{"id":5165,"date":"2020-12-04T16:42:13","date_gmt":"2020-12-04T08:42:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=5165"},"modified":"2020-12-04T16:42:13","modified_gmt":"2020-12-04T08:42:13","slug":"vietnam-cathedrals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/vietnam-cathedrals\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Cathedrals In Vietnam With Gothic-Vibe Backdrops For Your Check-In Shots"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cathedrals in Vietnam<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Vietnam\u2019s culture is heavily influenced by Buddhism, but the country also has a large population of Catholics and its fair share of beautiful cathedrals that are real head-turners for any passer-by.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, for your next vacation, hit up these <\/span>8 cathedrals in Vietnam<\/b> to add more diversity to your Instagram photos with their Gothic-style architecture and unique designs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. St Joseph\u2019s Cathedral, Hanoi – Nh\u00e0 Th\u1edd L\u1edbn H\u00e0 N\u1ed9i<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @tmtrang2812<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

At the center of Hanoi\u2019s beloved Old Quarter lies the <\/span>St Joseph\u2019s Cathedral<\/b>, a signature landmark of the capital city built in 1886 in the likeness of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can clearly see the striking similarity in its two square granite bell towers at the fa\u00e7ade.<\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @phun_anhhcute<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

As one of the most famous cathedrals in Vietnam, St Joseph\u2019s is a photo hotspot that attracts hundreds of diehard Instagrammers, both locals and tourists, on a daily basis. The stone walls appear weathered with age, but that only serves to add an antique vibe to the Gothic Revival designs. <\/span>
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\nImage credit:<\/span><\/i> nhutrinh.19<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

At night, you can see the fa\u00e7ade lit up by vibrant lighting, making for a stunning sight.<\/span><\/p>\n

The area is also the center of tourism activities in Hanoi, with easy access to many other attractions of the city, so this is a destination you definitely should not miss out on. <\/span>
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\n<\/span>For more things to do in Hanoi\u2019s Old Quarter, check out<\/span> our guide here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> 40 Nh\u00e0 Chung Str., Ho\u00e0n Ki\u1ebfm District, Hanoi<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. H\u01b0ng Ngh\u0129a Cathedral, Nam \u0110\u1ecbnh – Nh\u00e0 Th\u1edd \u0110\u1ec1n Th\u00e1nh H\u01b0ng Ngh\u0129a<\/h3>\n
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\"Vietnam
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @quynhcattttt<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

With a history that traces back almost a century to 1927, the <\/span>H\u01b0ng Ngh\u0129a Cathedral<\/b> 35KM away from the city of Nam \u0110\u1ecbnh is one of the most beautiful cathedrals of northern Vietnam.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @vtuhangg271_<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The fa\u00e7ade is typical for a cathedral with two bell towers standing on either side of the main entrance. Meanwhile, the intricately sculpted walls, windows, and domes make the building look like a palace straight out of a European fantasy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @cantay_babiboo<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Understandably, the cathedral\u2019s beauty has attracted countless shutter-happy folks looking for new backdrops for their photos. Some have dubbed it the \u201cice palace\u201d for its imposing gray color that exudes a sense of solemnity, while others say the place looks like the Hogwarts school from the Harry Potter movies.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @lv_chau<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 20\u00b012’36.4″N 106\u00b018’34.2″E<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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3. \u0110\u1ec1n Th\u00e1nh Ki\u00ean Lao Cathedral, Nam \u0110\u1ecbnh – Gi\u00e1o X\u1ee9 \u0110\u1ec1n Th\u00e1nh Ki\u00ean Lao<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @hp.linh24<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

With a large population of Christians, Nam \u0110\u1ecbnh is home to many magnificent churches and cathedrals, among which the <\/span>\u0110\u1ec1n Th\u00e1nh Ki\u00ean Lao Cathedral<\/b> stands as a prominent name.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @ten_taste<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Erected on a spacious plaza surrounded by lakes and Western-style lamp posts, the cathedral is a building of grandeur with its grey color and statues adorning its many arches.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @im.uyen99<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In pictures, this could easily be mistaken for a landmark in Florence or Rome.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u0110\u1ec1n Th\u00e1nh Ki\u00ean Lao Cathedral is only 10KM away from the H\u01b0ng Ngh\u0129a Cathedral, so feel free to visit both in the same trip for more photo backdrops<\/span><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 20\u00b016’17.8″N 106\u00b020’27.6″E<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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4. Ph\u00e1t Di\u1ec7m Cathedral, Ninh B\u00ecnh – Nh\u00e0 Th\u1edd \u0110\u00e1 Ph\u00e1t Di\u1ec7m<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @jujudemilneuf<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Ninh B\u00ecnh is more remembered for the B\u00e1i \u0110\u00ednh Pagoda<\/a>, the largest Buddhist complex of Vietnam, but the <\/span>Ph\u00e1t Di\u1ec7m Cathedral<\/b> is also a well-known religious compound of the northern city.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @tuyet.2511<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Unlike most cathedrals and churches in Vietnam, Ph\u00e1t Di\u1ec7m Cathedral stands out with its unique architecture that\u2019s a mix of western and eastern designs. Instead of the usual towers and domes that you\u2019d expect from a Catholic building, what awaits you here are curved tiled roofs and wooden pillars most often seen in pagodas.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @bididaudo<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

