Kien Lao Church
Kien Lao Church
Kien Lao Church
Kien Lao Church
A majestic Gothic church that has become a symbol of the skill of local craftsmen in Nam Dinh province.
Nam Dinh
Church
Architecture
Kien Lao Church is an impressive Catholic temple located in Xuan Tien commune. Built in 1997, the structure stuns with its scale and architectural synthesis of European Gothic and Vietnamese building traditions. This place is not only the spiritual center of one of Vietnam's largest Catholic parishes, but also serves as a monument to the talent of local woodcarving artisans.
- Visit duration
2–3 hours
- Average budget
from $25
- Admission
Free
- Current
26 °C, clear
- Best months
Oct – Apr
- Local language
Viet, Eng
What you need to know
Kien Lao Church is located near the Lac Quan Bridge on Highway 21 and belongs to the Diocese of Bui Chu. The scale of the structure is impressive: with a length of 75 meters and a width of 26 meters, the church reaches a height of 28 meters, and its bell tower stands at 46 meters.
The history of the church is closely tied to the region's craft traditions — Kien Lao is rightfully considered a center of wood carving. During construction, which followed the model of the Phu Nhai Shrine, donations and the craftsmanship of local parishioners were heavily utilized. Today, the parish unites more than 12,000 believers from the communes of Xuan Kien, Xuan Tien, and Xuan Truong town. A picturesque rural atmosphere surrounds the church: the building is framed by lakes and walking areas with street lighting.
Dry season with comfortable temperatures. Fewer tourists on weekdays.
On site
- Getting there
Bus or transfer from Nam Dinh
- Accommodation
Hotels in Nam Dinh from $15
- On-site
Walking
- Cash
Required
- Connectivity
4G, Wi-Fi in hotels
- With kids
Ok for ages 6+