INDCHINE CHIC · NHA TRANG & CENTRAL HIGHLANDS GUIDE
Indochine Chic Buildings in Nha Trang & Central Highlands
Full List of Colonial Masterpieces
From the coastal cathedral of Nha Trang to the highland wooden churches of Kontum, Pleiku, and Buon Ma Thuot — the complete guide to Vietnam’s southern Indochine architecture.
Coastal and highland Indochine heritage — from Nha Trang’s Gothic cathedral to Kontum’s wooden church.
From the coastal resort town of Nha Trang to the misty highlands of Kontum, Pleiku, and Buon Ma Thuot — the French left their architectural mark across southern Vietnam. The region’s churches are particularly remarkable: some built of brick, some of wood, all a unique fusion of European Gothic and local highland traditions.
Nha Trang & Central Highlands Architectural Heritage
Nha Trang was a coastal resort town during the French colonial period, known for its beaches and as a base for exploring the Central Highlands. The French built churches, railway stations, and villas that survive today. The Central Highlands — including Pleiku (the “capital of the highlands”), Buon Ma Thuot (famous for coffee), and Kontum — were mission territories where French priests built remarkable churches blending European Gothic with indigenous stilt-house architecture.
📜 Note: The Central Highlands churches are among Vietnam’s most unique architectural treasures — using locally sourced wood (ironwood), indigenous construction techniques, and European Gothic forms. They are worth the journey.
Nha Trang (Coastal Resort)
Nha Trang
Nha Trang Cathedral (Christ the King Cathedral)
(Nhà thờ Chính tòa Nha Trang / Nhà thờ Núi)
1928-1933 · Gothic Revival
Known as “Mountain Church” (Nhà thờ Núi) because it sits on a hill overlooking the city. Stunning stained glass windows and a 38-meter bell tower.
Why It Is Chic: This cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture in Asia. The pinkish-brown brick exterior, pointed arches, and 38-meter bell tower dominate the Nha Trang skyline. The interior features stunning stained glass windows depicting saints and Vietnamese scenes — a fusion of European Gothic and local artistry. The cathedral sits on a hill, offering panoramic views of Nha Trang Bay. The building’s weathered stone has turned a beautiful patina over nearly a century.
Insider Tip: The best time for photography is early morning (7-8 AM) when the sun illuminates the facade. The view from the cathedral steps over the city is spectacular at sunset. The cathedral is active — mass times are 5 AM, 6 AM, and 5 PM. Dress modestly. Free entry.
Address: 1 Thái Nguyên Street, Nha Trang
Nha Trang
Nha Trang Railway Station
(Ga Nha Trang)
1930s · French Colonial
Train station on the Reunification Express line. Yellow facade with arched windows and a central clock tower.
Why It Is Chic: The station’s yellow facade, arched windows, and clock tower are classic French colonial railway architecture. Smaller than its counterparts in Hanoi and Da Nang, it has a charming, intimate scale. The station has connected Nha Trang to the rest of Vietnam for nearly a century.
Insider Tip: Even if not taking a train, the waiting room is worth seeing for its original terrazzo floors and iron columns. The clock tower is best photographed in the morning.
Address: 17 Thái Nguyên Street, Nha Trang
Nha Trang
Pasteur Institute of Nha Trang
(Viện Pasteur Nha Trang)
1895 · French Colonial
Founded by Alexandre Yersin in 1895. The oldest Pasteur Institute in Vietnam after Saigon. Preserved colonial buildings and a small museum dedicated to Yersin.
Why It Is Chic: This is where Yersin lived and worked for over 40 years. The institute’s yellow colonial buildings, with their high ceilings and wide verandas, are beautifully preserved. The museum contains Yersin’s personal belongings, laboratory equipment, and photographs. The grounds are planted with trees and flowers collected by Yersin. This is a pilgrimage site for anyone interested in Vietnamese history and science.
Insider Tip: The museum is open Monday-Friday, 8-11 AM and 2-4 PM (entry approximately $2). The garden behind the main building is lovely. Yersin’s grave is located on a nearby hill — worth the short hike.
Address: 10 Trần Phú Street, Nha Trang
Nha Trang
Long Son Pagoda (Chùa Long Sơn)
(Chùa Long Sơn)
1930s · Indochine Blend
A Buddhist pagoda with a giant white seated Buddha statue (24 meters). French colonial influence visible in the arched windows and tile floors.
