The architecture in Vietnam is unique and beautiful. Homes, businesses, gateways and special buildings throughout the country vary by region and by purpose. This building ornamentation is found in an ancient village, outside of Hanoi. The lion is a symbol of power, placed on the building to scare away evil demons.

This home is located in the countryside of southern Vietnam, near the province of My Tho in the Mekong Delta. The family who lives here is able to harvest much of its food from the surrounding land.

This cityscape in Hanoi in northern Vietnam shows both homes and stores. Many families live on the upper floors of the structure while local businesses usually occupy the street level.

This gate is the entryway to a local village located in northern Vietnam. Most villages in Vietnam have gates or structures to mark the entry to the village.

This gate marks the entry to a village on a small island near Hoi An, a town in central Vietnam.

This beautiful archway has been specially constructed for the celebration of Tet, the Vietnamese New Year. Cities throughout Vietnam decorate with lighted archways to welcome the new year. This archway is located on the famous Nguyen Hue Blvd. in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

One of the most famous structures in Vietnam is the Imperial City in Hue, central Vietnam. This photo shows the gateway to the Imperial City where Vietnamese royalty once lived.

One of the oldest structures in Vietnam is the One Pillar Pagoda, a small temple which stands on one leg, located in Hanoi.

he Opera House in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, shows the influence of French architecture. The French colonized Vietnam during the 1800s.

The Bitexco Financial Building towers over many of the buildings in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) in southern Vietnam.

The Vinh Trang Pagoda, in the My Tho province, features elaborate decorations and a large statue of Buddha outside. The altars in the temple are decorated with flowers and fruits for Tet.

The Perfume Pagoda is part of a series of famous temples located near Hanoi. During springtime, thousands of Vietnamese people visit the pagoda on religious pilgrimage. Some take a special route by boat and then climb a steep mountain to reach the temple.

The Temple of Literature is a very old building built in 1070 in Hanoi. Located inside the temple is Vietnam's first national university.