Many visitors come to see Tan Dinh Church for its iconic pink color. But this pink church in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, holds more than just photo appeal. Behind its cheerful façade is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Vietnam, with over 150 years of history, culture, and quiet faith.
In this gentle guide, let us walk you through what makes Tan Dinh Church so special and how to truly feel its heart, just like a local would.
What makes Tan Dinh Church unique
Tan Dinh Church may be one of the most unique places to take photos in Ho Chi Minh City, but it is also one of the few pink Catholic churches still active in Asia. What makes it truly stand out is not just its color but the role it has quietly played in the life of the community.
Built in the late 1800s, the pink church in Ho Chi Minh City became more than a place of worship. It opened one of the first Catholic-run schools and orphanages in the city, offering education and shelter to children who needed it most. Today, many Saigoneers still pass by with a soft memory or a silent nod to its enduring presence.
And if you spend just a little longer here, you’ll start to feel why.
Why is Tan Dinh Church pink?
Many visitors are surprised by the bright color of Tan Dinh Church. This iconic pink church in Saigon wasn’t always this way. When it was first built, the church had a more neutral color.
In 1957, during a restoration project, the building was repainted in pink. The color was chosen to reflect joy, warmth, and the spirit of the local Catholic community. Over time, this bold pink shade turned the church into one of the most famous photo spots in Ho Chi Minh City.
Today, the pink façade is one of the main reasons tourists search for Tan Dinh Church when planning where to take pictures in Saigon. But behind the color is a deeper story of faith and community.
The history of Tan Dinh Church
Tan Dinh Church in Ho Chi Minh City has over 150 years of Catholic heritage and community care. Built in the French colonial era, it has remained one of the oldest active Catholic churches in Vietnam.
Origins story
Tan Dinh Church was built during the French colonial period and officially opened in 1876. It was founded by Father Donatien Éveillard, a French priest who cared deeply for the people of Saigon. He did more than build a place of worship. Right beside the church, he also helped open one of the city’s first Catholic-run orphanages and schools. These were operated by the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres and supported hundreds of local children.
By the 1880s, the church had become a center of both spiritual life and social support. When Father Éveillard passed away in 1883, he chose to be buried inside the church, near the altar of Our Lady. That small decision shows just how close his heart remained to this community.
Transformation through time
In the late 1920s, Father Jean-Baptiste Nguyễn Bá Tòng, the first Vietnamese bishop of Indochina, led major restorations. He helped preserve the original Romanesque-Gothic design while making sure the structure stayed strong for the future.
Then in 1957, the church received its most recognizable update: the joyful pink color that would later become its signature. If you want to know why pink was chosen, scroll up to the color story above.
As the years passed, the pink church’s school grew and eventually merged with the nearby Hai Ba Trung High School, continuing its quiet role in education and community life.
A look at Tan Dinh Church’s architecture
Tan Dinh Church stands out for more than its pink color. Its architecture is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, making it one of the most unique churches in Ho Chi Minh City.
Exterior
The first thing you’ll notice is the main bell tower reaching up to 52.6 meters. At the top sits a bronze cross, while inside, five heavy bells rest in silence until they ring out during mass. On each side, smaller towers are decorated with floral motifs, fish-scale tiles, and colorful stained-glass windows.
The pink façade is trimmed in white, with arched windows and detailed carvings that give the church a fairy-tale look. Many visitors compare it to something from a storybook, especially in the morning light. For great photos, cross the street or sit at a nearby café for a wider view.
Interior
Step inside, and the mood shifts into something calm and sacred. The high ceiling, pointed arches, and symmetrical layout create a space that feels open yet intimate. Two rows of stone columns line the main aisle, each crowned with statues of saints that have quietly stood there for generations.
The side altars are carved from Italian marble, detailed with religious artwork that reflects deep-rooted Catholic traditions. If you take a moment to look up, you’ll notice the soft lighting dancing across the ceiling. It’s a detail many miss, but it adds a gentle magic to the space.
How to plan your visit to Tan Dinh Church
A little planning can make your visit to Tan Dinh Church smoother and more meaningful. Whether you’re coming for photos, mass, or cultural discovery, here’s what you need to know.
Mass times and visiting hours at Tan Dinh Church (2025 Update)
Wondering what time is mass at the pink church in Ho Chi Minh City? Whether you’re attending a service or simply want to admire its peaceful beauty, here’s what you need to know.
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Weekday Masses: 5:00 AM, 6:15 AM, 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM
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Sunday Masses: 5:00 AM, 6:15 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM
All services are held in Vietnamese, but visitors are welcome to observe quietly. If you’re looking for an English mass, it’s not currently offered here, but nearby churches like Notre Dame Cathedral sometimes have them.