Why It Is Chic: The pagoda’s main hall features arched windows and terrazzo floors — French colonial elements adapted to a Buddhist temple. The white Buddha statue at the top of the hill (150 steps) is visible from across the city. The views of Nha Trang Bay are spectacular.
Insider Tip: Free entry. Climb the 150 steps to the Buddha statue for panoramic views — best at sunset (5-6 PM). The pagoda is active — dress modestly.
Address: 22 Đường 23 Tháng 10, Nha Trang
Nha Trang
Former French Governor’s Residence (Khanh Hoa Provincial Museum)
(Bảo tàng Khánh Hòa / Dinh Thống đốc cũ)
1930s · French Colonial
Elegant yellow colonial villa that served as the residence of the French governor of Khanh Hoa province. Now a provincial museum.
Why It Is Chic: The villa’s yellow facade, green shutters, and manicured gardens are classic French colonial domestic architecture. The building’s grand staircase, terrazzo floors, and original fireplaces are well preserved. The museum’s collection includes artifacts from the French colonial period and Cham culture.
Insider Tip: Entry is approximately $1. The museum is small but charming. The garden behind the building is a quiet spot. Best visited in the morning.
Address: 16 Trần Phú Street, Nha Trang
Pleiku (Gia Lai Province) — Capital of the Highlands
Pleiku
Pleiku Cathedral (Immaculate Conception Cathedral)
(Nhà thờ Chính tòa Pleiku / Nhà thờ Vị Xuyên)
1957 · Gothic Revival
A striking brick cathedral with twin spires rising 47 meters. One of the largest churches in the Central Highlands.
Why It Is Chic: The cathedral’s twin spires dominate the Pleiku skyline. The red brick exterior, pointed arches, and rose window are classic Gothic Revival. The interior’s vaulted ceiling and stained glass create a cool, contemplative space. The cathedral was built as the French were leaving Vietnam but retains a distinctly European character.
Insider Tip: The best time for photography is morning (8-9 AM). The cathedral is active — mass times are 5 AM and 5 PM. Free entry.
Address: 10 Nguyễn Du Street, Pleiku, Gia Lai Province
Pleiku
Former French Administrative Building (Gia Lai Provincial Museum)
(Bảo tàng Gia Lai / Tòa công sứ Pháp cũ)
1920s · French Colonial
Yellow colonial building that served as the French administrative headquarters in Pleiku. Now the Gia Lai Provincial Museum.
Why It Is Chic: The building’s yellow facade, green shutters, and arched windows are classic French colonial civic architecture. The building has witnessed the history of the Central Highlands — from French rule to the American War. The museum’s collection includes artifacts from the region’s indigenous Jarai and Bahnar peoples.
Insider Tip: Entry is approximately $1. The building is best photographed in the morning light. The museum’s garden is a quiet spot.
Address: 1 Nguyễn Du Street, Pleiku, Gia Lai Province
Pleiku
French Colonial Villas (Đống Đa – Nguyễn Du Area)
(Biệt thự Pháp cổ Pleiku)
1920s-1940s · French Colonial
Several surviving French colonial villas in the city center, many now serving as government offices.
Why It Is Chic: These villas — with their yellow walls, red tile roofs, and pine-shaded gardens — are a reminder of Pleiku’s past as a French hill station. The architecture is adapted to the highland climate with steep roofs and large windows.
Insider Tip: The best area to see these villas is around Đống Đa Street and Nguyễn Du Street. Most are not open to the public, but the exteriors are lovely.
Address: Đống Đa Street and Nguyễn Du Street, Pleiku
Kontum — Mission Churches & Wooden Masterpieces
Kontum
Kontum Wooden Church (St. Matthew’s Church)
(Nhà thờ Gỗ Kontum / Nhà thờ gỗ Kon Tum)
1913 · Romanesque / Stilt house
A unique wooden church blending Romanesque architecture with traditional Bahnar stilt house construction. Built entirely of wood without a single nail.
Why It Is Chic: This is one of the most remarkable buildings in Vietnam — a masterpiece of architectural fusion. The structure is Romanesque in form (rounded arches, thick walls, small windows) but built entirely of locally sourced ironwood using traditional Bahnar stilt-house joinery techniques. There are no nails in the entire building — the wood is carved and fitted together like a puzzle. The interior’s wooden ceiling and simple altar create a serene, spiritual atmosphere. The building has survived over a century of typhoons, wars, and termites.
Insider Tip: The best time for photography is morning (8-10 AM) when light streams through the small windows. The wooden grain is most visible in soft light. The church is active — attend mass for a unique experience. Free entry. The nearby seminary buildings (French colonial) are also beautiful.
