Top 5 Must-Visit Catholic Churches in Hanoi
Hanoi is not only known for its ancient streets and thousand years old culture, but also for preserving Catholic churches with unique architecture and deep historical significance. From grand cathedrals in the city center to peaceful churches on the outskirts, each place tells a distinct story of faith, art and culture, attracting thousands of visitors for both sightseeing and pilgrimage.
In this article, Vietnam Catholic Tours invites you to explore Top 5 Must-Visit Catholic Churches in Hanoi!
1. St. Joseph’s Cathedral – A Catholic Landmark in the Heart of the Old Quarter
📍40 Nha Chung Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Officially known as St. Joseph’s Cathedral, this church was consecrated in 1887 and stands on Nha Chung Street as one of the oldest and most iconic Catholic churches in Vietnam. Inspired by medieval Gothic architecture, it features a towering façade, twin bell towers and beautiful stained glass windows reminiscent of Notre-Dame de Paris.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi
The cathedral measures 64.5m in length, 20.5m in width and its twin towers rise to 31.5 meters, crowned by a stone cross. A large clock adorns the front facade, connected to a system of five bells in the towers, chiming hours and quarters. At the center of the square in front of the church stands a metal statue of Our Lady. Surrounding the cathedral are flower beds, a processional path and a grotto in the rear.
Statue of Our Lady Queen of Peace holding the Infant Jesus at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi
Inside the nave of St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi
St. Joseph’s Cathedral is not only a sacred place for the celebration of Masses but also a beloved destination for tourists seeking to learn about Catholic culture or capture its beauty through photography.
Learn more info St. Joseph’s Cathedral
🕠Mass schedule:
- Sunday: 05:00, 07:00, 08:30, 10:00, 11:30, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00
- Saturday: 05:30, 18:00
- Weekdays: 05:30, 18:00
2. Cua Bac Church – A Blend of Indochinese Tradition and Western Modernity
📍56 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Ba Dinh Ward, Hanoi
Located on the poetic Phan Dinh Phung Street, Cua Bac Church is one of Hanoi’s most architecturally unique churches. Built in 1925, it showcases the Indochinese modernist style, harmoniously combining traditional Vietnamese elements with Western architectural forms.
Cua Bac Church
Unlike traditional symmetrical layouts, the church is asymmetrical with a bell tower on the right side balanced by a central dome. In 2006, this church had the honor of welcoming U.S. President George W. Bush during his visit to Vietnam, affirming its importance not only in religious life but also in diplomatic history.
Inside the nave of Cua Bac Church
🕠Mass schedule:
- Sunday: 06:30, 08:30, 10:30 (English Mass), 19:00
- Saturday: 06:00, 19:00
- Weekdays: 19:00
3. Ham Long Church – Quiet Beauty in the Heart of the City
📍21 Ham Long Street, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Ham Long Church belongs to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi and is one of the city’s prominent churches. Construction began in 1934 and the church features a mix of Romanesque and subtle Gothic architecture, with soaring arches, delicate stained-glass windows and a peaceful interior.
Ham Long Church
At the main entrance, beneath the bell tower, there is a bas-relief depicting the cross with two arms nailed to it – one bare (representing Jesus Christ) and one clothed (representing St. Francis of Assisi) – the emblem of the Franciscan Order.
The unique architectural beauty of Ham Long Church
Though not as grand as St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Ham Long Church offers an intimate, sacred atmosphere ideal for those seeking serenity and reflection amid urban bustle.
🕠Mass schedule:
- Sunday: 6h30, 8h30 (Children’s Mass), 16h30, 18h30, 20h00
- Weekdays: 5:30 (Monday), 05:30, 19:00 (Tuesday – Saturday)
4. Phung Khoang Church – A French Legacy in a Hanoi Village Setting
📍161 Phung Khoang Street, Trung Van Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi
Phung Khoang Church (officially named Our Lady of the Rosary Church) belongs to the Archdiocese of Hanoi. Built in 1910, it is a beautiful representation of rural Catholic life combined with French colonial architecture.
Phung Khoan Church
The church’s elegant design features a tall bell tower, red brick walls and moss-covered tiled roofs. Surrounded by tranquil ponds, lush greenery and quiet village roads, it offers a peaceful escape and a unique look into the cultural and spiritual life of Hanoi’s outskirts.
Inside the nave of Phung Khoang
🕠Mass schedule:
- Sunday: 06:00, 08:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00
- Weekdays: 05:30, 19:00
5. Ke Set Church – Living Tradition Amid Urban Life
📍111 Giap Bat Street, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
Also known as Thinh Liet Church, the official name of Ke Set Church is Our Lady Queen Church, built in 1911. It serves as a key pastoral and missionary center for the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) in Hanoi.
Ke Sat Church
The church’s symmetrical structure combines Gothic inspired form with red tiled Vietnamese roofs, creating a sacred yet familiar atmosphere. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and engaging churches in the city.
Inside the nave of Ke Set Church
The church frequently hosts religious festivals, charitable programs and communal prayer sessions attracting large numbers of faithful and pilgrims alike.
🕠Mass schedule:
- Sunday: 05:30, 08:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00
- Saturday: 05:30, 19:00
- Weekdays: 05:30, 19:00
🕊️ Discovering Faith and Culture in the Heart of Hanoi
Each Catholic church in Hanoi represents a distinct mosaic of faith, history and culture – forming an essential part of the capital’s spiritual landscape. A pilgrimage through these 5 churches offers not only a spiritual encounter with Christ but also a deep appreciation for the enduring beauty of Catholic heritage in Vietnam.
✨ Planning a pilgrimage in Hanoi, Vietnam? Let Vietnam Catholic Tours accompany you on a journey of grace, discovery and devotion through the sacred sites of Catholic Hanoi!
📷 Pic cre: Collected
Vietnam Catholic Tours
You may also like
