The 5 Best Documentaries About Vietnam

Oct 12, 2023 | Best Of, Geography

If you want to go deeper into the history and culture of Vietnam, there’s no better way than watching documentaries. Documentaries can provide invaluable insight into a variety of different topics, from the country’s harrowing war stories to its vibrant local culture. Here we’ve compiled some of the best documentaries about Vietnam that will give you a thorough understanding of this fascinating place. From award-winning films to lesser-known gems, these documentaries provide stunning visual evidence of the stories and experiences that make Vietnam so unique. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for an exciting new perspective on Vietnam, these documentaries are sure to keep you captivated. Dive in and explore all that this incredible country has to offer!

 

1. Hanoi Vietnam’s Distinctive Shaped Tunnel Homes | Show Me Where You Live Compilation

Philippe finds himself in Hanoi, Vietnam – a city unlike any other. With a unique atmosphere of old and new, the sights are truly special. As he delves deeper into the heart of the old quarter, Philippe discovers something quite extraordinary – tunnel houses. Structured by an ingenious combination of trade activity and family home, these homes tower up to five stories high with their distinctive narrowness and depth. Next, Philippe travels to Kandovan – a village in northwestern Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province. Here he sees some of the oldest dwellings in the world – majestic troglodyte dwellings that have been carved out of centuries-old volcanic cones.

2. Deadliest Roads | Vietnam

In the rugged Quan Hoa Mountains of Northwest Vietnam, locals and travelers alike brave some of the most treacherous roads in the country. The inhabitants are impoverished and isolated yet they are immensely proud of their uncovering of an inexhaustible treasure: bamboo or, as it’s often known in this region, “green gold”. This valuable resource is transported down a winding, turbulent river Luong on some of the more makeshift crafts. Constructed in a matter of hours from materials sourced right along the riverbanks, they brave the treacherous rapids and falls to bring goods to market. This journey is not only difficult but incredibly dangerous as well: navigating these waters can prove deadly if one isn’t vigilant and experienced enough.

3. vietnam war documentary [full documentary]

Vietnam is a country with a long and storied history. This has inspired countless films, books, and documentaries about the war that divided the nation in two and drew thousands of service members from across the globe. For everyone interested in learning more about this period in time, here are some of the best documentaries about Vietnam to watch: The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick is an 18-hour documentary series that examines the conflict from every angle. It features interviews with more than 80 witnesses of the war, including both sides’ veterans, as well as a wide range of archival footage.

4. POW Torture (Vietnam Documentary)

Riveting and harrowing, POW Torture is a must-watch documentary that reveals the immense mental and physical torture inflicted on American captives during the Vietnam War. For viewers looking to go beyond the surface story of war, this documentary offers an in-depth exploration as we touch down onto southern and northern Vietnam camps, along with other outposts deep inside Indo-Chinese borderlands. Viewers are presented with stories from firsthand accounts of numerous former prisoners of war, including some who even collaborated with the enemy. With its harrowing and heartbreaking footage, POW Torture gives us a powerful look inside what it was like on the frontlines during this turbulent period in history.

5. Deadliest Journeys – Vietnam: The Geniuses Of Mekong

Lying in the Northern section of Vietnam, is Quan Hoa. It is a fairly remote and impoverished area; most inhabitants are farmers earning a meager income. In spite of its lack of affluence, it possesses an abundance of nature’s valuable resource – bamboo. This “green gold” is frequently transported down the Luong River to meet with the Song Ma River, the third largest waterway in Vietnam. During the rainy season, which typically lasts up to 3 months, much of the trade along this route is temporarily halted.The only way to traverse these parts is by vehicles such as Tuk Tuks or, more commonly, motorbikes – a widespread phenomenon that has become almost a religion in Vietnam.

h far-reaching repercussions. It began in 1961 when the US government, under President Kennedy, sent troops to South East Asia in an effort to contain the spread of communism. The war was broadcast on television nightly and drove many Americans to take part in huge anti-war protests. By 1973, Nixon had resigned from office and in 1975 American forces were forced to withdraw from the region. The legacy of the war can still be felt today, both in public discourse and its effects on those who lived through it. Survivors of the conflict have faced a long road to recovery as they attempt to make sense of their experiences and rebuild in a post-war world.

Read On – Our Latest Top Documentaries Lists

David B