Hello, travel enthusiasts! Ho Chi Minh City has many attractive tourist spots, but one I particularly recommend is “Tan Dinh Church.”
This church, characterized by its vibrant pink color, is a perfect photo spot that’s guaranteed to look great on Instagram. And if you’re visiting Tan Dinh Church, taking a break at the nearby “Cộng Cafe” while capturing photos is the best experience. Today, I’ll share this wonderful travel experience with you!
About Tan Dinh Church
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Tan Dinh Church, located just north of central Ho Chi Minh City, is famous for its unique pink exterior. Built in 1876, this church is a beautiful architectural example incorporating Gothic style from the French colonial era. The pink walls and towers, along with white decorations set against the blue sky, captivate visitors.
The interior of the church is not to be missed either. The stained glass, high ceilings, and solemn altar are photogenic from any angle. However, note that the inside of the church cannot be visited on weekends, so it’s recommended to visit on weekdays. Also, Tan Dinh Church is not just a tourist spot but an important place of worship for local Catholics. When visiting, it’s important to quietly tour the chapel and respect its history and culture. The silence and solemnity felt inside the church provide a precious moment to calm your mind during a busy trip.
However, being a popular tourist spot, taking photos at Tan Dinh Church can be quite challenging. When trying to take pictures, other tourists or cars may get in the frame, making it difficult to get a good shot.
That’s why I recommend taking photos from above rather than at ground level. Since there are cafes built around Tan Dinh Church, by using a cafe’s terrace seats, you can take plenty of photos of the pink church while avoiding the crowds!
Visiting an Instagram-Worthy Cafe
This time, we visited “Cộng Cafe”. This is a popular cafe chain in Vietnam, known for its unique vintage atmosphere.
The interior of Cộng Cafe is uniformly designed with a retro style reminiscent of the Vietnam War era. Wooden furniture, old posters, and vintage items are arranged, giving a sense of nostalgia. Pleasant music flows inside the store, creating a relaxing space. Spending time in this cafe that evokes historical shadows feels like time travel.
Recommended Menu
Cộng Cafe offers a rich variety of delicious drinks and food items. What I particularly recommend is the “Coconut Coffee.” This is a perfect match of rich Vietnamese coffee and sweet coconut milk that you won’t forget once you’ve tasted it. The coffee’s aromatic flavor and the tropical sweetness of coconut spread in your mouth, relieving the fatigue of hot Ho Chi Minh City. The smoothies and juices are also made with fresh fruits, beautifully colorful, and perfect for Instagram.
For Photos, Head to the 3rd Floor Outdoor Terrace
Another attraction alongside Cộng Cafe’s photogenic interior is the 3rd-floor outdoor terrace with a panoramic view of Tan Dinh Church. From here, you can capture the beautiful full view of the church, making it a perfect Instagram spot. Since other tourists often get in the frame at ground level, this terrace is especially recommended. You can take photos of the church quietly at your own pace.
Special Moments on the Outdoor Terrace
Sitting on the 3rd-floor outdoor terrace, I was breathless at the beauty of Tan Dinh Church’s pink walls against the blue sky right in front of me. A gentle breeze blows through, making you forget the surrounding hustle and bustle, allowing you to spend relaxing time in pleasant sunshine. I was able to enjoy a special moment in this place where the cafe’s tranquility harmonizes with the church’s solemnity.
Preparation and Points to Note Before Visiting
There are several points to keep in mind before visiting Tan Dinh Church and Cộng Cafe to make your experience more enjoyable. First, when visiting the inside of the church, be considerate not to disturb those who are praying quietly. Also, since the interior of the church cannot be visited on weekends, it’s best to visit on weekdays.
Regarding the cafe, it’s often crowded as it’s a popular spot. It’s recommended to go early and secure seats, especially for the 3rd-floor outdoor terrace. When taking photos of the church, shooting from the cafe’s terrace allows you to capture wonderful photos without other tourists in the frame.
Summary
Tan Dinh Church and Cộng Cafe are must-visit spots in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking photos at the pink church and then relaxing at the retro-atmosphere cafe – both places allow you to fully experience the unique charm of Ho Chi Minh City.
The 3rd-floor outdoor terrace of Cộng Cafe is a perfect place to beautifully capture the full view of Tan Dinh Church. It’s a delight to be able to enjoy photographing the church quietly, away from the ground-level crowds.
For your next trip plan, please consider incorporating these two places. You can enjoy the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City, as well as its modern cafe culture, all at once. It’s guaranteed to be a memorable trip with great photos! In the next post, I’ll bring you even deeper charms of Ho Chi Minh City, so stay tuned!
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