Address: Nguyễn Huệ Street (near the Kontum River), Kontum City
Kontum
Kontum Seminary (Petit Séminaire de Kontum)
(Tiểu chủng viện Kontum / Trường Dòng cũ)
1920s-1930s · French Colonial
A beautiful complex of French colonial buildings set among pine trees, adjacent to the Wooden Church. Built by French missionaries for priest training.
Why It Is Chic: The seminary’s yellow colonial buildings, with their arched windows, red tile roofs, and shaded courtyards, are beautifully preserved. The complex includes a chapel, classrooms, and dormitories. The buildings are set among pine trees, creating a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere. The seminary continues to train priests for the Central Highlands.
Insider Tip: The grounds are open to the public during the day (8 AM-5 PM). The chapel is particularly beautiful. The best time is morning (8-10 AM) for soft light.
Address: Nguyễn Huệ Street (next to the Wooden Church), Kontum City
Kontum
Kontum Bishop’s House
(Tòa Giám mục Kontum)
1930s · French Colonial
Elegant French colonial villa serving as the bishop’s residence. Features a beautiful garden and veranda overlooking the river.
Why It Is Chic: The villa’s yellow facade, green shutters, and wraparound veranda are classic French colonial domestic architecture. The garden, with its mature trees and flowers, is a quiet oasis. The building has housed the bishops of Kontum since the French missionary period.
Insider Tip: The building is not open to the public, but the exterior and garden are visible from Nguyễn Huệ Street. The best view is from the riverbank.
Address: Nguyễn Huệ Street (near the Wooden Church), Kontum City
Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak Province) — Coffee Capital
Buon Ma Thuot
Buon Ma Thuot Cathedral (Sacred Heart Cathedral)
(Nhà thờ Chính tòa Buôn Ma Thuột / Nhà thờ Tim Mẹ)
1950s · Modern / Romanesque
A unique church blending Romanesque elements with modern highland architecture. Distinctive bell tower and stained glass.
Why It Is Chic: The cathedral’s design reflects the post-war period of the 1950s, with clean lines and modern materials while retaining Romanesque arches. The bell tower is visible from across the city. The interior’s stained glass windows depict scenes from the Central Highlands.
Insider Tip: The best time for photography is morning (8-9 AM). The cathedral is active — mass times are 5 AM and 5 PM. Free entry.
Address: 1 Lê Duẩn Street, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak Province
Buon Ma Thuot
Dak Lak Museum (Former French Governor’s Palace)
(Bảo tàng Đắk Lắk / Dinh Thống đốc cũ)
1920s · French Colonial
Elegant yellow colonial palace that served as the residence of the French governor of Dak Lak province. Now a museum of Central Highlands culture.
Why It Is Chic: The palace’s yellow facade, green shutters, and mansard roof are classic French colonial architecture. The building’s grand staircase, terrazzo floors, and original fireplaces are well preserved. The museum’s collection includes artifacts from the region’s indigenous Ede and M’nong peoples, as well as French colonial period pieces.
Insider Tip: Entry is approximately $1.50. The garden behind the building is lovely, with mature trees and a small pond. Best visited in the morning.
Address: 4 Lê Duẩn Street, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak Province
Buon Ma Thuot
Ban Me Thuot Prison (Nhà lao Buôn Ma Thuột)
(Nhà lao Buôn Ma Thuột)
1930s · French Colonial prison
A well-preserved French colonial prison that now serves as a museum of the revolutionary struggle. The original walls, watchtowers, and cell blocks remain.
Why It Is Chic: The prison’s imposing walls, watchtowers, and cell blocks are a powerful example of colonial institutional architecture. The prison held political prisoners during the French colonial period and later Vietnamese soldiers during the American War. The museum’s exhibits document the harsh conditions.
Insider Tip: Entry is approximately $1. The prison is sobering but historically important. Allow 1 hour. The original French gate remains.
Address: 25 Nguyễn Chí Thanh Street, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak Province
Buon Ma Thuot
French Colonial Villas (Lê Duẩn – Phan Chu Trinh Area)
(Biệt thự Pháp cổ Buôn Ma Thuột)
1920s-1940s · French Colonial
Several surviving French colonial villas along Lê Duẩn Street, now serving as government offices and private residences.
Why It Is Chic: These yellow villas with green shutters, red tile roofs, and pine-shaded gardens are a reminder of Buon Ma Thuot’s past as a French administrative center. The architecture is adapted to the highland climate with steep roofs and wide verandas.
