Top 12 Famous Churches In Hanoi You Should Visit

Famous churches in Hanoi offer a captivating glimpse into the city's rich history, where European architectural styles and Vietnamese cultural identity beautifully intersect. These sacred spaces are more than just landmarks, they are living testaments to a past shaped by French colonialism and the enduring spirit of faith. For any traveler exploring Vietnam's capital, visiting these sites provides a unique perspective on the city's diverse heritage. This GTrip guide is your comprehensive resource, detailing everything you need to know to explore these architectural marvels.

1. St. Joseph’s Cathedral - A famous churches in Hanoi

• Address: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem Ward (formerly Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District), Hanoi
• Mass schedule:
  • Sunday: 5:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 8:00 PM
  • Weekday: Monday to Friday at 5:30 AM and 6:15 AM
  • Saturday: 6:00 PM

Known as the oldest Roman Catholic church in the city, St. Joseph's Cathedral is an undeniable icon. Its design is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, drawing frequent comparisons to the Notre Dame de Paris. The cathedral's most striking features are its twin bell towers, soaring interior arches, and a breathtaking collection of vibrant stained-glass windows imported from France. As the mother church of the Archdiocese of Hanoi, it stands as the primary center for the local Catholic community and a major landmark for all visitors.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi’s oldest Roman Catholic church, is a Gothic Revival landmark famed for its twin bell towers and stunning stained-glass windows

2. Ham Long Parish

• Address: No. 21 Ham Long, Cua Nam Ward (formerly Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem District), Hanoi
• Mass schedule:
  • Daily mass: 5:30 AM (6:30 AM in winter), 6:30 PM (Thursday) & 7:00 PM (except Monday)
  • Saturday mass: 7:00 PM
  • Sunday mass: 6:00 AM (6:30 in winter), 8:30 AM (for children), 5:00 PM (for youth) & 7:00 PM

Ham Long Parish is widely celebrated as one of Hanoi's most architecturally impressive churches. Uniquely designed by a Vietnamese architect, it brilliantly blends classic Gothic elements with traditional Vietnamese decorative patterns. This fusion is evident in its intricate details and overall aesthetic. The church's imposing gray stone facade and tall, slender belfry make it a distinct landmark in the Hoan Kiem Ward. Its design and congregation make it a hub for both worshippers and architecture enthusiasts.

Ham Long Parish is a Hanoi landmark that fuses Gothic design with Vietnamese motifs, attracting both worshippers and architecture lovers

3. Thinh Liet Church (Tam Village Church - Ke Set Parish)

• Address: 111 Giap Bat, Hoang Mai Ward (formerly Giap Bat Ward, Hoang Mai District), Hanoi
• Mass schedule:
  • Monday: 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 5:30 AM and 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 5:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 8:00 PM

Thinh Liet Church is a vital center for local worship and community engagement. While its architecture is more modern compared to the colonial-era cathedrals, it offers a valuable look into contemporary religious life in Hanoi's expanding urban areas. The church is particularly known for its active congregation and a packed schedule of regular services throughout the week. This makes it a bustling and welcoming hub for parishioners in the southern part of the city, standing as a testament to the strong and growing local faith.

Thinh Liet Church is a modern Catholic hub in Hoang Mai, known for its active congregation and role in Hanoi’s contemporary religious life

4. Cua Bac Cathedral

• Address: No. 56, Phan Dinh Phung, Ba Dinh Ward (formerly Ba Dinh District), Hanoi
• Mass schedule:
  • Weekdays: 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 5:30 AM and 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 7:00 PM

Cua Bac Cathedral is a magnificent example of French-Indochinese architectural fusion, a style that harmonizes European structure with local aesthetics. Designed by renowned architect Ernest Hebrard, it uniquely breaks from perfect symmetry with its powerful bell tower positioned to the side of the main entrance. The building's butter-yellow walls, terracotta-tiled roof, and green-shuttered windows give it a distinctively Vietnamese feel, setting it apart from purely Gothic structures. This combination of styles makes it a significant historical and architectural treasure in the Ba Dinh area, offering a visually stunning experience for visitors.

