Da Nang Cathedral, also called as the Pink Church or the Rooster Church by the locals, is a beautiful and unique landmark in central Vietnam.
Built during the French colonial period in 1923, this Gothic-style cathedral stands tall at 70 meters and is easily recognizable by its distinctive pink facade.
Here, you can explore the nativity grotto depictions around the church, as well as take in the impressive clock tower that has become a local landmark.
Traveling to Da Nang? In this visitors’ guide, we’ll go through all the information you need to make the most out of your visit to Da Nang Cathedral.
We’ll take a closer look at the cathedral’s fascinating history, highlight its unique features and architectural design, and cover the essentials like the opening and mass times.
Da Nang Cathedral – Overview
Let’s start this ultimate guide with the essentials, such as the location, how to get there, the mass times, and more.
What is Da Nang Cathedral?
Da Nang Cathedral, also known as the Pink Church, is a Catholic church located in central Vietnam. It was built in 1923 by French priest Louis Vallet and stands at nearly 70 meters tall.
While you can only get in during mass times, you can explore around, take photos, and see other attractions around the city.
Where is Danang Cathedral?
Da Nang Cathedral is located near the Han Market in Da Nang City, on Tran Phu Street, just around 15-minute away from the Dragon Bridge.
Click here to see the location on Google Maps.
How to Get to Da Nang Cathedral?
You can get to Da Nang Cathedral walking or calling a Grab Taxi. The trip from My Khe Beach to the Pink Church Da Nang will cost you only about 70,000 VND, or $3.
In case you want to walk, you can reach Da Nang Cathedral by following these directions:
From Han River Bridge, turn left at Yen Bai Street and keep walking for only about 10 minutes to get to the church.
On the other hand, from Dragon Bridge, turn right at Bach Dang Street and then right again at Pham Phu Thu Street.
Is the Pink Cathedral Danang Worth Visiting?
The Da Nang Cathedral is definitely worth visiting. Aside from its impressive architecture, the church also has lovely buildings and a grotto on the grounds. It was built during the French colonial period and is one of the few French architectural structures remaining in Da Nang.
Best Time to Visit Da Nang Pink Church
The best time to visit is in the early morning when it’s not too hot and the crowds of tourists haven’t arrived yet.
Opening Times and Entrance Fee
The Da Nang Cathedral opens every day at 5.00 AM and closes after mass at 5.15 PM. On Sundays, however, the pink church closes after the last mass at 6.30 PM.
In addition, the Da Nang Cathedral stays closed between 11.30 AM and 1.30 PM, so you’ll have to come before or after that to visit.
Da Nang Cathedral Mass Times
To attend the mass at Da Nang Cathedral, you’ll have to come in the following days and times:
Weekdays and Saturday: 5.00 AM and 5.15 PM.
Sunday: 5.00 AM, 8.00 AM, 10.00 AM, 3.00 PM, 5.00 PM, and 6.30 PM.
Dress Code
Visitors of the Da Nang Cathedral are expected to dress modestly, in accordance with Catholic Mass requirements. Visitors should make sure their shoulders and knees are covered while they are inside the Cathedral. Wearing shorts or skirts that are shorter than knee length is not acceptable.
Also, visitors should avoid wearing see-through clothing, as well as low-cut tops and shirts. The Cathedral also asks that visitors avoid wearing hats or caps when attending mass.
What to Expect at Danang Cathedral
I personally visited Da Nang Cathedral before the afternoon mass, around 2.00 PM and the main gate was closed, which opens only at mass. However, the side gate was open and I was able to get in through that side.
When you visit, you can expect to find a peaceful atmosphere inside the cathedral. There are many nativity grotto depictions at the back and in the back, as well as glass windows that depict typical events from the Bible.
Of course, you can expect to take great photos, but that’s only before or after the crowds leave! I stayed at the Cathedral for about 15 minutes and then got in to see the inside part before the mass started, and it was beautiful!
Also, if you stay in Da Nang City, I recommend to come at nighttime when the pink church gets lit and the atmosphere turns peaceful and romantic – you can’t miss that moment!
When I visited Da Nang Cathedral, I spoke to a man who told me that locals also call the church as the “Rooster Church” because of the gray rooster on the roof of the church, which helps define the direction of the wind – what a cool fact to know!
History of Da Nang Cathedral
Da Nang Cathedral, also called the Pink Church, is a Catholic church built during the French colonial period in 1923, it is the only church of its kind in the city, typical of western churches.
The Da Nang church construction began in February of 1923, and the facade was completed just a short time later in September of the same year.
The purpose of this beautiful and impressive structure was to serve the local Catholic community who were residing in Da Nang at that time. The design and supervision of the church were overseen by Louis Vallet, a priest who was well-known for his skill in construction and architecture.
Upon completion, the church was known as the “Tourane Church.” It was inaugurated and dedicated on March 10, 1924. The formal blessing of the church took place on September 14, 1924, with Bishop Grangeon, Bishop Allys, and Bishop of Quy Nhon, as well as the Bishop of Hue, presiding over the event.
In a significant development for the church and the local community, the church diocese was established on January 18, 1963. The first bishop of the Da Nang diocese was Peter Maria, who was previously the Bishop of Quy Nhon.
Following his appointment, Bishop Maria officially commenced his duties as the bishop of the Diocese of Da Nang in May of that year.
In recognition of its status as the center of the Da Nang diocese, the church was honored with the title of the Cathedral of Da Nang diocese.
Today, the Da Nang Cathedral stands as a testament to the enduring faith and strength of the Catholic community in Vietnam, and is a famous tourist attraction in Da Nang City.
More Vietnam Travel Guides
- All Vietnam Travel Guides
- Best Things to Do in Vietnam
- Awesome Things to Do in Hoi An
- Best Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam
- Amazing things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Plan the Perfect 3-Day Hoi An Itinerary
- Plan The Perfect 5-Day Da Nang Itinerary
- Plan the Perfect 7-Day Central Vietnam Itinerary
- Dragon Bridge in Da Nang: Visitors’ Guide
- Ba Na Hills Tour – Complete Travel Guide
- Lady Buddha Da Nang – Visitors’ Guide
Summary – Han Market in Da Nang
In conclusion, Da Nang Cathedral is a truly remarkable destination that deserves a spot on your travel itinerary when visiting Vietnam. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and serene atmosphere provide a unique cultural experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
As you step foot inside this magnificent cathedral, you’ll be transported back in time, gaining insight into the city’s past and its deep-rooted religious traditions. The Da Nang Cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the city’s resilience and ever-evolving identity.
Whether you’re exploring the cathedral’s fascinating history, admiring its jaw-dropping architectural details, or simply spending some quiet moments of reflection, your visit to Da Nang Cathedral will leave a lasting impression.
