Red Church/Notre Dame Catholic Church
The Red Cathedral is the most famous landmark in Saigon. It is located in the busiest and most prosperous area, with the Central Post Office on its left side, which is very convenient. The original name of the cathedral is Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, also known as the Red Cathedral. All the red bricks used in its construction were imported from France, and after more than a hundred years, the color is still bright and has not faded. Modeled after the bell tower of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, the cathedral is symmetrical, majestic, and the two towers reach a height of forty meters. In front of the cathedral, there is also a statue of the Virgin Mary weighing four tons. The exterior doors and corridors of the cathedral are filled with exquisite carvings, and the surrounding area is filled with small prayer rooms, each with its own shrine, sculptures, and decorations, all of which are exquisite and perfect in their own way.
This monastery was originally established as an orphanage, kindergarten, and primary school for orphans, homeless people, and disabled children. However, it has attracted many tourists due to its unique colors. Located in Da Lat City, this monastery is a popular tourist destination.
Danang Cathedral
Full of French style, it is a typical Gothic architecture constructed between 1928-1933. Situated on high ground, climbing up the church allows you to overlook the street view of Nha Trang. The interior of the cathedral is not decorated in a grand manner, with only stone walls on all sides, but it gives off a vintage and imposing atmosphere, and also has a certain cooling effect. The sun outside shines through the colored stained glass windows, making the interior of the church colorful, with stories from the Bible depicted on the windows. Mass is held in the church every morning and evening, usually before sunrise, and it is recommended to come on weekends when there are multiple Masses in the morning and afternoon.
The church was built in 1923 and was originally built to serve the local French population. It has now become an important institution serving over 4,000 local Catholics. This candy-like pink building has become one of the landmarks of Da Nang, adorned with medieval-style stained glass. Next to the church is St. Paul's Convent, home to over 100 nuns. During the summer, the nuns wear white clothes while in the winter they wear black. They often travel between the church and the convent on the other side of the Han River.
St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi
St. Joseph Cathedral, also known as Hanoi Cathedral, is the oldest church in Hanoi, said to have been built in imitation of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, with a medieval style and also representative of French architecture in Hanoi. Built in 1886, it belongs to the new Gothic style and was sponsored by two lottery merchants. Although the exterior may be a bit uneven, the interior of the church, with its ornate altar, stained glass windows, and square tower, is quite impressive. The church's main entrance is only open during Mass, and at other times, visitors must enter from the side door, which is located in a small alley on the left side of the church. Across from the Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon & Around) is Nha Tho Street, the hub of Hanoi's emerging boutique shops and cafes, along with traditional French architecture and trees, making it a both relaxing and romantic place to stroll.
