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Nam Dinh Province (formerly) was one of the first places in Vietnam to receive Catholicism. To this day, the province is home to many renowned Catholic structures, among which Phu Nhai Basilica stands out. It is the largest Minor Basilica in Southeast Asia. Join Asia King Travel in exploring its magnificence through our Vietnam travel guide.
Panoramic view of Phu Nhai Basilica from above
Phu Nhai Basilica’s full name is the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception of Phu Nhai. After three centuries of prohibition against Catholicism in Vietnam, Father Emmanuel Riano Hoa built Phu Nhai Church in 1866. At first, the church was constructed entirely of wood.
In 1916, Bishop Peter Munagori Trung and Father Moreno rebuilt the church in European architectural style, but it was severely damaged by a storm in 1929. By 1933, the church was reconstructed once again. At that time, Phu Nhai Church became the largest church in Indochina. After the war in Vietnam ended, the church was restored in 2003, giving it its current appearance.
In 2008, the Vatican elevated Phu Nhai Church to the status of a Minor Basilica. Phu Nhai Basilica is one of four Minor Basilicas in Vietnam (Phu Nhai, La Vang, Notre Dame Cathedral, and So Kien). Remarkably, Phu Nhai Basilica is the largest Minor Basilica in Southeast Asia.
Phu Nhai Basilica was built on an area of over 2,000 m² in Phu Nhai Village, Xuan Hung Commune, Ninh Binh Province, under the Diocese of Bui Chu. The church is situated approximately 40 kilometers from the former Nam Dinh City and 120 kilometers southeast of the capital Hanoi.
Not only locals, but also many parishioners from afar come to visit the church
From Hanoi, you can head south via National Highway 1A or the CT01 Expressway (for cars). After crossing the Day River, turn right onto National Highway 21. Continue along this highway to pass through the former Nam Dinh City (stop for a bowl of pho or admire the Catholic churches here).
After crossing the Ninh Co River, follow Lac Quan Road, turn left onto Lien Xa Moi Road, and finally take Xuan Phuong Road to reach the destination. The route is not too difficult, but it’s best to travel with a local guide for directions or take a bus. A bus ticket costs around VND 200,000 per person.
Visit Phu Nhai Basilica on Catholic feast days to witness the church illuminated in solemn ceremonies. On December 7 (the dedication of Phu Nhai Basilica), December 8 (the Feast of the Immaculate Conception), and Christmas Eve on December 24, the basilica attracts both parishioners and visitors from near and far to join the celebrations.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrated at the church
If you are a Catholic faithful, you can attend Mass at 5:00 AM and 6:30 PM daily, with an additional service at 7:30 AM on Sundays.
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Phu Nhai Basilica features distinctive Gothic architecture that Western visitors will easily recognize. The church is painted gray, with two bell towers rising 44 meters high, housing four bells crafted in France. The twin towers on either side symbolize authority. As the basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, her statue is placed at the center, flanked by two angels. Below are statues of the bishops who once oversaw the Bui Chu Diocese.
The basilica features soaring pointed arches and numerous large windows. Measuring 80 meters in length and 30 meters in width, the church can accommodate hundreds of people inside. On the walls are intricate carvings of wreaths and crosses.
The two bell towers are intricately designed, accompanied by statues
When standing atop the high tower of Phu Nhai Church, you can admire the panoramic view of the commune. Overall, the church embodies a harmonious beauty while still showcasing grandeur, blending European architecture with subtle Eastern influences.
In front of Phu Nhai Basilica lies a spacious square, with a 17-meter-tall statue of Saint Dominic on the right. On the left stands a 15-meter-high mausoleum that houses the relics of 83 martyrs from the Bui Chu Diocese. Surrounding the church are reliefs depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross. Furthermore, the grounds feature many trees and green lawns, creating a serene and refreshing atmosphere.
The statue of Saint Dominic
The interior of the church reflects the strong influence of Spanish Gothic architecture. Like other Catholic churches, Phu Nhai Church follows a longitudinal layout, with the altar positioned at the far end. On the altar, above all, stands the statue of Jesus Christ, while below it is an exquisite statue of the Immaculate Conception. Beneath that lies a relief depicting the Last Supper of Christ.
Finally, at the back are rows of wooden benches neatly arranged, adding to the solemn atmosphere.
A ceremony inside the church
Phu Nhai Basilica has long been a spiritual anchor for generations of parishioners in the region. Thanks to the dedication of the priests and the contributions of the faithful, what once was a small church has grown into a grand basilica, as well as a meaningful destination for visitors from near and far. Contact Asia King Travel to create a Northern Vietnam tour with spirtual beauty!
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