Cha Tam Church Attractions & Landmark
Coups and Catholics
Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam
+84 (0)8 829 8914 (Tourist Information)
+84 (0)8 822 4987 (Tourist Information)Overview
Built at the beginning of the last century, Cha Tam Church has a pleasing pastel yellow and white paint job and a peculiar statue in the tower. More interestingly it was here, one night in November 1963, that hated President Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother sought sanctuary from a coup. They were finally rescued by troops in a personnel carrier. The same troops went on to stab and kill them on their way back into the center of Saigon. The church is worth a short stop on the way to Cholon Market.
Many people (including Vietnamese friends) told me not to bother to go to Cho Lon, so I did anyway. I ended up in the church school yard just in time for Mass. Desperate to find a ladie's room afterwords, and wandering toward the preschool, I had the exceptional experience of sinking into the toilet and then bumping my head on the way out. I had 1 hour to give an English lesson, and then returned the next day for one more humiliating bathroom experience and English "hellos.' Historically, this church is important in modern Vietnam. There is a lot of reading to do about the negihborhood and the history of the Church - too much to be repeated here. It is close to the market and in the middle of the market streets and there is a lot to see and do nearby. If you are interested in the history of the American War, or if you want to attend a church service, I recommend it. It's always an adventure! Sincerely, Laura Callahan Massachusetts and Sydney
