Bangkok: Saint Francis Xavier Church, A Vietnamese Heritage Site
Saint Francis Xavier Church is one of the oldest Catholic landmarks in Bangkok. Located in the Dusit district, it reflects the long-standing presence of the Vietnamese community in the Thai capital.
Catholic Places of Worship in Bangkok
Catholic churches are few in Thailand. Despite the predominance of Buddhism, several Christian communities have established modest yet essential religious buildings. Saint Francis Xavier Church belongs to this group, alongside Kalawar Church and Assumption Cathedral.
More discreet than these imposing structures, it shares a similar history with Santa Cruz Cathedral.
A Vietnamese Catholic Church in Bangkok
Simple in design and modest in scale, the church remains a central place of worship for Bangkok’s Vietnamese Catholic community, which is still sizeable today.
Santa Cruz reflects Portuguese heritage; Saint Francis Xavier reflects Vietnamese identity.
A History Beginning in 1835
The church was founded in 1835 on land granted by King Rama III, intended for the 1,350 Vietnamese Catholics living in Bangkok. The first structure was made of bamboo, replaced by stone three years later. Despite these improvements, the building remained modest for several decades.
In 1863, donations and patronage allowed the construction of a larger church. By 1867, the new building was completed.
Two notable features remain today:
- its name is still written in French, echoing a colonial legacy,
- its decorative statues give the exterior a distinctive kitsch appearance.
A Church and a Community Space
Next to the church stands a Catholic cemetery, while surrounding buildings form a school complex welcoming several hundred students. At the end of the school day, the area becomes lively with families, children, laughter and movement.
Practical Information – Saint Francis Xavier Church
- Address: 133/11 Soi Samsen 11, Wachira Phayaban, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300
- Access: Take the boat to Thewes Pier (N15), then taxi, motorbike taxi or a 20-minute walk
Religious Coexistence
Behind the church’s history lies a discreet reality: the coexistence of a Buddhist-majority society with a Christian minority. The Vietnamese community arrived in Bangkok in waves, often linked to regional conflicts and migration. Their modest but active church settled naturally into a landscape shaped by temples, schools and Thai households.
Coexistence here is not built on confrontation. It emerges from mutual adaptation and from the long-standing acceptance of minority faiths. Christian practices — Portuguese, French or Vietnamese — blend with Buddhist rituals without challenging them. The church becomes a visible sign of an old cultural mix where communities keep their traditions while sharing the same urban space.
FAQ: Saint Francis Xavier Church
Is Saint Francis Xavier Church open to visitors?
Yes, the church is generally open during the day, although hours may vary depending on parish activities.
Is there a Vietnamese-language Mass?
Yes, Vietnamese Masses are held according to the parish schedule.
Can visitors access the school and cemetery?
The cemetery is accessible, but the school is reserved for students and staff.
Is the church easy to reach?
Yes. It is near the Chao Phraya River. Arriving by boat and then taking a taxi is the most convenient option.
Information about the Christian presence in Bangkok
