St. Joseph Cathedral is a 19th-century neo-Gothic church built with the Notre Dame of Paris in mind. The church is a gathering place for the large Roman Catholic community of Hanoi and is also popular with tourists. Constructed when the French first occupied the city, St. Joseph Cathedral is a striking example of colonial architecture in Hanoi.
In order to build the church, the French demolished the ancient Bao Thien pagoda that had stood there for more than 800 years. The contrast between the two religious buildings was dramatic. St. Joseph Cathedral’s neo-Gothic cross, towers and nave are distinctly European. At 211 feet (64.5 meters) long and with bell towers reaching 103 feet (31.5 meters) high, it’s an imposing structure.
When you walk west from Lake Hoan Kiem to reach St. Joseph’s you’ll see the church’s faded exterior in the distance. The area around the cathedral is popular and its streets are lined with trees, hotels and boutique stores. Many visitors find this area a pleasant break from the more hectic Old Quarter.
You enter the church through the side door, not the main entrance. Inside, the original stained glass windows and religious murals maintain the traditional, European style of St. Joseph’s exterior. There are also traditional Vietnamese decorations adorning the aisles, walls and altar.
St. Joseph Cathedral is located just west of Lake Hoan Kiem, close to several bus routes and walkable from the Old Quarter. Entry to the church is free. Opening hours are known to fluctuate, and you’ll likely find the church closed at lunchtime. Services are held throughout the week and the church is often full.
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4/5 - Good
We used the hop on hop off bus to access many of these sights. Just look for the big red bus with the open roof. It’s a very affordable way to tour the city. I recommend a 24 hour ticket so that you can tour museums and markets at your leisure.
Popular places to visit
Hang Gai Street
This boisterous street is renowned for silks, custom tailoring, colorful displays and hand-crafted souvenirs, all hanging from faded yellow façades.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Wander around the banks of this peaceful lake and discover an historic temple, observe locals going about their daily life or enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade.
Ngoc Son Temple
See a stuffed turtle, take photographs of traditional Vietnamese architecture or enjoy a moment of quiet reflection in the tranquil surroundings of this temple.
Hoa Lo Prison Museum
The harsh difficulties of French colonization and the Vietnam War are somberly remembered in one of the most brutal prisons in Vietnam.
Hoan Kiem Lake Weekend Walking Street
You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Hoan Kiem Lake Weekend Walking Street during your visit to Hanoi. Amble around this culturally rich area's lakeside, or seek out the local tours.
Red Moon Gallery
You can browse the exhibits at Red Moon Gallery, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Hanoi. Amble around this culturally rich area's lakeside, or seek out the local tours.
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