Discover the ancient stone church of Tam Dao

French architecture is a highlight feature of Tam Dao. Apart from French ancient villas which have been mostly damaged, Tam Dao ancient stone church still keeps its original structure through seasons of storm.

Tam Dao ancient stone church 

From central part of the town, heading up the mountain leading to Thien Nhi peak, it is easy to see the trace of time on the ancient stone church. Tam Dao ancient church can be considered as a stone masterpiece. The church's apex is even like a lighthouse which helps people to find the right way to go. When the area is covered with thick fog leading to restricted visibility, just look up to the top of the old church. Identifying the directions based on the church’s apex, people will never get lost.

The church, view from far distance

The old church was built in 1906 with the original form of a leaf-roofed house. Until 1937, Gothic architecture was applied to this work and gradually it was turned into one of the four famous stone churches in Vietnam. The other churches are Sa Pa (Lao Cai), Phat Diem (Ninh Binh) and Nha Trang Stone Church (Khanh Hoa).

The cathedral has beautiful arched doorways adorned with stained glass in glowing colors. The 18-meter-tall cylindrical bell tower whose facade is elaborately trimmed, carved with a cross in the centre. The  atmosphere is peaceful there.

The most interesting thing there is the large stone windows surrounding the outer space. They are  favorite place that visitors usually sit on when they want to admire the whole view of the poetic valley. This is also the place that has appeared in countless wedding photos of young couples.

Curved windows surrounding the church, favorite place of visitors 

More than one hundred years has passed, the vigor of life and the romantic beauty of this cathedral is still kept in almost intact condition. It is the destination that tourists should not miss when visiting the foggy mountain town of Tam Dao.