From Symbol of Domination to Tourist Attraction: The Reappropriation of Colonial Heritage in Ho Chi Minh City

Resumo

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly Saigon, boasts a rich colonial architectural heritage that has transitioned from symbols of French domination to key tourist attractions, driving economic growth. Amid a 15.7% surge in international visitors in early 2025, this heritage, encompassing buildings like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, distinguishes HCMC from other Vietnamese sites focused on natural or ancient wonders. Colonial heritage is often labeled “dissonant”, evoking tensions between pride in architectural value and memories of exploitation, yet in HCMC, it faces little contestation. Rooted in French colonial urban planning from the late 19^th century, these structures blend European and local elements, adapted to tropical conditions. Post-independence, Vietnam’s heritage policies, influenced by colonial-era frameworks like the 1900 decree, evolved through laws such as the 2001 Cultural Heritage Act, prioritizing preservation alongside development. In HCMC, urban plans since 1997 have inventoried and classified over 1,200 villas, enforcing protections against demolition. Adaptive reuse has been pivotal: public buildings retain functions or become museums, while private ones transform into cafés and shops, balancing sustainability with economic viability. Tourism amplifies this, integrating sites into circuits with modern amenities like illuminated facades and info plaques, appealing to global visitors without erasing historical complexities. Ultimately, this reappropriation reflects reconciliation, where aesthetic and functional values eclipse painful symbolism, fostering cultural dialogue and prosperity in a dynamic urban context.