St. Joseph's Cathedral is an interesting Cathedral in the heart of Hanoi. It's surprising how massive this cathedral is. The outside is beautiful, I briefly went inside and it was nice. This is a popular attraction for Instagram apparently. Kind of a shame that so many people come here just for a quick selfie and then leave. That is kind of our world today though. Otherwise, the cathedral is in a nice area, plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops around.

This church is worth stopping by, especially at night when it is lit up. No need to go inside, just admire it from the outside. While it looks like many European churches, it is also uniquely designed.

If you haven’t seen any cathedral in Europe, this is ok. If you have visited France and Germany, this is kind small and unimpressive. You can only see a small portion of the church. This is more of a relic of how Europeans left their mark in Vietnam.

Beautiful, ornamental, and intricate, St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. From the ornate façade to the intricate interior design, this cathedral is a sight to behold. The ornamental details and intricate patterns of the stained glass windows are breathtaking, and the overall atmosphere is one of awe and reverence.

Don't quite understand the average reviews here. There aren't a huge number of 'sites' to see in the Old Quarter (as it is more about the vibe, atmosphere, shopping, eating) but if you are in the area anyway I would definitely recommend stopping by this truly beautiful Gothic church. It is so unique in terms of architecture for Hanoi and Vietnam. The inside is also very beautiful and peaceful. Only takes 15 minutes to snap some photos outside and inside, so why wouldn't you stop by if you are in the area?

St. Joseph Cathedral in Hanoi is a captivating blend of French Gothic architecture and cultural significance. The towering spires and intricate details create a majestic atmosphere, offering a serene escape from the bustling city. The interior, adorned with beautiful stained glass windows and religious artwork, exudes a sense of spiritual tranquility. The cathedral's historical importance adds another layer to its charm, making it a must-visit landmark in Hanoi.

We've been on a big Vietnam 15 days tour from south to north. As the whole region was under French rule for around 150 years, they left many significant edifices all over. St. Joseph's Cathedral was the most beautiful French Church we saw in all Vietnam, built in 1886, much better than those in HCMC, Da Nang or smaller towns. Two Gothic spires dominate the Old quarter, with very nice interior. Don't expect Paris Notre Dame many refer to, but certainly a Church worth visiting. BEWARE just not to sit at Vivienne Cafe on the square in front of it (scammers and heavily overpriced). We did that to relax and enjoy the Cathedral but regretted.

In the daytime there is not so special and quite dark, however if at night there is the spotlights and it looks very beautiful. All the crowds is around the cathedral and always very noisy with the messy traffic around. The bell is quite charming and it's nice to hear the bell in the morning.

Its imposing facade, with twin towers and intricate stonework commands attention. The interior, while somewhat austere, echoes the cathedral's impressive scale. The stained glass windows offer a touch of colorful beauty amidst the grand surroundings. Though a place of active worship, St. Joseph's Cathedral welcomes visitors outside of service times. It's easy to see why it's a Hanoi landmark. Whether you're drawn to its architecture or religious significance, the cathedral leaves a lasting impression of history and artistry. We recommend respectful attire and suggest checking for any service closures before visiting.

The cathedral was closed at the time we visited in the late afternoon. However, the courtyard outside was bustling with tourists and visitors. The cathedral is located right at the din of the major crossing close to the Hon Kiem lake. Wandering around the place also feel great!