Ham Long Church is one of the oldest and most iconic churches in Vietnam. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and stunning views, this landmark building has long been a fixture of the surrounding skyline.
Read on this blog, vietnamtraveler.com will help you admire the grandeur of a bygone here.
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History of the Ham Long Church
In Hanoi, a Roman Catholic church was built around the end of the 19th century, not far from where today’s Doudart de Lagrée Street is.
Firstly, the street it was on was huge and historically significant, and its name was formerly Hàm Long, hence the church became known as St. Anthony Ham Long Church.
Secondly, Ham Long Church was constructed in 1934, during French colonial rule, per the plans of a Vietnamese architect. Franciscan strap-like rope decorations adorn the columns and altars.
Finally, the arches of the church, which were constructed using local, traditional building materials like straw, limestone, paper, etc., diffused the sound effectively, allowing the service to proceed without the need for a high-tech sound system.
Nowadays, Ham Long Church is one of Hanoi’s three most prominent Christian buildings, along with Cua Bac Church and Saint Joseph Cathedral.
Accessible methods of travel to the Ham Long Church
It’s right off the main street and close to places where public transportation stops. So, to get there, you can use the following by:
- Bus: Take bus number 69 and get off at the stop opposite Ham Long Church.
- Taxi: You can hail a taxi from anywhere in Hanoi and ask to drop it off at the church.
- Car: The church is on Tran Quoc Toan Street and is easy to find with GPS navigation systems or local maps. It is also easy to get to by car.
- Foot: It’s a quick 10-minute walk from the Old Quarter and very close to Hoan Kiem Lake.
Outstanding features around the church
Ham Long’s Cuisine
Around the Ham Long Church, tourists can eat several tasty meals. This area’s street food scene is bustling, and guests may discover traditional staples and other tasty treats.
- Bun Ngan ( Goose noodles soup): Hanoi’s bun ngan is skewers of barbecued pork and green mango with a sweet dipping sauce.
- Ho Tay banh: Around the chapel, West Lake’s deep-fried shrimp cakes are popular street food. They’re crispy and tasty great for a snack!
- Banh gio: a pork-and-mushroom pastry, is another local favorite.
- Egg-based custard: Steamed egg custard with crushed peanuts, chopped green onions, and cilantro is a delicious dessert. Several lake parks nearby offer delicious food.
Shopping around Church
Ham Long church’s busy streets offer commerce. From souvenirs to handcrafted crafts, there’s something for everyone. Tourists can browse the area’s distinctive shops and traditional marketplaces, which sell silk textiles and traditional apparel.
Several jewelry businesses sell local goldsmiths’ stunning creations. Hanoi’s culture and liveliness can be experienced by shopping around the church.
The architecture of Ham Long church
Ham Long church is one of Hanoi’s most beautiful, has two fronts facing Ngo Thi Nham and Ham Long streets. A simple and elegant bell tower in the center of the building’s front highlights the structure
Especially, it has a unique feature compared to other Hanoi Catholic churches during the French colonial time, despite its small size and simple decorating.
The variety of construction materials is the church’s hallmark. The building uses straw, bamboo, paper, and other native materials. They make arches to simulate sound responsiveness without contemporary audio equipment.
In sum, Ham Long Church has brought together people of all backgrounds and ages in its beautiful setting, providing an environment that encourages spiritual contemplation.
Its simple yet powerful message resonates with many people – a reminder that there is always something greater than our worldly troubles. If you want to experience this destination, don’t hesitate to contact freetoursinhanoi.com to get the best endow!