Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office
Two iconic French‑era landmarks in the heart of District 1. Visit the neo‑Romanesque Notre‑Dame Cathedral (Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception) and the adjacent Saigon Central Post Office — both superb examples of late 19th‑century colonial architecture, only a short walk from each other and perfect for a 1–2 hour cultural stop.
Location
Notre‑Dame Cathedral (Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception) & Saigon Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Duration
1–2 hours (self‑guided); 2–3 hours with in‑depth guided tour or photography session
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (November–April); early morning (08:00–10:00) or late afternoon (16:00–18:00) to avoid heat and mid‑day crowds. Avoid Sunday mornings if you wish to enter during Mass.
Pricing
Free to enter both the Cathedral and the Post Office. Donations welcome at the Cathedral; optional guided tours typically cost between US$10–25 depending on guide and group size.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Notre‑Dame Cathedral: distinctive red brick façade, twin bell towers, and stained glass windows. Built by French colonists in the late 19th century with many materials imported from France.
Saigon Central Post Office: grand vaulted interior, vintage telephone booths, ornate map murals and classic yellow façade — often attributed to the era of Gustave Eiffel’s influence in Vietnam.
Convenient central location: short walk between landmarks and close to other attractions (Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market).
Photographic opportunities: exterior façades, interior details, and busy street scenes with cyclo and motorbike traffic.
Itinerary
Arrive at Notre‑Dame Cathedral — exterior and interior visit
Spend ~20–30 minutes exploring the square, façades and the interior. Be mindful of service times and weddings which may restrict access.
Stroll to Saigon Central Post Office
A 2–5 minute walk; enjoy street vendors and photo opportunities along the tree‑lined boulevard.
Explore Saigon Central Post Office
Admire the vaulted ceiling, historic counters and vintage maps. Postcards and stamps available if you want to send mail.
Optional: coffee / snack at nearby café & short walk to Reunification Palace
Several cafés and eateries around; ideal for a short break or to extend the walking tour to nearby sites.
Safety Requirements
Modest dress recommended for the Cathedral: cover shoulders and knees out of respect during services.
Be cautious when crossing roads: District 1 streets are busy with motorbikes and traffic.
Keep valuables secure: tourist areas are generally safe but petty theft can occur.
Follow local guidelines for health and crowd safety (e.g., mask rules or advisories) as they apply.
Tips
Photography: Allowed in both sites, but be respectful during religious services; avoid flash in dark interiors.
Best photos: Early morning light or late afternoon for softer shadows and fewer crowds.
Getting there: Located in District 1 — easily reached by taxi, Grab, or a short walk from Ben Thanh Market and many hotels.
Timing: Allow extra time if you plan to join a Mass or special event at the Cathedral (often announced on signage).
Souvenirs & post: Buy postcards/stamps inside the Post Office and post them from the counter for a classic travel memento.
