Da Nang Cathedral (Pink Church): History, Visiting Hours & Mass Times 2026

With its candy-pink facade and a rooster weathervane on top of its spire, Da Nang Cathedral is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. Locals call it Nhà Thờ Con Gà (“Rooster Church”), and visitors know it as the “Pink Church.” Officially, it’s the Sacred Heart Cathedral, and it’s still a busy, working parish. Here’s everything you need to know about its history, architecture, visiting hours, and Mass times before you go.

Da Nang Cathedral: Quick Facts

• Address: 156 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau, Da Nang (city center, a short walk from Han Market and the Han River)
• Tourist visiting hours: Monday to Saturday, roughly 8:00–11:30 AM and 1:30–4:30 PM. Generally closed to sightseeing on Sundays because of Mass.
• Entrance fee: Free. Anyone trying to sell you a ticket is running a scam.
• Visitor entrance: Outside Mass times, visitors typically use the side gate on Yen Bai Street, not the main gate on Tran Phu.
• Time needed: 20–40 minutes

History of Nhà Thờ Con Gà

Construction began in February 1923 and was completed in March 1924, when Da Nang was still known as Tourane under French rule. The project was led by French priest Father Louis Vallet, and the church was originally called Tourane Church. It was built to serve the French Catholic community, and it’s the only church in Da Nang built during the French colonial period.

When the Diocese of Da Nang was established in 1963, the church became its cathedral. Today it serves thousands of local parishioners and remains first and foremost a place of worship.

Architecture: Gothic Style in Pink

A Gothic Landmark

The cathedral follows the Gothic style of European Catholic churches, with pointed arches, tall narrow windows, and slender spires. Its bell tower rises about 70 meters, and it was once one of the tallest structures in the city. Inside, stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes cast colored light across the nave on sunny mornings.

That Famous Pink

The soft pink exterior is what makes the cathedral stand out against Da Nang’s modern skyline. It’s why the church is a favorite spot for photographers, wedding shoots, and Instagram posts.

The Rooster on Top

The nickname “Rooster Church” comes from the metal rooster weathervane on the top of the bell tower. It turns with the wind to show its direction. In Christian tradition, the rooster also recalls the story of St. Peter and is a symbol of vigilance and repentance.

The Marian Grotto

Behind the church is a Marian grotto modeled on the famous grotto at Lourdes in France. It’s a quiet place for prayer and one of the most atmospheric corners of the grounds.

Mass Times at Da Nang Cathedral

Mass is celebrated every day in Vietnamese. International visitors are welcome at any service, regardless of faith.

• Sunday: 5:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM (English Mass), 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, and 6:00 PM
• Saturday evening: 5:15 PM
• Weekdays: Early morning and late afternoon Masses

Mass times can change, especially around Christmas, Easter, and other feast days. Confirm the current schedule with the parish or your hotel before you go. The Sunday English Mass is popular with expats and tourists, so arrive early for a seat.

Tips for Visiting

• Dress respectfully: Cover your shoulders and knees. This is an active church, not just a tourist attraction.
• Go on a weekday morning: The light on the pink facade is softest in the morning, and there are fewer people.
• Don’t sightsee during Mass: Avoid taking photos or walking around inside while a service is under way.
• Get the classic photo from across the street: The best full-facade shots are from the opposite side of Tran Phu Street. Mind the traffic!
• Combine it with nearby sights: Han Market, the Han River promenade, and the Dragon Bridge are all within walking distance.

Getting There

The cathedral is right in the center of Da Nang, so it’s easy to reach by Grab (car or bike), taxi, or on foot from most central hotels. If you’re staying near My Khe Beach, it’s about a 10–15 minute ride across the river. Search “Da Nang Cathedral” or “Nhà Thờ Con Gà” in Google Maps or Grab.

Is Da Nang Cathedral Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. It only takes half an hour, it’s free, and it’s one of the most distinctive buildings in Vietnam. Come for the pink Gothic facade and the photos, stay for the peaceful grotto, and if you’re in town on a Sunday, experience the English Mass at 10:00 AM.

Have you visited the Pink Church? Share your tips in the comments below!