With more than 6 million Catholics residing in Vietnam, the churches are a common sight in this country. Though this country is popular for its fine architectural Buddhist pagodas and temples, very few know about the beautiful churches. Not only among the Christianity believers, but the Catholic churches in Vietnam have become a great opportunity for travelers from different parts of the world to explore a diverse side of South-East Asia, which is not common in the neighboring countries. With their unique architecture, ranging from neo-gothic style stone churches to elegantly pink-colored churches, you will find some of the best churches in Vietnam. Here is a list of some of the most beautiful churches in Vietnam.
Most Beautiful Churches in Vietnam
Phat Diem Cathedral, Ninh Binh
A blend of European and Vietnamese architecture, the Phat Diem Cathedral in Ninh Binh was engraved in 1892 totally out of natural stone. This serene Vietnamese church includes the main cathedral, one bell house, five small chapels, and three man-made caves.
It is believed that the initial preparation stage itself took 10 years, and the entire cathedral that spreads to 22 hectares took about 30 years to be constructed. The roof of this church is designed in the form of a Buddhist pagoda, and its special architectural style attracts both locals and tourists alike.
Tan Dinh Church, Ho Chi Minh City
One of the most unappreciated places in Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Dinh Church is a church made in hot pink Romanian style. Constructed in 1876, the bright color, renaissance element, three Italian marble altars, and two bell towers make it one of the most culturally beautiful and elegant sights in Vietnam.
Father Donatien Eveillard, the founder of the church, died in 1883, and in the honor of his contributions, he was buried under the church. When you are traveling to Vietnam next time, do not miss to visit this beautiful church.
Kontum Wood Church
This is one of the most beautiful churches in Vietnam. In the mid of Vietnam Central Highlands, the Kontum wood church was totally made of Chit wood. The church is a concord masterpiece of the Ba Na and Roman ethnic architecture. It is imbued with the religion and culture of the highlands.
It is a self-contained church that includes a synagogue, reception room, and a gallery displaying the local product and communal houses. Moreover, there is an orphanage, a wood workshop, and a weaving mill.
Buon Ho Church, Dak Lak
Made in a neo-gothic style architecture, the Buon Ho Church is located on the slope of a hill in the small town of Buon Ho. It is one of the largest and most beautiful Vietnamese churches situated in the Central Highlands. One of the popular churches in Vietnam, it is entirely made of stone.
The amazing architecture of this church attracts tourists, mainly those who love to click photographs. First constructed in 1970 and renovated in 2008, the church resembles the popular Notre-Dame cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City.
Basilica of Immaculate Conception, Nam Dinh
Built-in 1866, the Basilica of Immaculate Conception, popularly known as Phu Nhai church is one of the largest Gothic churches in Vietnam with a height of 30 meters. There are two 40-meter bell towers that weigh two tons each. This wonderful structure has a blend of French and Spanish architecture. The interiors are as beautiful as the outside of the church, with the dome painted in yellow and several stained-glass windows representing different scenes from the Bible.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi
Built-in 1888, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in Vietnam. Designed in a gothic style, the cathedral has some Parisian inspiration on its architecture, two bell towers, alluring interiors that consist of beautiful stained-glass windows which were transported all the way from France and a picture of St. Joseph in the center. It is one of the popular tourist spots in Hanoi, majorly due to its location, and also as it holds mass various times a day, attracting tourists from all corners of the world.
Cua Bac Church, Hanoi
The official name of this church in Hanoi is “Church of Martyrs.” It is regarded as the main example of the marriage between Vietnamese and European architectural styles. The building was designed by Ernest Hebrard with attractive Art Deco-inspired features. These are merged with Vietnamese roof tiles. The unique thing about this church is its design matches with the surrounding greenery. It is a gorgeous and eclectic church.
Chicken church or Da Lat Cathedral
The Chicken Church is one of the largest and oldest churches in Vietnam which represents the architecture of Da Lat. The name, Chicken Church is because of a chicken symbol on the top of bell-tower. One thing that makes this church different from other churches is it was built from 1931 to 1942. The length of this church is 65 meters, with a width of 14 meters and a height of 47 meters. Due to its height, you can see the church from different places in the city.
Saint Nicolas Cathedral, Da Lat
It is one of the biggest and most popular churches in Vietnam. Tourists visit this church to see its impressive structure. The church is also known as Cock or Rooster Church. This is because of the big rooster statue which stands on top of the 47-meter bell tower. Designed in the Romanesque style over a span of 11 years, this is a popular tourist spot in the town of Da Lat. There are nearly 70 stained glass windows inside the church. These were brought from France, the rood is covered with tiles, and the best part, the walls of this church are made of rocks. With a scenic architecture like this, you will find this place to be always crowded with tourists.
Hanh Thong Tay Church, Saigon
This church in Vietnam is situated in the middle of trees and flowers, presenting a relief from lively downtown Saigon. This Byzantine-style monument includes platforms made of Italian golden marble and intricate mosaics over the ceilings. This rare architectural style is a delight to watch and is one of the best mediums to escape from the hustle-bustle of the city.
Kon Tum Church, Gia Lai
Kon Tum church is the largest wooden church in Vietnam. The architecture of this cathedral is a mix of Romanesque European style outside, blended with the Vietnamese Central highlands style inside. This church has an elevated floor in the front which is about 1 meter higher than its surrounding platforms, signifying the Ba Na tribe’s conventional stilt houses. The whole complex comprises of the main church, communal houses, an exhibition center, a workshop area, and an orphanage.
Mang Lang Church, Phu Yen
Constructed in 1892, this church is one of the oldest churches in Vietnam. The portico of the cathedral is a gothic architectural style facing the lovely Ky Lo rover. Initially painted white, the outer part of this church has now turned into a rustic grey color, which creates a great opportunity for clicking photos. Inside, the yellow-brown walls, colorful glass windows, ancient lanterns, and wooden ceiling add to its beauty. Vacationers are mostly seen getting mesmerized by looking at this church, not just because of its extraordinary architecture, but also due to its historical significance.
Whether you want to see the beautiful architecture, take part in the communal activities, want to know about the history of Catholics in Vietnam, these 12 beautiful churches in Vietnam are a must-visit.