Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is the most famous landmark in Saigon, located in the most bustling and prosperous area, with the Central Post Office right next to it, making it very convenient. Originally named the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, it is also known as the Red Cathedral. The red bricks used for its construction were all imported from France, and even after more than a hundred years, their color remains vivid without any fading. Modeled after the bell towers of Notre-Dame de Paris, the design is symmetrical, solemn, and majestic. The two towers reach a height of forty meters, and in front of the cathedral stands a statue of the Virgin Mary weighing four tons. The exterior porch and other parts of the cathedral are adorned with exquisite carvings, and the interior is surrounded by small prayer rooms, each with different altars, sculptures, and decorations, achieving perfection in variety.
Dalat Mary Monastery (Domaine de Marie Church) was built in the 1930s. Although the church itself does not hold much historical value, its bright pink design is very charming and gives a unique feeling, making it a popular spot for taking fresh and beautiful photos. There is an orphanage, kindergarten, and primary school here for orphans, the homeless, and disabled children. Inside the house behind the church, nuns sell tourist products to support charitable causes. The nuns sell tourist products, and the profits are also used for charity.
Nha Trang Cathedral
Filled with French charm, it is a typical Gothic architecture built between 1928 and 1933. Located on higher ground, you can overlook the street view of Nha Trang from the church. The interior decoration of the cathedral is not luxurious; the four sides are just stone walls, giving it a very vintage and grand feel, and it also has a certain cooling effect. The sunlight outside shines through the colorful skylights, making the interior of the church colorful, and the windows depict stories from the Bible. Mass is held every morning and evening, usually before sunrise. It is recommended to visit on weekends, as there are multiple masses in the morning and afternoon.
A church established during the French colonial period, marked by the weather vane on its tall bell tower, it is the largest Western church in central Vietnam. Originally built for the French at the time, it now serves local Catholics, featuring medieval-style stained glass. The pink building has almost become a symbol of Da Nang. Next to the church is a St. Paul convent, where nuns wear white clothes in summer and black clothes in winter, traveling between here and the convent on the other side of the Han River.
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi
St. Joseph's Cathedral, also known as Hanoi Cathedral, is the oldest church in Hanoi. It is said to be modeled after Notre-Dame de Paris and features a medieval style, making it a representative example of French architecture in Hanoi. Built in 1886 in the Neo-Gothic style, it was sponsored by two lottery merchants. Although the exterior appears somewhat weathered, the church's interior boasts an intricately decorated main altar, stained glass windows, and a square tower, all of which are worth seeing. The main doors of the church are only opened during Mass; at other times, visitors must enter through the side entrance, located in the alley to the left of the church. Starting from Nha Tho Street opposite the cathedral (Nha Tho Lon & Around), this area has become a hub for Hanoi's emerging boutique shops and cafes. Combined with traditional French architecture and large trees, strolling here is both leisurely and romantic.