Insider Tip: The best area to see these villas is along Lê Duẩn Street between Phan Chu Trinh and Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai. Most are not open to the public, but the exteriors are lovely.
Address: Lê Duẩn Street, Buon Ma Thuot
More Central Highlands Masterpieces
Kontum
French Colonial Quarter (Kontum City Center)
(Khu phố Pháp cổ Kontum)
1910s-1930s · French Colonial
A collection of French colonial buildings around the central market and along Nguyễn Huệ Street, including the old post office, the market, and several villas.
Why It Is Chic: Kontum’s small French quarter is remarkably intact — yellow facades, green shutters, and red tile roofs line the streets around the central market. The old post office (now a government office) is particularly beautiful. The architecture is adapted to the highland climate with steep roofs and large windows.
Insider Tip: The best way to see the French quarter is to walk along Nguyễn Huệ Street from the Wooden Church to the market. The area is best explored in the morning (8-10 AM) for soft light.
Address: Nguyễn Huệ Street, Kontum City
Pleiku
Pleiku French Cemetery (Nghĩa trang Pháp cũ)
(Nghĩa trang Pháp cũ)
1920s-1950s · French Colonial
A small but atmospheric French colonial cemetery with ornate gravestones and a central cross. The graves date from the 1920s to the 1950s.
Why It Is Chic: The cemetery is a quiet, poignant reminder of the French presence in the Central Highlands. The ornate gravestones — many in French — tell the stories of colonists, missionaries, and soldiers who died far from home. The setting, on a hill overlooking the city, is peaceful and beautiful.
Insider Tip: The cemetery is not well signposted. Ask locals for directions. Best visited in the morning (8-10 AM) for soft light. The graves are well maintained by local caretakers.
Address: Hill near the center of Pleiku (ask locally), Pleiku, Gia Lai Province
Buon Ma Thuot
Eiffel Bridge (Cầu Eiffel)
(Cầu Eiffel / Cầu 14)
1920s · Industrial / Eiffel
A small steel bridge designed by the Eiffel company, crossing the Serepok River. A hidden gem for engineering enthusiasts.
Why It Is Chic: This small bridge is a little-known Eiffel structure — the same lattice steel design as the famous Long Biên Bridge in Hanoi. The bridge has served the coffee-growing region for nearly a century. It is a beautiful example of industrial architecture in a rural setting.
Insider Tip: The bridge is located about 30 km from Buon Ma Thuot city center — hire a car or motorbike. Best photographed in the late afternoon (3-4 PM) when the light is golden.
Address: Serepok River, near Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak Province (30 km from city)
Summary: Nha Trang & Central Highlands — 18 Masterpieces
Top 7 Must-See: Kontum Wooden Church | Nha Trang Cathedral | Pasteur Institute Nha Trang | Kontum Seminary | Dak Lak Museum (former governor’s palace) | Pleiku Cathedral | Buon Ma Thuot Cathedral
Suggested Itinerary (7 days):
Day 1-2: Nha Trang (Cathedral, Railway Station, Pasteur Institute, beaches)
Day 3-4: Buon Ma Thuot (Cathedral, Governor’s Palace, coffee plantations, Eiffel Bridge)
Day 5-6: Pleiku & Kontum (Pleiku Cathedral, Kontum Wooden Church, Seminary, French Quarter)
Travel Tips: The Central Highlands are best visited in the dry season (December-April). Rental cars or motorbikes are essential for reaching remote sites. The weather is cool in Pleiku and Kontum (15-22°C) — bring a jacket. The coffee in Buon Ma Thuot is the best in Vietnam — visit a plantation. The wooden church in Kontum is the #1 priority — it is unique in all of Vietnam.
Chicly yours, The Indochine Chic Team
*All information verified April 2026. Entry fees noted. Many sites are active religious buildings — dress modestly, remove shoes, and speak quietly. The Central Highlands are remote — bring cash, as ATMs are limited.*
Indochine Chic Buildings in Nha Trang & Central Highlands — Full list of 18 colonial and highland masterpieces with Why It Is Chic, Insider Tips, and Addresses. · © 2026 Indochine Chic — Journey into elegance.
Tailor-made journeys | Explore beyond borders
Custom Tour Enquiry — Indochina & Beyond
Vietnam · Laos · Cambodia · Thailand · Myanmar · Malaysia
Share your dream itinerary, and Kristal — our travel curator — will craft your private adventure.
