Cua Bac Church, Hanoi - Red old church building in Kediri
1 / 10

Cua Bac Church Hanoi

4.5
·1k reviews·, Vietnam

Historic Cua Bac Church in Hanoi, a striking example of French colonial architecture with Vietnamese influences.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Cua Bac Church, Hanoi - Red old church building in Kediri

Cua Bac Church Hanoi

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Cua Bac Church in Hanoi, a striking example of French colonial architecture with Vietnamese influences.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"A beautiful blend of French and Vietnamese architecture, offering a peaceful moment in Hanoi."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Archway

The brick-arched north entrance is a must-photograph spot. Visit early for fewer people!

🚌 Convenient Transport

Consider the Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off bus to easily reach Cua Bac Church and other sites.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cua Bac Church Architecture

Cua Bac Church Architecture

The church itself

Admire the unique French colonial Gothic architecture with Vietnamese influences, a striking contrast in Hanoi's cityscape.

North Entrance Archway

North Entrance Archway

Main entrance

The iconic brick-arched north entrance is a picturesque spot, perfect for capturing the essence of this historic site.

Peaceful Atmosphere

Peaceful Atmosphere

Church grounds

Find a moment of tranquility amidst the bustling city, a serene escape within the historic heart of Hanoi.

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Cua Bac Church

Cua Bac Church, a historic Hanoi landmark, sees fewer crowds during weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Consider visiting outside of peak tourist hours for a more serene experience and better photo opportunities. TikTok

Getting Around Hanoi

Exploring Hanoi's attractions, including Cua Bac Church, can be efficiently done using the Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus. This service covers multiple key spots, offering a convenient way to navigate the city's historical sites. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

6 things to do in hanoi, vietnam w/ prices + extra recs 🫶 🇻🇳 #hanoi #vietnam #thingstodoinhanoi #vietnamtravel #fyp #vietnamfood #hanoifood #cafe #traveltiktok
@downtotravel_
57.9K likes • 888K views

📸 Capture the Archway

The brick-arched north entrance is a must-photograph spot. Visit early for fewer people! TikTok

🚌 Convenient Transport

Consider the Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off bus to easily reach Cua Bac Church and other sites. TikTok

Best way to explore Hanoi for as low as ₱344!! 🚎 Visit Hanoi’s attractions in one day with with the Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus! Booked this on Klook with the code MAKIKLOOK! Correction: if...
@makisantos_
15.5K likes • 308.9K views
Not sure what to do in Hanoi? 🛤️ These are 10 things you can’t miss! 🇻🇳✈️ #hanoi #hanoivietnam #vietnam #vietnamtravel #traveltips #travelinspo #southeastasia #backpacking #budgettravel
@lizeandtom
8.3K likes • 140.4K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Vicinity

Wander around the church and the surrounding Old Quarter for a true feel of Hanoi's vibrant atmosphere. TikTok

No content available

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Archway

The brick-arched north entrance is a must-photograph spot. Visit early for fewer people! TikTok

🚌 Convenient Transport

Consider the Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off bus to easily reach Cua Bac Church and other sites. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Vicinity

Wander around the church and the surrounding Old Quarter for a true feel of Hanoi's vibrant atmosphere. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate Cua Bac Church for its unique architectural blend and peaceful atmosphere, offering a serene escape within Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter. The iconic brick entrance is a frequent highlight for photos. Some find it a brief stop, best enjoyed as part of a larger city exploration.

"Simply gorgeous and peaceful in the midst of this bustling city. The grandeur of these grounds with towering banyan trees, architecture, sculptures, gardens and fountains is inspiring. Plenty to see and do here and outside the gates. Street vendors of everything. Nice people"

M Hendershot

"Easy to buy ticket, it’s quite large so it took around 3 hours to vivist both side. Very nice and peaceful place."

Thao Nguyen Phuong

"The Northern Gate. Can buy ticket here, can either start or end here for the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long tour, this is landmarks no.10."

