range between <\/span>VND40,000 to VND75,000 (~USD1.73-USD3.25)<\/b>, while tea and smoothies will set you back <\/span>VND50,000-VND65,000 (~USD2.17-USD2.82). <\/b>Aside from drinks, pastries such as croissants and muffins are also available for <\/span>VND45,000-VND75,000 (~USD1.95-USD3.25)<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> 33 \u0110inh Ti\u00ean Ho\u00e0n Str., H\u1ed3ng B\u00e0ng District, H\u1ea3i Ph\u00f2ng<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 8AM-11PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Telephone:<\/b><\/span> 0908801986<\/span>
\n<\/span>Facebook<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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6. Crazy House Dalat \u2013 a peculiar labyrinthine guesthouse<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @messyphone<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The <\/span>H\u1eb1ng Nga Guesthouse<\/b>, commonly referred to as the <\/span>Crazy House<\/b>, is arguably one of the most famous buildings in Vietnam. This hotel in \u0110\u00e0 L\u1ea1t is a maze of peculiar intertwined structures that make it a major attraction of the central highland area.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @another_anna_ana_anya<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

You\u2019d be hard-pressed to find any perpendicular windows, entrances and exits here. All the walls and buildings are shaped like caves or logs of wood, with animal statues and other sculptures adorning the rooms. This toadstool centerpiece for instance, brings to mind hobbit-holes from The Lord of The Rings<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @olga_sun_smile<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

An entrance ticket to visit the house and its one-of-a-kind designs will set you back <\/span>VND60,000 (~USD2.60)<\/b>. Alternatively, H\u1eb1ng Nga Guesthouse also offers accommodation services.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can rent a room to stay overnight for <\/span>VND1,000,000-VND1,800,000 (~USD43.33-USD77.99). <\/b>The rooms have different interior d\u00e9cor styles and come with all the amenities of a regular hotel room, from beds to private bathrooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Crazy House<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> 3 Hu\u1ef3nh Th\u00fac Kh\u00e1ng Str., \u0110\u00e0 L\u1ea1t<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 8.30AM-7PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Telephone:<\/b><\/span> 02633822070<\/span>
\n<\/span>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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7. Orimi.Caf\u00e9 \u2013 new caf\u00e9 that pays tribute to Origami<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Minh B\u1ea3o<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Having just opened in March 2021, <\/span>Orimi Caf\u00e9<\/b> is quickly gaining popularity in \u0110\u00e0 L\u1ea1t thanks to its Origami-inspired structure. The caf\u00e9 is a 3-story angular building, with sparkling clean white walls and two massive wing-like structures on either side. The striking geometric design pays a loving homage to the angles and folds within paper origami art pieces.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Th\u1ea3o Duy\u00ean<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

You can find seating in a pleasant outdoor garden, or in the chic indoor space with tall glass windows which let in plenty of natural light. Meanwhile, the rooftop offers a clear view down to the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @hiennt.25787<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In terms of drinks, a cup of coffee with milk is priced at <\/span>VND35,000 (~USD1.52). <\/b>Fancier options like a cappuccino or latte go for <\/span>VND40,000-VND45,000 (~USD1.73-USD1.95)<\/b>. The varied menu also has a nice selection of <\/span>fruit mixes (VND60,000-VND65,000, ~USD2.60-USD2.82), juices (VND45,000-VND50,000, ~USD1.95-USD2.17), <\/b>and <\/span>tea<\/b> (VND45,000-VND50,000, ~USD1.95-USD2.17) <\/b>for health-conscious caf\u00e9 hoppers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b> <\/span>30 An B\u00ecnh Street, \u0110\u00e0 L\u1ea1t<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 7AM-10PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Telephone:<\/b><\/span> 0263656688<\/span>
\n<\/span>Facebook<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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8. Chu\u1ed3n Chu\u1ed3n Kim Kindergarten \u2013 brick building that looks like a giant LEGO structure<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @chuonchuonkim_edu<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

We often expect kindergartens to be colorful buildings with paintings of cute animals or Disney characters adorning their walls. The <\/span>Chu\u1ed3n Chu\u1ed3n Kim Kindergarten<\/b> in Saigon, however, goes for a completely different approach to set itself apart.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @chuonchuonkim_edu<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Featuring walls made entirely of raw bricks, the kindergarten looks like a giant LEGO model. Several rooms within the premises are stacked in an asymmetric, seemingly random manner. Still, everything appears to be arranged around a twisted staircase that serves as a backbone, which then branches out to different areas within the building.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @chuonchuonkim_edu<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the spacious interior has great ventilation and access to natural light thanks to the use of large windows. The atypical layout is intended to incite curiosity in children and encourage them to explore the premises freely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> 17 Road 23, B\u00ecnh An Ward, District 2, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City<\/span><\/p>\n

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Buildings with unique architecture in Vietnam<\/h3>\n
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Some of these unique buildings are awesome to look at, while others are just plain weird. Regardless of their appearances, we think they are proof that there are no limits to human creativity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many of the places mentioned in this list are open for visitors as well, so do check them out on your next vacation if you have the chance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which buildings around Vietnam have you encountered that didn’t make our list? We’d love to hear your top picks in the comments below.<\/span><\/p>\n

For more things to do around Vietnam, check out:<\/span><\/p>\n