Standing gracefully in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Notre Dame Cathedral – also known as Saigon Cathedral or Cathédrale Saigon – is more than just a religious site. It’s a living monument to French architecture and spiritual serenity amidst the city’s bustling tempo. This cathedral is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves and plans to travel to Ho Chi Minh City. Let’s dive in!
1. Introduction to Notre-Dame Cathedral
1.1. Location
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is located at No. 1 Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. Surrounded by leafy boulevards and historic buildings, it’s right across from the Saigon Central Post Office and just a short walk from other major city attractions. Its prime location makes it a central stop for most city tours.
Red-brick majesty in the heart of Saigon’s quarter – the Notre-Dame Cathedral commands attention from every angle.
1.2. Historical Background
Built between 1877 and 1880, Notre-Dame Cathedral was intended as a symbol of France’s presence in Indochina. Designed by architect Jules Bourard, the cathedral was constructed entirely from imported French materials. Its first cornerstone was laid on October 7, 1877, and after three years of meticulous craftsmanship, the cathedral was inaugurated in 1880. It has remained one of the most iconic landmarks in Vietnam ever since, and is often featured on lists of top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
2. Architectural Highlights of Notre-Dame Cathedral
2.1. Building Materials
One of the most striking features of the Saigon Cathedral is its facade, built with red bricks imported from Marseille, France. Despite more than a century of exposure to tropical heat and monsoons, the bricks have retained their natural color, a testament to their superior quality. All interior materials – tiles, glass windows, steel frames – were also shipped from Europe.
Imported red bricks from France give the cathedral its unmistakable, enduring glow.
2.2. Unique Design
The cathedral’s design follows a neo-Romanesque style, featuring arched windows, stained-glass artwork, and a symmetrical nave layout. Inside, the high ceilings and classic pillars create a peaceful, almost heavenly ambiance that invites quiet reflection and awe. Its cruciform shape reflects European religious architecture, fused with local symbolism.
2.3. Iconic Bell Towers
The cathedral’s two bell towers rise 58 meters high and house six bronze bells, each with a different pitch. Their combined chime once echoed across the city. Today, while the bells are rarely rung, the towers remain a defining feature of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, dominating the skyline and framing the city’s core.
Twin bell towers pierce the Saigon sky – a timeless symbol of faith and history.
2.4. Front Courtyard
In front of the cathedral stands a serene statue of the Virgin Mary, titled “Regina Pacis” (Queen of Peace), which was installed in 1959. This small courtyard becomes a gathering spot for both local devotees and curious tourists, making it a tranquil pause in the rush of city life.
3. Visiting Tips for Notre-Dame Cathedral
3.1. Opening Hours
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is typically open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Sunday. However, it’s important to note that access to the interior may be limited due to ongoing restoration work. Mass services are still held regularly, especially on weekends, and tourists are welcome to attend respectfully.
Early morning light casts a golden hue over the cathedral – the perfect hour for quiet reflection.
3.2. How to Get to Notre-Dame Cathedral
The cathedral is conveniently located in District 1, accessible by taxi, Grab (ride-hailing app), or even by foot from nearby hotels. For a more immersive experience, join a city walking tour or hop on a cyclo for a nostalgic ride through Saigon. Most city tours offered by HoaBinh Tourist include this stop as part of a curated cultural itinerary.
Stroll or cycle through Saigon’s historic heart to reach the red-brick beauty of Notre-Dame.
3.3. Entrance Fee
Good news for travelers – visiting Saigon Cathedral is completely free of charge. While there’s no entrance fee, donations for preservation are welcome. If you’d like a more in-depth experience, consider booking a city tour with a local English-speaking guide who can share insights into the site’s religious and architectural significance.
History and heritage at zero cost – a priceless moment in the heart of the city.
3.4. Nearby Attractions
Located in the cultural and historical core of Saigon, the cathedral is surrounded by must-see sites. Just across the street is the Central Post Office, another striking symbol of 19th-century European architecture. Within walking distance, you’ll find the Saigon Opera House, Independence Palace, and Book Street – a literary haven for book lovers. These attractions make it easy to spend a half-day soaking up the rich ambiance of District 1.
From Gothic towers to literary lanes – Notre-Dame’s neighbors are just as charming.
> Read more: 20 Top Best Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting
4. From Faith to Fascination – Discover Saigon’s Soul with HoaBinh Tourist
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is more than just an architectural icon – it’s a timeless symbol of the city’s past and spiritual present. Whether you’re marveling at its French Romanesque facade or soaking in the tranquility of its red-brick courtyard, the cathedral offers a rare moment of peace in the heart of bustling Saigon.
A timeless symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, Notre-Dame Cathedral offers a serene escape amid the city’s vibrant pulse.
To explore this landmark and more, let HoaBinh Tourist be your guide to the city’s rich cultural tapestry. We offer both Half-Day Ho Chi Minh Tour and Full-Day Ho Chi Minh City Tour, each thoughtfully designed to include a visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office, and other essential stops like the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Ben Thanh Market.
As a proud participant in the national tourism campaign “Vietnam: Timeless Journey – Endless Love”, HoaBinh Tourist invites international travelers – especially from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, who enjoy visa-free access in 2025 – to experience the warmth, charm, and soul of Vietnam.
And for your comfort and convenience, every HoaBinh Tourist package includes:
- Private car or limousine transfer (from 7 to 45 seats)
- Quick, flexible flight booking with competitive pricing
- 5-star accommodations and curated experiences tailored to your style
Let your Saigon journey begin with HoaBinh Tourist. Contact us at 0939.311.911 or visit hoabinhtourist.com to reserve your seamless travel experience today.
From sacred spaces to city streets – uncover the spirit of Saigon with every step.