Nurazmi Ligoh

What People Like

Unique architecture
Peaceful ambiance
Photogenic entrance

What People Dislike

Can be a quick visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cua Bac Church is accessible by taxi, ride-sharing apps, or the Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus, which stops at many key attractions. TikTok Walking is also an option if you're exploring the Old Quarter. TikTok

Yes, Cua Bac Church is often included in city tours and is a stop on the Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off bus route, making it easy to visit alongside other landmarks. TikTok

For a comprehensive experience, the Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off bus is recommended as it connects many major sites efficiently. TikTok Alternatively, taxis and Grab are readily available. TikTok

If you are staying in or exploring Hanoi's Old Quarter, Cua Bac Church is within walking distance for many visitors. TikTok

Parking can be challenging in Hanoi's busy areas. Using public transport or ride-sharing services is often more convenient than driving your own vehicle. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Cua Bac Church is a place of worship and generally free to enter. Donations are appreciated. TikTok

While the church is a place of worship, it's best to visit during daylight hours. Specific opening times for visitors may vary, but it's generally accessible during the day. TikTok

There is typically no admission fee to enter Cua Bac Church. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds and admire the architecture. TikTok

Photography is usually permitted inside Cua Bac Church, but it's respectful to be mindful of any ongoing services or worshippers. TikTok

Visiting on weekday mornings or late afternoons can help you avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The iconic brick-arched north entrance is a prime spot. The church's facade and surrounding grounds also offer beautiful photographic opportunities. TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for capturing the church's architecture without harsh shadows. TikTok

Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around religious sites in Vietnam. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone. TikTok

Focus on the blend of French Gothic and Vietnamese styles, the intricate brickwork of the entrance, and the stained-glass windows if visible. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the church's facade and entrance. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cua Bac Church offers a relatively calm environment that can be a nice break for families exploring the bustling city of Hanoi. While it's a place of worship, the grounds are generally accessible and provide a glimpse into the city's history and architecture. The iconic brick archway is a fun visual element for kids to see and photograph. TikTok

To make the visit more engaging for children, consider combining it with a ride on the Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus. This can turn the journey to the church into an adventure, allowing them to see multiple landmarks from the comfort of the bus. TikTok Pack some snacks and water, as exploring can be tiring, and focus on the visual aspects of the church's unique design to keep them interested.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Cua Bac Church is a photographer's delight, especially for those interested in colonial architecture and unique urban landscapes. The distinctive brick-arched north entrance is a prime subject, offering a strong compositional element. TikTok The interplay of light and shadow on the brickwork, particularly during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon, can create dramatic and captivating images. TikTok

Beyond the entrance, the church's facade, with its Gothic and Romanesque influences, presents opportunities for capturing detailed shots of the windows and structural elements. The surrounding area also offers context, allowing you to frame the church within the vibrant street life of Hanoi. Consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the entire structure and its entrance, or a prime lens for detailed architectural shots. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance of Cua Bac Church

Cua Bac Church, also known as the North Church, stands as a testament to Hanoi's colonial past and architectural fusion. Built by the French in 1931, it showcases a distinct blend of Neo-Gothic and Romanesque styles, a common characteristic of Catholic churches constructed during the French colonial era in Vietnam. The church's design features soaring arches, large windows, and a prominent bell tower, all hallmarks of European ecclesiastical architecture. However, it also incorporates subtle Vietnamese elements, reflecting a conscious effort to integrate with the local aesthetic. This unique combination makes Cua Bac Church a significant landmark in Hanoi's architectural landscape. TikTok

The church's brick-arched north entrance is particularly noteworthy, often highlighted in travel content for its photogenic qualities. This entrance, along with the overall structure, provides a striking visual contrast to the traditional Vietnamese architecture found elsewhere in the Old Quarter. Visitors often remark on the peaceful ambiance within the church grounds, offering a serene respite from the city's vibrant energy. TikTok The historical context of its construction, during a period of French rule, adds another layer of understanding to its significance as a piece of Hanoi's layered history.

Navigating Hanoi's Attractions

For travelers looking to efficiently explore Hanoi's diverse attractions, including Cua Bac Church, the Hanoi Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus is a highly recommended option. This service allows visitors to conveniently access up to 13 different spots across the city, providing a comfortable and informative way to see the sights. TikTok The bus operates on a loop, allowing you to disembark at points of interest and re-board later, offering flexibility in your itinerary. TikTok

Beyond the hop-on hop-off service, exploring Hanoi's Old Quarter on foot is an essential experience. This area is a labyrinth of narrow streets, each historically dedicated to a specific trade, offering a vibrant sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. TikTok Wandering through the Old Quarter allows you to discover hidden temples, bustling markets, and countless street food vendors, providing a more immersive understanding of local life. TikTok Combining the convenience of the bus tour with the charm of exploring on foot offers a well-rounded approach to experiencing Hanoi. TikTok

You may also like

1 of 2