Unspoiled beauty in coastal 'Fallen church', northen Vietnam
With unique architecture and pristine beauty, the Fallen church, in Nam Dinh province is a must-see destination in northern Vietnam. Given its close proximity to the sea, the Fallen church will surely offer churchgoers an unforgettable experience.
The Fallen church, known as "Nhà thờ đổ Hải Lý" in Vietnamese, is also called the "Heart church". It was built in 1943 and designed by a French architect.
(Photo: Thoi Dai)
In 1966, the sea began to encroach on land for more than 1km. Following the invasion, the village that stretched along Xuong Dien beach disappeared.
(Photo: Thoi Dai)
(Photo: Thoi Dai)
(Photo: Thoi Dai)
(Photo: Thoi Dai)
Some outstanding constructions with intricate architectures had been "swallowed" by the sea waves through times. Only the Fallen Church, which is dedicated to St. Maria Madalena is still standing there. However, the construction is not as intact as it used to be.
(Photo: Thoi Dai)
The church's stereobate has been invaded by seawater, which ruined the original architect.
(Photo: Thoi Dai)
Local authorities and residents have built embankments around Fallen church in a bid to conserve the culture-rich construction. The church is now a hot check-in place for visitors and locals alike.
(Photo: Thoi Dai)
However, as the church has deteriorated and partly collapsed, the entire area is now surrounded by fences, preventing visitors from approaching.
(Photo: Thoi Dai)
The roof of the remaining church bell tower viewed from above.
(Photo: Thoi Dai)
(Photo: Thoi Dai)
Architectural patterns inside the church have been worn away. The bricks are exposed through time.
(Photo: Thoi Dai)
There have been many eateries sprouting these days to serve tourists' needs.
(Photo: Thoi Dai)
(Photo: Thoi Dai)
The fence enveloping Fallen Church is pretty high.
The vestiges of the once magnificent and splendid church still remain.
PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc agreed to keep the nation’s border closed to foreign holidaymakers citing the complicated development of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam.
Vietnam and Japan have mutually agreed to implement an expedited arrival procedure, allowing certain groups from one country to enter another without undergoing mandatory 14-day ...
The northern city of Nam Dinh is known as the home to many beauitful Roman Catholic churches. However, there is an abandoned Church in Nam Dinh province, being swallowed by the sea, yet still attracted many tourists.
A series of exciting adventure tourism activities such as the paragliding program “Flying over the Water-Pouring Season” and spectacular jet ski performances at Thac Ba Lake are expected to be key highlights helping Lao Cai attract visitors, especially during peak periods like the upcoming April 30-May 1 holiday.
With a diverse lineup of events and innovative travel products, the capital’s tourism sector is striving to reinforce its image as a safe, friendly, and high-quality destination during this year’s holiday season.
Vietnam’s upcoming April 30-May 1 holiday is seeing a clear shift in how travelers plan their trips, with short, experience-focused getaways gaining ground over longer journeys.
Mui Ne has been attracting visitors thanks to its natural landscapes and diverse range of sports tourism activities. It is also dubbed the “resort capital,” boasting a series of high-end accommodations stretching along the coastline.
Vietnam’s tourism growth in the first quarter of 2026 is therefore not merely an increase in numbers, but a reflection of the convergence of core competitive advantages amid a world marked by uncertainty.
According to the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, Condé Nast Traveler has recently named Viet Nam among the 28 most beautiful countries in the world. The magazine praised the S-shaped country as a paradise for nature lovers and those who enjoy outdoor experiences.
In the March ranking of the Henley Passport Index, Vietnam’s passport rose seven places compared to 2025, ranking 84th and reaching its highest position in the past 11 years.