Traditional housing correlation of the Vietnamese in Dong Nai province and in central Vietnam

Abstract

There is a considerable number of traditional Vietnamese houses that have been built in Dong Nai province, a region located in the southeastern part of Vietnam. Vietnamese history and culture can be well represented through the decorative arts and architecture of these traditional Vietnamese houses in Dong Nai, with the owners of the works immigrating to the southern land from central Vietnam since the 17th century. It is therefore possible to trace back the lifestyle and customs of the owners of these houses. In addition, those houses were not only a place to live, they also have the function of worshiping ancestors, being both a production and trading facilities at the same time. Those constructions may thus preserve the traditions and culture of the nation. The traditional Vietnamese houses in Dong Nai with all its outstanding features will be discussed within the scope of this paper. They will next be compared with the similar surviving works in the Central of Vietnam in order to pick up the cultural and artistic values of these traditional houses in Dong Nai province. The article will also compare the ancient houses in Dong Nai with other types of houses named ‘Timber framed’ and 'Beam construction’ in Quang Nam province, including some typical houses in the ancient City of Hue. In conclusion, it is necessary to preserve and protect the ancient houses in Dong Nai; thereby, planning to promote the value of those architectures in the future.