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Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
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Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

See all things to do
See all things to do
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
3.5
#40 of 312 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Churches & Cathedrals
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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About
This place is temporarily closed. This French-built cathedral occupies scenic Paris Square in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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0.1 miNeighborhoods
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See what travelers are saying
  • Ali921
    Edinburgh, United Kingdom1,411 contributions
    Undergoing restoration
    Under renovation so closed, a pity. Only the front is covered in scaffolding. Use the time to walk around it's exterior. This will give you its size and exterior grandeur. It is a very impressive building sitting in a very prominent site in the city. Good to see the city/county taking responsibility for maintaining its history. I will have to make do with photos off the internet !
    Visited November 2022
    Written December 12, 2022
  • Abovetheclouds
    2,233 contributions
    Still under construction, December 2022. Still worth a stop as you can see some of the façade.
    As most reviews have already mentioned, this is under construction and you can't go in. A local said it has been ongoing for a few years and you can only go in for worship. Not sure how true this is. You can see some of the façade mainly at the side towards the back. Most of the front is completely obstructed. Last few days of 2022! December. Maybe it will be completed in 2023. Still worth a stop being such an important attraction.
    Visited December 2022
    Traveled solo
    Written December 29, 2022
  • John
    1 contribution
    Open for Mass. Impolite Ushers.
    It is not closed. It's open for every Mass. Yes, it is being renovated, and will be for a long time. English Mass is held on Sunday at 9.30 a.m. - bad acoustics makes it difficult to follow the Word. Check Pastoral Center ( Sat. 6 p.m.) Hope the Usher Ladies, by the entrance, become more friendly and polite. They can be condescending in their " you are in church " 'reminders' to the people entering for a mass ( ! ) I've witnessed some ugly badmouthing from one of them directed at another woman. Ugly and disgraceful. Appropriate outfits are not reinforced.
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 29, 2023
  • Christine Roberson
    Sydney, Australia4 contributions
    Awe-inspiring place that transported me to a different era.
    After visiting the Ben Thanh market, I moved to Notre Dame Cathedral.The Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City was an awe-inspiring site that transported me to a different era. The striking red-brick facade and twin spires were a testament to the French colonial architecture that once dominated the city. I was impressed by the remarkable stained-glass windows and the beautifully crafted altar inside the cathedral. The peaceful atmosphere inside the cathedral made it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city outside.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written April 6, 2023
  • David N
    Atlanta, Georgia5 contributions
    It was truly a magnificent place to visit
    I was awestruck by the beauty of Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City. The ornate façade, intricate carvings, and towering spires were simply stunning. As I stepped inside, the grandeur and peacefulness of the church filled me with a sense of reverence. The stained glass windows, high ceilings, and altar adorned with flowers were a sight to behold. Despite the bustling city outside, Notre Dame Cathedral felt like an oasis of serenity. It was truly a magnificent place to visit and experience in Ho Chi Minh City.
    Visited March 2023
    Written April 13, 2023
  • Zfy Ed
    Singapore, Singapore8,519 contributions
    Nice but the cathedral is under renovation
    We have been to HCMC many times and have visited this place on several occasions though not every time. It is one of the key landmarks in District 1. But in our recent visit, we have dropped by this place again as my cousins were visiting the city for the first time. It's nice but the cathedral is under renovation and could not see the cathedral building clearly. Masses were still being conducted. It was Sunday and the place was crowded with Parisers and visitors. It was drizzling then and so we cameby here after visiting the GPO opposite the road for a photostop. Still nice and serene with many flowers around.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written September 20, 2023
  • 1travelex
    Estes Park, Colorado35 contributions
    It should be beautiful once complete
    In October 2023, Notre Dame Cathedral was under a 10-year renovation, but you could attend mass. The times are on a sign at the front of the church at the gate to the construction site. Friday night mass was 35 minutes with a choir. A large church supply/book store and the beautiful Runam d'Or cafe are across the street from the cathedral. The interior of the cathedral is underwhelming when compared to other cathedrals. The Catholic Church needs to pour some money into it to help it reach its potential. There is no wifi in or around the cathedral to get a taxi after mass during heavy rain.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written November 25, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Dawne K
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam31 contributions
Amazing place to pray
Dec 2019
This Cathedral is worth a visit just to take pictures and enjoy the architect. We went for Sunday service and the very large cathedral was packed with hundreds of people. I was amazed with how efficient they served the eucharist to that many people. They offer services in English so check the times in advance if you need this.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
itineranti2015
Kuching, Malaysia51 contributions
scaffold and blankets
Jan 2020
The exterior is clad in scaffold and nets and it is impossible to ignore . Who wants a photo of that clutter ? You can walk through the gates but not into the building. For the foreseeable future this is no longer a tourst attraction. However, the location is great, very central, facing the independance palace about 200 metres away . Lots of very expensive restaurants close by and a shady little park.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris S
15 contributions
Under repair
Jan 2020 • Friends
I was disapointed that I didn't get to see inside as it was having repairs done due to water damage to the roof. Having been to Notre Dame in France was looking forward to the comparison. The photos that surround the building of what it looks like inside were very intriguing. Oh well maybe another time.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chrissy777
north yorkshire39 contributions
Beautiful ... a must!
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is a replica of Notre Dam. Gorgeous building located next to the Post Office so we visited both together. Our timing was rubbish as currently the Cathedral is undergoing major refurb and is surrounded by scaffolding and no entry is allowed. Can't be helped and it needs looking after but it's a lovely building and a visit is worthwhile .
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr. Ashok K. Ghosh
14 contributions
Saigon, Hi Chi Minh City
Feb 2020 • Friends
Our stay at Saigon will be memorable. The city itself has so much to see. Independence Palace, itself is a living history.
Notre Dam Cathedral is so unique and so nicely landscaped with flower beds of Salvia, Celosia crest and other flowers.
Vinh trang Pagoda Complex is so neat, beautifully designed that it is difficult to come out from there. The massive three statues of Standing, Laughing and Sleeping Buddha are so serene. What also attracted me were beautiful large Bonsais.
Next comes the Zoo and Botanical Garden. The Botanical Garden displays some wonderful orchids and an exhibition of excellent topiary arts. The zoo contains some fresh animals like Royal Bengal Tiger, Albino tiger, lion, Pygmy hippopotamus, Asian elephant, Giraffes and an excellent collection of colourful birds in a large aviay. The zoo is well designed.
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boomeranger
Whickham, UK544 contributions
Closed Sundays!!!!!
Feb 2020
I would have liked to write a review a positive review BUT !! We arrived to visit this well known landmark on Sunday at 9.15am , only to be told the Cathedral was closed for a private ceremony and to come back at 11am. We duly returned at 11 am hoping to enter for Mass only to be told to come back at 4pm . The times were up for Mass ( that did not make any difference ) and we were were turned away .. So much for the house of God and of the people. Rude abrupt staff .!The outside apart from the front is covered in scaffold so I will hold judgement what the inside looks like, until we visit again ... If ever? Considering the negative welcome from the House if God
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ka H
Bellingham, WA207 contributions
Under renovation
Feb 2020
This cathedral is under construction but we attended a Sunday mass, that was in English. The interior is okay but not as grandiose as European cathedrals. The outside has scaffolding all around so not sure what it looks like. It's in a very central part of town so hard to miss.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1travelex
Estes Park, CO35 contributions
It should be beautiful once complete
Oct 2023 • Family
In October 2023, Notre Dame Cathedral was under a 10-year renovation, but you could attend mass. The times are on a sign at the front of the church at the gate to the construction site. Friday night mass was 35 minutes with a choir. A large church supply/book store and the beautiful Runam d'Or cafe are across the street from the cathedral.

