Built between 1863 and 1880 using materials shipped from France, including the original red bricks from Marseille, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is the city's best-known piece of French colonial architecture. Its twin 58-meter bell towers and neo-Romanesque facade sit at the top of Dong Khoi Street facing a small plaza with a statue of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral has been undergoing an extensive multi-year restoration, and visitors should check current access before planning a visit around the interior, since scaffolding has periodically covered sections of the facade and the interior has been closed to the public for long stretches. Even when the interior is inaccessible, the exterior and surrounding square remain a popular photography stop, especially paired with the nearby Central Post Office across the street.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Exterior viewable anytime; interior currently closed for restoration (check current status on arrival) |
| Typical visit | 20-30 minutes |
| Getting there | Central District 1 location, a short walk from the Saigon Central Post Office and Nguyen Hue Walking Street |
| Address | 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City |
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Vietnam.
Location
1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
10.7798, 106.6990 View on map
Highlights
- Twin bell towers built with imported French brick and stone
- Statue of the Virgin Mary in the plaza in front of the cathedral
- Neo-Romanesque facade, one of the most photographed buildings in Vietnam
- Adjacent to the Saigon Central Post Office for a combined visit
Tips for visiting
- Check current restoration status before visiting, as the interior has been closed periodically since 2017
- Photograph the facade from across the plaza for the full twin-tower view
- Visit early morning for the best light and fewer people in front of the towers
- Combine with the Central Post Office and Nguyen Hue Walking Street, both a short walk away
When to visit
Early morning for photography and cooler temperatures
Accessibility
Exterior plaza is flat and wheelchair accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors go inside the cathedral?
The interior has been closed for restoration for extended periods in recent years; check current status locally before planning a visit around entering.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, viewing the cathedral exterior and plaza is free.