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Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon isn't the only Catholic attraction you can visit while in Ho Chi Minh City. Not too far from there, Tan Dinh Church is also a notable destination. With its eye-catching pink exterior, it’s often called the "Pink Church". In terms of appearance alone, it might even be more eye-catching than the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The unique pink color of Tan Dinh Church
Tan Dinh Church is also one of the largest and oldest churches in the city. Many visitors come to admire and marvel at this beautiful structure. Let Asia King Travel take you through what makes it so captivating in this article.
Tan Dinh Church was started in 1874 and completed in 1876. During the two years of construction, the church's first parish priest, Father Donatien Eveillard, devoted himself wholeheartedly to the project, from fundraising and overseeing to managing the construction. Today, his tomb remains buried beneath the church’s crypt.
By the 1890s, the church had deteriorated significantly, so Father Louis-Eugène Louvet, the successor of Father Donatien, organized a lottery to raise funds for constructing a new church. Most of the current structure of Tan Dinh Church was rebuilt during this period.
A photo of the church taken after its recent renovation, showing how it looks today
The church continued to undergo renovations throughout the 20th century. Then in 1957, it was restored and repainted in its now-iconic pink color (specifically, a coral pink on the outside and a mix of strawberry and cream tones inside). The color symbolizes God’s love and evokes the image of a heart beneath the church’s cross. Thanks to this unique color choice, the church has become a famous and beloved tourist attraction.
Tan Dinh Church is located at 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. It is only 1.5 kilometers away from Notre-Dame Cathedral and is close to many of the city’s popular attractions in District 1.
Since it’s located in the city center, there are countless routes and transportation options for you to choose from. The church is also close to Tan Son Nhat Airport, so you can easily stop by after landing in the city. From the airport, head south on Truong Son Street until you reach Hoang Van Thu Street. Follow that road, then turn right onto Phan Dinh Phung Street and continue straight, you’ll arrive at the church in no time.
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The church is open to the public for both worship and sightseeing from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. You can visit on Sundays to join the congregation for confession services. Additionally, the church holds major ceremonies during important Christian holidays throughout the year.
The priests and nuns are holding a memorial Mass on the anniversary of Father Donatien Eveillard’s passing
The first thing that catches your eye is the church’s vibrant pink paint, which leaves a strong impression on visitors. This striking appearance makes the church stand out in the heart of the bustling city. Tan Dinh Church was built in the distinctive Romanesque architectural style, featuring a main bell tower and two smaller side towers. The main tower stands 55 meters tall and is topped with a 3-meter-high bronze cross.
Gothic style combined with Roman elements, with a touch of Baroque in the decorative details
The two side towers of the church feature a dominant pink tone, adorned with numerous lantern towers and rose windows, all tied together with intricate and harmonious patterns. The tiled roof is laid in a fish scale style, with decorative double-spiral details that make the structure even more eye-catching and distinctive.
The Sanctuary is a solemn and sacred space. All the altars within it are made of Italian marble, creating a bright and elegant atmosphere. To the left of the sanctuary stands a statue of the Virgin Mary (along with a small side chapel dedicated to Saint Thérèse near the entrance), while to the right is a statue of Saint Joseph.
The interior is painted in a soft pink with hints of yellow
On the columns flanking both sides of the sanctuary are statues of saints and the 14 Stations of the Cross, which date back to the 1890s. Additionally, inside the main tower, there is an intricately carved artwork and five large bells.
When visiting Tan Dinh Church, it's important to be respectful of the sacred atmosphere. Visitors are advised not to wear overly revealing or inappropriate clothing, as the church is a solemn place of worship and spiritual reflection. Dressing modestly shows consideration for the religious setting and the people attending services.
During your visit, please help maintain the cleanliness of the church grounds by not littering. Keeping the area tidy not only preserves its beauty but also shows respect for the cultural and historical significance of the site.
Please show respect when visiting religious sites
If you’re there to take photos or admire the architecture, be mindful of the church’s mass schedule. It’s best to avoid making noise during these times. Keeping silent during mass helps maintain the peaceful, reverent atmosphere for those in prayer.
For those visiting with young children, it's important to ensure they do not run or play loudly inside the church, especially during services. Encouraging calm behavior will contribute to a more respectful experience for everyone.
Finally, smoking is strictly prohibited within the church grounds. This helps protect the health and comfort of all visitors and ensures a pleasant environment for everyone.
Tan Dinh Church is a stunning attraction you shouldn’t miss when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Your friends and family back home will surely be impressed by the photos you take of this iconic pink church. Contact Asia King Travel now to discover more exciting destinations in Southern Vietnam.
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