Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
A jewel of Gothic architecture in the very heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City
Church
Landmark
The Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is a historic symbol of the city, built by French colonists in the late 19th century. Despite adapting the Gothic style to the hot tropical climate, the cathedral strikes with its grandeur, pink brick facade, and sky-aspiring towers.
- Duration
1 hour
- Average budget
Free
- Admission
Free
- Best months
Oct – Apr
- Spoken languages
Viet, Eng.
What you need to know
The cathedral was erected between 1877 and 1883 to a design by the architect J. Bourard. In 1959, the Vatican granted it the status of a minor basilica. The 60.5-meter-tall building is made of pink brick brought from France.
As of 2026, the cathedral is in the final stages of restoration, which includes updating the towers and installing new massive gilded crosses. Although the main entrance is primarily open for Sunday services, tourists can admire the building's architecture from the outside and use the side entrance to visit. Surrounding the cathedral is the bustling Công Xã Paris Square, adjacent to the city's main attractions.
Dry season with comfortable temperatures. Fewer tourists on weekdays.
On-site
- Getting there
Taxi, Grab, or bus
- Opening hours
08:00–11:00, 14:00–16:00
- Dress code
Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered)
- Cash
Recommended for nearby purchases
- Connectivity
4G, Wi-Fi in nearby cafes
- With kids
Ok