Notre Dame Cathedral

Considered the biggest church in the city (right above Tan Dinh Church) and one of the most impressive, the Notre Dame Cathedral is a crucial visit on your Ho Chi Minh City tours, whether you're interested in impressive architecture or the historical symbolism to the country! Opposite to the Central Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral is easy to reach, so it's no wonder it's such a popular tourist destination.

This stunning creation was built in bright orange stone and features ornate detailing with twin bell towers (58 meters high!). The interior is quite plain, but a striking feature here is the 3D tiled floor that runs down the central aisle. You’ll likely find the Notre Dame Cathedral on many Ho Chi Minh City travel guides given its rich historical ties and impressive architecture.

Why is Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon Important?

Perhaps you're curious why this European-style cathedral holds such a significant place in the heart of a Southeast Asian metropolis. Well, Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon is important for several reasons: as an architectural landmark, it is one of the remaining vestiges of French colonial influence — a tangible connection to a bygone era. For the devout, it continues to be a major center of Catholicism in Vietnam, serving the spiritual needs of many in Ho Chi Minh City.

Moreover, it's a social landmark where people from all walks of life gather—not just for mass, but also to celebrate life's milestones. If you visit on a weekend, you might see couples taking wedding photographs in its shadow, their smiles as bright as the cathedral’s distinctive red bricks. For locals, Notre Dame Cathedral isn’t just a cathedral; it's a storied backdrop to everyday life, a place where countless personal stories and public histories intersect.

How to get to the Notre Dame Cathedral in HCM City

The church is conveniently located right in the center of Ho Chi Minh (district 1), so is easily accessible from wherever you are in the city - making the Notre Dame Cathedral one of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh city. 

You can go there by car, taxi or bus. It will take 20 minutes from the center of Ho Chi Minh city via Cong Hoa Street. You can go there by bus. If you are taking a bus, bus number  04, 120, 18, 30, 31, 36, 93 can help you.

Best time to visit Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

There's no entrance fee if you want to visit the cathedral, but it does have strict opening times. It’s open daily from 8 AM to 11 AM and from 2 PM to 4 PM daily. 

• Weekday Mass: 5.30 AM and 5.30 PM. 
• Every Sunday: 5.30 AM; 6.45 AM; 8 AM; 9.30 AM; 4.00 PM; 5.30 PM; 6.30 PM. 
• Every Sunday, 9.30 AM Mass is in English.