Cha Ko Church
Cha Tam Church
Cha Ko Church
Cha Tam Church
A unique temple in Ho Chi Minh City combining Gothic architecture and Chinese cultural traditions.
Ho Chi Minh City
Church
Architecture
Cha Tam Church (officially St. Francis Xavier Church) is an outstanding architectural monument in the heart of the Cholon Chinatown. The temple is interesting because it harmoniously combines Western Gothic style with traditional Chinese decorative elements. In addition to its architectural value, the site plays an important role in the history of Vietnam as a witness to key political events of the 20th century.
- Duration
1–2 hours
- Average budget
Free
- Admission
Free
- Local language
Viet, Chi.
Good to know
The church was founded in 1900 by the Chinese priest Pierre d'Assou and completed by 1902. The building covers an area of about 3 hectares.
Architectural features:
- Fusion of styles: The facade is built in Gothic style with pointed arches and a high bell tower, yet the roof is covered with yin-yang tiles featuring Chinese-style carp and lotus figures.
- Interior: The hall is decorated with four massive columns painted in red, symbolizing good fortune. Inside, you can see horizontal boards (hoành phi) with Chinese characters and bas-reliefs of martyrs.
- Historical context: The temple became infamous in November 1963 when President Ngô Đình Diệm and his brother Ngô Đình Nhu prayed here just before their deaths.
Following a large-scale restoration completed in 2024, the building has been fully restored and is now an important pilgrimage center.
The dry season in Vietnam is the best time to stroll around the Cholon district and visit the church in comfortable weather conditions.
On site
- Address
25 Học Lạc Street, District 5 (Cholon), Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours
07:00-12:00, 14:00-18:00, 19:00-21:00
- Cash
Recommended
- Phone
+84 8 3856 0274