Not only a place for religious activities for parishioners, Hanoi Cathedral is also a hot tourist, sightseeing, and check-in spot for visitors. Let’s explore this unique church with Origin Vietnam.
1. Where is Hanoi Cathedral?
Hanoi Cathedral is located at 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. It is right at the intersection of 3 major streets: Nha Tho Street, Ly Quoc Su Street and Nha Chung Street.
2. How is Hanoi Cathedral unique?
The Cathedral, officially named St. Joseph’s Cathedral, is the oldest Catholic church in Hanoi. The church was built in 1884 and inaugurated on Christmas 1887, marking the introduction of Catholicism to Vietnam at that time.
For a long time, the Cathedral has been a place for religious activities of the people of the capital and neighboring provinces. Today, with its unique Western architecture and rich history, it has become the most attractive tourist destination on the journey to explore Hanoi tourism.
Through many ups and downs and changes of the times, Hanoi Cathedral is still there, becoming a ‘historical witness’ to the changes of this land. Today, the Cathedral is a place that attracts tourists when visiting the Hanoi capital. At the same time, it has become a monument that makes a strong impression with its ancient Gothic architecture in the heart of the old town.
3. When is the best time to visit Hanoi Cathedral?
Hanoi’s climate is also divisive into four distinct seasons, each with its beauty. So you can travel here at any time of the year. However, according to the travel experiences of Hanoi, the city is most famous during the flower seasons and especially in the autumn of Hanoi.
Flowering season: Hanoi is inundated with flowers all year round, such as:
- Cherry blossoms in January.
- Ban flower in February.
- Milk flower in March.
- Lotus in summer.
- Milk flower in September and October.
- Chrysanthemum mi in October – December,…
Autumn – early winter: Hanoi in autumn to early winter is the most beautiful time in the city. If it comes in December, you can witness Christmas at Hanoi Cathedral. The weather at this time is less hot, mild sun, in the cold, more scent of flowers and milk spreads throughout the streets.
4. How to get to Hanoi Cathedral?
Hanoi Cathedral is located right at the intersection of Nha Tho, Nha Chung and Ly Quoc Su streets, so it is quite easy to find. Visitors who want to visit Hanoi Cathedral can choose personal vehicles or take a taxi or grab. In addition, you can also get here by the following bus routes:
4.1 Bus routes to Hoan Kiem Lake
To get to Hoan Kiem Lake, take bus routes 09, 14 or 36. From here, you can go straight along Hang Trong Street, turn left to Nha Tho Street to reach the Cathedral.
4.2 Bus routes to Trieu Quoc Dat Street
There is bus route 01 to Trieu Quoc Dat Street. From Trieu Quoc Dat, go straight to Phu Doan Street, turn right to Au Trieu Street to reach the Cathedral.
4.3 Bus routes to Trang Thi
Bus route 02 stops at 6 Trang Thi. From here, you just need to go straight for a while and then turn right to Phu Doan. From Phu Doan, turn right to Au Trieu to reach Hanoi Cathedral.
5. History of the formation of Hanoi Cathedral
The current location of the Cathedral was formerly Bao Thien Pagoda – an ancient pagoda from the Ly Dynasty. In the 18th century, Bao Thien Pagoda was severely damaged and this place became a marketplace for Dai Viet people. After that, the Catholic Church was allowed by the government to build a church.
In 1884, the Cathedral was designed and started construction by Bishop Puginier. In 1887, it was completed and inaugurated on Christmas. Up to now, the Cathedral has been attached to the people of the capital for nearly 2 centuries, witnessing countless ups and downs of this land.
Initially, the church was temporarily built of wood, then underwent a major restoration, using bricks and plastered with concrete as it is today. Dubbed as a miniature version of Notre Dame Cathedral, Hanoi Cathedral has become a symbolic image of the old town, becoming a tourist attraction for many people.
6. Unique architecture of Hanoi Cathedral
The Cathedral is known as the church with the most beautiful architectural design in Hanoi. The church was built during the French colonial period, and is a typical work of European Gothic style, modeled after the architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. It is 21m wide, 65m long, has 2 bell towers nearly 32m high and is fixed by large stone pillars.
The elaborately designed stone cross is the biggest highlight when entering the church. The entire floor is paved with terracotta tiles, the walls are plastered with papyrus, creating an ancient and majestic space. The moss-covered walls are the clearest evidence of the hundred-year history of this church.
The main door and windows of Hanoi Cathedral have an arched, pointed design typical of the Gothic style. The high curved dome, dotted with round flower-shaped windows, make the space even more magnificent. The dark colors contrast with the Vietnamese motifs and images, making the walkway more lively.
7. Opening hours and mass times at Hanoi Cathedral
7.1 Opening hours
Hanoi Cathedral is open to visitors free of charge every day of the week.
- From Monday to Saturday: the church welcomes visitors from 8:00 to 11:00 and from 14:00 to 20:00.
- On Sundays: you can visit from 7:00 to 11:30 or 15:00 to 21:00.
7.2 Mass times
The church has mass programs on both weekdays and Saturdays and Sundays. From Monday to Friday, mass will take place from 5:30 to 18:15, Saturday at 18:00. On Sunday, the Cathedral will have more mass times, including:
- French Mass: 5am, 7am, 8:30am and 11am.
- Children’s Mass: 4pm.
- Youth Mass: 6pm and 8pm.
