SAIGON CATHEDRAL OF NOTRE DAME
Welcome to Paris?
Probably not quite as grand as the Notre Dame de Paris, but nevertheless an important cathedral and landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, the Notre Dame Cathedral marks the center of the French colonial heritage in Saigon.
They still hold services on Sunday if you’re interested, but if you just go to visit on any other day, make sure you arrive either in the morning from 8 am - 11 am or in the afternoon from 3 pm - 6 pm.
When I went, I arrived right and noon lunchtime, and the gates were locked; So make sure you plan to visit during open hours so you can get inside.
The next day I returned to enter the cathedral.
The cathedral is beautiful, with two 40 meter high towers, and a statue of the Virgin Mary in the front lawn area. Make sure you go to the very front on the road-side, so you can get a great photo of Virgin Mary with the cathedral in the background.
Inside the cathedral you’ll see beautiful stained glass windows, the wooden pews, and classic plaid floor tiles.
There happened to be a wedding taking place when we visited, a sight I’m sure is quite common.
HOW TO GET THERE
Phường Bến Nghé, Quận 1 , Tp. Hồ Chí Minh
Vietnam Open hours: 8 am - 11 am in the morning and 3 pm - 6 pm in the evening on weekdays only (on Sunday, there’s an official mass that begins at 9:30 am that you are free to attend)
Entrance price: Free
By Walking:
- From the Independence Palace, walk northeast through the park directly to the cathedral. It’s located on the northwestern side of Dong Khoi street, adjacent to the old post office.
