Untold story of a 100-year-old church on the back of turtle-shaped rock
The old church in Dong Chiem village (An Phu, My Duc, Hanoi) was built over 100 years ago on a rocky ledge.
 |
| Dong Chiem Church (An Phu, My Duc, Hanoi) was built over 100 years ago. According to Mr. Luong - a Cell Secretary of Dong Chiem village said that in the past, the land on which the church was located was a rocky ledge. The builder of this church was a French who went to Vietnam to indoctrinate. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
 |
| The church is surrounded by rocky mountains, from which one can admire the whole scene of Dong Chiem village. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
 |
| Those built a century ago, the church is well-preserved and shows no sign of degradation. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
 |
| (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
 |
| This photo shows the main gate of the church. According to Luong, the gate was originally made only from stone. In recent years, regional Christian contributed to repair and rebuild the stars. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
 |
| When seen from afar, the church and its stone base look like a turtle floating on the water surface. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
 |
| As said by the elderly in the village, the adhesive that was used to build the church was a mix of sugarcane syrup and additives. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
 |
| The church architecture is a combination of French style and Indochina details. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
 |
| On the doorstep of the church lies a couple of "nghê" - one of Vietnam's folk animals, which normally only appears in temples or pagodas. It is unclear why statues of this animal were built before Dong Chiem church. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
 |
| According to the church's priest, the couple of "nghê" serves as a decorative detail and a sign of cultural interference. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
 |
| The church is recently chosen by young couple as a location to take wedding photos, Mr. Nguyen Manh Ngu, Vice Chairman of An Phu People's Committee said. (Photo: Vietnamnet) |
 | 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 ... |
 | A Serbian writes a great inspiring novel in Vietnamese after 4 years of learning The Serbian Marko Nikolíc is the first foreigner to publish a novel in Vietnamese, marking a milestone with his first publication of “Phố Nhà Thờ" ... |
 | The hottest "Harry Potter"church in Nam Dinh The nearly hundred-year-old church in Nam Dinh province has recently become an interesting tourist destination for explorers. |
Tags:
Related Stories
Travel
International Visitors in South Africa Experience Vietnamese Cuisine
On the morning of November 7, the garden within the Vietnamese Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, was filled with laughter and chatter as more than 40 international guests attended a Vietnamese cooking class. The participants included members of the International Diplomatic Spouses Association in South Africa and representatives of the South African Women’s Association.
November 11, 2025 | 11:28
Travel
Phu Quoc - Top Choice for Eastern European Tourists Visiting Vietnam
In recent months, Vietnam’s expanded visa exemption policy has made it easier for European travelers to visit and explore the country, with the number of Eastern European tourists searching for Vietnamese destinations on the Agoda platform surging by 59%. Among these, the “Pearl Island” of Phu Quoc has emerged as the most favored destination, witnessing a remarkable 113% increase in searches compared to the same period last year.
October 24, 2025 | 15:09
Recommended
Travel
Visitors to Explore Ancient Conifer Forest at Phong Nha-Ke Bang for First Time
The People’s Committee of Quang Tri Province announced its approval of the eco-tourism project “Exploring the Calocedrus Rupestris Forest and Kling Cave” within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park on October 23.
October 28, 2025 | 08:03
Travel
“Vietnam Pho Festival 2025” Kicks Off in Singapore
On October 18, the Vietnam Pho Festival 2025 officially kicked off at Our Tampines Hub in Singapore, attracting a large number of visitors eager to explore and savor Vietnam’s iconic dish.
October 22, 2025 | 10:36
Travel
Vietnam’s Villages Attract Growing Numbers of Experience-Seeking Travelers
In recent years, rural tourism has emerged as a vibrant trend among international travelers visiting Vietnam.
October 15, 2025 | 14:43
Travel
6 Must-Visit Caves in Quang Tri
According to the announcement by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Tri province on October 07. The renowned travel magazine Travel and Leisure selected 6 caves in Quang Tri province as must-see destinations in Vietnam.
October 14, 2025 | 07:14
Travel
Vietnam: Attractive Destination for French Tourists in Summer 2025
The 45-day visa exemption for French citizens and many other European nationals, together with increasingly convenient direct flight connections, has made Vietnam an appealing choice for French travelers.
October 12, 2025 | 14:43
Travel
Cultures of World Festival in Hanoi: Journey of Connection Across Five Continents
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Hanoi People’s Committee, will host the first Cultures of the World Festival in Hanoi from October 10 to 12, 2025, at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. This major diplomatic and cultural event of Vietnam in 2025 carries special significance in honoring the diversity of world cultures, promoting people-to-people exchanges, and strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between Vietnam and international friends.
October 09, 2025 | 13:31
Travel
Vietnam Welcomes Over 15.4 Million International Visitors in Nine Months
Welcoming over 15.4 million international visitors (a 21.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024), Vietnam’s tourism and travel revenue in the past nine months was estimated at VND 69.6 trillion (up 20.5% year-on-year).
October 09, 2025 | 07:05
Travel
Peaceful Da Nang Rises as New Favorite Destination for French Retirees
Da Nang possesses modern infrastructure with hospitals, services, and comfortable cafes, while maintaining a close local life, which is very suitable for the elderly.
October 01, 2025 | 06:40