The interior of the cathedral is underwhelming when compared to other cathedrals. The Catholic Church needs to pour some money into it to help it reach its potential. There is no wifi in or around the cathedral to get a taxi after mass during heavy rain.
Written November 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil G
Swindon, UK440 contributions
Closed - disappointing
Feb 2020 • Couples
What a shame. The cathedral is undergoing extensive remedial works and is closed to the public. The building looks impressive from the outside and I am sure the inside must be something special, but it will have to wait until we visit Ho Chi Minh again.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iryna
Tauranga, New Zealand354 contributions
A place of powerful prayer
Sep 2022 • Couples
Despite the closed front doors and scaffolding, etc, this church is still open for Masses, especially on Sunday morning at 9.30am, in English.
Remember, this holy place is NOT an art gallery, so watch out how you dress and behave. Don't walk around during any service taking selfies and the like. The locals don't like this behaviour.
If you cant make it on any Sunday, there are plenty of other interesting Catholc chapels and churches around town, and all around Viet Nam, all with a very long history of Christianity. while early French Cathoic missionaries, Jesuits, built in Gothic and Romanistic styles, the newer build churches are very oriental in artecture. Yet the use of Latin inscriptions is interesting.
The most popular religious icon seems to be Polish in origin (Devine Mercy).
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City

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