Cua Bac Cathedral is a French-Indochinese architectural gem in Ba Dinh, blending European structure with Vietnamese aesthetics for a unique and historic landmark

5. Giang Vo Church

• Address: 766 La Thanh Street, Giang Vo Ward (formerly Giang Vo, Ba Dinh District), Hanoi
• Mass schedule:
  • Weekdays: 6:30 PM
  • Sunday: 4:30 PM and 8:00 PM
• Infant baptism schedule: 1st Sunday of each month
• Confession schedule: 30 minutes before daily Mass
• Marriage preparation: Every Thursday, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Located on the busy La Thanh Street, Giang Vo Church is a modern parish serving the Catholic residents of Giang Vo Ward. Its contemporary architecture is designed to meet the needs of a growing urban community. More than just a place for mass, the church is a hub for religious life, offering regular marriage preparation courses and infant baptisms. This focus on community milestones highlights its role as a core institution supporting families and fostering faith in the heart of a bustling neighborhood.

Giang Vo Church serving as both a place of worship and a community hub for Catholic families in Hanoi

6. Ha Dong Cathedral

• Address: No. 1 Hoang Hoa Tham, Thuong Phuc Commune (formerly Nguyen Trai, Ha Dong District), Hanoi
• Mass schedule:
  • Weekdays: 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 5:30 AM and 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 5:30 AM, 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM

As the main cathedral for the Ha Dong area, this church is a prominent religious landmark outside of central Hanoi. Its modern and spacious design was built to accommodate a large and flourishing parish. The cathedral acts as a focal point for the local Catholic population, hosting a wide array of events, community gatherings, and services. Its impressive scale and contemporary architecture are symbolic of the enduring and expanding faith in Hanoi's developing suburban areas, showcasing a different side of the city's religious landscape.

Ha Dong Cathedral is a modern, spacious landmark serving as the central hub for Catholic worship and community life in Hanoi’s suburban district

7. Phung Khoang Church

• Address: No. 161, TDP 5, Phung Khoang Street, Thanh Xuan Ward (formerly No. 161, TDP 5, Phung Khoang Street, Trung Van Ward, Nam Tu Liem District), Hanoi
• Mass schedule:
  • Weekdays (Monday to Saturday): 5:30 AM and 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM, and 8:00 PM
• Confession schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday - before Masses

Nestled in an area that was once a quiet village, Phung Khoang Church is a beautiful remnant of Hanoi's past, now surrounded by the modern city. The church boasts a classic and elegant French-Gothic architectural style. Constructed over a century ago, it stands as a historical testament to the deep roots of Catholicism in the region. Known for its serene atmosphere, it offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Its timeless design continues to attract both devout parishioners and visitors who appreciate its historical and architectural grace.

Phung Khoang Church is a serene century-old French-Gothic landmark in Hanoi, offering both historical charm and a peaceful escape from the city

8. An Thai Church

• Address: Alley 460 Thuy Khue, Tay Ho Ward (formerly Buoi Ward, Tay Ho District), Hanoi
• Mass schedule:
  • Monday to Wednesday: 7:00 PM
  • Thursday: 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM
  • Friday: 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 5:30 AM and 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 6:30 AM, 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

Tucked away in a quiet alley within the Tay Ho Ward, An Thai Church is a historic parish with a legacy stretching back generations. The church features a charming, traditional design that reflects its long and storied past. It serves a devout local community and offers a peaceful retreat for prayer and quiet reflection. An Thai is busiest from Thursday to Sunday, with regular services and special adoration for its devoted parishioners.

