There are a lot of churches and cathedrals and one of the most attractive destinations in Hanoi is Saint Joseph Cathedral.

Saint Joseph Cathedral is one of the most recognizable sights in the city. It has an open generally empty plaza that is sided by shops and restaurants. The cathedral itself has a striking presence with its two large square towers and can be visited any day of the week, making a quiet escape from the noisy Hanoi streets.

The streets and the square around the Cathedral are truly attractive in the Old City area. There is a statue of Mary in front, and the stores and shops are brightly and colorfully lit.

The cathedral is used for mass at sunrise and sunset every day, and you can visit the cathedral during the opening hours. This cathedral is a destination that you should visit on the occasion of Christmas.

The courtyard of the church becomes a huge gathering point and takes on a real carnival atmosphere, with fairy floss vendors and the like. It can host thousand of people in Christmas Eve.

Tourist can stop for a coffee at one of the cafes around the Cathedral to observe if you cannot enter into the Cathedral.

Mass:

• Monday to Friday: 5:30 am and 6:15 pm
• Saturday: 5:30 am and 6:00 pm.
• Sunday: 5:00, 7:00, and 9:00 am; noon; 4:00 and 6:00 pm.

Open: 5 am to 12:00 noon, 2 pm to 7:30 pm.

Statue of Mary in front of the Saint Joseph Cathedral

Source: vietnamtravelinformation