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Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

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The Grandeur of Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Nestled in the bustling heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon stands as a magnificent, unmistakable testament to Vietnam’s colonial past and enduring faith. It’s more than just a historical building; it’s a living piece of 19th-century France transplanted to Southeast Asia.

A Touch of France in Saigon

The cathedral’s most striking feature is its vibrant red brick façade, a colour that distinguishes it from its tropical surroundings. Remarkably, these bricks were imported entirely from Marseille, France, and have retained their distinctive hue without fading over more than a century in the harsh climate. Designed by architect Jules Bourard, the basilica showcases a seamless blend of Neo-Romanesque and Gothic styles, an elegant architectural statement built on a scale meant to showcase French prestige.

Crowning the structure are the twin bell towers, reaching approximately 60 meters into the sky, housing six massive bronze bells. These towers have dominated the city skyline for generations and are an iconic photographic backdrop for visitors from around the world.

A Center of Faith and Public Life

Known officially as the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception, it remains an active and central place of worship for the city’s Catholic community. The statue of the “Our Lady of Peace” (Virgin Mary) in front of the cathedral provides a quiet, reflective counterpoint to the city’s ceaseless energy, having even drawn thousands of pilgrims in 2005 when local reports claimed the statue shed tears.

Located right next to the historic Central Post Office, the cathedral anchors a popular square, creating a French architectural cluster that is one of the city’s premier attractions.

Visitor Tip :

While the cathedral is currently undergoing a meticulous, long-term restoration project to preserve its historical structure, you can still fully admire its impressive exterior and twin towers. If you wish to see the interior, check local schedules, as entry is typically limited to Mass times, with services often including an English Mass on Sundays. Remember to dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees, to honour its religious status.

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Jason S.
10:11 21 Aug 25
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is a majestic French-built landmark in District 1. Its red-brick twin spires, stained glass windows, and ornate interior convey serenity amid bustling downtown. Currently under thorough restoration (active since 2017, now expected to finish by 2027), work includes roof repairs, tower stone replacement, cross restoration, new ventilation, and a future pipe organ. Renovation is careful and respectful — Masses continue, though scaffolding and fences limit access. Expect ambiance, history, and still-unfinished charm.
Akshat G.
14:11 27 Jul 25
We visited this area in the morning. The Notre-Dame Cathedral is currently under renovation, and some locals nearby told us that the construction has been ongoing for quite a long time and is expected to finish around 2027.

But don’t worry — right opposite the cathedral is the Central Post Office, another major attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. Many people visit this historic building for its beautiful architecture and cultural value.

Also, this spot is where Ho Chi Minh City’s official tourist buses start their route. These buses cover all major sightseeing places across the city. You’ll usually find one or two buses parked here near the intersection, ready to take tourists around.

Even if the cathedral is under construction, this area still offers a lot to experience and makes for a great stop during your city tour.
Williams R.
15:18 22 Jun 25
I visited Notre-Dame Cathedral on a weekday morning, and it was a peaceful experience. Despite being located in the busy center of Saigon, the area around the cathedral feels calm, open, and reflective.

The building is impressive — the red brick facade, the tall twin towers, and the classic French colonial design give it a unique charm. Even though the interior is currently closed for restoration, the outside alone is worth seeing.

Locals come here to relax, pray quietly, or simply enjoy the surroundings. Street vendors nearby sell drinks and snacks, and you can easily walk to other attractions like the Central Post Office or Book Street.

I sat on a bench for a while, watched the pigeons, and felt surprisingly at peace in the heart of a noisy city.
patrice H.
08:21 24 Apr 25
Despite it is currently under renovation (April 19th 2025) and mostly covered with scaffolding, you can see parts of the Cathedral, testimony of the French presence period.
Not far from the Opera House and the Post Office.
You can also see the Cathedral from the uppest level of the Diamond Plaza Mall
Laiju L.
17:27 21 Mar 25
The Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, built between 1863 and 1880 by French colonists, is a key landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. Featuring Romanesque architecture with a striking red brick facade and twin bell towers, it was constructed to serve the French Catholic community and remains a symbol of Vietnam’s colonial past. We had seen its beauty online, but unfortunately, due to renovations, the church was completely covered, leaving nothing visible. Despite our bad luck, we still managed to take a few pictures to capture the moment. Later, we hoped to enter inside to pray, but once again, luck wasn’t on our side. The watcher informed us that a function was taking place, and tourists weren’t allowed to enter.
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