Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Steffen Schmitz

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is one of the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, standing proudly in District 1 with its twin spires, red brick façade, and elegant French-colonial design. Completed in 1880 and designed by French architect Jules Bourard, the cathedral is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City, symbolising the city's colonial history and vibrant cultural identity. This spot is one of the must-see places in Ho Chi Minh City for anyone interested in architecture, history, or photography.

Inside, the cathedral offers a peaceful retreat from the buzzing streets beyond. Its soaring nave, intricate stained glass, carved altars, and quiet corners of prayer highlight its spiritual significance for the local Catholic community. Outside, the beloved Virgin Mary statue and the lively square surrounding it have become favourite gathering spots for both visitors and residents.

History and Significance of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Things to See and Do in Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
How to Get to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Practical Tips on Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Where to Stay close to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Add a Is Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Nearby Attractions to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

History and Significance of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Notre-Dame Cathedral was constructed between 1877 and 1880 during French colonial rule, with all materials-including bricks, tiles, and stained glass-imported directly from France. The structure is a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture blended with Romanesque influences, making it one of the most impressive colonial-era buildings in Vietnam.

In 1959, the cathedral was consecrated as a basilica following the installation of the statue of the Virgin Mary Regina Pacis. Over decades, it has served as a spiritual and cultural centre for Saigon’s Catholic community, hosting major religious ceremonies and gatherings.

Renovation works in recent years have focused on preserving its historic brickwork, restoring stained glass, and revitalising the surrounding square, ensuring the cathedral remains a cherished landmark for generations to come.

Things to See and Do in Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Visitors can admire the cathedral’s exterior from the square, photographing the striking red brick façade and twin bell towers that rise 58 metres above the city. The statue of the Virgin Mary in front of the cathedral is a popular photo spot and sometimes associated with local legends.

Inside, the high vaulted ceilings, imported stained glass, wooden pews, and serene altar create a peaceful atmosphere. While parts of the interior may be closed during ongoing restoration, visitors can often still appreciate the building’s beauty from designated viewing areas.

The cathedral is located next to some of Saigon's key landmarks, making it easy to combine with nearby attractions like the Central Post Office and Dong Khoi Street.

How to Get to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Most travellers arrive in Ho Chi Minh City via Tan Son Nhat International Airport before heading to District 1. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) on Booking.com.

The cathedral is accessible by bus, taxi, and rideshare. Travellers arriving by rail at Saigon Railway Station can continue by taxi or bus to the city centre. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travelling by car or taxi is convenient, with parking available in nearby streets. The cathedral’s central location makes it easy to include in broader city itineraries.

Practical Tips on Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Suggested tips: Visit early in the morning for soft light and fewer crowds.
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon to admire the façade and square.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: Limited due to renovations; typically open during Mass.
Official website: Not available
How long to spend: 20-45 minutes.
Accessibility: Exterior fully accessible; interior access varies with restoration work.
Facilities: Cafés, shops, and rest areas nearby.
Photography tip: Capture the cathedral from across the square for the best angle of the twin spires.
Guided tours: Often included in city sightseeing tours.
Nearby food options: Numerous cafés and restaurants line the neighbouring streets.

Where to Stay close to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Stay in District 1 for easy access to the cathedral and surrounding attractions. A refined choice is Hotel Continental Saigon, a historic hotel just a short stroll away. Another excellent option is InterContinental Saigon, ideal for travellers seeking comfort near the city’s major landmarks.

Add a Is Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon Worth Visiting?

Yes, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is absolutely worth visiting. Its architectural beauty, historical importance, and central location make it one of Ho Chi Minh City's defining landmarks. Whether for photography, spirituality, or history, the cathedral offers a memorable experience.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (27,049)

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, located on Công trường Công xã Paris in District 1, is a Romanesque Catholic cathedral noted for its French brick construction and twin bell towers rising about 58 m; recent visitors report it was under renovation with scaffolding and green nets but looks striking at night when outline lighting and festive decorations hide the work, creating a beautiful, photo-friendly ambience—expect crowds, especially evenings, weekends and holidays, and you can catch a top-down view of the lit façade from the top floor viewing area at nearby Diamond Plaza.

Yuri

a week ago

"Although it was still under renovation as of December 2025, the cathedral looks really striking at night with its outline lighting illuminating theentire structure. You can get a top-down view by heading to Diamond Plaza and taking the escalator or elevator up to the top floor, where there’s an open viewing area. Just a heads-up that it does get pretty crowded with people taking photos, so you’ll have to find a spot and work with it lol...."

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Long Trinh

2 weeks ago

"It was under construction/maintenance so I guess you can not get inside to see the cathedral. This time is about Christmas so they decorated it withfull of lights. At night, it is so so beautiful and flashy. I was really enjoyed this astonishing view. However, it was crowded when lots of ppl poured there to get a good angle for their photo. However it was a wonderful experience for me during Christmas time..."

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Alex Goh

3 weeks ago

"Some renovation works going on so it's not that worth it to visit in the day for now (Dec 2025). The night view is vastly different as they put uplights to hide the scaffolding, providing a really nice ambience in time for X'mas!..."

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FAQs for Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Access varies, but the exterior and square are always accessible.

Yes, regular Mass is still conducted for the local Catholic community.

Photography rules depend on current restoration guidelines.

Nearby Attractions to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Central Post Office: A beautifully preserved French-colonial post office next to the cathedral.
Book Street (Nguyen Van Binh): A charming pedestrian street lined with bookshops and cafés.
Independence Palace: A historic landmark central to Vietnam's modern history.
Saigon Opera House: A stunning French-colonial theatre nearby.
Diamond Plaza: A shopping and entertainment complex just steps away.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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