The Beautiful Signage of Old Vietnam

Most of the photos here are from the city of Hoi An, now largely a 'tourist town' in Central Vietnam. From the UNESCO site: "Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site."

A fascinating place to visit, and highly recommended for type-nuts. The mix of Vietnamese, Chinese and French typography is spellbinding. (But note that in order to fit in with the surrounding streetscape, some signs have perhaps been deliberately 'aged' – see Phuc Loi below). Cars are banned from the old city area of Hoi An too. You get around by walking, cycling, perhaps a ride on the back of a motor-scooter. Lovely.

And some shots from Saigon >

All images © Andrew Haig 2008

Comments

[MATTHEW ROSE]

Fantastic finds... but perhaps this stuff is everywhere in Vietnam. Are you there now? I'd love to have some old 1950s and 1960s Vietnamese magazines airlifted to me here in Paris for my artwork. If possible, give a yell. Happy to reimburse or trade with you.

Matthew Rose

[The Worst of Perth]

Love the cua dong with the cow and ducks

[Andrew Haig]

My somewhat limited travels through VN (Saigon, Da Nang, Hoi An) certainly didn't reveal this old typography to be 'everywhere'. It's slowly but surely being buried under 21st century concrete and glass. Travels through rural cities may reveal more, and there may well be similar in Hanoi (not as commercial and 'western' as Saigon?). Have left the tropics and am back in cold, wintery Melbourne... but can't wait to go back someday soon.