Attraction
War Remnants Museum
A museum documenting the conflicts of 1946 to 1975 through photographs, reconstructed prison cells and a yard of captured aircraft and armour.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
The red-brick twin-towered cathedral built by the French between 1877 and 1880, standing at the head of Dong Khoi Street and undergoing a long restoration.
At a glance
- Type
- Catholic cathedral
- Area
- District 1 (Saigon), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Good to know
- Free to view from outside
- Under restoration
Why we recommend it
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is one of the best-known colonial landmarks of Saigon and a natural starting point for a walk around District 1. The first stone was laid on 7 October 1877 and the cathedral was blessed on Easter Day, 11 April 1880. All of the original materials were shipped from France, including the bricks from Toulouse that still keep their bright red colour, and the stained glass came from the Lorin workshop in Chartres. The two bell towers, which rise to about 58 metres, were added in 1895.
The cathedral stands on Paris Commune Square, facing down Dong Khoi Street, with the Central Post Office beside it. In front is a granite statue of Our Lady of Peace, made in Rome and installed in 1959. In 2005 the statue was reported to have shed tears, which drew large crowds, although the church never confirmed the claim. The cathedral was given the rank of basilica in 1962. The six bronze bells in the towers weigh almost 29 tonnes in total.
Since July 2017 the cathedral has been undergoing a major restoration led by specialists from Belgium, covering the roof, the structure and the bell towers. In March 2026 two new gilded crosses, made in Belgium to the original design, were lifted onto the towers. The parish priest has said the work will take longer than the original target of the end of 2027 because of the extent of the damage, so expect scaffolding and check locally whether the interior is open to visitors when you go. The cathedral closed its doors to tourists when the works began.
Even from outside, the cathedral is worth seeing, and the square in front is a good place for photographs, especially in the soft light of early morning and late afternoon. If you want to attend a service, ask locally for current Mass times, and dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.
The cathedral is a short walk from Independence Palace, the Opera House and Nguyen Hue Walking Street. A good route is to start here early, cross to the Central Post Office, walk down Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House and finish at the river, stopping for coffee along the way.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon FAQs
When was the cathedral built?
The first stone was laid on 7 October 1877 and it was blessed on 11 April 1880; the bell towers were added in 1895.
Can I go inside?
The cathedral has been under restoration since 2017, so check locally whether the interior is open to visitors.
When will the restoration finish?
The original target was the end of 2027, but the parish priest has said it will take longer.
Where did the building materials come from?
The original materials were imported from France, including bricks from Toulouse.
What is the statue in front?
A granite statue of Our Lady of Peace, made in Rome and installed in 1959.
Is there a dress code?
For services or entering the church, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
What is nearby?
The Central Post Office is next door, and Independence Palace and the Opera House are a short walk away.
When is the best time for photographs?
Early morning and late afternoon, when the light is softer and the square is quieter.