8. Activities and experiences at Hanoi Cathedral
8.1 Attending mass at the Cathedral
Attending mass is considered the most attractive activity when coming to the Cathedral, whether for believers or non-believers. Through mass such as baptism, wedding, … you can understand more about the beliefs and religions of the parishioners. And also the important rituals in a Catholic ceremony. In addition, you can also listen to hymns and offer prayers, which is also a wonderful experience.
The Cathedral will be open for visitors to visit and attend mass. You can follow the mass schedule to visit this church at the appropriate time. When attending the ceremony, visitors need to pay attention to their attire, should wear polite, discreet and neat clothes, avoid making noise or saying bad things related to religion, saints, etc.
8.2 Celebrating Christmas at the Cathedral
Every Christmas season, Hanoi Cathedral is decorated more brilliantly than ever. Crowds of people flock to the church to attend the ceremony, praying for a peaceful and happy Christmas season. For those who are not religious, they also gather here to admire the warm, sparkling Christmas atmosphere with pine trees, grottos, colorful lights, etc.
8.3 Taking “virtual life” photos with the Cathedral background
The Cathedral is one of the iconic structures of the capital Hanoi. Therefore, it will not be difficult for you to come across check-in photos with the background of this ancient church. With its unique Gothic architecture, the Cathedral will bring you a beautiful scene like in Europe.
Whether it is a sunny day or a cold winter, the Cathedral still attracts a large number of tourists to visit and take “virtual life” photos. If you have the opportunity to visit the Hanoi capital, do not forget to save for yourself a set of “super cool” photos with this famous place.
8.4 Enjoying the famous specialty “lemon tea” of the Cathedral
When mentioning the Hanoi Cathedral, people will immediately think of the typical drink, lemon tea. Basically, lemon tea at the Cathedral is not too different from other places in Hanoi. It is also a cool, sour, sweet taste, but enjoying lemon tea here has become a special cultural feature.
On hot summer days, you can sit around with friends around a cool cup of lemon tea, bite sunflower seeds, admire the massive architectural work and “gossip” about everything under the sun. The space here is extremely airy, just a few small chairs that every visitor must stop by.
In addition, around the area of the Cathedral, there are many delicious dishes for you to choose from. Snacks such as nem chua, nem ran, mango salad or bun doc mung only cost from a few tens of thousands of VND but the flavor will make you fascinated.
8.5 Strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake
To end your journey of exploring the Hanoi Cathedral, you can stop by Hoan Kiem Lake to stroll, stroll or take photos to check-in. The most ideal schedule for these two places is to visit the Cathedral in the afternoon and stay until late afternoon.
On weekends, the walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake become bustling with entertainment activities, attracting both locals and tourists. Notable activities include music events, volunteer programs, outdoor shows, etc.
9. Specialties when visiting Hanoi Cathedral
When visiting Hanoi Cathedral, you have the opportunity to explore and enjoy specialties at local restaurants around here.
9.1 Ngo Huyen Rib Porridge:
The legendary rib porridge restaurant in Hanoi\’s Old Quarter attracts a lot of people to enjoy every day. You only need to spend 20,000 VND to own a bowl of hot, fragrant porridge with an unforgettable flavor.
9.2 Hang Trong Water Spinach Vermicelli:
When coming to Nha Tho Street, try this Hanoi Water Spinach Vermicelli. A full bowl of vermicelli with sweet and clear broth, crunchy water spinach, and many other delicious toppings such as meatballs, pork leg, etc.
9.3 Au Trieu Grilled Sour Nem:
Although it is a popular sidewalk restaurant, this address is always crowded with customers. The spring rolls here are not marinated but grilled directly on a charcoal stove. When eaten, it will be very fragrant and have a natural sweetness. You can eat it with fruit, iced tea or lemon tea.
9.4 Hang Trong mixed rice paper:
A dish that is popular with young people when coming to this neighborhood. A box of mixed rice paper includes rice paper, squid, dried beef, eggs mixed harmoniously, with a sweet and sour taste that is hard to resist.
9.5 Quang Trung crab noodle soup:
Besides Hanoi pho, if you want to try crab noodle soup, go to Quang Trung street. A bowl of crab soup at the restaurant has a rich broth, well-seasoned noodles, fragrant and sweet crab meat.
10. Accommodation when visiting Hanoi Cathedral
When visiting Hanoi Cathedral, you can refer to some of the following accommodations:
- Hanoi Capital Premium. Address: No. 54 – 56 Au Trieu, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem.
- Church Legend Hotel. Address: No. 46 Au Trieu, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem.
- Sophie Hotel. Address: No. 2B Tho Xuong Alley, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem.
- Conifer Grand Hotel. Address: No. 42 Tho Xuong, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem.
- Apricot Hotel. Address: 136 Hang Trong Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Silk Path Boutique Hanoi. Address: 21 Hang Khay Street, Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Four Season Hotel. Address: 24 Le Thai To Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
With its magnificent architectural beauty and profound religious significance, Hanoi Cathedral has become a cultural symbol and a prominent destination in the heart of the capital. For those who want to explore and understand more about the beauty of the land and people of the thousand-year-old capital Hanoi, the Cathedral is definitely a destination not to be missed.
Contact Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator. For more updated and useful information about other beautiful destinations in the capital Hanoi. We will also accompany you on your journey to discover the Hanoi tour and commit to bringing you the best experiences.
