Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

The Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City — a peaceful escape in the middle of the city’s energy. Built with red bricks imported from France in the late 1800s, this stunning cathedral stands as a reminder of the city’s rich colonial past and architectural elegance. Even from afar, the twin bell towers and Romanesque design immediately draw your attention. Inside, the stained-glass windows filter soft light through intricate patterns, creating a calm and spiritual atmosphere. It’s not just a religious site — it’s a symbol of culture and history that both locals and travelers admire. Whether you’re into architecture, photography, or simply want a quiet spot to reflect, this cathedral is a must-visit in Saigon. Early morning visits are best, as the surrounding area is peaceful and perfect for photos. A timeless piece of history that beautifully connects Vietnam’s past and present.

The exterior is currently under renovation so there isn't much to see from the street. The staff were lovely, guiding visitors and giving info. It's a neat building to visit, built in the 1800s. Very full English mass service, come early for a good seat. Latecomers ended up on those short plastic stools. No Air Con but many ceiling & floor fans on. Screens with responses and songs are easy to read. Lights are turned off pretty fast after service, get your photos quick!

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, established by French administrators who originally named it the Church of Saigon constructed between 1877 and 1880 is a historic landmark in the heart of Ho Chi Minh city. Great place to take some pictures, chill out with friends. Next to it is the iconic Saigon Central post office, independance palace and a park to rest and a shopping mall. You could easily spend a few hours around this place. As of 2024 and 2025, renovation work is going on hope everything gets completed in 2026 and stands tall with pride. Gets decorated with lights during the Christmas is a spectacle to watch.

The best time to visit is December when they lit up the Xmas lights. It’s gonna be crowded, and filled with people, street vendors, but it is all worth it when you get to see it at night. They are still doing a long renovation inside so you cannot get in. Probably a few more years.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) was built between 1863 and 1880 by the French. It was intended to serve the Catholic community living there and to show French culture and influence. Many of the bricks, stones, and stained-glass windows were imported directly from France. With its twin towers and red brick façade, the cathedral quickly became a landmark of the city. Despite wars and political changes, it has remained standing and is still used for church services today. Today, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Saigon is both a reminder of the colonial past and a lasting symbol within modern Ho Chi Minh City.

Although it was still under renovation as of December 2025, the cathedral looks really striking at night with its outline lighting illuminating the entire structure. You can get a top-down view by heading to Diamond Plaza and taking the escalator or elevator up to the top floor, where there’s an open viewing area. Just a heads-up that it does get pretty crowded with people taking photos, so you’ll have to find a spot and work with it lol.

It was under construction/maintenance so I guess you can not get inside to see the cathedral. This time is about Christmas so they decorated it with full of lights. At night, it is so so beautiful and flashy. I was really enjoyed this astonishing view. However, it was crowded when lots of ppl poured there to get a good angle for their photo. However it was a wonderful experience for me during Christmas time

Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral is a defining French colonial landmark. Built from imported red bricks, its striking neo-Romanesque façade and twin bell towers dominate the city center. While the interior is currently under renovation, its majestic exterior remains a must-see and a popular photo spot, embodying the historical heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Too bad is under renovation and can view from outside. Also across is the Saigon Post Office.