An Thai Church is a historic parish in Tay Ho Ward, known for its traditional charm, peaceful atmosphere, and vibrant weekly services

9. Thuong Thuy Church - Ke Bac Church

• Address: No. 21, Lane 409 An Duong Vuong, Tay Ho Ward (formerly Phu Thuong, Tay Ho District), Hanoi
• Mass schedule:
  • Monday to Friday: 6:30 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM | 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM
• Adoration of the blessed sacrament: 6:30 PM (First Thursday of the month)
• Solemn stations of the cross: 7:45 PM (First Friday of the month)

Thuong Thuy Church, also known as Ke Bac Church, this parish in Tay Ho Ward provides a cozy and intimate worship experience. Its smaller, more modest scale helps foster a strong and tight-knit sense of community among its members. The church demonstrates its close connection to its congregation by maintaining distinct mass schedules for the summer and winter seasons. It also holds important monthly spiritual services, including adoration of the blessed sacrament and the solemn stations of the cross, providing meaningful opportunities for reflection.

Thuong Thuy Church, also known as Ke Bac Church, is a modest parish in Tay Ho Ward cherished for its intimate worship space and close-knit community

10. Tan Lac Church

• Address: No. 17, Tan Lac Alley, Dai La Street, Bach Mai Ward (formerly Truong Dinh Ward, Hai Ba Trung District), Hanoi
• Mass schedule:
  • Monday to Friday: 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 5:30 AM and 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM, and 8:00 PM

Hidden within a small alley off the major thoroughfare of Dai La Street, Tan Lac Church is a cherished local parish in the Hai Ba Trung Ward. Its simplicity and convenient location make it a beloved spiritual home for Catholic families in the bustling area. The church provides a consistent schedule of evening masses on weekdays, a practical arrangement that makes it accessible for parishioners to attend service and connect with their faith after a day's work.

Tan Lac Church is a beloved parish in Hai Ba Trung Ward, valued for its simple design, convenient location, and accessible evening masses

11. Trung Tri Parish Church

• Address: 172 De Tran Khat Chan, Hong Ha Ward (formerly Thanh Luong, Hai Ba Trung District), Hanoi
• Mass schedule:
  • Sunday: 6:00 AM, 4:30 PM, 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 7:00 PM
  • Weekdays: 7:00 PM

Situated along the busy De Tran Khat Chan roadway, Trung Tri Parish Church serves as an important spiritual anchor. Its modern structure is designed to be a functional, bright, and welcoming space for its vibrant community. The parish offers a condensed but highly consistent mass schedule, with a strong focus on weekend and evening services to accommodate the diverse and demanding schedules of its urban parishioners.

Trung Tri Parish Church is a bright serving as a spiritual anchor with consistent weekend and evening masses for its urban community

12. Hang Bot Parish

• Address: 162A Ton Duc Thang, Van Mieu Ward (formerly Hang Bot, Dong Da District), Hanoi
• Mass schedule:
  • Weekdays: 5:30 AM and 6:30 PM (No evening Mass on Monday)
  • Saturday: 5:30 AM and 6:30 PM
  • Sunday: 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

Hang Bot Parish is a historic church in the former Dong Da District. Its classic architectural style offers a charming contrast to the modern storefronts that surround it. The church is a vibrant center of faith, offering both early morning and evening masses on most weekdays. This flexible schedule caters to the varied routines of its parishioners and allows the church to maintain a strong, daily spiritual presence in the local community.

Hang Bot Parish is a historic church in Dong Da, blending classic architecture with daily morning and evening masses that keep it a vibrant hub of faith

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The famous churches in Hanoi, from towering cathedrals to quaint chapels, stand as enduring symbols of faith, history, and architectural beauty. This guide has showcased a variety of highlights from the Gothic elegance of St. Joseph’s Cathedral to the welcoming charm of smaller parishes. Each church reveals a unique perspective on Hanoi’s culture and history. With these practical tips, you can easily add these famous churches in Hanoi to your travel itinerary. For more insights and inspiration, let GTrip be your trusted companion in exploring the best of Hanoi.