The compound consists of a main cathedral surrounded by 5 smaller chapels, all of which are carved from stone and wood. Here, you can spot statues of Jesus and murals depicting His deeds next to carvings of Asian dragons and phoenixes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @kimthu92<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

The cathedral is more of an off-the-beaten-track destination compared to some of the more famous tourist attractions of Ninh B\u00ecnh, but we\u2019d highly recommend it to any architecture and history buff who wants to learn more about the development of Catholicism in Vietnam.<\/span><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 20\u00b005’34.5″N 106\u00b004’46.2″E<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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5. Cathedral of Kon Tum, Kon Tum – Nh\u00e0 Th\u1edd G\u1ed7 Kom Tum<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @ch.giang.08<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Cathedral of Kon Tum Province<\/b> is another architectural delight that adds a touch of local flavor to the traditional Gothic designs of cathedrals. Yes, it is unmistakably a cathedral, but rather than bricks and stones, its fa\u00e7ade is made entirely of wood, and its walls from clay and straw. The design is inspired by the signature stilt houses of Vietnam\u2019s central highlands.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @phananh0104<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Interestingly enough, no nails were used in the construction of the cathedral, and everything was connected using only wooden joints. The statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary here are also carved directly from wood as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @h.miinn<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Thanks to its incredible designs, the Cathedral of Kon Tum \u2013 or the Wooden Cathedral as locals call it \u2013 is a massively popular check-in spot no visitor should miss out on. Come here to gawk at the architecture and bring home awesome shots.<\/span><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b> <\/span>14\u00b020’43.5″N 108\u00b000’47.3″E<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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6. Saint Nicholas Cathedral, \u0110\u00e0 L\u1ea1t – Nh\u00e0 Th\u1edd Con G\u00e0 \u0110\u00e0 L\u1ea1t<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @huutringuyen91<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Saint Nicholas Cathedral<\/b> \u2013 more commonly known simply as the Chicken Cathedral for having a bronze chicken perched atop the cross on its tallest tower \u2013 is a name you\u2019ll see a lot in any list of attractions to visit in \u0110\u00e0 L\u1ea1t.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @b__petrichor_<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

For the longest time, this has been a popular check-in spot in the mountainous city thanks to its signature French architecture and convenient location close to the city\u2019s center. The cathedral\u2019s Gothic designs and bright pink color are nice backdrops for a flattering shot.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @k.neit<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the interior is a long, tall hall decorated by colorful glass windows bearing depictions of events in the Bible. However, the hall is closed to visitors save for when there are masses at 5.15AM and 5.15PM. Still, it makes for a nice place to just enjoy a relaxing stroll and marvel at the architecture.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> 15 Tr\u1ea7n Ph\u00fa Str., \u0110\u00e0 L\u1ea1t<\/span><\/p>\n

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7. Christ The King Cathedral, Nha Trang – Nh\u00e0 Th\u1edd \u0110\u00e1 Nha Trang<\/h3>\n
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The coastal city of Nha Trang is mostly remembered for its charming beaches, but when you\u2019re done waddling in the refreshing seawater, check out the <\/span>Christ The King Cathedral<\/b> for a change of pace.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @fatnyen<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The cathedral is commonly referred to as the <\/span>Mountain Cathedral<\/b> as it\u2019s located on the top of a small hill in the heart of the city. So, if you\u2019re lost and need to ask a local for directions, it\u2019s best to ask for this nickname instead of the cathedral\u2019s official name.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @hangg__ne<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

This is also a great opportunity to enrich your photo gallery with pictures featuring the cathedral\u2019s majestic stone walls in the back. We\u2019d recommend posing in front of the entrance with its tall clock tower or along the outdoor corridors for the best shots.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> 31 Th\u00e1i Nguy\u00ean Str., Nha Trang<\/span><\/p>\n

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8. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon – Nh\u00e0 Th\u1edd \u0110\u1ee9c B\u00e0 S\u00e0i G\u00f2n<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @caphau2212<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

At 140 years old, the <\/span>Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon<\/b> is one of the most famous cathedrals in Vietnam. Built in 1880, it was originally called the State Cathedral and was only given the name Notre Dame following the installation of the \u201cPeaceful Notre Dame\u201d statue in 1959. Then in 1962, it was officially given the status of a basilica by the Vatican.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @hunghot.hungnv<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Today, the cathedral stands as a must-visit landmark of Saigon with its timeworn red walls and magnificent domes. The backside of the building is currently under renovation and it\u2019s closed to visitors, but you can still spot its majestic fa\u00e7ade from afar.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Riy Pham<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Also, the small garden in front of the cathedral, where the Notre Dame statue stands, is frequently visited by huge flocks of pigeons who are more than willing to join you for a picture in exchange for some treats.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @angeltrip2020<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> 1 C\u00f4ng X\u00e3 Paris Str., District 1, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City<\/span><\/p>\n

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Cathedrals in Vietnam with gorgeous designs<\/h3>\n
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Vietnam is often remembered for its stunning natural landscapes, friendly people, and delicious food, but it is also home to no shortage of beautiful cathedrals that can easily be mistaken for European landmarks.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, if your next vacation happens to be to one of these cities, drop by these 8 cathedrals in Vietnam to marvel at their grandeur and bring home some awesome photos.<\/span><\/p>\n

For more things to do in Vietnam, check out:<\/span><\/p>\n