The red-brick neo-Romanesque cathedral, built 1863-1880 from materials shipped from France, stands in Paris Commune Square opposite the Central Post Office. Its twin towers rise about 58 metres, and a long restoration that began in 2017 has been extended toward 2027, with two new gold-plated crosses reinstalled on the towers on 19 March 2026. Visitors can photograph the exterior and the bronze statue of Our Lady of Peace in the square; the interior may still be closed to the public.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon stands at 1 Cong Xa Paris in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, at the head of Paris Commune Square directly opposite the Saigon Central Post Office. French colonial authorities built it between 1863 and 1880 in neo-Romanesque style, using red brick imported from Marseille, and its twin square towers reach roughly 58 metres, making it one of the most recognisable silhouettes in the city centre. In front of the main facade stands a white statue of the Virgin Mary known as Our Lady of Peace, which is a common meeting point and photo backdrop. The cathedral has been undergoing a long restoration since 2017, with scaffolding around the towers and the interior closed to visitors for extended periods, so most visits today consist of walking around the exterior and the square. Even so, the building rewards a short stop: the brickwork, rose window and tall arched doors can be appreciated from the plaza, and the surrounding streets hold some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in Saigon. A typical visit takes 20-30 minutes, or longer when combined with the post office, Dong Khoi shopping street and the Ho Chi Minh City Museum nearby. Early morning is the quietest and cooler time and gives the softest light for photographs, while afternoons bring tour groups and strong sun. Sunday mornings are the exception, as Catholic worshippers and wedding photographers gather in the square. Because the interior is often closed, visitors who wish to see inside should check the latest access information from the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City before going. The square is open to pedestrians, and nearby cafes provide shaded seating with views of the facade.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Exterior and square viewable at any time; the interior has been closed to visitors during a long restoration, so confirm current access with the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City |
| Typical visit | 20-30 minutes |
| Best time | Early morning for photography and cooler temperatures |
| Getting there | Walk 2 minutes from the Central Post Office, 10 minutes from Ben Thanh Market, or 5 minutes from Nguyen Hue Walking Street |
| Address | 1 Cong Xa Paris, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City |
Location
1 Cong Xa Paris, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
10.7798, 106.6990 View on map
Highlights
- Red-brick neo-Romanesque facade with twin towers about 58 metres tall
- Statue of Our Lady of Peace in Paris Commune Square
- Direct views across the square to the Saigon Central Post Office
- Neighbouring colonial streets with cafes and boutiques
Tips for visiting
- Check current interior access before going, as the cathedral has been under restoration
- Visit early in the morning for cooler weather and softer photo light
- Combine with the Central Post Office, directly across the square
- Dress modestly if the cathedral is open or a service is under way
- Watch for motorbikes when crossing the roads around the square
When to visit
Early morning gives the coolest temperatures and the fewest tour groups. Late afternoon light on the red brick is also good for photography.
Accessibility
The square and exterior are paved and level, so wheelchair access to the viewing area is straightforward. Interior access varies with the restoration works and should be confirmed in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors go inside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Saigon?
The interior has been closed to the public for long periods during a restoration that began in 2017. Visitors should confirm current access with the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City before planning a visit.
How long does a visit take?
Around 20-30 minutes for the exterior and square. Allow an hour or more if combining it with the post office and nearby museums.
Is photography allowed?
Photography of the exterior and square is freely allowed. Where the interior is open, visitors should avoid flash and keep quiet during services.