To confirm the latest times, you can visit Tan Dinh Church’s official page.
Can you go inside the pink church?
Yes, visitors can enter the pink church during non-mass hours: 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Please remember to dress modestly, keep your voice low, and avoid taking photos during mass to respect the sacred space.
How to get there
Tan Dinh Church is located at 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3. It is about 10 minutes by car from Ben Thanh Market or the Independence Palace.
The easiest ways to get there:
- Ride-hailing apps: Use apps like Grab, Be, or Xanh SM to book a car or motorbike. These work like Uber and are easy to use with English-friendly interfaces.
- Walking: If you are staying in District 1 or District 3, you can walk to the church in about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Cycling tour: Many visitors also stop at the pink church as part of Tour De Saigon, a guided cycling tour that includes many of the city’s cultural landmarks. It is a relaxing way to explore Ho Chi Minh City with local stories along the way.
How to make your visit to Tan Dinh Church more meaningful
Visit during Catholic holidays
Tan Dinh Church becomes especially magical during Catholic holidays. If you are lucky to visit during Christmas in Vietnam, you might catch the pink church glowing with lights, nativity scenes, and music echoing through the courtyard. It is a time when the space feels warmer, livelier, and deeply connected to the community around it.
Even on quieter occasions like Thanksgiving-themed charity services, Tan Dinh Church quietly opens its doors to those in need, offering a glimpse into the kindness that still lives in this neighborhood.
Bring home a meaningful souvenir
Beyond snapshots, one way to carry a piece of the pink church with you is through a thoughtful souvenir. The Tan Dinh Church model kit is a charming option that reflects the character of the place in a creative, hands-on way. It’s something you’ll likely only find with a little help from locals, or perhaps your guide on a cycling city tour.
If you’re looking for other special gifts with cultural value, our guide to souvenirs to buy in Saigon offers plenty of ideas for thoughtful keepsakes that reflect the spirit of the city.
Things to do near Tan Dinh Church
Tan Dinh Church sits in a lively part of District 3, making it a great starting point to explore more of Ho Chi Minh City’s local attractions. Just a short walk or ride away, you’ll find markets, historic landmarks, and relaxing cafés that locals love.
Tan Dinh Market
Just a few steps from the pink church, Tan Dinh Market is filled with local colors, scents, and sounds. You can try dishes like bún bò, pick up some tropical fruits, or simply watch how locals shop for daily life. It is a great way to experience a real, unfiltered part of Saigon.
Independence Palace
Around 10 minutes away by car, Independence Palace once served as the presidential home of South Vietnam. It’s also one of the top historical places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. Today, it welcomes visitors who want to learn more about the country’s modern history. Walking through its quiet halls and war-era rooms gives a different view of the city’s past.
Nguyen Van Binh Book Street
If you’re looking for a quieter place to pause, this tree-lined street filled with bookshops and cafés is a gentle retreat. Grab a Vietnamese coffee, browse through shelves of travel books or art prints, and enjoy a few peaceful minutes before continuing your day.
Cafés with Tan Dinh Church view
Or take a short walk and explore some hidden alleyways in Ho Chi Minh, you might just stumble upon a lovely local café with a pink church view. Here are a few places locals enjoy:
- Cộng Cà Phê /gong ka fe/ – 274 Hai Ba Trung /hi bah trung/, District 1
- TaDin Cafe – 36 Trần Quốc Toản /chun quok to-an/, District 3
- Tiệm Lưu /tee-em loo/ – Floor 6A, 39 Dinh Cong Trang /ding kong chang/, District 1
Looking for more hidden gems in the city? Check out our guide to things to do in District 1.
Explore more than Tan Dinh Church with Jackfruit Adventure
Tan Dinh Church gives you a glimpse into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. But just beyond its pink walls, there is a whole world of stories waiting to be discovered.
Just like Cha Tam Church, known for its mix of Gothic and Chinese styles in Cho Lon, or Giac Lam Pagoda, with over 300 years of quiet presence, Saigon is home to many sacred spaces that speak to different parts of its soul. Each stop tells a new story if you’re willing to slow down and listen.
That’s what Jackfruit Adventure is here for. Our cycling tours are designed to guide you through local neighborhoods, hidden alleys, and places full of life. You might find yourself pedaling past the flower market at Ho Thi Ky, pausing for street food along Hai Ba Trung, or stopping to admire the calm beauty of Le Van Duyet Temple.
Tan Dinh Church is just one chapter. The full story of Saigon unfolds best on two wheels, with someone who calls it home riding beside you.
Want to explore Saigon like a local?
Find the Jackfruit cycling experience that feels right for your journey.
