Heritage planning in post-doi moi Hanoi: the national and international contributions

Economic stagnation has minimized redevelopment pressures so that Hanoi's Old Sector remains largely intact. Its protection is important for the national and local economies and as part of Vietnam's cultural policy. The 1986 introduction of the doi moi policies in Hanoi has led to rapid environmental change, now exacerbated by the lifting of the United States-led trade embargo. Threats to Hanoi's distinctive character have prompted planning interventions by international agencies, foreign governments, and Vietnamese authorities. However, critical planning tasks still await action. It is not clear that the political will exists to strike a balance between economic growth and protection of Hanoi's built heritage.