Some experts say that Hanoi's architectural conservation efforts have proven more successful than those of other Vietnamese and Asian cities.
Some experts say that Hanoi's architectural conservation efforts have proven more successful than those of other Vietnamese and Asian cities.
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Completed in 1911, the Hanoi Opera House is still an active part of Vietnam's contemporary fine arts scene.
Completed in 1911, the Hanoi Opera House is still an active part of Vietnam's contemporary fine arts scene.
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Opened in 1887, the Hanoi branch of Banque de l'Indochine is today the headquarters for the State Bank of Vietnam.
Opened in 1887, the Hanoi branch of Banque de l'Indochine is today the headquarters for the State Bank of Vietnam.
Bennett Murray
While some of Hanoi's grander colonial-era buildings have been renovated, many remain in a state of disrepair.
While some of Hanoi's grander colonial-era buildings have been renovated, many remain in a state of disrepair.
Bennett Murray
In downtown Hanoi, dilapidated colonial architecture co-exists with modern designs -- sometimes in the same structure.
In downtown Hanoi, dilapidated colonial architecture co-exists with modern designs -- sometimes in the same structure.
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The gutted remains of a colonial-era villa next to a modern office building in downtown Hanoi.
The gutted remains of a colonial-era villa next to a modern office building in downtown Hanoi.
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The Vietnamese government has banned the sale of approximately 600 pre-World War II buildings in its possession.
The Vietnamese government has banned the sale of approximately 600 pre-World War II buildings in its possession.
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The Presidential Palace of Vietnam, once home to French Governor-General of Indochina, is today used for state receptions and to welcome foreign heads of state.
The Presidential Palace of Vietnam, once home to French Governor-General of Indochina, is today used for state receptions and to welcome foreign heads of state.
HOANG DINH NAM/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Neglected French-style structures in Hanoi's Old Quarter often fall victim to demolition or ahistorical renovations.
Neglected French-style structures in Hanoi's Old Quarter often fall victim to demolition or ahistorical renovations.
HOANG DINH NAM/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
An old Hanoi villa finds new life as a restaurant.
An old Hanoi villa finds new life as a restaurant.
HOANG DINH NAM/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
A row of restored shophouses in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
A row of restored shophouses in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
HOANG DINH NAM/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The grand interior of the Hanoi Opera House.
The grand interior of the Hanoi Opera House.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The 250-year-old Quan Chuong Gate is all that remains of Hanoi's old city wall.
The 250-year-old Quan Chuong Gate is all that remains of Hanoi's old city wall.
Bennett Murray
The Metropole Hotel, opened in 1901, maintains much of its historic appeal despite the modernized facilities.
The Metropole Hotel, opened in 1901, maintains much of its historic appeal despite the modernized facilities.
Bennett Murray
The Hanoi Opera House was built to resemble the Palais Garnier in Paris.
The Hanoi Opera House was built to resemble the Palais Garnier in Paris.
Bennett Murray