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 According to Luong, the gate was originally made only from stone.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
Lao Cai Boosts Holiday Appeal with Adventure and Water Sports
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.
April 23, 2026 | 10:56
World
Promoting Vietnam’s Image to Danish and International Audiences
On April 17, the Embassy of Vietnam in Denmark hosted an event titled “Vietnam Today: Milestones in Development, Culture and People,” aimed at showcasing the country’s image, culture, and people to Danish and international friends, while also announcing a series of activities to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Denmark in 2026.
April 20, 2026 | 09:46
Travel
Holiday Travel Shifts Toward Short, Experience-Focused Trips
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.
April 15, 2026 | 09:54
Overseas Vietnamese
Promoting Vietnam's Image at Pakistan’s Largest International Travel Fair
The Embassy of Vietnam in Pakistan has inaugurated the Vietnam Trade and Tourism Promotion Booth at an international travel fair in Islamabad, aiming to create opportunities for economic cooperation, promote cultural exchange, and attract the interest of international friends as well as local residents.
April 13, 2026 | 15:21
Recommended
Travel
Vietnam Taps Wellness Tourism as a Rising Travel Trend
The rapid rise of wellness tourism is opening up opportunities for Vietnam to become a destination for comprehensive restorative travel.
April 25, 2026 | 13:13
Travel
Festive Hanoi: Dynamic Blend of Culture, Heritage, and Travel Experiences Awaits Visitors
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.
April 22, 2026 | 14:39
Travel
Mui Ne Among Most Searched Destinations in the First Half of the Year
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.
April 11, 2026 | 14:08
Travel
Vietnam Welcomes over 2 Million International Visitors for Three Consecutive Months
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.
April 07, 2026 | 16:20
Popular article
Travel
Vietnam Among World’s 28 Most Beautiful Countries
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.
March 22, 2026 | 13:07
Travel
Vietnamese Passport Reaches Highest Rank in 11 Years
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.
March 18, 2026 | 15:54
Travel
Vietnam Tourism Attracts French Visitors
Vietnam is increasingly affirming its appeal to French tourists thanks to a harmonious combination of diverse natural landscapes, rich cultural identity, and the country’s dynamic development.
March 18, 2026 | 11:43
Travel
Vietnam's New Competitive Advantage in Tourism
In the global tourism landscape, cuisine is becoming a special "language" for countries to define their image and win over tourists. With its rich and distinctive culinary traditions, Vietnam has a great opportunity to transform its culinary culture into a national asset.
March 08, 2026 | 18:10